The contact owns a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with an aftermarket drive works tie rod, part number: De-ES3475. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise. The steering wheel also pulled to the right and the contact lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a tree. The vehicle was towed to the contact"S home where a mechanic inspected the vehicle. The failure was located at the front driver"S side inner tie rod tread, which separated and caused the nut and pin to release. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The police department was called an a report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 236,000. Updated 8/5/13 the consumer stated the tie rod end he purchased from his local retail store was defective. The threads on the end, were worn.

- Ravenna, OH, USA

While driving approx. 30-35 mph tried to round a bend in the road and the steering failed, the steering wheel locked and I was unable to turn the vehicle and crossed the center lane of the road and crashed head-on into a school bus. The vehicles were towed from the scene and my vehicle was later inspected by an engineering firm to determine the cause of failure which was tie-rod defect/pitarm failure. The report indicated that this area does not have grease fittings. The failure of the part was due to improper manufacturing.

- Pottsville, PA, USA

Tie rod ends replaced. Cooling fan sensor, front wheel bearings, rear differential completely rebuilt, what's next? will never buy a Chrysler product again!!!!!!!!

- Dousman, WI, USA

While driving my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Nov. 20 2005, I lost steering, causing me to collide with another vehicle then run off the road and hit a sign. This all happened before I could get the vehicle stopped while traveling about 35 mph. After looking under the front of the vehicle, I found that the ball joint connecting the tie rod to the pitman arm had completely separated causing a complete loss of steering. Fortunately, no one was injured. This is a problem that definitely warrants a recall.

- Brazil, IN, USA

A mechanic and the state inspector indicated, upon inspection that the truck will fail inspection. The left outer tire rod and left upper ball joints are lose and the truck shouldn't be driven.

- Braintree, MA, USA

While driving to Florida in our 1999 Jeep grang Cherokee, the tie rod on drivers side dropped to the ground. Fortunately for us, we were not going fast at the time. The tie rod end which consists of a ball and socket came apart. Inspection by a Jeep dealer determined that all 4 tie rod ends (2 tie rod and 2 drag link) were loose and in danger of failing. If we had been moving at highway speed when the failure occurred, we would have lost all steering control. There are no grease fittings on the failed and failing parts and no mention of having the tie rod ends checked at regular intervals in the owners manual. We ended up having all four tie rod ends replaced, the vehicle aligned, and buying four new tires, but that being said, we just feel fortunate we weren't in a serious accident or worse. The failure of the tir rod ends should be made a recall for the protection of other Jeep owners.

- Sandown, NH, USA