Yes this is what happens when you dont do the ball joint recall, and he is very lucky that he wasnt going 60 or so on the highway,

GOT GET THE RECALL DONE IF YOU HAVEN'T, ITS FREEE WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE WAITING FOR GO GO NOW, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, DO IT NOW NOW NOW NOW

1998 dodge avenger 4 cyl AT
Mods are:
Not enough