Hi, my name is Jerry. I have an 08 avenger r/t. Not long after I bought it, I noticed that it started to veer into other lanes. I started researching UA-cam, and found your video. I examined it and saw that my subframe (engine cradle) was rusted thru, and nearly broken. It cost me $1000 to fix. I discovered this cuz of your video, thank you.
I’m 25 and this car was passed down to me from my mom and to this date I’ve fixed: Spark plugs Coolant hose Coolant hose cap Thermostat housing Alternator Water pump Belt And Brake rotors/pads Exactly in that order. I fixed everything by myself. I’m no mechanic, I just watch UA-cam videos.
That is nuts, my girlfriend has a 08 Avenger with 140 something thousand miles on it and the sub frame is in great shape. We live in upper Wisconsin and they salt like crazy up here.
We have exactly same car even the same color . Just fixed brakes yesterday, there is alot of rust underneath, it has always been garage kept in winter and well maintained...I will recheck for this issue today. Thank God your wife was ok!
This is what happens if the car isn’t taken care off. I live in norway and during the winter I wash it almost every week, properly clean it underneath cuz of the salt. I’ve also sprayed it with oil undercoating. 175k miles and still going strong
@@youareworthy296I think cleaning underneath is based on where you live, like someone in Texas wouldn’t have to worry as much as someone in montana or some
I love my avenger! 08 with 218K and counting. Only thing I've replaced is the alternator and battery besides wear items such as brakes and wheel bearings. Reliable car it has been for me.
Charles Peterson II same here! I have a 2011 with 112K. Have had it since 2015 and have only had to replace the thermostat housing and alternator besides regular maintenance
Somewhat the same with mine an 08 with almost 200k miles factory engine it was bought used from a family who bought it at an auction and claimed to have fixed it, it has had some issues but 0 rust underneath and the only real issues i know of are a thermostat issue and a suspension issue but other than that its a good car
@@cavedude253 at 235K i currently am replacing the head gasket. The cams barely have any wear on them almost look brand new. Cylinder head is at shop getting deck surface checked and new valve seals. They came out with a updated better version headgasket so I got that and hopefully its good for another 100K + 👍
If you live in a state that uses salt on the roads during the winter, you really need to wash that crap off your car. Please take your car to a carwash that has the ability to wash your undercarriage.
JM811Cars But I did end up getting a 2013 RT Avenger for 5k with 30k miles on it. Can really pass that up, the 3rd generation of these cars is definitely alot better.
JM811Cars I have a 07 Jeep Commander Hemi 164,000. I never had engine or transmission problems but I I've been stranded a couple of times due to electrical problems.
2013 avenger owner here. 91k miles. I just did a bunch of work on it this week (brakes, alternator, fuel pump detector) and didn’t notice it, but I’ll def pay more attention now that I’m approaching the winter season.
Good lord!!!! I have a 08 avenger and I'll be checking for this defect for sure!!! Thanks for posting this and very glad noone was injured in this potentially catastrophic event. Dodge seriously should own up to this defect and consider the lives at risk. It doesn't surprise me they haven't though. I hate to say it but this corporation culture would rather let someone get hurt or killed than pay for their own mistakes.
WOW . I have a 2000 Chrysler 300M and it sat for like 3 years and I live in New England and my Sub Frame is still shiny and Black after 18 years . Definitely a Factory Defect
Thanks my car just started making a noise like you said about 2 weeks ago. I will look at it this weekend and keep you updated if I call to file a complaint.
Thanks for the heads up ! Awesomely important and very well done video . This is very helpful as I was looking to buy my daughter her first car and this model was of interest . ( A local 2012 Avenger ) But after this ... it is buyer beware ! Luckily I'm a well experienced car buyer and an experienced (backyard) mechanic / technician for well over 40 years. I NEVER buy a car without a complete and detailed UNDER-CARRIAGE INSPECTION . I dont care how shinny and clean a car may be on top . Under is what matters to me . Thanks again ! Well done.
Hey, boss, just a thought. While it's obvious that the subframe was about to break in this car, the popping noise your wife described likely was coming from a weak ball joint about to break, which caused the weakened subframe /control arm to break when it gave out. Given the amount of rust, either one of these could have broken the other. Still a factory defect in and of itself, but be glad that it broke when it did, I had a ball joint fail at 45 miles an hour in a curve once. Luckily, the car simply kneeled down and bent the frame and I was able to get off the road safely.
My 2011 driver side ball joint was just replaced!! It made that popping noise and that is gone now. But I replaced 4 >struts, brakes, rotors AND the ball joint thinking I needed it all. ($$$$) I have that braking issue mentioned earlier in the thread here where I brake and it feels like the antilock brakes overreact and put me on a washboard dirt road no matter where I am. I will get my mechanic to inspect this issue of rust though. As an UBER driver I am obviously pushing the durability of this car and must know what's up. THANK YOU for your advice about sanding and painting protective stuff . I'm in Denver and we get plenty of winter weather !
That is terrible, I'm glad your wife is alright and had the common sense to pull over and have you check it out. Typically, automakers will not issue a factory recall on a vehicle until there are a certain number of fatalities caused by the same defect on the same frame model. I do not agree with this practice, but in their best interests, I can understand why they do it. It doesn't help you or your loved ones who are involved in an accident because of an issue, but I can understand that automakers can't repair everything that a single person states is a defect.
Honestly it probably didn’t get any treatment from their supplier. I have a 2014 and the subframe looks brand new, it’s has been exposed to road salts as well
@@snappy452 water and winter chemicals get in behind that rubber coating and it looks great untill it's too late leave your metal bare and fluid film it unstead you can monitor frame better this way
@@danlevesque5437 Well youre supposed to grind it down and inspect it first, then bathe as necessary in your selected metal treatment chemical before you spray. I just didnt think hed be up for all that. Already bitching about snow and ice.
@@snappy452 I lost a car due to the remarks about simple rubber spraying underneath one crack as it dries out game over I never made that same mistake again
good bless you brother. God bless you and your wife. I have a 2012 avenger and on the right side a little sound like a bearing going bad. I'll probably fix it myself but interesting this happened. Dodge must pay!!!
Why not just go look at it rather than say you'll save this video. A popping noise is more likely a CV joint or hub assembly(wheel bearing) worn out from age.
Hi here is your answer : Yes in theses years Chrysler had issues with frames ( craddle ) on similar thing that was over looked was routing of vent to discharge water ( moisture ) from AC system.I looked in frame and caused rot.Check your dealer extended warranty you cover issue. It's that simple !!
Notice that your unit body/chassis has no rust? That's because it is protected from rust by special paint. Anything under the car (any make/model) that is painted with thin black paint will rust quickly. Sub frames, control arms, etc. Inspect your vehicles and apply protective coating. Do this even on new cars. Don't wait a year. Rust is a killer of cars.
Especially in *that spot*, if someone's ever spilled brake fluid while filling the reservoir. That black dip enamel comes off like wet paper once brake fluid hits it and cuts any road grime and oil off, AND then absorbs water and holds it to the steel until it evaporates. Test it yourself, a spot of brake fluid on non-galvanized sheet steel and you can rust a hole in it faster than you'd ever imagine possible.
Dodge Avenger , Jeep Compass and Patriot common problem. The crossmember will be replaced for free if car is under 10 years old! Call dealer and check!
I would say that's more owners neglect. if you live in a state that uses salt on roads you need to give your car a bath on a weekly basis during winter months. I use to live in Minnesota trust me I know a car won't last 10 years up there if you don't take care of it properly.
Funny, Chrysler sent us a recall notice for that issue way back in 2015. the recall was to inspect the subframe for excessive rust and replace at no charge if it was showing excessive rust. Applided to Caliber, Avenger, Patriot, Compass.
I replaced the subframe of my 2007 Dodge Caliber. Pretty much all of the Dodge cars from this period had the same problem with the subframe. They're notorious for rusting and rot under there especially if you live in winter states that use a lot of road salts. You can include the Caliber, Magnum, Nitro, Caravan. They used shit metal, shit paint or a combination of the two. They know it too but won't admit it obviously.
I bought a 2008 avenger in 2017 with only 57,000 miles on it, had the same problem with it, luckily my mechanic noticed it before anything bad happened.
Please report this to Dodge. We need more people holding them accountable. Mine rusted and completely broke in half and I could have been driving with my kids in the car. I'm learning this is a common issue and Dodge should be held accountable because they knew about it
@@obenyroseparis literally just called about it happening in my 08 they claim they have no other reports of major sub frame deterioration or them breaking
I own a 2008 Dodge Caliber and my frame was just as bad and I took it to the dodge dealership and they replaced the front and back subframes free of charge due to the 10 year warranty.
About 9 years of salted roads in Ohio might contribute to the rust but...I don't know. Looks terrible tho! Thanks for the heads up... I have a cherry '12 with barely 23,000 miles. Love the Pentastar! Close to twice the horsepower of a '77 vette (at 170)...3.6 is rated 292. The torque steer is very strong... but fun. Surprised a few Mustangs...but at 117 that's it. Top speed could easily be 130 with the 6 speed :-P governor! Fortunately...I don't drive that fast so...No problem.
Man, that sucks! I have the sister car to this, a 2010 Chrysler Sebring Touring. The entire undercarriage of my car is surprisingly clean. I live in Tuscarawas County, Ohio and it sits outside year round. I work part time at a lube shop, so what I change my oil, I’m always checking things out. I did just put in all new front and rear strut assemblies, lower ball joints, and inner/outer tie rods, but it also has 185k on it.
Yup, had a 2008 Dodge Avenger and the same problem... in fact we caught it probably 1 trip before it would have broke driving... I told her to never buy one of those pieces of junk again...
And this is why you do a once over on suspensions on vehicles during regular oil changes. This was either a bad stamping or it was damaged and accelerated the deterioration of the frame.
I have a 2007 driven on the salty winter roads in sweden but frame is fine. Though, the dealer had to change the hood after about a year since it started rusting under the paint. can also tell it wasn´t easy to make them do that, i had to contact Chrysler in USA to get it done. my quess is that the waterbased paint makes the parts rust if they weren´t clean (without rust) from the beginning.
But I will say thank you for posting. Because maybe you did buy it new, the car has no questionable history by former owners, and I can guarantee you that I will be requesting to look at my under chassis next time I go to dealer. I have a 2014 Avenger with the V6 and it has been the absolute best car I have ever owned. And I've owned many. I'm 62 and I've had foreign cars, domestic, high end GM down to lowly base Fords and Toyotas. NOTHING has ever compared to the power delivery of this car and the comfort of driving it. No rattles, squeaks, gremlins, quirks, operational issues of any kind and so on. 31K miles and not a hiccup so far. Sad thing is, I could not justify buying any brand new product right now (new) because of what they've done to engines and drivetrains for fuel economy. Pick a topic and you'll find a problem. Let's start with the carboning up of Direct injection and the weird drivetrain stuff that happens from displacement on demand (turning off cylinders to save fuel). I'd go as far as to say that if the point in time came to replace my subframe, I'd probably do it rather than buying the junk that even the Toyotas and Hondas are putting out. Automotive has become like the home appliance industry. Good looks, good specs, and about 5 to 9 years of expected durability. Instead of the old 20 to 30 year products pre- 1995. Again, thanks for the heads up. I love my 283 HP Pentastar though.
Oh my God! I have a 2008 but thank GodI don't have that problem. But after seen this. I will take a closer look..I thank you for share this video..wow unbelivable....
I just had to replace the subframe on my 08 Dodge Avenger SXT about three months ago for the same reason. Luckily I was changing pads and noticed it before it got as bad as yours.
Unfortunately it is not that simple! If you live in the rust belt especially! Road salt clings to metal very very well, and does not easily get removed by just taking a garden hose to it!! Is oftentimes takes a specific product to chemically bond with the salt I make it released from the metal more easily. If you don't live in the rust belt but you still have to cope with road salts oh, yes taking your vehicle out to the yard and hosing it down after the winter time thoroughly is a really good idea. Unfortunately if you do live in the rust belt, the average life expectancy of a car or truck or SUV is about 10 years if you don't go in every year for a specific type of undercoating! and absolutely do not get the type of undercoating that is a tar-like rubbery consistency! That trash will absolutely destroy your car!!
Things changed for the better in the 2011 model year. That was when Fiat started putting better parts in their cars. People that have a Chrysler product from 2011 and newer have noticed an improvement in quality. GM went the other way because they started making most of their parts in China. I have a 2013 Avenger and I put a lifetime warranty on the car for things like what happened to the subframe on yours. So far, I have 88000 miles, and all I replaced was 3 air filters, a radiator, tires, and a windshield. The radiator, tires, and windshield all went out at about 85000 miles.
Wow. I have a 2011 Avenger Heat at 91k miles and the only things I've ever had to replace on it were ball joints, brake pads, rotors, and a tie rod end. Other than that I haven't had a problem with the car. The axle is a little rusted but the thing runs like a dream.
Frank M thank god i just made it!! I just got a 2011 dodge avenger. rides so look smooth.. but definitely doing my reseach online which i did before I got the car but still doing it so i know what to kind to look out for
Dodge Caliber too. There are actually several dodge/chrysler products that use that same subframe assembly. I have a 40 year old Mercedes Benz (play car) that has absolutely no rust on the frame at all.
@@60viking Rusted Strut towers for MB is 1990 and newer. That would be about 30 years old. Right around the time Daimler started using Chrysler products. Just before the merger, making Daimler Chrysler. They ended up going seperate ways due to "cultural" differences. Meaning that MB did not want to be associated with Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep). Kinda like RAM trying to distance itself.
Anyone with a problem like this should file an incident report with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). If NHTSA gets enough reports on a particular vehicle having a specific problem then they can force the manufacturer to recall and fix the them.
Tony Kellogg from what I learned the these parts go for so cheap on eBay it’s more of a maintenance thing ie checking for play with in the arm. I still have the factory arm on my Avenger and I live in the DC area and we get snow and mine still haven’t rust but mines the R/T model mine looks a bit beefier too
Charlie james Thank the Lord your wife is safe. Ty for sharing. My better half works for chrysler. We have an Avenger as well. Definitely going to check out the subframe
@@charliesgarageusa4986 yeah but Ohio is in the salt belt, aka the"rust belt", glad ur wife is okay but don't blame the car, it can & does happen to ALL of them up there eventually!
I have the exact same year, color everything. Driven in northern MN Salt every winter and it has no rust on it. Somethings up with yours to have rotted so quickly.
They don't know how to accept fault same thing with my Dodge caliber 08 model the subframe was rotten out and I only had 94,000 miles on it. I took it to the dealership same thing. I ended up replacing it myself. While you're down there change out lower control arms upper control arms struts sway bar just the whole bottom I mean everything even the mounting bolts just do everything. Even my mortar Mount stabilizer was messed up with rust. Hope you got it taken care of brother
It doesn't matter where you live or how often you wash the undercarriage of your vehicle. That is the useless material they used in the factory. You need to check into what contaminated the product that was used. This is not the only vehicle that prematurely rusted! Even the nay-sayers here know this is not from owner neglect this is inadequate/useless material used at production in the factory.
Because you wash more than just the outside and call it "a clean car". I take showers but it ain't gonna do anything about my aging and I still have to check things other than the outside.
I bought a 2014 Dodge Avenger in Dec 2013. By Feb 17, 2014 I heard a noise, took it back. Come to find out they had to replace the wheel bearing. I bought the call with 23 miles on it. 4 years later it still makes a whistling noise when I'm driving. The first 6 months of owning this car was a disaster. It had a bad wheel bearing, engine failure, seat belt locked up on my son to where I had to cut it off, and there's a whistling noise coming from the radio. Currently the steering wheel makes a lot of squeaky noises unless it's turned in a certain direction. This is absolutely the worst car. I'm trying my best to get rid of currently. The inside of my driver's door is now all rusty and I'm wondering if it's the same in the undercarriage...thanks for this video!
I've only seen that when cars come from out of town were it snows alot . Salt and metal don't mix well . The salt they use to melt the ice also is to blame . . .
Just a word of advice, when you get your oil changed or other services underneath the car, check it out for leaks, suspension problems and or rust damage, most shops that I've been to will let you inspect your car
Wow. That's bad. That being said, being clean on the exterior body panels isn't necessarily clean. It looks like you never rinsed or inspected the underbody. If you live in regions where salt is used, to have to keep rinsing the underbody to prevent rust damage. I know it is possible to live in places like this and keep the underbody from corroding away but it does require vigilance on the owner's behalf. Finding out after the fact that there is this much corrosion underneath your car is startling. It looks like you never actually looked under your car. Not blaming you per say but I inspect my cars at least once a month to determine their general condition and stuff like this doesn't take me by surprise. I can see things coming from a distance. I think there is a problem with this particular car but I don't know if it's a epidemic. I can see your point and I can see why Chrysler won't cover this unless this is a epidemic. You need to read through your corrosion warranty to determine how long it is and what it covers before contacting the manufacturer. If it still is under the corrosion warranty, you have a right to file a claim. If similar cars were covered under a recall, make an argument that this was defective too to the automaker. At the end of the day, having the subframe replaced isn't the end of the world and the car can be repaired.
When the Dodge dealer put the subframe back on the car he said it looked to him that the AC unit that drips was going right into the sub frame and rotted it from the inside out I asked him why the struts are rusty he said every Dodge avenger Rust on a struts because they're cheap struts And I ask the mechanic at the Dodge Diller why he didn't see that rusting when he changed the oil every 3000 miles on it and he said he did not see it so to make a long story short I paid 3400.00 got the car fixed and traded it in for a Toyota Camry
@@charliesgarageusa4986 He wouldn't have seen it, it was from the inside out. If there was *ever* brake fluid spilled in the area, that would have sped the process up so much your head would spin, and that's very close to being under the reservoir. Brake fluid cuts that enamel dip paint like stripper and holds moisture to the metal while it penetrates...
I know it's late but I have a 2008 with the 2.4l and I have had no problems except the alternator and it's has 231k miles on it only rust on it is the rocker panels and bottum of my passenger side door
I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT with 145k miles. Almost the same exact car except mine is black. I was browsing UA-cam videos before doing some bearing and break work and came across this video. So I checked my sub frame and it looks nothing like this. It's still in perfect condition and I live on the Delmarva Peninsula. Chesapeake Bay on one side, Atlantic ocean on the other. Hope you get this issue worked out.
That's why I'm glad to live in a state that has an inspection on every vehicle every year. That would have been caught before it was a problem. I would have instructed you to get it under coated. I live in P.A and that stuff happens all the time because of the brine and salt they put on the roads in winter
Of course...we'll baffle them with BS. Damn insurance companies, they want to keep your money. Take flood insurance, you have to still have your house standing when the waters recede. If it get washed away...that's structure failure, not included with flood insurance. Now they tried to sell me mandatory flood insurance but I live so high off the floodplain that if the water does reach me it'll be an act of God. Home get broken into? Damage less than the deductible they pay nothing but they'll still add fifteen hundred dollars a year for five years cos now you're on risk insurance. So...essentially you're robbed twice. Now my property value goes up and down...but insurance continues to only go up???? My former agent told me to quit cussing in his office, wanna know what I said then?😄
Bingo. That time period applies to Chrysler and even Jeep (Patriot) vehicles too. And it's not just the front subframe, the rear subframe rusts just as bad. Piss poor metal.
Hi.. I just brought a avenger 2012 home. I live in Canada. It is my first car and I had no idea issues like this could also arise. I am really getting worried now. I bought it from Chrysler. It is making a sound while driving. Told the dealer he said bring it back next week and would get it fixed. I thought it's not that big an issue and I brought the avenger home since I needed a car this weekend. Now after watching this video I am having a real panel attack. Will get it checked in morning and will update you. Fingers crossed
I just had this happen today to my 2008 Dodge Avenger. I was on a road with a 55 mph speed limit breaking for a stop sign so I could get onto another road with a 55 mph speed limit. One of my kids was in the car, a friend was in the car and so was her kids. We live in Michigan so the roads get salted. But we make sure the underside gets cleaned just for that. I'm glad I was slowing for a stop sign when it happened.
Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves. Toyota recalled their trucks and gave the customers a new truck. They had the same problem subframe and frame rotting out after about 6 years.
Holy shit... my kid rolled an avenger. He was only going 30 and the car "just didn't turn". He was 20 ft from gong off the side of a mountain and barely got out of the upside down car before it burned to the ground.
There was a popping noise in the front of my PT cruiser, there since new. Around 100k miles, I hit a hole while turning left on to the freeway and the left wheel turned right, the right wheel stayed left, but car went right to the shoulder. The left tie rod end had separated seconds before I was to be doing 80 +/- mph. That was a factory defect if I've ever seen one. Glad it happened at about 15 mph.
I just had to replace this on a 2008 Dodge Caliber I think it’s a universal part between Jeep Dodge Avenger Dodge Caliber a lot of the dodge and Chrysler vehicles just to let you no they did do a “recall” on this “K frame” or “unibody “ what ever you want to call it but it’s not an actual recall it’s a extended warranty for 10 years unfortunately I had to pay out of pocket for this to be fixed seeing as I have a 2008 Dodge Caliber and it’s now 2019 and they go by the manufacture date which was actually late 2007. It can be a really expensive fix or a cheaper fix I live in canada and for this repair not only do you need to replace the sub frame also I had to replace all the bushings in the front end and do an alignment to the car Plus while taking out the bolts for the engine mount the engine mount tour so I had to replace an engine mount as well because of the rust holding the bolt in when I did call dodge I got mixed signals because one dodge dealer was $1000 to do the repair the other Dodge dealer was 500 just for the repair bushings and alignment was extra . The car only has 170km on it motor runs good and it’s in good shape but it always seems to be the drivers side that goes on all these frames more then the passenger side... just a heads up if you shop on amazon especially Amazon USA you can get a new frame for a little over $100.00 and it is a bolt on peace. At the end of the day I got a local shop to fix it for me not the dealership and in total it ended up being $600 for New frame engine mount and alignment the bushings were an extra 150. Hope that helps.
Hi, my name is Jerry. I have an 08 avenger r/t. Not long after I bought it, I noticed that it started to veer into other lanes. I started researching UA-cam, and found your video. I examined it and saw that my subframe (engine cradle) was rusted thru, and nearly broken. It cost me $1000 to fix. I discovered this cuz of your video, thank you.
2008 on the outside.....1935 underneath 😂
gureno19 😂🤣
😭😭😭😭😭😭
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Any car from the 1800s frame won’t last 200 yrs guy is comical
Yea my 14 looks like this and now I’m worried bc it was sitting for over a year- just started moving it some
I’m 25 and this car was passed down to me from my mom and to this date I’ve fixed: Spark plugs
Coolant hose
Coolant hose cap
Thermostat housing
Alternator
Water pump
Belt
And Brake rotors/pads
Exactly in that order. I fixed everything by myself. I’m no mechanic, I just watch UA-cam videos.
Yah gonna have to link me those videos 😂 23 passed from my mom as well and shit this car breaks every month
@@andresrich3842Well I’m 27 rn and bought my own car. I drive a 2017 Honda Accord Sport SE
I’m 27 rn and got my first car. I now drive a 2017 Honda Accord Sport SE
Props cuz 🫡
I've got a video of replacing the alternator. I need to do one of taking the CD changer out
Depending on where you live, that can happen. It's called the rust belt.
That is nuts, my girlfriend has a 08 Avenger with 140 something thousand miles on it and the sub frame is in great shape. We live in upper Wisconsin and they salt like crazy up here.
We have exactly same car even the same color . Just fixed brakes yesterday, there is alot of rust underneath, it has always been garage kept in winter and well maintained...I will recheck for this issue today. Thank God your wife was ok!
This is what happens if the car isn’t taken care off. I live in norway and during the winter I wash it almost every week, properly clean it underneath cuz of the salt. I’ve also sprayed it with oil undercoating. 175k miles and still going strong
what oil undercoating do you use.didnt know you need to clean underneath a car
@@youareworthy296I think cleaning underneath is based on where you live, like someone in Texas wouldn’t have to worry as much as someone in montana or some
CHAD UP
I love my avenger! 08 with 218K and counting. Only thing I've replaced is the alternator and battery besides wear items such as brakes and wheel bearings. Reliable car it has been for me.
Charles Peterson II same here! I have a 2011 with 112K. Have had it since 2015 and have only had to replace the thermostat housing and alternator besides regular maintenance
Somewhat the same with mine an 08 with almost 200k miles factory engine it was bought used from a family who bought it at an auction and claimed to have fixed it, it has had some issues but 0 rust underneath and the only real issues i know of are a thermostat issue and a suspension issue but other than that its a good car
Any updates?
@@cavedude253 at 235K i currently am replacing the head gasket. The cams barely have any wear on them almost look brand new. Cylinder head is at shop getting deck surface checked and new valve seals. They came out with a updated better version headgasket so I got that and hopefully its good for another 100K + 👍
Same here
If you live in a state that uses salt on the roads during the winter, you really need to wash that crap off your car. Please take your car to a carwash that has the ability to wash your undercarriage.
Driving a 2008 Avenger, 201k miles. Never seen this problem.
Internet User 201k miles on its 8th engine and 82nd transmission
JM811Cars Factory Engine and oem 41TE (Never seen a overhaul kit.
JM811Cars But I did end up getting a 2013 RT Avenger for 5k with 30k miles on it. Can really pass that up, the 3rd generation of these cars is definitely alot better.
how on earth did you get such a good deal wtf.
JM811Cars I have a 07 Jeep Commander Hemi 164,000. I never had engine or transmission problems but I I've been stranded a couple of times due to electrical problems.
Thank you so much for sharing I have a 2013 dodge avenger I am going to check on that
2013 avenger owner here. 91k miles. I just did a bunch of work on it this week (brakes, alternator, fuel pump detector) and didn’t notice it, but I’ll def pay more attention now that I’m approaching the winter season.
yeah i just bought 2013 and had to replace my blend door actuator, most annoying noise ever
Good lord!!!! I have a 08 avenger and I'll be checking for this defect for sure!!! Thanks for posting this and very glad noone was injured in this potentially catastrophic event. Dodge seriously should own up to this defect and consider the lives at risk. It doesn't surprise me they haven't though. I hate to say it but this corporation culture would rather let someone get hurt or killed than pay for their own mistakes.
NEVER GET UNDER A CAR THAT IS ON BLOCKS!! They can crack and fall apart under the stress if there are any pressure points. I have seen it happen.
I've seen ramps crush too, I will never use them because of it.
WOW . I have a 2000 Chrysler 300M and it sat for like 3 years and I live in New England and my Sub Frame is still shiny and Black after 18 years . Definitely a Factory Defect
Thanks my car just started making a noise like you said about 2 weeks ago. I will look at it this weekend and keep you updated if I call to file a complaint.
And this is why you clean the undercarriage and not just the paint, gotta love roadsalt
Thanks for the heads up ! Awesomely important and very well done video . This is very helpful as I was looking to buy my daughter her first car and this model was of interest . ( A local 2012 Avenger ) But after this ... it is buyer beware ! Luckily I'm a well experienced car buyer and an experienced (backyard) mechanic / technician for well over 40 years. I NEVER buy a car without a complete and detailed UNDER-CARRIAGE INSPECTION . I dont care how shinny and clean a car may be on top . Under is what matters to me . Thanks again ! Well done.
While they never issued a recall, they did do an "extended warranty" good for 10 years after the build date. Fuckers.
Hey, boss, just a thought. While it's obvious that the subframe was about to break in this car, the popping noise your wife described likely was coming from a weak ball joint about to break, which caused the weakened subframe /control arm to break when it gave out. Given the amount of rust, either one of these could have broken the other. Still a factory defect in and of itself, but be glad that it broke when it did, I had a ball joint fail at 45 miles an hour in a curve once. Luckily, the car simply kneeled down and bent the frame and I was able to get off the road safely.
My 2011 driver side ball joint was just replaced!! It made that popping noise and that is gone now. But I replaced 4 >struts, brakes, rotors AND the ball joint thinking I needed it all. ($$$$)
I have that braking issue mentioned earlier in the thread here where I brake and it feels like the antilock brakes overreact and put me on a washboard dirt road no matter where I am. I will get my mechanic to inspect this issue of rust though. As an UBER driver I am obviously pushing the durability of this car and must know what's up. THANK YOU for your advice about sanding and painting protective stuff . I'm in Denver and we get plenty of winter weather !
That is terrible, I'm glad your wife is alright and had the common sense to pull over and have you check it out.
Typically, automakers will not issue a factory recall on a vehicle until there are a certain number of fatalities caused by the same defect on the same frame model. I do not agree with this practice, but in their best interests, I can understand why they do it. It doesn't help you or your loved ones who are involved in an accident because of an issue, but I can understand that automakers can't repair everything that a single person states is a defect.
Thanks I drive a 2011 and recently had mine worked on. I will definitely get this looked at
Honestly it probably didn’t get any treatment from their supplier. I have a 2014 and the subframe looks brand new, it’s has been exposed to road salts as well
And any sensible person who owns a car would have seen this coming a mile away.
thank you. driving the highway everyday to work.... clicking ...checking tomorrow and I hope these numbers come in handy if necessary
Did they come in handy?👀
This is why I don't want to live in a Northern state, salt and chemicals in the winter kills a car
Rubberized undercoating. $20 for 2 cans and an hour of your life. Its not really that hard.
Kills a cheaply built car. Better built cars use galvanized steel and aluminum which basically makes them rust proof.
@@snappy452 water and winter chemicals get in behind that rubber coating and it looks great untill it's too late leave your metal bare and fluid film it unstead you can monitor frame better this way
@@danlevesque5437 Well youre supposed to grind it down and inspect it first, then bathe as necessary in your selected metal treatment chemical before you spray. I just didnt think hed be up for all that. Already bitching about snow and ice.
@@snappy452 I lost a car due to the remarks about simple rubber spraying underneath one crack as it dries out game over I never made that same mistake again
good bless you brother. God bless you and your wife.
I have a 2012 avenger and on the right side a little sound like a bearing going bad. I'll probably fix it myself but interesting this happened.
Dodge must pay!!!
Thank you got dodge avenger 2012 and im starting to here poping noises. Saving your video.
Just take the car to a shop and get it checked out don't wait until the frame breaks
Why not just go look at it rather than say you'll save this video. A popping noise is more likely a CV joint or hub assembly(wheel bearing) worn out from age.
Good thing to keep in mind I just bought one everything looks clean so far my mother and law had it for 8 years now
Hi here is your answer :
Yes in theses years Chrysler had issues with frames ( craddle ) on similar thing that was over looked was routing of vent to discharge water ( moisture ) from AC system.I looked in frame and caused rot.Check your dealer extended warranty you cover issue.
It's that simple !!
2009 Dodge Avenger 189k miles. Never seen this problem
I got a 2012 dodge avenger with 190,000 miles and have done the absolute minimum maintenance still runs like a champ
realbeavermack 11 I like your style lmaoo!!
You bought a flood car buddy
We have had it since it was new never been in a flood its just cheap steel
Notice that your unit body/chassis has no rust? That's because it is protected from rust by special paint. Anything under the car (any make/model) that is painted with thin black paint will rust quickly. Sub frames, control arms, etc. Inspect your vehicles and apply protective coating. Do this even on new cars. Don't wait a year. Rust is a killer of cars.
Especially in *that spot*, if someone's ever spilled brake fluid while filling the reservoir. That black dip enamel comes off like wet paper once brake fluid hits it and cuts any road grime and oil off, AND then absorbs water and holds it to the steel until it evaporates. Test it yourself, a spot of brake fluid on non-galvanized sheet steel and you can rust a hole in it faster than you'd ever imagine possible.
Dodge Avenger , Jeep Compass and Patriot common problem. The crossmember will be replaced for free if car is under 10 years old! Call dealer and check!
I would say that's more owners neglect. if you live in a state that uses salt on roads you need to give your car a bath on a weekly basis during winter months. I use to live in Minnesota trust me I know a car won't last 10 years up there if you don't take care of it properly.
Periodic checks on anything you own is a good thing.
That's some scary shit there! I hope someone compensated you for this issue.
Seriously? For a lack of maintenance?
This should also be a warning to anyone who lives in the north. Regular car washes during the winter will save your car. Don't let it rust like this.
Funny, Chrysler sent us a recall notice for that issue way back in 2015. the recall was to inspect the subframe for excessive rust and replace at no charge if it was showing excessive rust. Applided to Caliber, Avenger, Patriot, Compass.
I replaced the subframe of my 2007 Dodge Caliber. Pretty much all of the Dodge cars from this period had the same problem with the subframe. They're notorious for rusting and rot under there especially if you live in winter states that use a lot of road salts. You can include the Caliber, Magnum, Nitro, Caravan. They used shit metal, shit paint or a combination of the two. They know it too but won't admit it obviously.
damn my grandmas calibers subframe is almost gone
I bought a 2008 avenger in 2017 with only 57,000 miles on it, had the same problem with it, luckily my mechanic noticed it before anything bad happened.
Please report this to Dodge. We need more people holding them accountable. Mine rusted and completely broke in half and I could have been driving with my kids in the car. I'm learning this is a common issue and Dodge should be held accountable because they knew about it
@@obenyroseparis literally just called about it happening in my 08 they claim they have no other reports of major sub frame deterioration or them breaking
Wow thanks for putting the word out. I have 2010 Avenger
Me too 🤦🏾♂️ I see why they stop making them
Thank you for this video, I noticed rust on my subframe today, I'll be making some calls tomorrow
I own a 2008 Dodge Caliber and my frame was just as bad and I took it to the dodge dealership and they replaced the front and back subframes free of charge due to the 10 year warranty.
About 9 years of salted roads in Ohio might contribute to the rust but...I don't know. Looks terrible tho! Thanks for the heads up... I have a cherry '12 with barely 23,000 miles. Love the Pentastar! Close to twice the horsepower of a '77 vette (at 170)...3.6 is rated 292. The torque steer is very strong... but fun. Surprised a few Mustangs...but at 117 that's it. Top speed could easily be 130 with the 6 speed :-P governor! Fortunately...I don't drive that fast so...No problem.
Thank you for this. I just bought this same year for my daughter. Jotting this phone number down.
Thank you for the info!!!! God bless you#!!👍
Man, that sucks! I have the sister car to this, a 2010 Chrysler Sebring Touring. The entire undercarriage of my car is surprisingly clean. I live in Tuscarawas County, Ohio and it sits outside year round. I work part time at a lube shop, so what I change my oil, I’m always checking things out. I did just put in all new front and rear strut assemblies, lower ball joints, and inner/outer tie rods, but it also has 185k on it.
Yup, had a 2008 Dodge Avenger and the same problem... in fact we caught it probably 1 trip before it would have broke driving... I told her to never buy one of those pieces of junk again...
they never did recalls on the heater cores for their 2012 avengers
And this is why you do a once over on suspensions on vehicles during regular oil changes. This was either a bad stamping or it was damaged and accelerated the deterioration of the frame.
I have a 2007 driven on the salty winter roads in sweden but frame is fine. Though, the dealer had to change the hood after about a year since it started rusting under the paint. can also tell it wasn´t easy to make them do that, i had to contact Chrysler in USA to get it done. my quess is that the waterbased paint makes the parts rust if they weren´t clean (without rust) from the beginning.
Wow. I have never saw that bad of a rust issue on a newer car. Thanks for info I have a friend with a 2007 avenger
"NEWER" car? Man, an almost decade old car, 110k miles driven on salted roads. What in the world would you call a ONE year old car?
You sir just earned a new subscriber!
Good video 👍🏻
Thank you so much! 2012 Dodge Avenger owner
But I will say thank you for posting. Because maybe you did buy it new, the car has no questionable history by former owners, and I can guarantee you that I will be requesting to look at my under chassis next time I go to dealer. I have a 2014 Avenger with the V6 and it has been the absolute best car I have ever owned. And I've owned many. I'm 62 and I've had foreign cars, domestic, high end GM down to lowly base Fords and Toyotas. NOTHING has ever compared to the power delivery of this car and the comfort of driving it. No rattles, squeaks, gremlins, quirks, operational issues of any kind and so on. 31K miles and not a hiccup so far. Sad thing is, I could not justify buying any brand new product right now (new) because of what they've done to engines and drivetrains for fuel economy. Pick a topic and you'll find a problem. Let's start with the carboning up of Direct injection and the weird drivetrain stuff that happens from displacement on demand (turning off cylinders to save fuel). I'd go as far as to say that if the point in time came to replace my subframe, I'd probably do it rather than buying the junk that even the Toyotas and Hondas are putting out. Automotive has become like the home appliance industry. Good looks, good specs, and about 5 to 9 years of expected durability. Instead of the old 20 to 30 year products pre- 1995.
Again, thanks for the heads up. I love my 283 HP Pentastar though.
Factory defect. That model, Jeep Patriot Compass Dodge magnum Dodge Caliber have issues w that as well as the cross members and lower control arms.
Oh my God! I have a 2008 but thank GodI don't have that problem. But after seen this. I will take a closer look..I thank you for share this video..wow unbelivable....
Uiuiyi
I just had to replace the subframe on my 08 Dodge Avenger SXT about three months ago for the same reason. Luckily I was changing pads and noticed it before it got as bad as yours.
Mine has rotted and cracked in half . Where do you live ? I'm in Ontario, Canada.
people commenting about salt on roads....wash your damn vehicle once in a while and you wont have to worry about it
Unfortunately it is not that simple! If you live in the rust belt especially! Road salt clings to metal very very well, and does not easily get removed by just taking a garden hose to it!! Is oftentimes takes a specific product to chemically bond with the salt I make it released from the metal more easily. If you don't live in the rust belt but you still have to cope with road salts oh, yes taking your vehicle out to the yard and hosing it down after the winter time thoroughly is a really good idea. Unfortunately if you do live in the rust belt, the average life expectancy of a car or truck or SUV is about 10 years if you don't go in every year for a specific type of undercoating! and absolutely do not get the type of undercoating that is a tar-like rubbery consistency! That trash will absolutely destroy your car!!
Things changed for the better in the 2011 model year. That was when Fiat started putting better parts in their cars. People that have a Chrysler product from 2011 and newer have noticed an improvement in quality. GM went the other way because they started making most of their parts in China. I have a 2013 Avenger and I put a lifetime warranty on the car for things like what happened to the subframe on yours. So far, I have 88000 miles, and all I replaced was 3 air filters, a radiator, tires, and a windshield. The radiator, tires, and windshield all went out at about 85000 miles.
Frank M we bought a 2017 Toyota Camry I never thought I'd buy a Toyota but I have to say is probably the best car I've ever owned good luck
Wow. I have a 2011 Avenger Heat at 91k miles and the only things I've ever had to replace on it were ball joints, brake pads, rotors, and a tie rod end. Other than that I haven't had a problem with the car. The axle is a little rusted but the thing runs like a dream.
Frank M thank god i just made it!! I just got a 2011 dodge avenger. rides so look smooth.. but definitely doing my reseach online which i did before I got the car but still doing it so i know what to kind to look out for
Wait for the engine to sludge and the tranny to seize up.
Dodge Caliber too. There are actually several dodge/chrysler products that use that same subframe assembly.
I have a 40 year old Mercedes Benz (play car) that has absolutely no rust on the frame at all.
Funny those MBs often lose the strut tower to rust.
@@60viking Rusted Strut towers for MB is 1990 and newer. That would be about 30 years old. Right around the time Daimler started using Chrysler products. Just before the merger, making Daimler Chrysler. They ended up going seperate ways due to "cultural" differences. Meaning that MB did not want to be associated with Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep). Kinda like RAM trying to distance itself.
Anyone with a problem like this should file an incident report with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). If NHTSA gets enough reports on a particular vehicle having a specific problem then they can force the manufacturer to recall and fix the them.
Do you live by the ocean? Why so much rust?
Danny Rodriguez No Danny Ohio its just cheap junk metal dodge used.
Tony Kellogg from what I learned the these parts go for so cheap on eBay it’s more of a maintenance thing ie checking for play with in the arm. I still have the factory arm on my Avenger and I live in the DC area and we get snow and mine still haven’t rust but mines the R/T model mine looks a bit beefier too
Charlie james Thank the Lord your wife is safe. Ty for sharing. My better half works for chrysler. We have an Avenger as well. Definitely going to check out the subframe
@@charliesgarageusa4986 yeah but Ohio is in the salt belt, aka the"rust belt", glad ur wife is okay but don't blame the car, it can & does happen to ALL of them up there eventually!
Charlie James soo many problems with the Dodge Avenger it’s ridiculous smh why even sell them anymore I regret getting mines 3 years ago
I thought about getting an Avenger once. Thank God I didn't! (5/8/2021)
I have the exact same year, color everything. Driven in northern MN Salt every winter and it has no rust on it. Somethings up with yours to have rotted so quickly.
They don't know how to accept fault same thing with my Dodge caliber 08 model the subframe was rotten out and I only had 94,000 miles on it. I took it to the dealership same thing. I ended up replacing it myself. While you're down there change out lower control arms upper control arms struts sway bar just the whole bottom I mean everything even the mounting bolts just do everything. Even my mortar Mount stabilizer was messed up with rust. Hope you got it taken care of brother
Factory DEFECT, not default. *smh* Good video and info in update though.
It doesn't matter where you live or how often you wash the undercarriage of your vehicle. That is the useless material they used in the factory. You need to check into what contaminated the product that was used. This is not the only vehicle that prematurely rusted! Even the nay-sayers here know this is not from owner neglect this is inadequate/useless material used at production in the factory.
On a quiet night you can hear a Dodge rust
You can even smell it
@Gregory Pollack I always refer to Ford as Fucking Old Recycled Dodge lol
I got 2008 SXT as well, Living near the Sea, Got no rust at all.
The avenger is a definite hit or miss car lol
Because you wash more than just the outside and call it "a clean car". I take showers but it ain't gonna do anything about my aging and I still have to check things other than the outside.
I bought a 2014 Dodge Avenger in Dec 2013. By Feb 17, 2014 I heard a noise, took it back. Come to find out they had to replace the wheel bearing. I bought the call with 23 miles on it. 4 years later it still makes a whistling noise when I'm driving. The first 6 months of owning this car was a disaster. It had a bad wheel bearing, engine failure, seat belt locked up on my son to where I had to cut it off, and there's a whistling noise coming from the radio. Currently the steering wheel makes a lot of squeaky noises unless it's turned in a certain direction. This is absolutely the worst car. I'm trying my best to get rid of currently. The inside of my driver's door is now all rusty and I'm wondering if it's the same in the undercarriage...thanks for this video!
Miss Robyn They are the same subframe and our car did the same as yours the subframe did us in on dodge. Be safe and good luck.👍☺
I've only seen that when cars come from out of town were it snows alot . Salt and metal don't mix well . The salt they use to melt the ice also is to blame . . .
Got 3 other cars older had the from new to now and there subframe is fine this is because of dodge cheap steel they buy not salt....
Just a word of advice, when you get your oil changed or other services underneath the car, check it out for leaks, suspension problems and or rust damage, most shops that I've been to will let you inspect your car
Wow. That's bad. That being said, being clean on the exterior body panels isn't necessarily clean. It looks like you never rinsed or inspected the underbody. If you live in regions where salt is used, to have to keep rinsing the underbody to prevent rust damage. I know it is possible to live in places like this and keep the underbody from corroding away but it does require vigilance on the owner's behalf. Finding out after the fact that there is this much corrosion underneath your car is startling. It looks like you never actually looked under your car. Not blaming you per say but I inspect my cars at least once a month to determine their general condition and stuff like this doesn't take me by surprise. I can see things coming from a distance.
I think there is a problem with this particular car but I don't know if it's a epidemic.
I can see your point and I can see why Chrysler won't cover this unless this is a epidemic. You need to read through your corrosion warranty to determine how long it is and what it covers before contacting the manufacturer. If it still is under the corrosion warranty, you have a right to file a claim. If similar cars were covered under a recall, make an argument that this was defective too to the automaker.
At the end of the day, having the subframe replaced isn't the end of the world and the car can be repaired.
When the Dodge dealer put the subframe back on the car he said it looked to him that the AC unit that drips was going right into the sub frame and rotted it from the inside out I asked him why the struts are rusty he said every Dodge avenger Rust on a struts because they're cheap struts And I ask the mechanic at the Dodge Diller why he didn't see that rusting when he changed the oil every 3000 miles on it and he said he did not see it so to make a long story short I paid 3400.00 got the car fixed and traded it in for a Toyota Camry
@@charliesgarageusa4986 He wouldn't have seen it, it was from the inside out. If there was *ever* brake fluid spilled in the area, that would have sped the process up so much your head would spin, and that's very close to being under the reservoir. Brake fluid cuts that enamel dip paint like stripper and holds moisture to the metal while it penetrates...
I know it's late but I have a 2008 with the 2.4l and I have had no problems except the alternator and it's has 231k miles on it only rust on it is the rocker panels and bottum of my passenger side door
What state do you live in if you dont mind me asking
Holy shit dude did dodge buy some metal from GM
david hotard I don’t think so cause I’ve never seen any of my old Chevy cars rust
Why do you say GM? Probably Toyota if you are going to post like that.
Dodge has always been just as bad as GM for rust
@@vegasbab.y3740 bull shit on that one . Chevy trucks are rust buckets.
@@bradhardy2629 mine lives in az and has a loot of surface rust
Thank you!!! Though we haven'
t had this issue, this is great to know!!!
Same happened to my brother but his just popped in half no rust thanks god he’s ok but the car did hit a ditch
my 2008 dodge avenger was my favorite car so far lol
Chrysler has no recall on it. Make them search under complaints and warnings.
I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT with 145k miles. Almost the same exact car except mine is black. I was browsing UA-cam videos before doing some bearing and break work and came across this video. So I checked my sub frame and it looks nothing like this. It's still in perfect condition and I live on the Delmarva Peninsula. Chesapeake Bay on one side, Atlantic ocean on the other. Hope you get this issue worked out.
They said ours rusted from the inside out it look good only outside but the inside was bad take a good look be careful
That's why I'm glad to live in a state that has an inspection on every vehicle every year. That would have been caught before it was a problem. I would have instructed you to get it under coated. I live in P.A and that stuff happens all the time because of the brine and salt they put on the roads in winter
It was inspected every 3000 miles every time to Dodge dealer changed the oil they said they inspected it
@@charliesgarageusa4986 You expect them to admit that they didn't?
That’s crazy!! Hope you got it resolved
Factory "default"? Factory "defect" perhaps.
Of course...we'll baffle them with BS. Damn insurance companies, they want to keep your money. Take flood insurance, you have to still have your house standing when the waters recede. If it get washed away...that's structure failure, not included with flood insurance. Now they tried to sell me mandatory flood insurance but I live so high off the floodplain that if the water does reach me it'll be an act of God. Home get broken into? Damage less than the deductible they pay nothing but they'll still add fifteen hundred dollars a year for five years cos now you're on risk insurance. So...essentially you're robbed twice. Now my property value goes up and down...but insurance continues to only go up???? My former agent told me to quit cussing in his office, wanna know what I said then?😄
This is most likely a result of the environment the car is in. Coastal area or where it snows and the road is salted...
Checking out videos on 2008 Dodge Avenger alternators and ran across this. I'll let the owner know thanks!
AJFresh 👍😊
It's not just the Avenger...This also happens on the 2007-2012 Dodge Calibers as well.
Bingo. That time period applies to Chrysler and even Jeep (Patriot) vehicles too. And it's not just the front subframe, the rear subframe rusts just as bad. Piss poor metal.
I had a 2011 dodge avenger beautiful car 2014 dodge avenger now I didn’t want it. I wouldn’t have another Dodge if it was free I wouldn’t take it.
Hi.. I just brought a avenger 2012 home. I live in Canada. It is my first car and I had no idea issues like this could also arise. I am really getting worried now. I bought it from Chrysler. It is making a sound while driving. Told the dealer he said bring it back next week and would get it fixed. I thought it's not that big an issue and I brought the avenger home since I needed a car this weekend. Now after watching this video I am having a real panel attack. Will get it checked in morning and will update you. Fingers crossed
Good luck and be careful
I just had this happen today to my 2008 Dodge Avenger. I was on a road with a 55 mph speed limit breaking for a stop sign so I could get onto another road with a 55 mph speed limit. One of my kids was in the car, a friend was in the car and so was her kids. We live in Michigan so the roads get salted. But we make sure the underside gets cleaned just for that. I'm glad I was slowing for a stop sign when it happened.
Thank God you all are alright 👍 these cars are dangerous thats why i made the video god bless and stay safe 🙏
Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves. Toyota recalled their trucks and gave the customers a new truck. They had the same problem subframe and frame rotting out after about 6 years.
Hi, Charlie James. it's fairly decent video. thanks. :)
Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you so much good video we have 2013 model and we live in michigan
Oil spray, if possible drive around puddles of water and do not park on the grass. Salt kills cars, oil spray to slow down or stop the spread of rust.
Holy shit... my kid rolled an avenger. He was only going 30 and the car "just didn't turn". He was 20 ft from gong off the side of a mountain and barely got out of the upside down car before it burned to the ground.
Their death trap
pussbag Oozing stuff
Way to be an asshole and call my kid a liar.
Fuck you.
Bocbo, oh my goodness!! Thank God he survived that !!!!!
Some cars rust no matter and are only good for the car crusher. Why are some cars trucks vans 20 to 50 years old and only light rust?
There was a popping noise in the front of my PT cruiser, there since new. Around 100k miles, I hit a hole while turning left on to the freeway and the left wheel turned right, the right wheel stayed left, but car went right to the shoulder. The left tie rod end had separated seconds before I was to be doing 80 +/- mph. That was a factory defect if I've ever seen one. Glad it happened at about 15 mph.
I just had to replace this on a 2008 Dodge Caliber I think it’s a universal part between Jeep Dodge Avenger Dodge Caliber a lot of the dodge and Chrysler vehicles just to let you no they did do a “recall” on this “K frame” or “unibody “ what ever you want to call it but it’s not an actual recall it’s a extended warranty for 10 years unfortunately I had to pay out of pocket for this to be fixed seeing as I have a 2008 Dodge Caliber and it’s now 2019 and they go by the manufacture date which was actually late 2007. It can be a really expensive fix or a cheaper fix I live in canada and for this repair not only do you need to replace the sub frame also I had to replace all the bushings in the front end and do an alignment to the car Plus while taking out the bolts for the engine mount the engine mount tour so I had to replace an engine mount as well because of the rust holding the bolt in when I did call dodge I got mixed signals because one dodge dealer was $1000 to do the repair the other Dodge dealer was 500 just for the repair bushings and alignment was extra . The car only has 170km on it motor runs good and it’s in good shape but it always seems to be the drivers side that goes on all these frames more then the passenger side... just a heads up if you shop on amazon especially Amazon USA you can get a new frame for a little over $100.00 and it is a bolt on peace. At the end of the day I got a local shop to fix it for me not the dealership and in total it ended up being $600 for New frame engine mount and alignment the bushings were an extra 150. Hope that helps.
Yes it does help. Thank you