Frame rot and hole/perforation through frame found while inspecting the 2001 sequoia for the "limited service campaign c0d (specific 20 cold climate states only) - corrosion-resistant compound application to the vehicle's frame". Dealer informed me that toyota would replace the frame for free but that I would have to pay $6,000 to replace suspension, brake lines and exhaust components removed in the process. Dealer stated that they would not reuse the components removed as part of the frame replacement. These components are functioning today and do not need to be replaced. The only reason the dealer gave for the additional cost is that they would not re-install the existing parts. Sounds like a bait and switch scam. Toyota offers to inspect the car and perform a no-cost recall to fix a serious manufacturers defect for $6,000. There is no way to perform the recall without incurring the additional costs.
2001 Toyota Sequoia body complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 102, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that he received notification of a manufacturer's recall in regard to frame rust. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the technician confirmed that the frame was indeed rusted. In addition to the frame rust, the shocks, exhaust and the power steering lines were also found to be rusted. The dealer would only replace the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that they would not provide any assistance with repairs to any component of the vehicle other than the frame. The failure and current mileages were approximately 78,500. The VIN was unavailable... Updated 02-07-13
Excessive, premature frame rot. Hole in the frame due to rust.
In the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v444000, toyota recalled model year 2000-2003 tundra vehicles due to excessive corrosion of the rear cross member that may cause the separation of the spare tire. The 2000-2003 toyota sequoia vehicles share identical frame cross member and spare tire mounting arrangements in which excessive corrosion in the rear cross member and spare tire mounting location can cause separation of the spare tire stowed under the rear cargo load floor which would result in a road hazard. This separation of the spare tire or mounting bracket could cause a crash. Also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve, resulting in diminished braking capability. Any separation of the spare tire and/or diminished braking capability could increase the risk of crash to affected vehicle and/or a road hazard to those traveling nearby.
Excessive frame rust. Frame rusted through. Will not pass inspection. I have been watching forums where many other sequoia owners are having the same issue. This apparently does not affect all sequoias. 3-4 years ago metal was coming off of the frame in huge chunks. I started asking the dealer about the issue several years ago and was hoping that there would be a recall to correct. The car is in excellent shape otherwise.
Actually, this was not an "incident". Rather it was me crawling under the truck to scrape some rust off of the frame. What I found was about a one foot long rusted "slit" in the frame. It did not look safe to me, so I took it to the toyota dealer to inspect. (cost me $25.) I was told that it was safe for now, but would soon not be safe. The toyota field specialist said there was nothing he could do. Looking online, I see countless cases of rotting frames on this year sequoia. Things I see online from other owners (using my words): "the frame is rusting from the inside out. It was made with either inferior material or bad coating. The tacoma (with the same frame) has been covered by toyota." lots of upset people out there! Not sure what to do... Don't feel right about selling it... Don't feel safe driving it too much. Please help!
Rusted frame was found by mechanic during a oil change.
Premature rusting of undercarriage frame that fails state inspection. Poses safety issues and a hazard to other drivers as catastrophic failure may occur if this is not addressed. Appears to be endemic especially in rust belt states.
Rusted frame.
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.
I own a 2001 toyota sequoia. The entire undercarriage is completely rusted out. Front to back, side to side. The rust has spread to the spare and I fear the spare could one day fall off and cause serious damage to vehicles and humans. Our sequoia was bought new with only 14 miles on it at the time. It has been mostly garaged kept and currently has less than 60,000 miles. The exterior and interior are in excellent condition. We purchased the truck in dec 2000 and we 1st noticed the rust in 2008 when a service person brought it to our attention while he was rotating our tires.
Our 2001 sequoia will not pass inspection due to excessive rust on the frame. I drive a sequoia and my husband drives a tundra. We bought both our vehicles "new" from our local toyota dealership who does most if not all of the maintenance on them. This is the first time since we've owned the sequoia that rust has become an issue?! We did some research and found that many owners of the sequoia are reporting this very same issue which is similar to a tundra recall. The recall was for frame rust due to the use of inferior metal which caused rust from the inside out and by the time it becomes visible it's too late. It is a known fact that both these vehicles are built with the same frame. The recall should apply to any of toyota's vehicles if it is the same issue. We have also filed a claim with toyota.
December 28, 2011, I brought my 2001, toyota sequoia in to be serviced for rear brakes and to get the oil changed. My certified mechanic called me at home and strongly suggested that I come in to see what he discovered while my vehicle was up on the lift. So I stopped in to take a look. He showed me extensive rust holes in the middle of the frame welds on both the passenger and driver's side. He also pointed out that the rear differential case has severe rust damage. He strongly urged me to stop driving the vehicle and stated that it is unsafe in its present condition and that he has never seen such extensive frame rust damage on a vehicle this well taken care of. The drive train, outer body, and interior are in mint condition. I also have always made it a point to power wash the salt (calcium chloride) off the under carriage after driving in the northeast after snow or ice storms, when salt is used on our roads. I contacted my local toyota dealership and they gave me the phone number to toyota headquarters. The end result was, they were sorry to hear that I had a rotted out frame and suggested that I get rid of the vehicle because there is currently no recall for the sequoias. Although, after going online at the toyota forum I found out that they're are over 300 consumers with the same type of issue with their sequoia frames in our state, so I do not stand alone. I am floored that a company like toyota, that prides itself in being committed to safety does not care and will not take ownership when they knowingly used cheap japanese steel to build these faulty frames. I currently have three young children and this is my primary vehicle. I cannot afford to throw $8 k away (kelly blue book) on this vehicle. Please help! In march 2010, toyota recalled 2001-03 tundras for significant frame rust, which is the same frame as the sequoia... Very puzzling?
Frame rust. Sequioa, and tundra share the same frame. Toyota knows about the problem but unwilling to issue a recall.
I took my vehicle in for an oil change and tire rotation and then received a call from the olathe toyota dealership indicating my vehicle was unfit to drive due to rust damage on the under-carriage. They indicated the transmission crossmembers has a 12-inch long section of rust and there are som small holes on the passenger side. The frame is weak and potentially unsafe. I understand toyota has recalled the 2000-2003 tundras and possibly tacomas for this rust damage. If I understand correctly, the sequoia is built on the same framework as the tundra so I would assume a recall on the sequoia's would be necessary as well. I would normally not consider buying a 10-year old vehicle but due to the fact it was a toyota and they are known for long-lasting vehicle lives, I had no concerns. Now it seems I may have a $13k investment that is a danger to my family and worth next to nothing based upon the rust damage and serious implications it could cause.
Local mechanic said that the frame is badly rusted near spare tire carrier and crossover beam in rear and near front bumper mount area. He said it was much more rust than should be expected in a 10-year-old vehicle. Called toyota corporate. They said there are "no current programs to address sequoia rust issues". Called local dealer. They said there are "no current programs to address sequoia rust issues". Sounds like a canned answer to me. This vehicle is of the same vintage and has the same frame setup as the recalled tundra and tacoma models. Toyota does not seem to be interested in correcting this known issue. Updated ivoq 02/08/12
The frame rusted through near the rear wheels making the car not safe to drive.
Truck has very rusty frame, specially the back portion and the middle, including the rear wheels, break section, real axel, full with the rust, even while trying to clean once but stopped due to realizing that, big pieces of metal was coming of like paper and start leaving hole in the frame, at front, around inside the wheels, frame is really rusty, and seem something is going to break anytime, its well maintain truck, always being maintain by toyota dealer, has all the record. Also having issue with manifold leaked, replaced the passenger side, paying $1200 and been told driver side need to replace too, had found on line that sequoia 2001 has problem with manifold too. Recently replaced one of the catalytic converter costing $1000 plus, which break due to rusty underneath, called toyota but no satisfactory answer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle was rotted. The contact's mechanic and the dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the frame was rotted from front to rear. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told there was nothing that could be done regarding the frame. The failure and the current mileages were 155,000. Updated 02/03/12
Badly decomposing frame since past 5 years, can poke a finger through frame rails, compromising suspension attachment points/welds. 229,000 miles, garaged 100%, 11 years old. Toyota claim filed, case 1111161824. Toyota is telling different claimants different things, told me the tundra is the only vehicle effected and that frames are being replaced. On edmunds.com/sequoia forum/ I see that toyota is replacing sequoia frames or buying vehicles above kelly bb pricing. Their representative who helped me file the above claim told me, and I quote "toyota has no current complains about this sequoia frame rot problem". That is an out and out lie. One toyota mechanic advised me to not drive my vehicle and especially not to tow anything with it, and that the tundra frame is the same as sequoia - same place of assembly too?. Effectively, toyota has made my investment in this vehicle worthless as I cannot sell it, nor will it pass inspection, despite the interior and drive train being very serviceable. A failure at speed of this frame or suspension components by unaware owners can cause catastrophic results. Toyota owns its owners 1. An alert about possible dangers 2. A consistent response, one that doesn't muddy the waters with accusations that the vehicle was subject to road salt. 3. A remedy for owners so their investment is not reduced to zero and they have alternatives for safety. I will be contacting a lawyer and the local tv station. I hope we can rely on the federal safety agency to take the following action: 1. Start a serious investigation about this safety defect; many effected vehicles are not nearly as old as mine, nor from northern states where road salt is used 2. Add a selection for frame defects in this complaint web page - currently you have just body. Thank you
Tl* 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 01/10/12
Upon inspection, my mechanic notified me of excessive rusthrough on the rear frame of my 2001 toyota sequioa. This rustthrough has perforated the rear frame and the truck can no longer be driven. The rearend may separate from the body due to this excessive corrosion. This excessive corrosion is the same as seen on toyota tundra and tacoma where these vehicles have been recalled and replaced and or repaired. This is a dangerous situation and many other sequoia owners have filed complaints here at the federal safety agency and have posted on the internet. Toyota is not helpful and will not replace the frames for sequoia owners. My sequoia's body is in great shape and runs great. Now I cannot drive it and its worthless. This is a severe safety issue, and should be recalled for safety. I could have lost my rear axle and had a serious accident, especially, if I was towing my boat.
I have owned this 2001 toyota sequoia since 2009 with 178k and the frame had rust back then. I recently had the rear tire replace and the mechanic said I should not drive it because of the excessive rust in the rear frame and bring it to a toyota dealer for a safety check. I am calling them to have them look at the rust this friday, I did see it for myself and wont drive it anymore because of my family's safety. I also noticed there is a recall of the tundra truck frames by toyota and also noticed there are many people with the same rust problems of sequoia trucks, if they are the same frame as written online why aren't they also recalled? I cant believe this is rusting this bad, its only 10 years old but its still in such great shape.
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 *not* repair or replace this frame, nor offer any assistance with vehicle that is in otherwise excellent condition, with a book values of $9000.00-$10,000.00, now made worthless and un-drivable 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 the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency 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.
2001 toyota sequoia has only 88,000 miles after ten years. Recently failed inspection due to rotted, rusted frame and rear differential casing. Mechanic was able to demonstrate frame failure by pressing finger through rusted metal. Vehicle now requires frame strength assessment to determine if it is salvageable. Vehicle has same frame as recalled toyota tundra.
After a routine oil change at my toyota dealer, I was informed that my 2001 toyota sequoia has a rust hole in the frame on the driver's side. The dealer informed me that this is not covered by the current tundra recall, but they are seeing it frequently with sequoia's and 4runners. The dealer is frustrated with toyota, who is replacing the frames on affected tundra's, but will not acknowledge the exact same problem in other vehicles. The sequoia is built upon the same frame platform as the tundra, it would stand to reason that the same problem affecting tundra pickups would also be present in sequoia suvs. The dealer recommended that I call toyota customer service to lodge a complaint, with a hope that with enough people speaking up the sequoia will be recalled. I did this immediately, and spoke with a very polite representative who said there was nothing toyota would do, as there was no recall in place. This is completely unacceptable. Toyota is well aware of this issue from their own dealers, and are jeopardizing the safety of their customers by failing to act. Please help! Updated ivoq 10/18/11
The entire undercarriage of the vehicle is heavily rusted. The rust began almost immediately after purchase and has gotten progressively worse over the years. I fear the entire undercarriage or body will fail. Toyota refuses to inspect the problem at their cost.
Extensive rust on entire under carriage and frame
Excessive frame rust/rot this was an issue with the tundra and tacoma 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 admitting 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 sequoia 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.
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