Tailgate Problems of Toyota Sequoia

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.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

The rear hatch has a rust spot next to the latch that is rusted thru and breaking chunks of metal from around it. The latch mechanism may split from the rear door aseembly and fail to remain closed and open unexpectedly on the highway allowing all contents to fly out of the vehicle. Source of problem may be improper welds allowing water to get inside the tailgate frame.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

The rear latch would not work during a camping trip in a remote area. The rear seats had been removed as per the owners manual prior to the trip. The rear portion of the vehicle was full of camping gear, food, water, and our first aide kit . I sprained my hand and back while first attempting repeated times to open the tailgate and then having to resort to lifting heavy equipment through the back window and also over the passenger seats. We took the vehicle to a Toyota dealer at out first opportunity. We were told that Toyota was aware of the problem which was described to my wife and I as weak engineering and a plastic part also know to fail. We were told that the failure could have been raised by driving the vehicle on dusty roads, because the latch was not protected from dust and it was poorly designed and was likely to fail if it got dirty. We learned from this dealer that we had already had the latch replaced a year prior. We were told that Toyota would no longer stand behind repairs to this vehicles tailgate latch because the problem was chronic and the replacement parts have not been improve to prevent expected failures. The dealer replaced, cleaned and lubricate the latch parts and then attempted to protect them using a surplus plastic bag. I am concerned that when the latch fails again it may be during an emergency, or cause another injury, or entrapment. . .

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

Pushed switch for power rear tailgate window, window assembly broke and window fell down into door. Upon examination, all components - regulator assembly and all connecting parts were severely corroded which led to failure. Less than 12 months later, rear tailgate outside handle broke; again under examination the entire interior latch assembly was severely corroded which caused failure. This in my opinion is a design or assembly defect. Water is not supposed to be leaking into the interior of the tailgate. From the extent of corrosion, this condition had been occurring for many years - most likely in my opinion immediately from the time that we acquired the vehicle new. The failure, while caused from a defect from the beginning of vehicle life, manifested itself after the vehicle warranty period and Toyota is refusing to address. From some online research, I have found this to be a common problem.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

The rear latch of the vehicle rotted out and the tailgate opened while on the highway, also the two front door handles cracked on the inside at separate times not allowing you to get out of the vehicle from the inside. The new handles and latch were replaced.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

Rust in the rear frame and tailgate area is rendering my vehicle unusable and unsafe to drive. The tailgate drain holes quickly clogged with environmental debris resulting in excess moisture in the tailgate and caused all internal parts to rust to the point that the tailgate latch cable/handle has broken twice and the rear window is not functional. Recently I realized that underneath the original frame paint, my frame has severe rust. Also very concerning, I recently realized that holes manufactured into the rear of the frame are allowing sand to accumulate in the frame. The sand is holding moisture and I have not found a way to get it out of the frame. My rear cross member and spare tire carrier are also seriously rusted. Most concerning is that I pull a landscape trailer and my vehicle has serious rust on the trailer hitch and the frame area where the hitch connects to the vehicle. When I took my vehicle to the local Toyota dealership years ago, they told me that there was nothing they could do as my rust issues were a result of the area in which I live. I paid nearly $40,000 for this vehicle new in 2002 and have cared for it very well. It is deplorable that the poor design of the frame and tailgate will render this vehicle to the scrap yard well before its time. . . If it doesn't kill someone first.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.