I own a 1999 Lexus GS300. I've heard some creaking noises coming from the front suspension leading up to the failing of my lower ball joints. Before it failed I brought it to Firestone on ft. Lewis, wa to get a suspension inspection where they did not see or hear anything from my suspension. So a week later (January 15th 2007) I was driving in seattle, wa when the lower ball joint failed. The result of that was body damage due to the vehicle crashing down onto the wheel and a snapped ABS sensor wire. Just to repair this vehicle to be able to drive was to replace the ball joint and new tires that all together amounted to about almost $600 dollars for a part was about $50-60 dollars. The cost of repairing my vehicle isn't an issue but this is a very serious malfunction or defected item that needs to be reviewed. I've waited to file a complaint to see the amount of people effected by this and since than there were more than a dozen instance where the ball joint has or had failed causing damage and in time will cause death or serious injury to people not aware of this problem I.e on a freeway where people can't stop in time to avoid it or the actually wheel coming off the vehicle and hitting another vehicle. Most of these instances has happened at low speeds, side streets or parking lots. Like I said before I waited to file a complaint to see the amount of people effected by it and to also compile more information. These are a direct link to the discussion about the problem that includes pictures and accounts for each instances: www.clublexus.com/forums/suspension-and-brakes/310895-warning-to-all-2nd-gen-gs-owners.html and www.clublexus.com/forums/suspension-and-brakes/340101-lower-ball-joint-failed-today-with-pics.html there are more links to discussions about this problem but I believe these two links will be enough to describe the problems and people effect by it.

- University Place, WA, USA

Vehicle taken to dealer 5 times for vibration in front end and steering wheel, cannot remedy. Dealer stated they have had problems with vibration.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

There is an extensive vibration on high speeds (50 - 75 mph). Addressed this issue twice at the two different dealers. I requested wheel balance and alignment done, but unfortunately nothing helped.

- Encino, CA, USA