2003 Toyota Sequoia body problems

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Body, Suspension · MD

My 2003 Sequoia was in the garage for a check on the brakes. I also asked them to check the frame for any rust issues, because I had previously been concerned about it earlier. They reported to me that the car should be off the road because the rust in the frame was so severe. They said they would not put it up on the lift anymore because it could break in half. The stabilizer was barely connected at one end. There were holes completely through the frame at several places. I know from my research that Toyota issued safety recalls for 2003 Sequoia and Tundra vehicles. This an issue that Toyota should repair.

Filed Nov 14, 2023 · Body · TN

This Vehicle's frame had an extended warranty on it for excessive rust damage in the northern cities. There are holes in the frame, very close to welding points that may break at anytime while driving. And cause an accident.

Filed Sep 25, 2023 · Body · MI

I want to bring attention to the a fatal flaw designed into Toyota truck frames. I understand Toyota denied my claim and I am out of luck with the repairs on my truck. However it is morally responsible for me to bring awareness to this deadly issue. Since most owners don't know they have a problem until the frame breaks, it is worth raising awareness to save human life. This is not a cosmetic issue, its a life or death issue for the consumer. The frame on my truck is completely rusted. In 2013, a Toyota dealership did a frame inspection on my 2003 truck per the recall notice to the previous owner. Toyota had a safety recall for a two step frame replacement for 12 years. The inspection noted an excessive amount of corrosion and rust on the frame components. In 2014, another Toyota dealership decided to spray a sealer over the rust instead of replacing the frame. The sealer trapped moisture and accelerated the oxidation process. This made the problem worse and the rust spread and destroyed the metal to a point its not repairable or safe to drive. The frame of the truck is only 20 years old and was garage kept. However it was operated in a cold climate where salt is applied to the roadways. After filing a several cases with Toyota US I was told its the consumers responsibility and the case was denied. Me and the previous owner did follow the guidelines set forth by the safety frame recall. Since Toyota worked on the frame during the time of the recall they should be held responsible for any liability to human life. Now that these vehicle are starting to age we will start see fatalities on our roadways that will be directly linked to bad frame design. Crumple zones and vehicle safety systems are not effective when the structure they are built upon are defective. I have attached pictures and dealer paperwork for review.

Filed Feb 12, 2023 · Body · MN

I have a 2003 Toyota Sequoia 167k miles that has major frame rust. This is now becoming a safety issue and Toyota needs to be held accountable!

Filed Sep 30, 2022 · Body · VA

Undercarriage frame found to be badly rusted, by a AAA Driver who came to my roadside assistance following a brake failure due to rusted and leaky brake lines.

Filed Jun 30, 2022 · Body, Steering · NJ

Abnormal rust all over underside of vehicle including frame, structural components, brake lines, steering components … etc. FRAME and steering/suspension components rusting out. Rear differential rusting out. Cab mounts rusting out. Spare tire hardware rusting out. Transmission cooler lines about to burst from corrosion. Rear tow assembly rusting out. Entire underside is rotting out. Known issue which has plagued hundreds of owners, but Toyota has not recalled this model year. Extremely dangerous; one brake line has already gone out resulting in a loss of braking. Toyota applied an undercoating circa 2013 but they just sprayed over an already rusted frame and other components without proper preparation which actually accelerated the corrosion and rot. Deceptive and unethical business practices. Vehicle cost over $50,000 new in 2003 and only has just over 120,000 miles on it. This should NOT be happening. Please help. Please investigate.

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · Body, Suspension · MI

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

Filed Jul 12, 2021 · Body · 240,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle was rusted and towed to the local dealer and diagnosed that the rear differential casing and steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 240,000.Note: While driving, a loud grinding noise was heard and the vehicle was shaking. 1 pulled over and had the car towed. It was determined the rear differential casing was completely rusted and the oil leaked out. It-was also determined the Steering column was completely rusted. The vehicle was recalled in 2012, due to rust issues. The dealership stated they would do the recall work but the vehicle was in poor shape. When I contacted Toyota, they said it was a courtesy recall and will not do any further. Consumer is asking for assistance with the cost of repair due to poor workmanship.

Filed Apr 26, 2021 · Body · KY

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.

Filed Mar 11, 2021 · Body · 181,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that the frame of the vehicle had experienced rusting and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer hendrick toyota located at 9505 w 67th st, merriam, ks 66203 and the manufacturer were notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was inspected in 2013 under a manufacturers campaign regarding the failure however, no failure was found. The failure mileage was 181,000.