Problems with 2003 Toyota Sequoia STRUCTURE

Took vehicle to local toyota dealership due to steering issue - when i would hit a bump i would loose control of the steering. inspection showed the vehicle under body and frame has completely rusted, there are sever holes and the trailing arm has separated from the frame. i am not the original owner, but toyota had a recall on the frame during the prior ownership and the vehicle was serviced multiple times at a toyota dealership during the recall and the problem was not addressed. toyota refuses to offer any assistance at this time.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion with at least three spots along the bottom of the frame near the welds. due to the failure, the contact was uncertain if the frame would fracture. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vehicle was not included in any frame recalls. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Two weeks ago we were told that the frame had rusted through and the car was unsafe to drive. after doing research we found out that toyota had a limited frame repair offer but we missed the deadline. we were never told by toyota or the dealership service team about the recall or the damage to our truck. we had our car serviced at the dealership numerous times. the mechnic that told us about the rust told us it was dangerous to drive. the truck only has 120k miles and we are the original owners.

The trunk latch/handle/lock. i have had it replaced 3 times by a toyota dealership. there's is clearly a manufacture defect and there's needs to be a recall. the last time the toyota dealership i. austin texas replaces it i had a 12 month warranty. in exactly 14 months the same thing occurred again! this is ridiculous to say the least and i am tired of paying 600 (parts/labor) to repair, when toyota is aware of the problem! note: when the handle breaks there is no access to the spare tire because you have to life the trunk to access the spare time. i have had my vehicle towed twice scorn tire issues because the spare could not be accessed. the last occurrence i was stranded on side of the road at 2am.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact took the vehicle to davenport toyota (located at 1501 e 53rd st, davenport, ia 52807, (563) 391-4106) for a noise that was coming from the chassis while driving. the dealer diagnosed that the frame was badly corroded through. the vehicle was not repaired. three hours after leaving the dealer, while driving 55 mph, the frame fractured and the rear of the vehicle shook violently left and right. the contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. the contact drove the vehicle slowly to his residence. once the contact arrived home and looked underneath the vehicle, he noticed that the rear passenger side was completely corroded through. the contact stated that there was no coating on the frame, which caused the metal to corrode badly. the vehicle was taken back to davenport toyota where it was inspected and the contact was informed that the frame was corroded through and there was no resolution for the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. the approximate failure mileage was 186,000.

Rusted hole in the frame, driver side. passenger side already had work done to the frame by previous owner. mechanic told me he would not jack up the car because of the hole, was advised that driving this car is too dangerous.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact took the vehicle to carson city toyota (2590 s carson st, carson city, nv 89701, 775-882-8211) to be repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 15v285000 (air bags). the technician diagnosed that the entire frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. the technician stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. the rust failure was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Truck frame rotted

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. while driving approximately 45 mph over a bump in the road, a rattling noise was heard underneath the vehicle. the contact continued to drive the vehicle to work. upon exiting the vehicle, the contact checked underneath and found that the rack and pinion bracket was fractured and detached from the frame. the vehicle was driven to the dealer (bay ridge toyota in bay ridge, new york, 718-439-3737) where it was diagnosed that the front part of the vehicle's frame was severely rusted and the rack and pinion bracket was detached from the actual frame. the contact stated that the frame was replaced in march of 2013 by the same dealer. the vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 194,000.

2003 toyota sequoia limited 4x4 failed massachusetts inspection this month for a severely rusted frame with severe perforation. additionally, the rear suspension and trailing arms may break off at any time. the vehicle was recalled and had a coating applied several years ago - this only masked the problem. the vehicle was always garaged. the engine and body of the vehicle are in good condition. the vehicle has 300,000 miles and runs well. the toyota dealer deemed the vehicle "not repairable." the vehicle was also deemed unsafe and advised to take off the road.

I took my sequoia to the dealer for it's regular service. i was called and told that there is a 50 cent size hole in my frame (passager side) i was told toyota had a night mare with many of there sequoias having had the frame replaced. he said according to toyota mine was recalled and sprayed with some type of spray over the entire frame. i told him that was impossible since i am the second owner and i had it during the time he referenced and toyota never contacted me about this issue,nor did they spray it. for if they did you would be able to tell it all over the under-body because of the over spray. there in nothing under the body except a rusted faulty frame. i contacted toyota they said the same as the dealer and that if my suv had been a year newer they would put a new frame on it, even though they use the exact same frame. toyota knows what they are doing here.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. while washing the vehicle, the contact noticed severe rust on the frame. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Excessive frame rust. unable to pass inspection. 135k miles. many other 1st generation sequoia owners with same issue. 2nd generation sequoias recalled for same issue. toyota's extended warranty undercoating solution is a scam.

I just purchased car. tried to put car on lift for new tires. at flynn's tire found out frame is rusted out behind front wheels. about 3 ft. on both sides . it was covered up with duct tape , body putty, then painted so it would not be noticed. no pictures taken

Frame developed 14mm rust perforation at transmission support cross member despite corrosion resistance compound being applied as part of limited service campaign by the manufacturer. weaker frame reduces the structural rigidity and compromises safety in the event of a collision. sudden frame fracture may also lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.

Frame is rotted so bad that axle rod seperated from the frame. my mechanic told me not to drive it home as it is extreamily unsafe. rear axle could fall off the vehicle. found this out when i brought it to my mechanic for tire service

The vehicle was sent into toyota when we received a letter to have the frame sprayed ,due to living in cold climate where salt was used to treat roads. now frame is totally rotted and rusted making it unsafe to drive. toyota is only replacing their tacomas and not the sequoia from the same year.

So many problems with this vehicle, and a major problem not only with this vehicle but other years and models as well the paint bubbling and coming off the vehicle especially hood area and top of vehicle, has to be bad paint toyota is using

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact noticed that the entire vehicle frame was fractured. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contacted at 800-481-7948 and stated that the vehicle should be under the year 2008 model to be included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 176,735.

Our vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive by a toyota dealer due to an excessively rusted frame that has prematurely lost its integrity. the "limited service" campaign that was implemented by toyota on our car (1/9/2013) was ineffective in preventing the disintegration of the frame of this vehicle. i have since learned that the frame on my vehicle was already known to be defective and it was recalled by toyota for replacement on the toyota tundra. why then hasn't toyota recalled the very same frame on the toyota sequoia on account of a known defective and unsafe frame?

I purchased a 2003 toyota sequoia on may3, 2017. after the inspection performed on may 8, 2017, i learned that the frame is completely rusted. it will not pass inspection. after some research i learned that there was a limited service campaign for certain vins of this car from the years 2001--2004 (see https://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/2001-2004-toyota-sequoia-rust-corrosion-on-frame-condition-lsc-csd.200/). i checked with toyota and the vin on my car was not part of the limited service campaign for frame replacement, but my car did get a corrosion resistant treatment from toyota in 2012. it is very clear from the pictures of my frame and the inspection report from the toyota service center that the condition of the frame makes the car unsafe (it won't pass inspection). therefore, the corrosion resistance treatment did absolutely nothing. i contacted toyota and asked them to reconsider my car for the frame replacement. they told me that the limited service campaign expired in 2015. the frame on this car needs to be replaced. toyota wouldn't tell me why some of the toyota sequoias received the frame replacement and why others didn't, but my car (and probably many others) aren't drivable and aren't safe with the current frames. toyota needs to be thorough and safe and recall the rest of these cars with defective frames.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion on the front and rear parts of the frame. the contact stated that the rust could cause the frame to fracture. arlington toyota (2095 n rand rd, palatine, il 60074, (847) 485-1200) indicated that the vehicle was included in a manufacturer campaign, but the contact was not notified. the dealer stated that the statute had expired to provide a remedy. the dealer and the manufacturer expected the contact to replace the frame. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer refused to provide assistance other than having the dealer repair the vehicle. the approximate failure mileage was 256,000. *bf*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. while driving at an unknown speed, the serpentine belt snapped. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt snapped due to the frame and both parts needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 173,000. the vin was not provided.

My car has 136,000 miles on it, and the issue is rust. the whole bottom frame of the car is completely taken by rust. its a hazard to drive because it seems like the car will fall apart! please help make toyota aware of this situation. the car has an abnormal amount of rust!!

Replaced o2 sensor and was unable to obtain sticker due to frame is rusted. have three teenage drivers using truck and is now unsafe. have owned vehicle since 2007 and have serviced at woburn toyota in woburn,ma. i have never got an email or mail from toyota pertaining any issue. when asked about it said been out for a while!!!

Rust issues with the frame - there was a recall that expired 2014 but was not notified of this

To whom it may concern, we are the original owners of a 2003 toyota sequoia. the vehicle has developed considerable frame rust damage over the years rusting through and creating a dangerous situation and has been deemed unsafe to drive by the toyota dealer and other mechanics who have worked on the vehicle. recently, i took it to penn toyota, 2400 northern blvd, greenvale, ny 11548 for an oil change and the service manager there refused to put the vehicle on a regular lift because of fear of the frame collapsing (see attached service receipt). this is a family vehicle used with our 3 kids and we are extremely concerned for the safety of our family when driving it. the corrosion is so bad that areas of the frame have crumbled off and there are significan holes and cracks along the driver side of the frame including frame brackets and support sections. we have reached out to toyota and they tell us there was no recall for this specific vehicle. however, there have been other frame recalls for similar models (see attached copy of warranty enhancement letter csd limited service campaign (lsc) csd certain 2001 through 2004 model year sequoia vehicles frame inspection). we need to resolve this issue as soon as possible and are looking to toyota for some assistance with this most important matter. we have been loyal toyota customers and have enjoyed our sequoia experience over the years and look forward to staying loyal customers and able to drive our car for many more years to come provided this issue is resolved to our satisfaction. please see attached photos of the rusted frame showing the damage. your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. warm regards

To whom it may concern, we are the original owners of a 2003 toyota sequoia. the vehicle has developed considerable frame rust damage over the years rusting through and creating a dangerous situation and has been deemed unsafe to drive by the toyota dealer and other mechanics who have worked on the vehicle. recently, i took it to penn toyota, 2400 northern blvd, greenvale, ny 11548 for an oil change and the service manager there refused to put the vehicle on a regular lift because of fear of the frame collapsing (see attached service receipt). this is a family vehicle we use with our 3 kids and we are extremely concerned for the safety of our family when driving it. the corrosion is so bad that areas of the frame have crumbled off and there are significan holes and cracks along the driver side of the frame including frame brackets and support sections. we have reached out to toyota and they tell us there was no recall for this specific vehicle. however, there have been other frame recalls for similar models (see attached copy of warranty enhancement letter csd limited service campaign (lsc) csd certain 2001 through 2004 model year sequoia vehicles frame inspection). we need to resolve this issue as soon as possible and are looking to toyota for some assistance with this most important matter. we have been loyal toyota customers and have enjoyed our sequoia experience over the years and look forward to staying loyal customers and able to drive our car for many more years to come provided this issue is resolved to our satisfaction. please see attached photos of the rusted frame. your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. warm regards

I purchase this 2003 toyota sequoia in 2003 brand new and at the moment the frame is rusting at an alarming rate. i would like to know if the manufacturer (toyota) is making any plans to rectifying this problem?

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that the chassis on the vehicle was rusted out and the frame was fractured. the vehicle was driven to hudson toyota (599 nj-440, jersey city, nj 07305, (201) 942-1156) and the contact was informed to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls to cover the repairs. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. while the vehicle was at a dealer for routine service, it was discovered that the frame was rusted and there were five holes in the frame. the vehicle was no longer able to be driven. the manufacturer was notified if the failure. the failure mileage was 108,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that the undercarriage was corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician verified the failure and sprayed with lubricated substance. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was not provided. the failure mileage was 98,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, a loud banging noise emitted from the front end of vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that the front passenger chassis was rusted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

I received a recall notice from toyota for my '03 sequoia limited and took it to kolosso toyota (appleton, wi) for frame inspection and application of a material that prevents corrosion, due to a recall, in 2014. i called kolosso to schedule my truck to be seen well before the due date of 7-31-14, in june 2014. kolosso said it had to order the special "kit" to apply material to my frame and scheduled my inspection and application for early august 2014, after 7-31-14 (due date). they said the kit wouldn't arrive until august and there was nothing anyone could do. everything would be fine because the kit wouldn't even be available until august 2014. i received a frantic call from kolosso on 7-13-14 while i was working literally 2 hours away in milwaukee, wi that my truck had to be inspected in appleton that day in order for the recall to be valid. kolosso said it was their fault for scheduling me in august 2014 but toyota suddenly deemed 7-31-14 the absolute deadline for the recall. so i had to leave work unexpectedly to drive 2 hours away for inspection. an extreme inconvenience! the dealership did not compensate me in any way for my upset. they placed all blame squarely on toyota. i said, as a customer, i had done everything the dealership said and i had done nothing wrong. this argument was between kolosso and toyota but i was penalized. as of this date, 2 years later, kolosso has still not applied the special coating to my frame to prevent corrosion. i have never received a call from them to schedule this.i feel this is illegal. i complied fully with the recall by the deadline. i have received no indemnification in any capacity. and since that time, i've gotten recall notices for other things but if kolosso won't help me, what am i supposed to do? they're a toyota dealership. i am a completely disgusted toyota victim with a body frame that is likely corroded.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that there were chunks of undercoating falling from the vehicle onto the ground. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an annual inspection. the technician informed the contact that there was a foot long hole located on the driver side frame rail, which caused the vehicle to fail the inspection. the contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under a voluntary recall regarding subframe corrosion. the dealer was expected to clean the frame and spray an undercoating to prevent the failure from recurring; however, the failure persisted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 123,000. the vin was unavailable.

2003 toyota sequoia (and a number of toyota mini-vans) are plagued with a defective and costly repair associated with the rear hatches on a number of toyota vehicles. the handle that operated the hatch is very fragile and breaks frequently. this plastic handle breaks on a 1-2 year basis and the repair cost is over 400 dollars to replace the handle. opening the hatch is not possible when this breakage occurs and anything that was placed in the rear of the vehicle will be difficult or impossible to retrieve. also, when the hatch is closed and the latch is broken, none of these vehicles can gain access to their spare tire which is located underneath the vehicle and is removed using a tool that is only accessible when the hatch is open. so, when the hatch breaks, you are stuck on the road if you have a flat. this is completely unacceptable and seriously dangerous. it is one thing to change a tire - it is another to not be able to change a tire due to toyota's ignorance. i have had 4 handles that have broken to the tune of 1600 dollars for a 1 dollar piece of plastic. someone needs to slap toyota around and get this on a recall list. various u-tube and other forums go into the toyota hatch problem. please consider contacting toyota and requiring them to fix their time bomb just waiting to either hurt or leave buyers on the side of the road for a cheap piece of plastic. thanks for your assistance. *tr

When you grab the rear handle to open the rear hatch, the handle assembly becomes disengaged from the assembly inside the door. this is the second time this has happened. when you google the following, "sequoia rear latch" or "sequoia rear latch cable" or "sequoia rear larch problems" or "sequoia rear hatch problems" you will get hundreds of hits. this appears to be an ongoing problem. sequoia inside door handles also repeatedly break. every time there's a break with the rear latch, it's a $500 fix. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the rear door latch opened independently. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repair. the manufacturer had not been made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

Received toyota factory recall for corrosion-resistant compound due to excessive frame rust. called local dealer and also factory toyota for appointment. took the vehicle in to the dealership. one day later received phone call that my vehicle was safe and that they had sprayed this coating on the vehicle. i picked up vehicle and this corrosive chemical is dripping of the vehicle and is not drying. concerned for environment and also, i have no idea of how vehicle was inspected assuring that the frame is safe.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brakes failed to respond as the vsc and check engine warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was advised that the entire underbody carriage was rusted, resulting in diminished braking capability. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.

The rear window motor and window tracks have rusted completely. the motor has failed and the window tracks are completly rusted away. the window is not unoperable. there is a short in the o2 sensor wiring underneath the vehicle. there is currently a recall on the above vehicle regarding frame rust. i believe that the above complaints are directly related to the rust issues that this vehicle has.

The frame is rusting out i had the rear bearings replaced and they where rusted out too. all most all of the bolts on the frame are rusted cant change any parts on the frame do to the rust my wife will not let the kids ride in the truck iam thinking about calling the local news and have them do a story on it i think they should have a recall and fixes the problem. *tr

Received a letter from toyota for a limited service campaign, for rusting of the frame. i took my toyota to koons toyota in annapolis, md. they called me the next day and said it failed for rust. there was a hole in my frame and toyota would replace the frame at no cost to me. then they called me to tell me it would cost $6,400.00 to replace everything under the vehicle, because it was so rusted out that when they took the parts off they would crumble. two days later they called and told me it would cost $6,900.00 to replace parts. they called last night and said it would cost me $7,845.00 and they could not guarantee the price would not be higher.they sent me pictures of my frame and there is a large hole in the frame. my question is shouldn't i get my truck back in working condition without me paying for anything? i contacted toyota in ca. and talked to the rust specialist, and he said they would not pay for my parts. my husband and i are retired and live on a fixed income. we can not afford to pay for the parts. the truck has been paid for once, why should i take out a loan for a truck that has been paid for. the dealer also asked us to come pick up my truck if i would not authorize to pay for the parts. when i picked up my truck today, they said if anything happened to the truck while i was driving it home, they would not be responsible, because i didn't get it fixed. please make toyota recall these rusted trucks back. the rusted frame also includes tundras, because they use the same frame. thank you. *tr

Frame is completely rusted and cracked in various areas. *tr

While driving my 2003 sequoia on vacation, a part fell off from the bottom of the car. we took the car to a local mechanic who raised it on a lift and said that the part was the protective plate covering the gas tank. it had eroded off. he said worse than that, the entire frame was rusting and rotting out and felt that the car would be unsafe within the next year or 2. *tr

I took the sequoia to a mechanic to repair a clunking noise in the front and squeaking noise in the back. upon examination, the mechanic noticed unusually advanced rust and corrosion for a vehicle of its age. for safety reasons, the mechanic warned against driving the vehicle until repairs were made. mechanic had to cut out front passenger control arm bolts, rear shock mounts, and other hardware due to the corrosion. mechanic noted that future repairs will require the same cutting and replacement of new hardware. this corrosion issue may be related to the 2000-2003 toyota tundra recall of 2009, since the sequoia shares the chassis and manufacturing facility with the tundra. *tr

We had intermittent off/on of interior lights while driving, but only during left turns. there was no (important) "door ajar" alert which normally would present as a red icon warning on the dash, there was no warning light. i worked as a mech. engineer and tested all doors for "play", how tight the door closed. the right front passenger door was loose. i opened the door, checked if the seatbelt was shut-in with the door but all was normal. i wiggled the latch which is screwed in by 2 large star/allen screws. that was it, it was very loose, it took 5 turns to tighten each one. i checked the other doors, all were just fine. the door would have opened if this latch came all the way out, even belted in, a person could be injured. *tr

There is an extreme amount of rust on the frame of my wife's 2003 sequoia. the rust is just flaking off in huge chunks which is more than just the under coat of paint, its actual chunks of disintegrated/corroded metal. i can not believe the tundra frames which were produced on the same manufacturing line and used the same metal as the sequoia were recalled but the sequoia's are not. most of the frame damage seems to be isolated to the rear of the car. *tr

I just purchased an 03 toyota sequoia and was unaware of a problem that is very known by many sequoia owners. i was let known about the severe undercarriage rust problem these trucks have by someone at a gas station who owned one and had to get rid of there's because they were scared for the safety of there family while driving the truck. when i looked at my trucks undercarriage i could not believe the amount of rust that i saw. i did some research and saw some of the pictures of other sequoia owners and was shocked at what i saw. another thing that shocked me was that people were saying that when they went back to toyota and told them of the problem they said that there's nothing that they can do. until someone gets killed! there are quit a bit of important components that are rusting under my truck. the rear axel, all the bolts are completely covered in rust. transmission mounts, suspension parts. i bought this truck thinking it was a safe and reliable truck. i hope this matter will be investigated as to why all of these trucks have the same problems. *tr

Anti sway bar cannot be connected back to frame since the frame is rusted. i was told that in order to fix it, i would need my entire frame replaced and that none of this was covered under any warranty or recall. estimated cost of repair is estimated to be at least $13,000. the vehicle is not safe to drive. since the sequoia has the same frame as a tundra, why isn't the sequoia frame rust problem also being recalled like the tundra? *tr