← New search

1997 Dodge Stratus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Stratus years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Dodge Stratus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 168.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 48 of 349 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports32 fire reports20 injury reports

Steering complaints

21 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2002
SteeringFire

THE POWER STEERING HOSE (PART NUMBER # 4764-347A / 0777C/ 25517 DF 3251 3/8" ID # 03067F1) IS LOCATED BEHIND THE CYLINDER BLOCK AND RUNS ALONG THE TOP OF IT FROM THE PUMP( LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE'S MOTOR) TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE DOWN TO THE RACK & PINION. BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF THE HOSE WHEN IT RUPT…

Read full complaint

THE POWER STEERING HOSE (PART NUMBER # 4764-347A / 0777C/ 25517 DF 3251 3/8" ID # 03067F1) IS LOCATED BEHIND THE CYLINDER BLOCK AND RUNS ALONG THE TOP OF IT FROM THE PUMP( LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE'S MOTOR) TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE DOWN TO THE RACK & PINION. BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF THE HOSE WHEN IT RUPTURS/LEAKS ONTO THE EXHUST PIPE/MANIFOLD AND IGNITES THE POWER STEERING FLUID STARTING A FIRE. THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED SO THAT IT IS PLACED LOWER OR AWAY FROM THE EXHUST PIPE/MAIFOLD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #757031

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2001
SteeringSuspension

BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED BY RECALL #750. THE REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALER AND PAID FOR BEFORE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED OF THE RECALL. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO OBTAIN REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE $633.00 COST AND THE $49.95 PLUS 8% SALES TA…

Read full complaint

BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED BY RECALL #750. THE REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALER AND PAID FOR BEFORE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED OF THE RECALL. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO OBTAIN REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE $633.00 COST AND THE $49.95 PLUS 8% SALES TAX WITH NO LUCK. REQUEST WAS DENIED FOR THE REASON THAT "ALTHOUGH THE RECALLED PARTS FAILED THEY DIDN'T FAIL FOR THE RECALL REASON." CONSUMER WAS ALSO NOT GIVEN THE OLD PARTS FOR AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTION. *AK DAIMLER CHRYSLER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT STATING THAT THIS CASE FELL INTO GENERAL MAINTENANCE. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #750975

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2001
Steering

THERE WAS A NOISE WHEN MAKING TURNS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. VEHICLE TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP. TIE ROD: INNER WAS CRACKED, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #892590

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

POWER STEERING WENT OUT (65 MPH ON CURVE HOSE CAME OFF, HEAD GASKET REPLACED, STEERING GEAR REPLACED, NEW RACK WAS INSTALLED, REPLACED UP-STREM OXGEN SENSOR, POWER STEERING LEAK, DEALER COULD NOT FIND LEAK.

NHTSA ODI #9003168

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2001
Exterior LightingSeatsService Brakes, Hydraulic

TURN LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND CAUSED CONTROL PANEL TO BE INOPERABLE, SIGNAL LIGHTS INOPERABLE, AND HVAC INOPERABLE. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #785278

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

TRUNK LEAKS. *MJS

NHTSA ODI #785095

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 1999
Steering

STEERING WHEEL HAS PROBLEMS WITH AIMING. WHEN DRIVING THERE IS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #851470

Mileage unknown · May 20, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. ALSO, LOUD KNOCKING IN FRONT LEFT SIDE OF WHEEL DUE TO RACK PINON FAILURE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT REPAIRS WILL BE MADE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #838253

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 1999
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSeats

THE MOVING STEERING SHAFT BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FLOOR OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS EXPOSED. A CLAMP ON THE STEERING SHAFT CAUGHT THE FLOOR MAT AND MADE IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE CAR. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD ALL STRATUS ARE MADE THIS WAY. THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS A SHIELD. IF CHRYSLER DOESN'T FIX T…

Read full complaint

THE MOVING STEERING SHAFT BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FLOOR OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS EXPOSED. A CLAMP ON THE STEERING SHAFT CAUGHT THE FLOOR MAT AND MADE IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE CAR. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD ALL STRATUS ARE MADE THIS WAY. THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS A SHIELD. IF CHRYSLER DOESN'T FIX THIS, I MAY SELL THE CAR. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS, INCLUDING TIMING BELTS/IGINITION KEY/ HEAD RESTS/BODY, ELECTRIC MIRRORS,ETC.. THIS MAY BE THE LAST STRAW. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER WITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE WORKED ON CARS SINCE GRADE SCHOOL. A DESIGN FLAW LIKE THIS BORDERS ON CRIMINAL!!! IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THIS DESIGN, I WOULD BE GLAD TO TESTIFY. IT WOULD BE AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE!!! I WOULD APPRECIATE A REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE IF POSSIBLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #703376

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 1999
Steering

THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND MAY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #833120

Official recalls

4

04V021000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Jan 13, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

98V183000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

Aug 6, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.

97V201000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

Nov 13, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.

97V095000 · Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

Jun 6, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING CAN DISENGAGE FROM ITS RETENTION HOLE IF THE HOOD IS SLAMMED SHUT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS SIMULTANEOUSLY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PRIMARY LATCH, THE HOOD WOULD NOT BE RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING WITH A LONGER END HOOK SPRING.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

EA03011 · Auto Trans IGNITION-PARK Interlock

Opened Jul 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.

PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate

Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.

EA97016 · Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure

Opened Sep 29, 1997 · Closed Nov 20, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 6, 1997, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THIS AGENCY OF ITS DECISION TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THIS EA.THE RECALL WILL ALSO COVER 1996 AND 1997 CHRYSLER CIRRUS/DODGE STRATUS VEHICLES, AS WELL AS 1995 THROUGH 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH IDENTICAL LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS.AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 599,00VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT PROCESS VARIABILITY, TOGETHER WITH THE BALL JOINT HOUSING COVER CRIMPING OPERATION, CAN RESULT IN AN INEFFECTIVE SEAL THAT PERMITS A LOSS OF LUBRICATION AND ACCELERTED WEAR OF THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY.THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO FAILURE AND SEPARTION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED AS NHTSA 97V-201 AND A COPY OF CHRYSLER'S LETTER TO NHTSA IS ATTACHED HERETO.