Four problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2004 4Runner.
Frame and suspension rust has weakened the parts to the point of failure. Rear upper control arm mounting bracket on rear axle broke while driving on highway while going around a turn. Vehicle's rear wobbled back and forth violently. I almost lost control of the vehicle. There are other pieces that look close to failure.
My 16 year old daughter was driving on a city street and was turning into a driveway and the lower control arm on passenger side broke and I was told it was because the frame is rotted. Not sure if I am able to fix due to the frame. I am new to the northeast and was not aware of rotted frames out here.
Frame and rear axle housing rust - caused the upper control arms, which prevent rotation of the rear axel, to disconnect from the housing/frame. Also, steering has become stiff and bumpy as you turn the wheel. This may be due to front crossmember rust or rust on the steering universal joint. I live on long island and have the car bottom washed whenever it has been exposed to snow melting salts/compounds. My mechanic says the car is not safe to drive.
I was going 5 mph and hit my brakes. The control arm was ripped from the frame due to rot/rust. Toyota is aware of this problem for 4runners, but has only offered assistance on the tacoma and tundras. The body of my vehicle has no rust anywhere, and the mileage is extremely low. I cannot even find a mechanic to fix it, because the frame is so bad. I was told, if it gets fixed, another part of the frame may fail when I'm cruising on the highway and people could get hurt or killed. No mechanic wants this liability in doing a repair.