Problems with 2001 Toyota Sequoia STRUCTURE

Corrosion on chassis

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that there was extensive rust, corrosion, large spots, and holes on the frame. the vehicle was taken to a certified independent mechanic for inspection, but the contact was uncertain if the vehicle would pass. the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer recall for the frame. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that a rattling noise alerted him to look underneath the vehicle. the contact noticed that the frame was rusted. the contact called an unknown dealer located in palatine, illinois and was informed that an unknown recall had expired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

Frame is rusting in half behind the front tires.

Our 2001 toyota sequoia had a limited service campaign recall in 2013-2014 for severe rust problems in the frame. we took it to the dealer we bought it from. they either would replace the frame or just under coat the frame. they told us we only needed the undercoating - not to replace the frame. now the frame is completely rusted out. my understanding is that toyota did a recall for the same problem in newer cars (i believe 2005-2008), but will not do anything for later model cars, yet it is exactly the same rust issue. toyota was able to undercoat the frames, which did not fix the problem, rather than replacing the entire frame, which was much more expensive for them. this same problem also occurred with the toyota tacoma trucks.

Purchased vehicle in 2004. complied with a toyota inspection for possible rust on frame in 2012 and had vehicle sprayed with undercoating in 2013 (per toyota instructions). toyota knew there was a problem. by 2015 frame was still rusting and by 2018 rust is so bad that car will not pass inspection and being told frame is "conpletely rusted out" and "not safe to drive" by mechanics. now scared to drive the vehicle and worried about the safety of myself and family as frame may collapse or components come off at any moment. toyota refuses to take responsibility for the defect in sequoia and tacoma vehicles with this problem. problem is widespread. someone is going to die as a result when a massive frame failure happens while driving. please assist with pressure on toyota to fix this problem.

One owner vehicle when i purchased january 2015. was serviced at local toyota and never said any issues with frame before the deadline to have frame replaced. after i purchased my machanic noticed the rusty frame and toyota said after the deadline to get fixed but no one at toyota said it was that bad. it continued to get worse and many other people with this vehicle are having the same issue. it now won't pass inspection b/c the frame is falling apart. this is my daily driver and should not have pieces of the frame crumbling apart. the rearend is about to fall out. this is a major safety issue known with a lot of these vehicles!!

Frame badly rusting out. the toyota dealer sprayed it out a few years ago but now rusted rear differential is leaking. the whole rear axle a single welded piece. this particular vehicle was purchased and used in connecticut (ct), garaged and presently has 98k miles on it.

Frame rusted out and needed extensive repairs. class action suit by toyota admitted problems but excluded my model year. they recalled my car in 2012 but treated frame and denied liability when it completely rusted out. i have paid over $15,000 in repairs related to this rust.

Frame rust on 2001 toyota sequoia - vin#[xxx]. toyota case # [xxx]. on mar. 7, 2013 this vehicle's frame was inspected and found to be ok and then treated with a rust inhibitor as part of a toyota recall campaign. the dealer doing this service was toyota of scranton, in pa. 3 1/2 years and 11,000 miles later this vehicle failed the pa state inspection due top significant frame rust through. there are large holes in the frame and in some areas in the rear very little solid metal remaining in the frame. the trailer hitch is attached to the damaged frame making an accident when towing a trailer highly likely. the value of the vehicle has gone from $5,000 to 500 and i will sell the vehicle for scrap and parts. the vehicle is in excellent condition, except for the rotted frame. i believe there are now thousands of unsafe toyota sequoia, tundra, and tacoma vehicles operating on public highways. i have not had an accident simply because the yearly state inspection showed the extent of the damage. i often pull a 5000# ski boat, and 2 horse trailer behind my sequoia. i will not risk the safety of my family, my horses, and fellow motorists by driving this car. but, how many drivers are completely unaware? how many believe the toyota recall was effective and their vehicles are safe? i believe toyota knew the rust treatment was simply a way to buy some time and they are now rejecting cases "that recall campaign has expired" was what [xxx] my toyota case manager's told me. she didn't offer any help, no buyback, no frame replacement, and she didn't say i should no longer drive the car. toyota knows this is a big problem and they are now putting their loyal customers at risk, and all who share the roads with these unsafe vehicles. the issue will be most acute in the areas of the us where highways are salted and treated for winter driving. driver's in upstate ny, nh, maine, mi, wi, mn, etc. are at high risk and toyota knows. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle independently swerved without warning. the contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the frame of the vehicle was corroded. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control bracket was corroded and fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 170,000. the vin was unavailable...updated 11/21/16 *bf

Toyota 2001 sequoia frame rot may 20th, i was driving with, my daughter. the car shook back and forth. i drove to our mechanic. they called saying the frame was horribly rusted and was not drivable. said it was a miracle myself and child were not in a devastating, catastrophic, deadly situation that day. toyota refuses to do anything about it.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact lost control of the vehicle and nearly got into an accident. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was completely rusted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact stated that the vehicle was brought to the dealer in 2000 for frame inspection, and it was diagnosed that the frame was intact and did not require repairs. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 250,000. the vin was not available.

Letter from congressman ribble on behalf of constituent re toyota sequoia safety concerns. *smd the consumer was concerned about frame rusting. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. while driving, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. the contact discovered extreme severe rust and deteriorating with big holes underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. when the contact attempted to change one of the tires, he was unable to remove the faulty tire. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who was unable to mount the vehicle for diagnostic testing because the entire frame was rotted out. there were no warning indicators. the dealer stated that it was dangerous to drive the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not respond. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 171,289.

Frame rusted out with holes throughout the frame.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from underneath of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that the frame failed to support vehicle properly. as a result, the cadillac converter was replaced but the failure persisted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 260,000.

Our vehicle has a squeak and cracking sound which is very scary when riding in this truck.my husband was informed by a toyota technician that there had been a recall on this vehicle for under carriage rust/corrosion which could lead to possible frame damage. on 9/22 we called our local toyota dealership, gave the vin and was told their is no recall, & advised to notify toyota if we wanted to pursue this issue. so we immediately called toyota & rec'd a case #, and was informed the issue was the under carriage which was rusting and the corrosion was causing frame damage due to the salt and other elements on roads for ice & snow on 9/23 we rec'd a call informing us that the "safety campaign" ended on 7/29, notifications went out to first time owners and or dmv current owners. my husband & i have been registered owners of this vehicle since 9/26/07. we were not notified of this safety campaign which poses a safety hazard and have been told that our state of md is a state in which this vehicle is effected by this recall/campaign. for the safety and lives of my family i am writing to have the "safety campaign" opened so that this vehicle will feel and sound safe to drive and the lives of my family will not be jeopardized every time we ride in this vehicle which most of the time is daily.why would we not adhere to a recall if we were notified? i don't understand how there is a cut-off date. i mean what happens after 7/29 the corrosion doesn't matter or the lives of those who own these vehicles don't matter? seeking help in maryland. *tr

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the contact had driven over a bump on the road and suddenly loss control of the vehicle,which shifted to the right independently. the contact attempted to maintain control of the vehicle, decreased the speed and coasted to the emergency lane. the contact and passengers had exited the vehicle to perform a brief inspection and noticed that that stabilizer bar from the rear axle was corroded and was detached. the entire sub frame was fractured. the vehicle was towed to the residence. the contact had contacted the dealer to explain the failure and the dealer informed the contact that there was a voluntary recall for the sub frame, however, there was nothing they could do because the recall had expired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and they informed the contact that the voluntary recall was expired and no one was injured and no actions could be taken to accomodate him. the approximate failure mileage was 190,000.gb

This vehicle has been recalled under a "limited service campaign" for excessive frame rust. vehicles for this campaign are being inspected and if they do not have significant frame perforation from rust, a rust resistant compound is being applied. for vehicles that do have significant frame perforation, failing the inspection, toyota is replacing the frame of the vehicle. my complaint is that while toyota is replacing the frame free of charge, they are not going to cover the costs of any component that breaks (due to significant rust) during the disassembly or reassembly, i.e. any rusted parts or even nuts and bolts that are not reusable. this is outrageous, it is their fault that many things will have to be removed when they otherwise wouldn't have to be, and i will be expected to pay for it? this treatment was confirmed by calling toyota customer care. i believe i will be looking at significant costs, which are unknown until they happen, at which point i will be forced to pay for it or be left with a partially assembled, undriveable vehicle due to faulty toyota parts. *tr

2001 toyota sequoia was recalled due to corrosion of the frame. all parts such as the back plates for the brakes, tie rod ends, stabilizer bars, and many more attached had rust when it went into the shop. however, toyota did not care that the rust had spread. i could have wrecked several times due to the negligence of toyota. it has been costly and the car is not the same since the transfer of the frame. rust spreads as cancer and is as deadly when it is under your car. i will have to spend thousands of dollars to ensure the safety of my family. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the replacement of the subframe due to corrosion however, the failure was not corrected. the vehicle failed to disengage from four-wheel drive and the braking system would feel as if it was constantly and independently engaging. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who advised the contact that the transfer case needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware. the approximate failure and current mileage was 184,286.

I was notified by toyota that my 2001 sequoia was part of a limited service campaign for 2001 to 2004 sequoias. certain of these sequoias experienced more than normal'corrosion to the vehicle frame. i took the car to molle toyota in kansas city for inspection. i was informed that my vehicle did have a hole in the frame and qualified for a frame replacement. pictures were taken. i was promised copies but have not received them. apparently tundra and the tacoma vehicles were also previously recalled for frame rust due to using inferior metal which rusted from the inside out and by the time it was visible it was too late to correct. specifically relevant is the fact that following an investigation by nhtsa in october 2009. toyota issued a regional recall that covered 110,000 2000-2003 toyota tundra vehicles. the sequoia and tundra are built using the same frame and may be built on the same assembly line, and probably use the same steel for the frame. why was the sequoia not accounted for in the previous inquires and recalls? dealerships must have known of the problem for the tundra and the sequoia vehicles. yet no one informed owners. no one inspected the sequoia. this is clear negligence. this was known since at least 2009. since that time i have put a lot of money into this vehicle. upon learning of the defect i explored the possibility of trading the vehicle in. i disclosed the frame problem as part of this. no dealer wanted the vehicle. the suggestion was to sell the vehicle myself. i find it particularly troubling that the molle toyota dealership actually suggested that it might be necessary for me to sign a waiver in order to take the vehicle out of the dealership. the waiver was to hold toyota harmless should something result as a result of the defect. i was shocked when in talking to the case manger assigned to my complaint she repeated this request. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that the exterior rear lift gate latch became fractured and detached from the vehicle. there was not an interior latch to open the lift gate. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 71,380. *tr

I took my truck to the nearest dealer located near my home and i took my recall letter i must of sat there for 2 hours waiting for someone to speak to me about this recall issue but got the run around for 2 more hours finally a rep approached me and asked if i could come back another day. i requested a letter or some kind of document to verify my compliance with the letter i received but was denied. my spare tire fell off during this accident thank god no one was hurt. *tr

Frame rot and hole/perforation through frame found while inspecting the 2001 sequoia for the "limited service campaign c0d (specific 20 cold climate states only) - corrosion-resistant compound application to the vehicle's frame". dealer informed me that toyota would replace the frame for free but that i would have to pay $6,000 to replace suspension, brake lines and exhaust components removed in the process. dealer stated that they would not reuse the components removed as part of the frame replacement. these components are functioning today and do not need to be replaced. the only reason the dealer gave for the additional cost is that they would not re-install the existing parts. sounds like a bait and switch scam. toyota offers to inspect the car and perform a no-cost recall to fix a serious manufacturers defect for $6,000. there is no way to perform the recall without incurring the additional costs. *tr

Clear coat of the exterior paint is just peeling on it's own. *tr

Vehicle frame failure due to excessive rust. frame recalled after we received a letter to have frame inspected. local dealer inspected and found it qualifies for recall and can be replaced, however, the manifold and catalyst, and timing belt, etc. likely will be damaged in frame replacement since they are rusted to frame. the quote to replace those items more than vehicle is worth--car is totaled due to failing parts and rust. we filed a complaint with toyota and we were politely told that only the frame is covered in recall. very disappointed that toyota will not give us any compensation toward another vehicle since this vehicle is now totaled in it's value (if exhaust system needs to be replaced in addition to frame). we are proceeding with replacement and will see whether the existing exhaust system can be salvaged. if it is damaged beyond repair, we have no other alternative but to replace the vehicle at our own expense. *tr

Rear hatch does not open; several complaints of this online where around these year models the rear latch mechanism just stops working. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that he received notification of a manufacturer's recall in regard to frame rust. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the technician confirmed that the frame was indeed rusted. in addition to the frame rust, the shocks, exhaust and the power steering lines were also found to be rusted. the dealer would only replace the frame. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that they would not provide any assistance with repairs to any component of the vehicle other than the frame. the failure and current mileages were approximately 78,500. the vin was unavailable... updated 02-07-13 *bf

Excessive, premature frame rot. hole in the frame due to rust. *tr

Excessive frame rust. frame rusted through. will not pass inspection. i have been watching forums where many other sequoia owners are having the same issue. this apparently does not affect all sequoias. 3-4 years ago metal was coming off of the frame in huge chunks. i started asking the dealer about the issue several years ago and was hoping that there would be a recall to correct. the car is in excellent shape otherwise. *tr

In nhtsa campaign id number: 09v444000, toyota recalled model year 2000-2003 tundra vehicles due to excessive corrosion of the rear cross member that may cause the separation of the spare tire. the 2000-2003 toyota sequoia vehicles share identical frame cross member and spare tire mounting arrangements in which excessive corrosion in the rear cross member and spare tire mounting location can cause separation of the spare tire stowed under the rear cargo load floor which would result in a road hazard. this separation of the spare tire or mounting bracket could cause a crash. also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve, resulting in diminished braking capability. any separation of the spare tire and/or diminished braking capability could increase the risk of crash to affected vehicle and/or a road hazard to those traveling nearby. *tr

Actually, this was not an "incident". rather it was me crawling under the truck to scrape some rust off of the frame. what i found was about a one foot long rusted "slit" in the frame. it did not look safe to me, so i took it to the toyota dealer to inspect. (cost me $25.) i was told that it was safe for now, but would soon not be safe. the toyota field specialist said there was nothing he could do. looking online, i see countless cases of rotting frames on this year sequoia. things i see online from other owners (using my words): "the frame is rusting from the inside out. it was made with either inferior material or bad coating. the tacoma (with the same frame) has been covered by toyota." lots of upset people out there! not sure what to do... don't feel right about selling it... don't feel safe driving it too much. please help! *tr

On september 12, 2012 i had my 2001 toyota sequoia with 170,334 miles serviced at prime toyota in west roxbury ma due to the recall for frame corrosion. it was determined by the manufacturer that the frame qualified for rust prevention coating which the dealership performed the application. on june 12, 2015 i had performed preventative maintenance on same vehicle now with 225,345 miles the inspection of frame revealed several sites of rust throughout the frame in some cases the rust has rotted through. i was advised since the manufacturer previously performed preventive measures in 2012 they are no longer liable and would not replace frame at their cost. hence my complaint for a fair resolution. i am aware this is a major issue with similar vehicles by the manufacturer. the attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Rusted frame was found by mechanic during a oil change. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact noticed severe rust corrosion within the main frame. there was a limited service campaign issued by the manufacturer however, the vehicle was ineligible for repairs under the service campaign as a result of not being registered in the particular states that the manufacturer was servicing. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 125,000. updated 5/22/13 *cn

Premature rusting of undercarriage frame that fails state inspection. poses safety issues and a hazard to other drivers as catastrophic failure may occur if this is not addressed. appears to be endemic especially in rust belt states. *tr

Rusted frame. *tr

Extensive frame rust is causing large holes to develop in important structural locations. in some areas, two sides of the 4 sided frame remain. vehicle is unsafe to drive or even lift.

2001 toyota sequoia 91,000 miles excessive frame rust, rear end housing replaced at 74,000 miles as goodwill by toyota excessive rust noted at this time seems like poor quality steel. *tr

Our 2001 sequoia will not pass inspection due to excessive rust on the frame. i drive a sequoia and my husband drives a tundra. we bought both our vehicles "new" from our local toyota dealership who does most if not all of the maintenance on them. this is the first time since we've owned the sequoia that rust has become an issue?! we did some research and found that many owners of the sequoia are reporting this very same issue which is similar to a tundra recall. the recall was for frame rust due to the use of inferior metal which caused rust from the inside out and by the time it becomes visible it's too late. it is a known fact that both these vehicles are built with the same frame. the recall should apply to any of toyota's vehicles if it is the same issue. we have also filed a claim with toyota. *tr

Frame rust. sequioa, and tundra share the same frame. toyota knows about the problem but unwilling to issue a recall. *tr

I took my vehicle in for an oil change and tire rotation and then received a call from the olathe toyota dealership indicating my vehicle was unfit to drive due to rust damage on the under-carriage. they indicated the transmission crossmembers has a 12-inch long section of rust and there are som small holes on the passenger side. the frame is weak and potentially unsafe. i understand toyota has recalled the 2000-2003 tundras and possibly tacomas for this rust damage. if i understand correctly, the sequoia is built on the same framework as the tundra so i would assume a recall on the sequoia's would be necessary as well. i would normally not consider buying a 10-year old vehicle but due to the fact it was a toyota and they are known for long-lasting vehicle lives, i had no concerns. now it seems i may have a $13k investment that is a danger to my family and worth next to nothing based upon the rust damage and serious implications it could cause. *tr

Local mechanic said that the frame is badly rusted near spare tire carrier and crossover beam in rear and near front bumper mount area. he said it was much more rust than should be expected in a 10-year-old vehicle. called toyota corporate. they said there are "no current programs to address sequoia rust issues". called local dealer. they said there are "no current programs to address sequoia rust issues". sounds like a canned answer to me. this vehicle is of the same vintage and has the same frame setup as the recalled tundra and tacoma models. toyota does not seem to be interested in correcting this known issue. updated ivoq 02/08/12 *tr

The frame rusted through near the rear wheels making the car not safe to drive. *tt

Truck has very rusty frame, specially the back portion and the middle, including the rear wheels, break section, real axel, full with the rust, even while trying to clean once but stopped due to realizing that, big pieces of metal was coming of like paper and start leaving hole in the frame, at front, around inside the wheels, frame is really rusty, and seem something is going to break anytime, its well maintain truck, always being maintain by toyota dealer, has all the record. also having issue with manifold leaked, replaced the passenger side, paying $1200 and been told driver side need to replace too, had found on line that sequoia 2001 has problem with manifold too. recently replaced one of the catalytic converter costing $1000 plus, which break due to rusty underneath, called toyota but no satisfactory answer. *tr

december 28, 2011, i brought my 2001, toyota sequoia in to be serviced for rear brakes and to get the oil changed. my certified mechanic called me at home and strongly suggested that i come in to see what he discovered while my vehicle was up on the lift. so i stopped in to take a look. he showed me extensive rust holes in the middle of the frame welds on both the passenger and driver's side. he also pointed out that the rear differential case has severe rust damage. he strongly urged me to stop driving the vehicle and stated that it is unsafe in its present condition and that he has never seen such extensive frame rust damage on a vehicle this well taken care of. the drive train, outer body, and interior are in mint condition. i also have always made it a point to power wash the salt (calcium chloride) off the under carriage after driving in the northeast after snow or ice storms, when salt is used on our roads. i contacted my local toyota dealership and they gave me the phone number to toyota headquarters. the end result was, they were sorry to hear that i had a rotted out frame and suggested that i get rid of the vehicle because there is currently no recall for the sequoias. although, after going online at the toyota forum i found out that they're are over 300 consumers with the same type of issue with their sequoia frames in our state, so i do not stand alone. i am floored that a company like toyota, that prides itself in being committed to safety does not care and will not take ownership when they knowingly used cheap japanese steel to build these faulty frames. i currently have three young children and this is my primary vehicle. i cannot afford to throw $8 k away (kelly blue book) on this vehicle. please help! in march 2010, toyota recalled 2001-03 tundras for significant frame rust, which is the same frame as the sequoia... very puzzling? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle was rotted. the contact's mechanic and the dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the frame was rotted from front to rear. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told there was nothing that could be done regarding the frame. the failure and the current mileages were 155,000. updated 02/03/12*lj