This is one of the issue's I always dislike about the internet and independent writers on articles for websites or etc. It's interesting to note you can find anything if you want to google it. I would love to read the Lawyer paperwork on what they said. More information is needed, but in regards to the NHSTA you can literally find anything.
As example:
---
4Runner engine failure
More whatever you want to report to them information
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2000/TOYOTA/4RUNNER/4%252520DR
---
Yeah. Running into something similar into my other hobby (video games & etc) going the same route. One sides so extreme versus the other while i'm more of a guy to meet in the middle. Heck i'll go 75%...
Even though I physically have limitations & mentally I still do my work on my vehicle with the help of my father and drag my son along to get into his mindset. Keep up on ANYTHING, in vehicle or health or whatever and you'll have it working the way you want (minus the one off catastrophe's). Just what I believe in and working for me still...
If you click on the link given in the article, you'll see many of the complaints are very specific- the rear control arm mount rusts away and fails. The problem is well known enough that there are multiple kits you can buy to fix it. This points to a manufacturing defect.