Frame Rust Problems of Toyota Sequoia - part 1

Toyota Sequoia owners have reported 137 problems related to frame rust (under the structure category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota Sequoia based on all problems reported for the Sequoia.

1 Frame Rust problem of the 2007 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 05/26/2021

2007 Toyota Sequoia. Consumer writes in regards to rusted frame on vehicle. The consumer stated there was a recall for the rusted frame, but was never made aware of it. The consumer was advised a notice was sent. The consumer claimed to not have received the letter. The vehicle had not been repaired the manufacturer was notified and did not offer any assistance.

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2 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 05/11/2021

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.

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3 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 04/22/2021

When taking my 2003 Sequoia to have the power steering issue I was having, I was told the frame was so rusted out is was unsafe to drive. I called Toyota customer support and was told there was nothing they could do to cover any costs involved in repairing or replacing the frame. ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly; 2 - VIN corrected, error in one position; 14 - unable to provide information for some of the characters in the VIN, based on the manufacturer submission. #vpic#.

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4 Frame Rust problem of the 2006 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 02/23/2021

The frame is very rusted.

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5 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 02/21/2021

Rusted through of frame. Completely unsafe to drive, vehicle could literally break in half. Outside of the years Toyota included in the class action lawsuit previously filed.

6 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 10/05/2020

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.

7 Frame Rust problem of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 01/01/2020

Significant frame rust in the rear left and right.

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8 Frame Rust problem of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 11/20/2019

Fuel gauge not measuring fuel properly. After a full tank, gauge indicates empty tank after few days. Speedometer not working and engine loses power for a while while the gauge goes to 100 miles on the highway and goes back to zero and restores power to the engine. The vehicle has only 145,000 miles on it. Also rust on the body frame . ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly; 14 - unable to provide information for all the characters in the VIN. #vpic#.

9 Frame Rust problem of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 11/15/2019

Frame has rust holes and the steering stabilizer mount rusted completely off. Very unsafe ! the rest of the car is in excellent condition so the severity of rust on the frame seems very out of place. This issue is extreme and not normal. Not acceptable from a manufacturer known for its quality systems. Tps six sigma embarrasment in my opinion.

10 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 08/01/2019

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.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

11 Frame Rust problem of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 05/30/2019

The bottom part of the tube frame is rusted through. When I went to lift it up to check a leaking power steering fluid line, the jack went through the bottom of the frame.

12 Frame Rust problem of the 2009 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 05/23/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that there was rust on the frame and the frame was rotted out from the driver side tire and the surrounding area. The contact noticed spots where holes may start to develop throughout the frame. The contact called Toyota of kalamazoo (5850 stadium dr, kalamazoo, mi 49009, (269) 375-1000) and was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired because the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 120,000.

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13 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 05/20/2019

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.

14 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 05/14/2019

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.

15 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 04/03/2019

Frame is rusting in half behind the front tires.

16 Frame Rust problem of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 02/07/2019

My vehicle involved in a recall in which there is excessive rust in the frame mainly in states where there is snow and uses salt in roads, michigan is one of these states where I use to live and my car is registered in, however I just relocated to CA few month ago, the dealership and Toyota acknowledge that my vehicle is affected with this recall, however Toyota refuse to do it in the state of California! but if I take my car back to michigan they will do it, its 3000 miles away and not planing to go back please help Toyota case # 1902071493.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

17 Frame Rust problem of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 12/05/2018

Toyota service said the rear sub-frame is rusting and eventually rear wheels could separate from vehicle. This was discovered while Toyota was replacing the main frame under a class action suit. The sub-frame was not included in the suit' therefore Toyota wants me to pay the entire cost of $2550.

18 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 11/03/2018

My Toyota Sequoia 4x4 limited has about 230000 miles. I was driving this vehicle down the highway and slowed down to take a turn and heard a large "thunk". I then continued to drive and later as I got up to about 60 vehicle started shaking violently. I pulled over and checked under heath and the frame had separated due to rust at the stabilizer bar for the rear passenger side frame. I was going to drive it to the dealership and upon further inspection the frame is just rust for the full rear section of the frame and has large holes due to rust. It is definitely unsafe to drive. I found out that it had extended warranty to cover this issue till 2014. I reached out to Toyota and they said there is nothing they can do. Toyota knew there was an issue. I was unable to get any help. I just purchased the vehicle in may 2018 from a private party and Toyota told me that the risk I take purchasing private party.

19 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 11/01/2018

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.

20 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 10/30/2018

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.

21 Frame Rust problem of the 2006 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 10/20/2018

Severe rust hole in rear frame over leaf springs noted by mechanic when doing alignment. I was informed that it would not pass inspection.

22 Frame Rust problem of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 10/13/2018

Rusty parts (rust extended warranty) the back window on my 2008 Toyota Sequoia fell down abruptly while traveling on the highway. The vehicle was in motion. Items flew from my back window and I was forced to slow down abruptly and prevent drivers in my rear from being in an accident. After pulling over, I had to retrieve those items on a busy roadway. I attempted to diagnose the issue by powering the window back up, but it wouldn't work. I attempted to push the window to the up position and it would not work. I had to secure my items and drive home slowly. Later that day, I conducted some research online and found out the 1st generation Sequoia was issued a recall for the same exact problem. Apparently, the issue was due to a faulty window regulator from rust. Unfortunately, I do not see any recalls for the 2nd generation models. I took my vehicle to a local mechanic and once they examined the back door, they diagnosed that the cause for the window falling down abruptly was indeed from a rusty regulator and rusty parts. I conducted more research and found out that Toyota has been infamous for installing parts that rust over time. Toyota issued an extended warranty for rust, but it doesn't state specifically what it covers. I contacted Toyota and they instructed me to take it into a Toyota dealership. I was told that the rust extended warranty recall pertains only to the undercarriage of the vehicle and not anything else. The notice is the mail did not specify the undercarriage. My rusty parts are not covered under the extended warranty for rust. It is not right that Toyota is finding a way to remove themselves from any liability with their vehicles developing rust over a quick period of time. If a recall was issued for rust on the frame, that's an indicator that Toyota uses poor quality parts.

23 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 08/24/2018

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.

24 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 07/02/2018

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.

25 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 06/05/2018

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken 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 failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. Fe.

26 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 06/01/2018

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.

27 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 04/18/2018

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.

28 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 04/04/2018

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.

29 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 03/15/2018

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.

30 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 03/07/2018

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.

31 Frame Rust problem of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 03/01/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel began to shake violently. There were no warning indicators illuminated before the failure. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home where she noticed that the frame was rusted. The dealer (elgin Toyota, 1600 w lake st, streamwood, IL 60107) informed the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had the warranty enhancement performed on the frame in 2014. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls for the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.

32 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 02/28/2018

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!!.

33 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 02/08/2018

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.

34 Frame Rust problem of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 01/01/2018

I purchased a top of the line �04 Toyota Sequoia in January of this year for almost 9k. It has less than 110k miles on it and in pristine condition. We took it to the shop in August because we thought it needed a front end alignment. Nope! this was the frame that was recalled under the tundra trucks for rusting out because the frames were not built correctly. No where in my research did the recall mention the Sequoias. The frame is rusted so badly that it isn't even safe for me to drive. I have been to kerry Toyota in florence ky, and spoke with several different people and keep being told there is nothing you Toyota can do about it because the previous owner didn't take it in when the recall was active and have the special spray coating sprayed on to the frame. This is absolutely outrageous. You had a recall on these frames and didn't include the Sequoia model name and Toyota knew these frames would become dangerous and detrimental to the life of the car. This isn't a few hundred dollar fix which we could deal with, it's 7 thousand or more dollars fix after I paid almost 9k for a car that had less than 110k miles and is otherwise in perfect condition. When we purchased the car you couldn't tell that the frame was rusted so bad because someone had sprayed undercoating all over the frame. This car and the condition it is in minus the frame should last another 200k miles or more. I have no choice but to continue to drive it, I spent all that money on it and I can not believe that with everyone we have spoken to no one wants to make this right especially because your company knew how detrimental and dangerous this frame is, and here I am driving my children around in it. It is ate up with rust so bad that it can't even be welded.

35 Frame Rust problem of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Failure Date: 12/14/2017

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.


Other Common Structure related problems of Toyota Sequoia


Safety Ratings of Sequoia Cars
Fuel Economy of Sequoia Vehicles
Sequoia Service Bulletins
Sequoia Safety Recalls
Sequoia Defect Investigations