Frame Rust problems of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia

I went to the mechanic to have my wheels rotated; he said the entire frame is rusted out and may be a danger to drive. Not sure what to do as there isn't an easy fix to replacing the frame. The mechanic said the only fix is replacing the frame. I have a family of 8 people who depend on this vehicle.

The frame is rusted so bad chucks of the frame are falling out causing problems to sway bar, the motor was basically laying side ways towards the driver side front panel. I have seven children we depended on this vehicle to get us everywhere we needed to be. Now its sitting on the side of the road bc when the chuck of frame fell out it caused sway bar to drop down causing me to almost wreck with my children in the SUV . I was driving down ky 344 vanceburh ky, 41179 at approximately 10:00 a. M traveling towards route 57 tollesboro ky 41189.

I recently went to my local Toyota dealership for radiator and exhaust system evaluation and possible repairs and was by advised that the frame on the driver's side of the vehicle has major rust perforation problems. I was told that the degree of rust thru was significant and may create a safety hazard. A friend later advised that there have been widespread reports of this issue with older Sequoias. I researched and found that a recall had been issued for some models a few years ago. I don't recall receiving a recall notice, but in reviewing my service records I see that on April 23, 2013 my frame was inspected based on the following service notation: "cod recall - open recall frame inspection and spare tire functional and visual check - replaced spare tire carrier - removed rust - cleaned frame with no rust perforation found - crc application by outside shop. " I have owned the vehicle since 2003 and have had it serviced at the same dealership for 15 years, usually going there several times a year for maintenance, oil changes, etc. No mention of any rust problems or that this could be a major issue. Not sure what to do now; would like to keep my car, but want it repaired.

The undercarriage frame is rusting out which is sad being that I recently just put a couple grand into restoring and labor service on minor issues like steering rack and pinion, breaks, tire rods.

Severe premature frame rust including the dislodge of spare tire and carrier, repaired periodically at high cost to the vehicle owner. Frames in question were manufactured with defect in corrosion resistant properties that is well known and documented. Ntsb has been aware of this condition on various Toyota trucks for at least 10 years. Class action lawsuit has been approved for limited model years vehicles but leaves many effected out of the class. Condition effects model year 2000 and up all tundra, tacoma, sequioa and 4runner vehicles. Toyota has been allowed to deny responsibility by implementing a limited service campaign that has long since expired on these faulty vehicles. This condition should have been a recall of all vehicles manufactured with these frames as so many continue to become unsafe over time with no resolution due to expiration of the "limited service campaign. " condition also causes failure of electronic stability control leading to temporary loss of vehicle control which is very common on these vehicles and has happened to me many times.

I brought my 2002 Toyota Sequoia to my mechanic for an issue and he told me that my vehicle has severe rust on the frame and is not safe to drive. I called Toyota and was told that they can not help me. My mechanic said that Toyotas have a problem with this issue and his 2005 tacoma was repaired through a class action suit. I am terribly disappointed that Toyota will allow their customers to drive an unsafe vehicle. I have been researching on line and have found that indeed this is a problem. I hope that enough people complain so that and Toyota is forced to fix this problem before someone gets seriously injured.

Frame rust on the main areas where appointed from Toyota reason for not taking the truck to the dealer is because there wer no recalls for the vintage but overall the the frame is my major concern. Heavy spots on the frme.

Holes in the frame and excessive rust in the lift gate. This is a 2002 Sequoia which was in the rust belt from 2002 to 2011. In 2011 moved to louisiana. I had rust issues since I purchased the vehicle in 2002. In 2006, the lift gate window rusted out and could no longer use the lift gate window. Since then, more rust was developing in the lift gate and elsewhere. In 2013, I received the recall for the spare tire cable. The louisiana dealership identified that the mechanism was rusted and no longer functional. They ordered the replacement unit to install. In the meantime, I told them about the severe rust issues in the car. They did a rust inspection and said it passed. In 2014, I returned to the same louisiana dealership for the takata recall. At that time, I told them my concern regarding the rust, especially since the vehicle was in the rust belt atm least 4 months a year. They said the frame passed the rust inspection and provided me with an "operational flowchart" for frame rust. They also said that if I find a hold in the frame larger than 10mm, it would be taken care of. In 2015, the vehicle was in the rust belt about 7 months. That year I had to install 2x4 supports to hold up my lift gate window. In 2016, the vehicle was in the rust belt about 5 months. In February 2017, I found at least 1 rust hole in the frame as per their operational flowchart. When I asked the dealership about the rust hole, their comment was the recall was completed and there is nothing you can do. I spoke to Toyota and they stated that the recall was completed. I am totally disappointed in the ability of this vehicle to withstand rust. I am also driving a 1998 Ford that was in the rust belt longer than the 2002 Sequoia with no frame rust. The frame on this vehicle should not be rusting and needs to be properly repaired. See the attached photo.

Terrible rust on the frame, and underside of the vehicle. Toyota extended the rust through warranty, but didn't repair the issue since there was "no recall". This appears to be a problem for a number of production years for Toyota and their frames.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. While driving approximately 15 mph over a bumpy road, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

In early 2014, we noticed significant rust issues on the frame and other areas underneath such as the spare tire holder, O2 sensor area, exhaust, and trailer hitch area. After receiving the Toyota recall campaign letter for repair or replacement of the Sequoia frames, we took it to our Toyota dealer in July 2014. The dealer said the rust was so bad after spraying it once, that they had to keep my truck an extra day to spray it again with another coat (on areas other than the frame as well). I called the dealer to see if the 2nd coating was sufficient and they said it was ready to be picked up and they would not be replacing the frame. Upon pickup, the coating was so thick it was dripping off in the parking lot. The dealer said it would take 30 days to "cure". Of course, after those 30 days it was beyond the Toyota service campaign and there would be nothing that could be done by the dealer. The coating continued to drip for at least a week in our driveway and remained sticky to the touch. Now 1 year later, the coating is visibly bubbling & flaking off of the frame. . . This was a useless application and a waste of time and money under Toyota's service campaign.

I received a recall notice from Toyota claiming there was a problem with the frame rusting on my 2002 Toyota sequia limited. I took the vehicle in for their required inspection and they said it needs a new frame. They are in the process of placing a new frame on the vehicle. I stated to the service department that I refuse to pay for any additional add on expenses as a result of there tampering. I also stated and filed a complaint with Toyota that the vehicle will not run properly becasue of the its age, mileage and working with corroded parts will not fit, seal and tighten properly. Toyota also stated that after the new frame is installed they will not service any problems with the vehicle if it is not directly related to the frame. Unacceptable terms. They should fix at their expense any problems encounted now andin the future as a result of this recall. They should also offer compensation as they previously had down with other makes and models several years ago.

This vehicle has a rusted frame which Toyota will replace. They will not replace without customer cost several parts affected by the frame replacement. This is thousands of dollars required by the customer that otherwise would not be required. I want Toyota to pay for the frame and the other required parts.

I have been a loyal Toyota owner and had 7 Toyotas so far from a 1990 white corolla, 1996 white land cruiser, 2007 white rav4. I currently own a 2010 white prius, a 2006 white venza, a 2005 silver prius, and this 2002 black Sequoia limited. After spending almost $1500 to eliminate the shake @65 mph from a set of new tires, 1mags that is warped, and alignment to no avail, I research this site and found out that the extensive frame rust that I just paid my mechanic over $500 to chip and 3m rustproofed is a very common issue in this car. Initially, I found a 3"x1" hole in the front driver side frame and upon my investigation I was able to retrieve a 2"x1" rusted piece of metal inside the frame. Looks like they forgot to put a drain or Toyota used a sub-par frame. When my mechanic lifted the car, he showed me an extensive rust all over the underside of the vehicle. It really gave me chills seeing all the parts rusted and affected and felt unsafe driving the car. What I don't understand is if they recalled the similar framed tundra NHTSA campaign id number: 09v444000, why didn't they included the Sequoia? Sequoia should have higher priority since it carries up to eight passengers and a much more expensive car. I thought Toyota cares and Sequoia is specially made to haul families. . . I took it to interstate Toyota where it was purchased and serviced all it's life and don the manager told me that there will be a recall coming soon. He told me that they will order the frame and to call after 2 weeks. I just called yesterday and he told me that it has not been approved yet by corporate. I'm asking everyone with similar Sequoia to check the frames and file your complaints here to speed up the process. Toyota, please restore my waning loyalty to your company and restore my trust in my Sequoia for my family's safety. I'm scared to drive it until it is fixed! help!.

Over a year and a half ago my husband noticed rust developing on the frame of his vehicle. He repeatedly mentioned this to the dealership, whose response was there are no recalls so you should be ok. In December during the vehicle's maintenance the dealership informed my husband that the frame was rusting out. There was no proposed solution other than to scrap the thing. Two weeks later we received a letter from Toyota stating that they were conducting research regarding frames rusting out on like vehicle. We were instructed to take the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and possible frame patching or replacement. The dealership received the ok to replace the frame. However multiple parts around the frame are also rusted out. The cost for complete repair including the frame is 15k. We were told that we would not be responsible for the cost of the frame replacement, however we would have to pay for everything else, around 10k. It would seem if the frame has a known rust issue, other parts on the vehicle would have the same problem. Why would the company not be responsible to pay the total cost of the repair. We have contacted Toyota and are waiting to talk to a case manager.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while having the tires rotated, the mechanic stated that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the vehicle was unsafe to be on the road. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that they would replace the frame free of charge. The failure mileage was 76,115.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for routine maintenance when the contact was told that the entire frame was severely rusted. The contact was also advised that the vehicle was not safe to operate. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 104,000.

My 2002 Toyota Sequoia has extensive rust on the frame. Other Sequoia owners have been advised that their Sequoia with rusty frame is not safe to drive. Toyota tundra from same year, built on same frame have been safety recalled due to the extensive rusty frame. Updated 12/29/11 the consumer stated since filing the complaint, he had his vehicle inspected at the dealer and it was determined the rust on the vehicle was surface rust and there was no loss of structural integrity. Updated 12/30/11.

\2002 Toyota Sequoia sr5 - 66,462m. Mechanic discovered that the frame of this vehicle is completely rusted. Holes in the frame and lots of rust in key joins compromising the safety of vehicle. Toyota corp. Has acknowledged the frames of the tacomas and tundras had a prematurely rusting problem. The Toyota Sequoia have the same frame. Toyota issued a recall on these two vehicles but not the Sequoias. Upon contacting Toyota corp. They asked the vehicle be taken to a Toyota dealership for frame inspection. The inspection report say: customer req. Inspection - -> looks like hammer hole in bottom of lt rail @ trans mount cross member lots of rot/ missing metal from ft rt sway bar mount lots of rot at rr cross member (that spsre hangs from) where meets rail on lt side. My mechanic said that in all his life working with vehicles has never seen a vehicle so deteriorated from rust. Advised to contact Toyota because of the tundra's recall. Toyota corp. Will not address my vehicle nor those of other Sequoia owners that I found on internet forums with the exactly the same problems. There have been a few instances where Toyota has replaced the frame in vehicles with higher mileage and older vehicle. Toyota corp. Claims because the vehicle is out of the 36k mile warranty they are not responsible for the premature rotting of the frame. Vehicle has been driven an average of 7k miles a year, maintained properly and in mint condition. The Sequoias should be included in the frame recall from Toyota since it is the same frame and manufacturer of the tacoma and tundra models which Toyota has accepted these vehicles were manufactured with substandard frames which leads to premature rotting. I ask your agency to further investigate this frame issue which may be a serious safety violation specially for those unaware that their vehicles are about to collapse because of frame rot.

Failed components: premature frame rot I'm an owner of a 2002 Toyota Sequoia located in the northeast us. I recently learned that this vehicle will not pass state safety inspection, due to rust holes in the frame. I take very good care of this vehicle, keeping it washed especially in winter months. The body is in spotless condition with no rust. Toyota blames the heavy use of salt in the ne. This is no excuse. . . I have a 1990 minivan that is garaged along with and driven similar to my Toyota Sequoia and the minivan's frame has very little rust. Toyota needs to recall and/or repair Sequoia's as they did tacoma's and tundra's. I depend upon this vehicle for towing, but have also been instructed not to tow anything, until the frame is fixed or replaced. Your investigation and assistance with the resolution to this serious safety issue will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Frame rusting through with at least one hole fond, not thoughly checked yet.

Frame rust through, 2002 Toyota Sequoia. Frame is completely rusted through along the bottom directly below where the front left support mount is attached. The opening as a result of this rusting is large enough to put at least three fingers through. The rust through then extends back to below where the front frame cross member is attached. This was first observed november15, 2010. It is believed this is the same as the frame which is used on the Toyota tundra for which a replacement program has been in effect. This vehicle was purchased in connecticut where it was driven for its first six and one half years. The remaining time having been in ohio. We now have a questionably safe vehicle for which Toyota customer service tells us nothing can be done.

During my annual nys vehicle inspection, 11/6/2010, I was notified by the mechanic that he would be unable to pass on inspection my 2002 Toyota Sequoia due to a sizable hole rusted through the frame. Based on my review of information on the internet, this is not an unknown issue with the Sequoia. The Sequoia and the tundra are built on the same frame and Toyota is replacing frames on Toyota tundra pickup trucks that exhibit this defect. Apparently, this is an acknowledged defect in the Toyota tundra, based on a recall notice dated may, 2010 for the tundra for years 2000 to 2003. However, I don't find anything pertaining to the 2002 Toyota Sequoia, which is the vehicle in question, although it is built on the same frame as the Toyota tundra, which should be similarly treated. As an additional fact, this Sequoia issue has been taken up by tv stations in boston, and the massachusetts attorney general has also been involved in resolution of a Sequoia complaint. This is not an isolated defect for the Sequoia and is apparently a significant issue for Toyota.

Toyota vehicle frame seriously rusting through. Identical to problems with Toyota tundra. Dealer and Toyota claim they do not have a program to cure the frame problem on Sequoia's even though they have the same frame as the tundra.

2002 Toyota Sequoia undercarriage rust. Purchased the car new. About five years ago complained to dealer when serviced. Dealer did nothing about it. Told me nothing wrong with car. As of today their is major rust on frame and components under the car. Truck is built in same factory as tundra which has been recalled for major rust problem. Both cars share basic components.

Significant rust on frame and underbody of 2002 Toyota Sequoia has been in evidence during the last 3-4 years. Rust is spreading to body panels as well. Mechanic comments regularly about unusual amount of rust.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the majority of the frame was rusted at points where the frame was bolted to the vehicle. There was also rust on the rear differential and the front steering rack and pinion. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 155,000.