My family car is currently a 2004 toyota sequoia with 161,000 miles. Recently I brought it to the local dealership where I was informed the frame was rotted significantly and may be hazardous to drive. I then called toyota customer service and was informed that my particular model is not included in their very large and expensive defective frame recall.the local dealership concluded that the frame is indeed defective, but until toyota motor corp. Admits there is a problem, I will be forced to use a potentially unsafe vehicle as we aren't able to afford a replacement at this time. Thank you for your consideration.
2004 Toyota Sequoia body complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 77, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Toyota sequoia 2004 frame degradation to point of unsafe. Front-passenger side frame where stabilizer bar is welded to frame has rusted through, leaving a large hole and disconnecting the stabilizer bar from the frame. Known issues by toyota. As frames were inspected by service centers. Frame "passed". Issues was noticed during normal inspection - vehicle operated within originating intent and purpose. Normal driving. Toyota service center suggests a $12,000 frame replacement to fix problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. While jacking up the vehicle to change the rear driver's side tire, the jack went through the frame and created a visible hole and crack. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted. The frame was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,800.
I bought this vehicle new and have maintained it in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Additionally, this particular vehicle is garage kept so it is not subject to weather routinely. The rear lift gate latching mechanism has failed on my vehicle 4 times. This is a very common problem with toyota sequoia vehicles. Both of my local dealers state it is a very common problem. This time the cable just "snapped". It failed while I was at a gas station and needed to open the hatch. It has been repaired/replaced twice in the last few years, but continues to fail. A simple search on google will show tens of thousands of these vehicles with the same problem. It is a safety problem because it fails without notice and when it does it eliminates a means of egress from the vehicle in the case of an accident. Toyota motor sales has in the last few years been in the media multiple times for "not doing the right thing" when their vehicles have design flaws. This is just one more case. The following website documents many owners problem with the same problem of the lift gate latch failing. Http://problemtoyota.com/tag/latches-locks-linkages/page/6/ this is not an item that should fail as often as it does. Simple failures of bearings, brakes... Can be expected but this is a design flaw and it is dangerous. Toyota should issue a recall and fix this item.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed state inspection. The contact was informed that there was severe corrosion to the subframe of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and should not be driven. The contact also stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,561.
Frame is rusting underneayh to the point where I have had to repair the vehicle control arm which rusted off and broke while driving. My tow hitch mount has rusted off. There are more than 5 spots along the frame where rust has perforated and the frame has visible signs of rot. I had a licensed garage inspect the frame and was told the vehicle is dangerous and that the frame should be replaced. I am having continuous problems with the suspension components rusting out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the technician stated that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was unsafe to be driven and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v013000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 138,000.
Totally rusted frame. Unsafe to drive. Never received a notice to replace a frame. Campaign ended on july 2014 . Now I stuck with unsafe vehicle which still has over 100,000 miles to drive. There suppose to be another action to replace the frame.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be inspected due to excessive rust on the frame. The contact called a local dealer who referred him to the manufacturer, but was not provided any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v285000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 149,525. Parts distribution disconnect.
The frame on our 2004 sequoia has failed its inspection due to being very rusty and having multiple perforations. We have been informed that it is no longer safe to drive until repair or replacement of the frame or portions of the frame has been completed. I spoke with multiple people with toyota warranty claims, they have refused to assist us with getting a new frame. They claim their limited service campaign on the frame has ended and they are not able to assist at this time. They said their managers do not accept phone calls. So I have a decade old sequoia which is unsafe to drive. Shame on toyota!
Took my 2004 toyota sequoia for service at ira toyota of danvers massachusetts on 9/13/2012. Was notified that a recall regarding frame rust was also available and the frame needed to be inspected. Never received a letter in the mail and they informed me in person while at service that they will coat the frame in crc compound. Never even said if it was bad enough (which the photos show) that they will replace the frame. They did replace the spare tire carrier due to rust. A few years prior to 2012, payed 950$ at a local body shop to have the vehicle coated in an anti rust protection, still did not help. Have had a huge issue with rust development since buying the car brand new from ira toyota of danvers in 2004. Since the crc was done, it has chipped away, rust is still very prevalent on frame/all over the vehicle. Have lost my front skid plate while traveling due to rust, exhaust, catalytic converter, multiple o2 sensors, heat shield, backing plate, front caliper, rear gate hinges, etc. Opened up a complaint with toyota corporate. Said that they can do nothing and the crc isn't necessarily going to solve the problem, all other issues must be dealt with directly by the owner. Extremely unhappy and feel very unsafe in vehicle.
Frame rust makes the vehicle unsafe in less than two years. Dealership says limited service campaign c0d expired. Record of vehicle shows no inspection of vehicle throughout numerous service visits to dealerships between 2004 and now. Dealership could not tell me timeframe of campaign.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. While undergoing an annual safety inspection, it was discovered that the vehicle's frame was rusted out. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Hello I purchased a 2004 toyota sequoia through a private sale on 4/1/15. We brought the car home and took it to our local mechanic to have a new exhaust system put in. At that time we where told that the vehicle has extensive frame rust and holes and we should take it to a toyota dealer. After bringing the car to the dealer, we where told that the vehicle has frame rust and holes from front to rear and the vehicle will not pass state inspection. I call corporate toyota and was told that they cannot do anything about this since the campaign to replace/fix the frames expired 7/31/2014. So basically we have a 2004 toyota sequoia that is a no good and toyota is not going to take care of their faulty frame.
After getting off the highway and parking, I found it hard to move steering wheel and the car began making loud noise. When our mechanic looked at it, he said the entire frame had rusted, including the part that holds the power steering fluid, causing the power steering fluid to fall out, and creating the steering problems. He determined the vehicle was unsafe to drive and recommended I called toyota dealerships to see if they would replace the frame as part of toyota's frame replacement program. I tried calling 2 toyota dealerships (including the one from which I purchased the vehicle) and both said they're not running that program anymore and there's nothing they can do. I then called toyota customer service, filed my case and requesting that frame be replaced due to the extreme rust and the problems it was causing with under 75,000 mi on it. They simply said there is nothing they can do. I am now without the vehicle, which I use for my business, and purchased just a year and a half ago. When we purchased the vehicle, we were not told there had been a recall or possible problem with rust.
While having 4 new tires put on my vehicle, the mechanic told me about severe corrosion on the frame of my car. He said it was so bad it is starting to buckle. He mentioned that it was a recall and that I should contact toyota. Toyota tells me I have no recourse as recall ended 6 months ago. I never received info on the recall and do believe that a defectively made frame should be rectified by the company, not the consumer. I am the mother of 4 children and am constantly driving carpools around town.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact heard about an air bag recall that potently affected his vehicle. The contact brought the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that that recall was not affected by the air bag recall; however, it was included in an in-house recall (c0d) resistant compound to the vehicle's frame. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined that the entire frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The recall numbers were unavailable. The failure mileage was 175,000.
The drivers side rear sliding door stuck in the open position due to the electrical system. There was no way to close the door once opened. The wife had to drive to dealership with door stuck wide open in the dark. This was not safe for various reasons... I read where other vehicles had the same problems but do not see a recall yet by toyota. We will have the dealer break the cable and render the doors electrical system useless for that door. This really causes issues for a person with a disability and a special needs child. Hopefully toyota will step up and recall these vehicles and correct this problem.
*filed with attorney general of new york* recall was issued on the 2004 sequoia due to corrosion. On july 25, 2013 we brought our car to the dealership to apply a protective coat and waited a week for the car to be returned to us. We had to return the vehicle, september, 2014, to the dealer with the same problem, the spray was flaking off exposing the rust underneath. The vehicle was sprayed for the second time in one day and that time we were told the vehicle's rear axle trailing arm mount was almost separated from the rear axle housing due to the corrosion and it was recommended to replace the axle. At that time we asked if this could have been to the recall of the corrosion, flat out we were told no. We then proceed to take the vehicle to our personal mechanic for second opinion, october 27, 2014, and he confirmed the axle is damage and the frame of the vehicle is in such poor condition that it must be first addressed before replacing the axle; he also mentioned to us this is the second sequoia that he had seen with the same issue, along he told us the second spraying was done incorrectly, it was not cleaned out they just sprayed over the flaking protective coat and the rust. Our mechanic said the vehicle should not be used because it is not safe and he is willing to sign an affidavit if necessary.
The dash board right above the air bag panel appears to be melting. There is a sticky substance like glue all over it. All attempts to clean it have failed. It looks like the dash panel is just melting. Any thing that touches it sticks to it like glue to include skin and hair.
The handle breaks. This will be the third time replacing the plastic handle.
Received notification from toyota that my sequoia was being recalled for frame corrosion. Obviously this could cause safety concerns in the future. They stated that the last for remedy was july 31,2014. I brought the sequoia to my local dealer (miracle toyota, haines city florida). The dealer examined the vehicle and said it required remedy, but they could not perform these services because they did have the proper tools and supplies. I called the toyota corporate office shown on the recall notice and they gave me a case number 14070872160. I was called the next day by [xxx] at toyota corporate office and was told that my local dealer could not perform the service and that I would have to drive my vehicle a 1,000 miles to a dealer that could perform the service. I am 65 years old and only drive my vehicle locally- have not driven on expressways for many years, thus it is impossible for me to remedy this safety issue. My vehicle is registered in illinois but has been in florida the last two years since my son drove it down to florida from illinois to my retirement home. It is not reasonable to ask senior citizens to drive 1,000 miles to fix a safety problem created by toyota. Please help me with this situation. I am holding toyota responsible for any future safety hazards that may affect this vehicle, whish I intend to drive for many more years. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
We had a voluntary recall on our sequoia, we took it to the dealership in wilkesboro nc and they took pictures and sent the toyota and said we would be safe driving it in march of 2014. That was wrong on may 18th the sway bar ripped from the frame causing toyota to have to come get it on a roll back and I have been stuck in a small car with three kids 13, 8, & 3 since that date. I personally do not feel safe in the car either as of course they sent me in it. I would like for toyota to send out a apology to others as well as myself for sending vehicles out with a frame that wouldn't last. My sequoia is in great condition other than the frame with 116,500 miles on it. I have dealt with corporate as if my husband who was with me wouldn't have been it could have caused a major incident as I am on the road constantly and on interstates. I have lost two children due to stillbirths and I don't fill like toyota cares about it's customers and their lives.
In january 2013, we received a recall notice from toyota on our 2004 toyota sequoia as toyota was concerned about the vehicles frames rusting prematurely. Toyota-trained technicians at dealer assessed our frame and determined it was not rusting and, accordingly, we did not need a new frame. Instead, the technicians sanded the frame and applied a coating to the frame that was designed to increase the longevity of the frame by preventing rust. We had no choice in the matter. We did not choose to accept the coating in lieu of a new frame, the coating was the only option we were offered. Recently, we noticed rust on the car and returned to dealer. Dealer looked at the car and determined that the frame had completely rusted through and the car was unsafe to drive. Up until that date my family was driving the car on a regular basis having no idea it was unsafe. This is a mere 15 months after toyota technicians assessed the frame and concluded the frame was safe. I called toyota and have been stonewalled. Their position is that the recall was satisfied when they applied the coating and matter is closed. A mistake had to have been made because a frame that is safe, rust free, and coated with something to increase longevity and prevent rust has to last longer than 15 months. Dealer either erred in its initial assessment in 2013 (meaning frame was in fact rusted and should have been replaced) or erred in applying the anti-rusting coating. Bottom line is that toyota should have replaced the frames on all of their vehicles. This process of coating the frame obviously does not work and there are likely many u.s. Citizens driving sequoias that are coated but unsafe like mine. Toyota is knowingly allowing people to drive unsafe cars and must be stopped. My toyota case number is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact stated while having the vehicle serviced at a dealer, the technician noticed excessive rust on the frame and suspension. The technician also stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was included in a manufacturer's recall but the dealer was charging for parts because there was a possibility that the part could have fractured during the remedy repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 132,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that the rear trunk exterior latch failed, making the door inoperable. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who stated that the latch would need to be replaced. The manufacture was made aware of the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
The liftgate handle broke and was replaced with an original equipment plastic part. According to other's complaints, I expect it to happen again very soon. Then the handle stopped opening the liftgate altogether. I finally got the gate open and replaced the pull cable but it did no good. Once while driving, the gate opened by itself and lifted up when I went over a small bump. I can't get the gate open in case of an emergency or to access the spare tire and sometimes it opens by itself. Certainly this is a major safety issue that toyota should address.
Rear door will not open at all. Rear window also will not work. I find this a safety issue as someone could be trapped inside if there was a crash. Also can not access spare tire. Toyota should recall this ay their expense. There are way too many complaints on this issue even after people have paid for repairs, it breaks again. Safety comes first.
I received a "limited service campaign" notice regarding corrosion-resistant compound application to be applied to my 2004 toyota sequoia. I brought the vehicle in to the dealer and was given a loaner car for the 4 days they had my vehicle, which I was thankful for. They said my sequoia's frame was not rusted through and applied a very sticky, messy , shiny tar-like substance that now 6 days later is still not dry. Toyota dealer also told me I needed about $5000 in repairs (which I brought to my local mechanic and fixed for $380), but that's not why I am writing. I am very concerned for my familys safety in this vehicle after reading hundreds of complaints on the sequoia on the many toyota forum websites available. I also have the same problems that are discussed in the forums including excessive rust inside the tailgate causing the tailgate window to not operate and also rust so bad we can't even use the hitch on our vehicle which was the main reason we purchased the vehicle to begin with. It is a complete rust bucket.
I was making maintenance for my vehicle and while under the car I spotted the frame is covered by excessive rust mostly on joint areas. I have read toyota forums today and found that the problem with the frame corrosion is not only mine. Also, I have contacted toyota dealership today and they said they are not aware of any recalls regarding this issue. Toyota must take an action to make those sequoias more saved to drive. At least, I am expecting them to issue a recall and cover the frame with anti-rust materials.
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