My wife drives this car primarily. she asked me last week to see what i thought about weird noises from the rear brakes when applying. i could not recognize the noises, so i took it to a local shop. the technician has found extreme rust issues with the rear axle link brackets on the axle housing being rusted out and no longer connected. i have dealt with vehicle repair most of my life, and know this is an extremely dangerous condition. my wife carries her 83 year old mother, and our 3 year old grand daughter. i will not allow her to drive it until i am able to get it on a lift and investigate for myself. i do not have a spare vehicle at this time i have found this to be a very widespread problem on these autos, and am inquiring if there is any knowledge of there being a recall for this issue.
Driving approx 55mph, my lights seemed to dim then my battery and brake light came on. i immediately turned my heater, radio, dashboard lights and lights to low. i continued driving for nothing else seemed to be wrong and was going to pull over when i noticed my power steering also was not working. i was able to get myself to a safe place to stop and put the car in park, it began making an odd sound (thinking a possible belt) it then made a popping sound thinking i broke a serpentine belt, i then turned the engine off and had my mechanic look at it. he said the crankshaft bolt had broken off and was an estimated $3000+ repair. i have also had issues with crankshaft sensor which caused my car to not turn over without a jump. after that was repaired i had to buy a new battery that prior to the winter season tested out to be good. ihave also been told i need to replace a spark plug which could cost hundreds to replace because of the location. i have to replace headlights/taillights more than normal.i have seem to have issues with alignment and have put 2 sets of tires on after noticing abnormal wear on the insides, i've had it aligned twice. i still owe $6100 on a car that i would have to put $3000 into and now have nothing to drive! *tr