Investigation EA02033: 1997–2001 Plymouth Prowler

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Nov 26, 2002

Closed

Feb 10, 2003

Model years

1997–2001

Subject

Ball joint separation

Component: Suspension

Summary

Odi has received complaints that the subject vehicles have had one or both of their lower ball joints separate and cause the front of the vehicle to drop to the ground.daimler chrysler?s assessment of the ball joint failures is that the joint failure may be precipitated by the loss of joint lubrication.the loss of lubrication could result in accelerated wear and possible joint separation. Daimler chrysler believes that the loss of joint lubrication is the result of leaks or tears in the rubber boot that protects the ball joint.these leaks or tears could be caused by contact with other internal parts of the ball joint or torsional loading that twists the boot.by letter dated february 4, 2003, the manufacturer advised this agency of its decision to initiate a safety recall campaign for all of the 11,698 subject vehicles built from january, 1997 to march, 2001 to correct the defect identified in this ea (copy attached).the action is identified by nhtsa as recall no. 03v-034.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2001 Plymouth Prowler21 complaints
• 2000 Plymouth Prowler17 complaints
• 1999 Plymouth Prowler18 complaints