Six problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 1999 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The mount for the rear lower control arm has rusted off. This is causing the car to violently rock back and fourth after hitting a pot hole and continue for a few seconds after. It is very unnerving and obviously a mater safety issue. I have also seen similar complaints on websites such as t4r. Org. Please give me a call 203-218-9058.
I have a 1999 Toyota 4runner. I am the original owner, and this vehicle has been garage keep and well maintained since I have owned it. While driving on the highway at about 55mph on 10/18/16, without warning - the 4runner began to shake violently from side to side. . . I almost lost control of the 4runner and could have been involved in a serious accident. The reason I lost control of the 4runner is because of a serious rusting issue in the frame (this issue has been well documented on the NHTSA, and also many other websites). The reason this rusting issue is so dangerous is where the rusting has occurred. The frame is rusting right at the section that the lower control arm bracket is welded to the frame. The lower control arm bracket is attached to the link/bar that holds the rear axle in place. The rust on my 4runner frame caused the lower control arm bracket on the drivers side to completely separate from the frame, causing a loss of control of the vehicle (see attached photos). I check the control arm bracket on the passenger side, and it also shows the same severe rusting at the frame where the control arm bracket is attached. There are still many 3rd generation 4runners on the road, and I feel this rusting situation is putting many lives in danger. There is no warning, you just lose control. I understand that my 4runner is 17 years old. . . But as I mentioned earlier, the rest of the vehicle is in excellent shape. A frame should not rust this badly, especially in a critical section. Please hold Toyota accountable for a vehicle defect that is putting live in danger. Thank you.
Simply driving down the road and the vehicle started to sway all of a sudden. Had shop look at it next day and the rear left control arm detached from frame due to rust. I have been told it is impossible to repair. The rest of vehicle in great condition except the rust on the control arm/frame/underside.
The vehicles frame, in the location where the rear lower control arm bracket is welded to the frame is completely rotted out. This point on the frame secures the lower link of the rear suspension. If this bracket separates, an accident would likely occur. The rest of the vehicle is rust free and the frame is not expected to rot within the vehicles lifespan. Toyota was contacted and refused to assist WI repairs.
Frame rusted on inside surface and at both rear lower control arm mounts. Drivers side rear lower control arm mount separated from the frame and allowed axle to move and tire to contact inner fender. The passenger side rear lower control arm mount was also severely rusted. The entire center section of both inner frame rails had new plate steel welded in place to repair the original rusted steel. Reinforcements were welded on the inner and outer frame for both rear lower control arm mounts. The vehicle is now safe to drive, but these repairs should not have been necessary on a 14 year old (at the time of incident) vehicle.
As I was driving down a 4 lane highway, the steering wheel suddenly jerked out of my hands to the right. I was unable to turn the steering wheel back to the left to correct. The roads were wet from an earlier rain; there was no standing water, no pot holes, or other visible defects in the road. I was in the left lane, traveling about 60mph. The car spun out of control - doing 2 complete spins on the highway, then into the ditch on the right; hitting trees, flipping, hitting more trees, and finally coming to a halt straddling the ditch perpendicular to the highway. Since there was no visible defects in the road that would have caused the steering to act like that, I'd like to know if there is any mechanical problem which would have caused the steering wheel to jerk so hard to the right and keep me from being able to correct it. I've been told that perhaps the front right brake locked up, the tie rod broke, or some kind of steering defect. Please let me know what I should look for.