2003 Toyota Sequoia body problems

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11757568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11554998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11546433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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!

NHTSA complaint #11506809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11487298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11471811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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

NHTSA complaint #11440777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11424411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11413903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11400298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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RUSTED THROUGH OF FRAME. COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, VEHICLE COULD LITERALLY BREAK IN HALF. OUTSIDE OF THE YEARS TOYOTA INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PREVIOUSLY FILED

NHTSA complaint #11397434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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MY 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA HAS RUST HOLES THROUGH MY FRAME TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE TO DRIVE IT AS IT'S MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN THAT I HAVE TO TAKE WITH ME. TOYOTA USA SAID THEY PERFORMED A TREATMENT TO THE GRAM IN 2012 AND THAT THEIR IS NOTHING FURTHER THEY WILL DO TO RESOLVE THIS BLATANT SAFETY ISSUE. THE FACT SO MANY SEQUOIA OWNERS ARE REPORTING THIS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY TOYOTA IS APPALLING. I HAVE SUBMITTED PICTURES OF AN AREA NEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE SWAY BAR IS BARLEY BEING HELD ON DUE TO THE RUST.

NHTSA complaint #11318858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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EVERYTHING UNDER MY TRUCK IS RUSTY. EVERYTHING IS FULL OF CORROSION, ESPECIALLY THE FRAME, AND SOME PARTS ARE STARTING TO FALL. AND THE FRAME TO BREAK, TOYOTA SHOULD BE ABLE TO REPAIR THIS IMMEDIATELY

NHTSA complaint #11311449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11242288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SEVERE RUST ON THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11218072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TWO WEEKS AGO WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH WE FOUND OUT THAT TOYOTA HAD A LIMITED FRAME REPAIR OFFER BUT WE MISSED THE DEADLINE. WE WERE NEVER TOLD BY TOYOTA OR THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE TEAM ABOUT THE RECALL OR THE DAMAGE TO OUR TRUCK. WE HAD OUR CAR SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MECHNIC THAT TOLD US ABOUT THE RUST TOLD US IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 120K MILES AND WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS.

NHTSA complaint #11217696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DAVENPORT TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 1501 E 53RD ST, DAVENPORT, IA 52807, (563) 391-4106) FOR A NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM THE CHASSIS WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS BADLY CORRODED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THREE HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRAME FRACTURED AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE SLOWLY TO HIS RESIDENCE. ONCE THE CONTACT ARRIVED HOME AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED THROUGH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO COATING ON THE FRAME, WHICH CAUSED THE METAL TO CORRODE BADLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DAVENPORT TOYOTA WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED THROUGH AND THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

NHTSA complaint #11217832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION WITH AT LEAST THREE SPOTS ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME NEAR THE WELDS. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FRAME WOULD FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY FRAME RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

NHTSA complaint #11217870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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THE TRUNK LATCH/HANDLE/LOCK. I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED 3 TIMES BY A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THERE'S IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND THERE'S NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THE LAST TIME THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP I. AUSTIN TEXAS REPLACES IT I HAD A 12 MONTH WARRANTY. IN EXACTLY 14 MONTHS THE SAME THING OCCURRED AGAIN! THIS IS RIDICULOUS TO SAY THE LEAST AND I AM TIRED OF PAYING 600 (PARTS/LABOR) TO REPAIR, WHEN TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM! NOTE: WHEN THE HANDLE BREAKS THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE SPARE TIRE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO LIFE THE TRUNK TO ACCESS THE SPARE TIME. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TWICE SCORN TIRE ISSUES BECAUSE THE SPARE COULD NOT BE ACCESSED. THE LAST OCCURRENCE I WAS STRANDED ON SIDE OF THE ROAD AT 2AM.

NHTSA complaint #11196566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE FRONT AND REAR PARTS OF THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RUST COULD CAUSE THE FRAME TO FRACTURE. ARLINGTON TOYOTA (2095 N RAND RD, PALATINE, IL 60074, (847) 485-1200) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER CAMPAIGN, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STATUTE HAD EXPIRED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER EXPECTED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE OTHER THAN HAVING THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,000. *BF

NHTSA complaint #11195390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS ON THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HUDSON TOYOTA (599 NJ-440, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305, (201) 942-1156) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WERE NO RECALLS TO COVER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11152047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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RUSTED HOLE IN THE FRAME, DRIVER SIDE. PASSENGER SIDE ALREADY HAD WORK DONE TO THE FRAME BY PREVIOUS OWNER. MECHANIC TOLD ME HE WOULD NOT JACK UP THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE HOLE, WAS ADVISED THAT DRIVING THIS CAR IS TOO DANGEROUS.

NHTSA complaint #11105222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CARSON CITY TOYOTA (2590 S CARSON ST, CARSON CITY, NV 89701, 775-882-8211) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS). THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE RUST FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #11100583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA LIMITED 4X4 FAILED MASSACHUSETTS INSPECTION THIS MONTH FOR A SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME WITH SEVERE PERFORATION. ADDITIONALLY, THE REAR SUSPENSION AND TRAILING ARMS MAY BREAK OFF AT ANY TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND HAD A COATING APPLIED SEVERAL YEARS AGO - THIS ONLY MASKED THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS GARAGED. THE ENGINE AND BODY OF THE VEHICLE ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. THE VEHICLE HAS 300,000 MILES AND RUNS WELL. THE TOYOTA DEALER DEEMED THE VEHICLE "NOT REPAIRABLE." THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO DEEMED UNSAFE AND ADVISED TO TAKE OFF THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #11096587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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TRUCK FRAME ROTTED

NHTSA complaint #11091497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT CHECKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND THAT THE RACK AND PINION BRACKET WAS FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER (BAY RIDGE TOYOTA IN BAY RIDGE, NEW YORK, 718-439-3737) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE RACK AND PINION BRACKET WAS DETACHED FROM THE ACTUAL FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS REPLACED IN MARCH OF 2013 BY THE SAME DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.

NHTSA complaint #11091226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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I TOOK MY SEQUOIA TO THE DEALER FOR IT'S REGULAR SERVICE. I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THAT THERE IS A 50 CENT SIZE HOLE IN MY FRAME (PASSAGER SIDE) I WAS TOLD TOYOTA HAD A NIGHT MARE WITH MANY OF THERE SEQUOIAS HAVING HAD THE FRAME REPLACED. HE SAID ACCORDING TO TOYOTA MINE WAS RECALLED AND SPRAYED WITH SOME TYPE OF SPRAY OVER THE ENTIRE FRAME. I TOLD HIM THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND I HAD IT DURING THE TIME HE REFERENCED AND TOYOTA NEVER CONTACTED ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE,NOR DID THEY SPRAY IT. FOR IF THEY DID YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO TELL IT ALL OVER THE UNDER-BODY BECAUSE OF THE OVER SPRAY. THERE IN NOTHING UNDER THE BODY EXCEPT A RUSTED FAULTY FRAME. I CONTACTED TOYOTA THEY SAID THE SAME AS THE DEALER AND THAT IF MY SUV HAD BEEN A YEAR NEWER THEY WOULD PUT A NEW FRAME ON IT, EVEN THOUGH THEY USE THE EXACT SAME FRAME. TOYOTA KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING HERE.

NHTSA complaint #11079957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. 135K MILES. MANY OTHER 1ST GENERATION SEQUOIA OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE. 2ND GENERATION SEQUOIAS RECALLED FOR SAME ISSUE. TOYOTA'S EXTENDED WARRANTY UNDERCOATING SOLUTION IS A SCAM.

NHTSA complaint #11072052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND A MAJOR PROBLEM NOT ONLY WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT OTHER YEARS AND MODELS AS WELL THE PAINT BUBBLING AND COMING OFF THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY HOOD AREA AND TOP OF VEHICLE, HAS TO BE BAD PAINT TOYOTA IS USING

NHTSA complaint #11057020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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I JUST PURCHASED CAR. TRIED TO PUT CAR ON LIFT FOR NEW TIRES. AT FLYNN'S TIRE FOUND OUT FRAME IS RUSTED OUT BEHIND FRONT WHEELS. ABOUT 3 FT. ON BOTH SIDES . IT WAS COVERED UP WITH DUCT TAPE , BODY PUTTY, THEN PAINTED SO IT WOULD NOT BE NOTICED. NO PICTURES TAKEN

NHTSA complaint #11054814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.