Suspension Problems of Toyota Sequoia - part 1

I am submitting this complaint to raise serious safety concerns regarding the towing capabilities of the 2024 Toyota Sequoia. Despite its advertised towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds, this vehicle is dangerously unstable when towing even modest travel trailers—particularly single axle models weighing around 4,500 pounds. During a recent vacation, I towed a properly loaded single axle travel trailer using my 2024 Sequoia. The trailer was equipped with: a weight distribution hitch anti-sway bars balanced tongue weight and cargo distribution despite these precautions, the Sequoia was thrown around on the highway, requiring constant correction and resulting in a white-knuckle driving experience. My vacation was ruined, and my safety was put at risk. The trailer now sits unused in my driveway because I cannot safely tow it with this vehicle. The instability appears to stem from the Sequoia’s: short wheelbase, which reduces towing control soft suspension, tuned for comfort rather than trailer handling hybrid drivetrain weight distribution, which may compromise rear-end stability these design choices make the Sequoia unsuitable for towing travel trailers, even well below its rated capacity. Rv dealerships, including camping world, routinely sell trailers to Sequoia owners based solely on the published tow rating. There is no warning or advisory provided about the vehicle’s real-world towing limitations. This practice is misleading and dangerous. I urge Toyota and the NHTSA to take the following steps: issue a technical service bulletin (TSB) or formal advisory warning owners about towing instability with the Sequoia. Educate RV dealerships about the limitations of SUV towing dynamics, especially with single axle travel trailers. Investigate owner complaints and consider a broader safety review of the Sequoia’s towing performance. There are multiple online reports and forums where Sequoia owners share similar experiences. This is not an isolated incident—it is a sys.

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This Toyota has several large rust holes directly on the frame. I hit a pot hole and more structure damage was revealed on the frame from rust. The truck drives rough now. The vehicle only has 150,000 miles. The rust holes are so severe that they're directly under my suspension. I feel very unsafe driving this vehicle. Their was once a recall for the frame. It doesn't seem that it was satisfied. I'm very worried about this issue. Toyota should have to replace frame or make it safe to drive.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

Toyota advertises the vehicle mpg is between 19-22. I am only getting 12 mpg. My low gas fuel light comes on at 10 miles to empty. Engine makes a horrible noise after the vehicle has been driven for 10 to 20 minutes. It sounds like a rattling/old clunker vehicle sound. It sounds like the transmission or engine is going to blow up. Vehicle wobbles when driven over 75 miles per hour. It feels like it is swaying in the rear. I have reported these issues to Toyota on 5 occasions. The first 2 attempts, Toyota told me, could not duplicate/no recommendations at this time. A TSB was issued to fix the rattling sound, took the vehicle in a 3rd time and was told it fixed the rattling. It did not, took the vehicle in a fourth time and was told no recommendations at this time. Took it to another Toyota dealership, and they told me no recommendations at this time. I have had 3 certified mechanics not from Toyota listen to the sound and they have advised me that it is not normal. The mechanics said in order to pinpoint where the sound is coming from, the engine needs to be removed and inspected. But they believe it is an issue with the engine/transmission.

2007 Toyota Sequoia frame completely deteriorated and rusted through. I discovered this when brining my vehicle in for the Toyota airbag recall when the technician brought this safety issue to my attention. Previous driving had been extremely unstable and buckled when I was on the highway. Since discovering the frame issue, I stopped driving the vehicle. I believe this is a safety issue caused by a defective frame that Toyota is aware of and had issue a past recall for. The Toyota dealer has made a video of the deteriorated frame and has commented that the vehicle is a safety issue.

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Front strut is failing, but dealer cannot replace strut due to lack of inventory and they say a failure in the strut is only if it is leaking. Strut makes grinding/rumbling noise.

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My 2019 Toyota Sequoia platinum with air suspension is leaning to the left. The driver rear measured from the center of the tire hub to the bottom of the fender is 1and 1/8 inch lower than the passenger rear. There was a similar Toyota t-sb-0179-17 with a similar issue that was issued for 2013-2016 Toyota Sequoia platinum vehicles with air suspension. Please look into this and potentially extend the previous TSB or issue a new one to solve this issue. Thank you.

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My wife pulled out of a parking lot and there was a loud noise and the vehicle began to shudder violently. Approximate speed was 10 mikes an hour and she was able to stop. The drivers side rear suspension airbag had broken through the lower control arm, and was under the rear driver side tire. It appears some frame members are cracked as well. Had this happened at highway speeds, it may have resulted in a catastrophic accident. Writer contacted Toyota, as I do not recall being notified of their zh9 frame replacement program that resulted from a class action settlement, and the rear of the frame is horribly rusted. Vehicle probably would have qualified at that time to be fixed, but am now out of the window. Manufacturers should be made to notify via certified mail, so they know their customers received notifications like this.

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To whom it may concern, I recently purchased a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. I brought the truck to a local shop for a (overall assessment of the vehicle) since I just purchased it. The shop owner ( I have their name address if needed). The chassis is rusty and has holes sue to rust. If someone can get back to me it’s much appreciated.

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Front end in rolled shacking. Tires wearing extremely fast and uneven image. Unable to drive.

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Frame is rotting out.

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Car is not recalled yet the same model year is recalled from 2007, this problem effects my car as well as cars made earlier in the year. The suspension is unstable and joints are worn in many places ball joints and other steering effecting joints. The car makes sudden side movements like the wheel is about to fall off or the tire fell off the time but the tires are properly inflated. Repair estimated are atleast $600 possibly $1200 as it is worn in 2 places the problem is on the passenger side front. The car has 114000 miles. There is no recall on this car but other Sequoias made the same year are recalled this is pretty obvious the problem was in the design and not the date of manufacture.

Frame deterioration has rendered the rear torque arm incapable resulting in dynamic misalignment of the rear axle. Under acceleration the vehicle veers into oncoming traffic and under deceleration it veers towards the road ditch as the axle shifts about beneath the vehicle.

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Rack and pinion rusted out and had to be replaced. It cracked in the middle of the highway and left me inching to safety. Never fully recovered 186k, frame is fully rusted and will not pass inspection due to faulty oxygen sensors and excessive rust and corrosion. Will need to replace exhaust to input a new sensor at 4k vechicle is fully operable and functional but cannot pass inspection without the safety of rust treatment or replacement it’s a great vechicle but unfortunate that the 2002 series is left out of the recall . There are a lot of early generations that have these issues and although the trucks are reliable and have a long life , are undriveable because they can’t pass inspection. Please consider extended the rust recall to 2001-2003 Sequoias. This was my grandfathers truck and really would like to keep his memory in the family and drive my grandfathers truck as it still runs perfectly but has on going issues with rust and frame issues . There was an extended warranty for 2002 Sequoias that expired in 2014. This is a point where most sequioas weren’t experiencing this issue. Dealership or recall will not honor and denied any claim for rust it is unfortunate because I am now disabled and love my Sequoia so much and was hoping to drive to appointments and gain my health back. It has become more than I am able to afford to fix an entire frame of the vehicle. It’s evident that early generations all that his issue but has not been honored for repair. I’ve repaired things over the years with hopes to pass inspection and now have insight as to what the real issue is. The excessive rust and damage to the frame.

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, he noticed that the rear wheels were extended outward. The contact looked under his vehicle and noticed that the rear subframe and suspension were extremely rusted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, there was no diagnostic test performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.

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I tried to make apointments to local dealers they set up appointments and than don’t do nothing about it they said the don’t have any certified tech to do the job so I left with this mess not knowing when my ride is going to give. Out on me I got about 319000 miles Toyota should be proud and thank me for keeping my ride up to date I do my part to have it running good but they not doing there part to help me with these recalls please help me out.

Lower ball joint on drivers side sheared off.

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On parkway 50 to 55 mph driver side ball joint broke. Truck could of flipped or hit another vehicle. Could of caused damage to my body or death. No warning of impending breakage. I do have pics of broken balljoint and it did cause damage to driverside fender. Frame is rusting. Worried about frame unsafe could brake at any time. Toyota refuses to check and replace.

My cars suspension (driver side shock) has been making creaking, grinding, and/or knocking noise when traversing over mild bumps or road defects at slow speeds. The sound can be replicate by bouncing the car up and down. I am concerned my suspension components will fail under prematurely or under extreme stress. Noted, I brought my car to Toyota for inspection on 2/11/22 and they were not able to replicate the sound. Subsequently I found this related TSB: https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2020/mc-10181779-9999. Pdf. Additionally noted, I have a trd pro model with a similar setup as far as suspension. I believe the known defect in the 2019-2020 trd pros (4runners) applies here. Lastly, there is such a small population or trd pro Sequoias (only manufactured for 3 years 2020-2022) I’m concerned it’s not enough to create demand for a TSB.

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The frame of the vehicle has severe rust and now has holes in the frame, making it unsafe to drive and possibly causing an accident. Meticulous care has been taken of this vehicle and it is never taken off road or abused. I’ve had several other vehicles and have never had this frame rust safety issue.

Hello, I am writing to you to have an investigation started on 2003 Toyota Sequoia, I own one and there has been concerns with the frame of the vehicle rotting out, there was warranty enhancement program sent out in united states to cover frames of 2001 to 2004 Toyota Sequoias which replaced severely rusted out frames at the dealership. I use this vehicle for my family and I do not want to endanger the lives of them and the people around the community where the frame may break due to rust and cause a severe accident. Please take a look at the details below and get back to me. Subject: limited service campaign (lsc) csd certain 2001 through 2004 model year Sequoia vehicles frame inspection I am located in canada would like nhsta to investigate and see if this program can be administered to vehicles in canada since I have severe rotting of the frame and I have had to have it welded many times to not compromise the safety of the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the vsc off, and the vsc traction and brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road before deciding to continue to drive. The contact stated while driving to his residence, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the rear driver suspension link was detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 298,000.

The latch hook/truck door release has a defect. It has been replaced 3 times after purchase of my vehicle , by the following Toyota dealerships (tejas Toyota in humble texas (2x); maund Toyota in austin, TX (1x). Each dealership service said it was/is manufacture defect with the latch hook and it stops “un latching when the vehicle the button is pressed to unlock and the handle can not open the hatchback” this time I was traveling out of state with my pet in the kennel and when we stopped for restroom break the latch would not open to retrieve the pet to let out the kennel. We were traveling with a vehicle full of items, which the entire inside of the vehicle had to be emptied I ordered to let all the seats down and try to maneuver to try to get my dog out of kennel I. Such a small confined space that was hard to open because it was in the side. It took over and hour to cut the cage at the top to retrieve my pet. The sad part is there was no warning because we were traveling a 13 hour trip, stopping every couple hours for breaks and stretches, and the couple hours before we open the hatchback just fine. This is more than a safety concern for the animal. This is also the ares for retrieving the spare tire underneath the vehicle when the spare has to be released. I have replaced the part 3 times and I am charged $600 cost for parts and labor, when Toyota is aware of the defect. I just had the part replaced 19 months ago and Toyota only gives a 12 warranty on the part. This is ludicrous when the manufacture is aware of the ongoing problem. I have purchased 4 prior Toyota’s and never had had this type of problem. My second safety issue is the case gage drops below the empty gage and stays there even though there is gas in the vehicle. The dealership said there was a recall years ago but I never received any notice. Please advise.

My front end sounds weird and when I turn my trac lights come on and it tries to turn off but never does I was told my fuel pump was bad I paid 650 for it to be fixed was the issue I believe it is a recall on similar vehicles.

The left rear frame broke away from rear sway bar. I was just leaving my house when I heard a thunk. I noticed the problem when I turned onto the faster road as I accelerated the whole backend moved right, pushing the front end left (into oncoming traffic). Letting up on the accelerator cased the reverse to happen, the back end swung left and the front turned right. So, glad it happened slower streets and not the highway. There was a limited service recall on this model to coat with a rust proofing paint and we had the service done in 2012. This failure would have probably killed someone if it had happened on the freeway or cloverleaf. These vehicles should be either repaired by Toyota or off the road.

Unknown.

Recently I took the vehicle in to investigate a clunking noise. I was informed by the shop that the frame had completely rusted through, causing the rear stabilizer arm to become detached. I also had a front stabilizer link fail twice in a year, presumably from the frame excessively flexing. Upon further investigation, I came to learn that Toyota is quite aware of this very issue, they’ve issued recalls where insufficient measures may have been taken to temporarily stop the rusting, and that many many other Sequoia owners have the same exact problems that I’m having, and Toyota refuses to take responsibility for this premature failure and provide some sort of relief. Given the frequency and number of complaints, I’m kind of shocked that NHTSA hasn’t banned these vehicles from the roadways. Seems like a serious accident waiting to happen. It’s not like the facts are in question in this case. There must be hundreds or thousands of examples. If you do a web search for “2001-2004 Toyota Sequoia rust corrosion on frame” you’ll find a bunch of examples, as well as accounts of Toyota’s numerous refusals to stand behind their mistakes. I still have the vehicle, and would gladly help you with any investigation. I did have part of the frame welded just so I could limp it back home to WI. I towed it on a trailer. It runs great, and is in very good condition, which is why this is all such a shame.

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Very bad resty frame and keep fixing shocks because the frame is bad on my Toyota Sequoia 2001 cause problem with brakes and shocks.

The vehicle was raised to perform an oil change, and the technician noticed the frame had holes in it from rust. He explained that the entire body and suspension was connected to this, and if a component came loose the vehicle could crash. Toyota was notified about the issue, but did not take action.

I have a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. The vehicle has been well taken care of with numerous receipts to prove it. Upon further inspection of the vehicle, I have observed a �rot� hole in the rear part of the frame. The whole in the frame is approximately the size of a dollar bill and spreading. There are other parts of the frame that will need attention in the future. Toyota has recalled Sequoia model years 2005 and up and have neglected to include the 2004. It is apparent that the 2004 Sequoia is subject to the same faulty frame manufacturing as other models/ years of numerous Toyota�s. My vehicle has approximately 137,600 miles on it. I have maintained vehicles from from the 90s that have better frame construction than my Toyota. I believe that the frame on my 2004 Sequoia will need frame patches in the future as well as many other metal components connected to the frame replaced.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while having a tire replaced on the vehicle, the technician noticed that the driver's and passenger's side underneath the vehicle was extremely corroded. The technician deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. No dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.

Took 2004 Sequoia to kings Toyota for the airbag recall as well as diagnostic eval of vsc abs lights issue. Received a phone call that the tech could not determine the electrical problem unless we paid an additional $360 for more time to diagnose and that the frame was rusted through with large holes. Wondered if we wanted to pursue the electrical issue with the larger safety issue with the frame. Original issue occurred with lights coming on (had happened several times previously) followed by the power windows ceasing to work, several hours later the wipers and window seemed sluggish and the car lost all power. Had to jump the car several times to get off the road and then when jumping no longer worked, we had to push the vehicle into a church parking lot. After being told by mr. Howard that they don't see vehicles come into service with large holes in the frame, I researched online and found that 10s of thousands of Toyota trucks, including 05-08 Sequoias, have been recalled - crc applied and frames replaced as well as Toyota buying back 95-00 trucks with rusted frames for 1. 5 times the blue book value. 04 Sequoias mentioned more than 300 times for the vsc, tailgate and rusted frame issues that are prevalent in this model - my vehicle has all 3. Spoke with colin, the service manager, who reiterated what I found online. Toyota will do nothing since the recall is closed and did not include the 04 models.

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.

Toyota rust issue on my 2001 Toyota Sequoia v8 sr5. Used to transport friends and family and children, but no longer safe due to excessive rust and inability to control the vehicle when slowing at higher speeds. Vehicle veers to right and left uncontrollably. Today, I almost sideswiped another vehicle on the highway. I was going around 60 mph and slowed to exit and almost lost control of my vehicle and ended up in a ditch. I took it to a mechanic and was told the vehicle is unsafe to lift due to excessive rust. Recommended to have the frame replaced, but that's well beyond the cost I'm willing to pay. Research tells me that this is a consistent problem for these vehicles and Toyota should do something about it -- if not pay to have new frames done or reimburse people for the many who have these issues. This vehicle has only 154,000 miles and is otherwise in immaculate shape and condition due to proper maintenance. This problem should be resolved quickly by Toyota. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle for the reasons I've mentioned. Excessive rust and inability to control a vehicle is not something I should have to deal with on a vehicle that has low miles for the make/model, and has been meticulously maintained. Please expedite so I can recover financially from this or have a vehicle that I can feel safe using again with my friends and family.

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.

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.