Frame Rust problems of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota rust issue on my 2001 Toyota Sequoia r5. My vehicle was originally used to transport children to and from practices and games twice a week. This past summer, I started driving it daily. I took my vehicle in for service because I kept hearing a knocking and my engine light was on. After taking it to the mechanic, we discovered it was an O2 sensor causing the engine light on, but also noticed extreme rust on the entire frame. The mechanic determined the vehicle was unsafe and recommended the entire frame be replaced as that knocking would cause the front half of the vehicle to separate from the back half and cause a serious issue. After talking to Toyota body shop, service department and a mechanic, I learned of a campaign that Toyota had issued. Toyota issued the campaign due to severe rust of its Toyota tundra but failed to offer the same coverage for Toyota Sequoia issued for 2001. The campaign that was issued was for 2005-2008 Sequoia, however my Toyota was made in 2001. Currently, my vehicle which transports my family, including young children has to sit until I can find $15,000-$17,500 to have it fixed by a Toyota dealership. At this point, I can not afford this, especially for a vehicle I purchased used last year. My mechanic and Toyota has deemed this vehicle unsafe. I'm requesting to have Toyota replace and fix the entire frame or buy the vehicle back from me so that I can purchase another vehicle that's safe, reliable and specious for my family. I would hope to have this issue expedited so I can continue transporting my family safely.

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.

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.

Frame rusted out with holes throughout the frame.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a mechanic to be inspected and the contact was advised that the entire frame was rusted, but mostly at the rear axle. The contact was told that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the frame was only guaranteed for three years, and offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileage was 186,000. Updated 01/10/lj.

Upon having vehicle inspected by ase-cert. Tech. , I was informed that 18"-24" of the vehicle's left main frame rail was rotted/rusted through along the bottom surface. The rotted section is located adjacent to the transmission cross-member on the left side, as well as smaller perforations on the right main frame rail in the same location (transmission cross member). Also, the frame rail is rotted through at the junction where the spare tire carrier support is welded to the frame. Technicians have advised that the vehicle is definitely unsafe to drive, as frame is in danger of collapsing, as well as spare tire falling off vehicle while in operation. Its been brought to local Toyota dealership for further assessment. Factory "truck frame team" was contacted to discuss replacement of frame, as done in response to the rusted frame epidemic on tundras. This produced no results other than Toyota stating that "there are no problems with Sequoia frames", and "there is no program to replace them". Toyota will * repair or replace this frame, nor offer any assistance with vehicle that is in otherwise excellent condition, with a book valuse of $9000. 00-$10,000. 00, now made worthless and un-driveable due to the rusted frame. There are many dozens of other identical complaints regarding dangerously rusted/rotted frames on 2001-2003 Sequoias with rust damage all in the exact same locations, on this NHTSA website (see listings), but Toyota will not admit to this obvious design/material defect, as they have with the tundra, which uses a nearly identical frame from same manufacturer and assembled in the same factory. Neither has the NHTSA yet initiated any sort of intervention on behalf of consumers. Early Sequoia owners in northern us/canada would be well advised to have their vehicle frames inspected by qualified technician, and report those findings immediately.

Took the Sequoia to the body shop for minor repair - the body of the car looks almost new - no rust - a vehicle to be proud of. . . But. . . The repair man called me and sounded very concerned. Just like tacomas and tundras, this vehicle has some of the worst frame rusting he has seen on a vehicle its age - especially for the lack of rust elsewhere. Told me he hoped it was all paid for because I should junk it. 10k for a new frame and the car is worth less than 9k. I told him I still owed 8 thousand on it. He said to call Toyota. Said he works on 20 year old trucks all the time with nowhere near this type of frame rust. Kept remarking how he couldn't believe it. . . Said it just flakes apart when you touch it. He stressed that I should not have my children in that vehicle. My family vehicle. I called Toyota complaints dept. The rep told me he was the senior rep there and that he had never heard of such a thing on a Sequoia. Told me that lots of trucks of all makes have frame rust problems. He explained that he doesn't know what the previous owner did to the vehicle - whether he did any underbody maintenance (he suggested that car owners generally rinse the undercarriage after driving in the snow). He even suggested that ". . For all we know, this vehicle could have been in a flood. " does a flood cause aggressive frame rust but leave the rest of the vehicle in mint shape? said there were no "programs" for me at this time and suggested I call NHTSA. Ii had to ask - will NHTSA will help me buy a vehicle to drive my kids to their functions without risking their lives? because right now, I cant afford anything else. I have a loan on this car. Calling Toyota was 100 percent pointless.

I own a '01 toy Sequoia with 60,000 miles. During a routine oil change appt my mechanic discovered a massive rust problem that extended from the front to the rear of the frame of my vehicle. He has explained that it is a dangerous situation and that there is nothing he can do to repair or prevent the problem. The problem is so bad that he was able to flick off pieces of rusted frame using only his small finger. I am very worried and don't know what to do. I called Toyota customer care, and they said there are not current recalls on the Sequoia and there is nothing they can do about the problem. Please help me.

Excessive frame rust/rot this was an issue with the tundra and tocoma for the same model year. I have contacted Toyota on several occasions to report this issue and have them evaluate the vehicle to determine if it is subject to the same defect as the other models to which they have refused??!! I believe certain Sequoia's share the same issue however Toyota is not forthcoming on admiting this nor are they even willing to evaluate the vehicle. The rest of the vehicle, body, interior etc, is in great shape and the vehicle has been meticulously maintained. I am not entering this complaint as I stumbled over several other 2001 sequouia owner who are reporting the same issue on the internet. This, in my opinion, confirms my original suspicion that it is related to the tundra/tacoma recall and Toyota is not willing to take responsibility for their issue.

I have a 2001 Toyota Sequoia (SUV). I took it to a mechanic over the weekend to have the brakes fixed. The mechanic warned me that the car frame was rusted out and not structurally safe to drive. This car was built on a tundra frame which had a structural recall (NHTSA action number: pe09049) for frames built in 2000 and 2001. I have a daughter and pregnant wife and this car is no longer safe. I spoke with Toyota (corporate customer service) and they told me there was nothing they could do for me. This is unacceptable and I don't want other people to be at risk of danger. My number is [xxx] if you have any questions. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I own a 2001 Toyota Sequoia and have just been advised by my local dealer that the frame is rusted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The 01 Sequoia is built on the same frame as the 2001 tundra yet Toyota is willing to do nothing for me. They are putting tundra owners in rental cars and reimbursing them, why not the Sequoia. I have no choice but to drive my car even though it has been deemed unsafe. I should think that Toyota would want to take care of this before it becomes a real problem.

I took my 2001 Toyota Sequoia for some minor service and the Toyota dealer told me they checked my frame (reportedly because Toyota told them to be checking tundra and Sequoia frames on 2000/2001 vehicles) and they found rust through the frame and they found corrosion of the spare tire support system. They told me my vehicle would no longer pass inspection next time I needed it inspected and they said while it is not an imminent safety problem, it will become one with more corrosion. They arranged for a factory rep to inspect the vehicle and he confirmed the dealers findings. I was told by the dealer this is an emerging problem and Toyota is in the process of deciding what do about it. I was given a case # and was told Toyota would get back to me with their plan of action. After several weeks, I heard back form Toyota today telling me that while I do have a frame corrosion problem , like was experienced on the tacoma and tundra, and while this could be a safety issue,Toyota has no plans to do anything for the Sequoia customers. In other words, I have a problem but it my problem alone. Toyota's failure to solve this problem creates a safety issue on the highways and will render my vehicle useless.

Took vehicle in for state inspection, was told that frame will probably not pass next year. Severe frame rust in (documented by dealer) leaves me concerned that the vehicle is no longer safe to tow with. All frame coating has failed and is keeping water against the metal. Impossible to remove from inside of boxed frame. Very concerned since frame was built at the same time as defective tundra and tacoma frames and it is based on the tacoma frame.

I have a 2001 Toyota Sequoia that has developed severe frame rust. In 2 spots the frame is thin and I am concerned that in the near future this frame will fail. I called Toyota and they are not willing to do anything at this time even though they know they have issues with tacoma frames and reports of tundra's with rust. A frame should last longer than 8 years.