Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

2004 Toyota Sienna xle minivan was at a body shop for another problem. The technician drove the van around and noted some strange feel in the steering and examined the front suspension. The rubber bushings in both control arms were cracked and falling apart leading to slop in the steering and movement of the front end. The shop advised that this could lead to loss of control and was a danger to driving. Repairs had to be made that included replacement of both control arms since they come as an assembly. There are other reports of similar rubber bushing failures from other 2004 Toyota Sienna owners. This is a critical safety and quality problem a the vehicle should be subject to a manufacturer recall for repair. Other symptoms are that the front tires (80k mileage warranty) are worn out after just 25k.

I had taken my Sienna to the dealer to fix the last recall for the liftgate. They must have done an inspection and told me I needed to replace the warn control arms at a cost of $1,755. 00 and the high pressure power steering hose at a cost of $699. 00. I was there in April to have work done and none of this was mentioned. I have 54,473 miles and asked at what mileage do the control arms usually break down and I was told simply at any time.