514 of the
4,811 complaints filed about the Toyota Sequoia
are about the body and structure —
11% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2001.
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.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. There was an abnormal rattling sound detected in the front area. The vehicle was shaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the frame was completely rusty and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to have the frame checked, and it was determined there was minor rust detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Crestmont Toyota Parts · Crestmont Toyota Service, 730 NJ-23 N, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444, who determined there was rust detected but was not repaired. The contact wrote a letter to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while completing an inspection and emissions test on the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that there was severe rust on the rear subframe of the vehicle, near the control arm, and several other areas on the subframe. The contact stated that there were several holes on the subframe caused by the extreme rust. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.
NHTSA complaint #11674182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a formal complaint regarding a known paint defect on my 2012 Toyota Sequoia, painted in Blizzard Pearl (paint code 070). The paint is peeling and delaminating from multiple areas of the vehicle, including the roof, hood, and rear panels, down to the primer and in some cases bare metal. This is not a cosmetic or age-related issue — it is the result of a manufacturing defect that Toyota has already acknowledged in multiple models and years through Customer Support Program ZKG. This issue affects vehicles painted in Blizzard Pearl and Super White, due to poor adhesion between the basecoat and primer. It is a systemic defect that poses a long-term corrosion and safety concern, particularly as bare metal becomes exposed and vulnerable to rust. Toyota refuses to take responsibility, citing expiration of the CSP in December 2022. However, this defect is not time-sensitive—it emerges gradually and unpredictably over the life of the vehicle. It is unfair to place the burden of repair on consumers when the issue is clearly the result of poor materials and workmanship. I have contacted Toyota and provided photographic evidence. They acknowledged the vehicle is affected by the exact problem covered by the CSP, but declined to offer assistance because the program has technically ended. This is unacceptable, as the issue is part of a known national defect, not an isolated case. There are thousands of documented complaints for this exact same issue on forums, social media, and Toyota owner sites. I am requesting that Toyota: •Acknowledge this as an ongoing manufacturing defect regardless of warranty expiration, •Provide goodwill repair coverage or reimbursement for repainting, •Prevent further corrosion that could compromise vehicle safety and resale value. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be formally documented and investigated, with the hope that Toyota will be held accountable and other owners will not be left to absorb the
NHTSA complaint #11670515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This Toyota has several large rust holes directly on the frame. i hit a pot hole and more structure damage was revealed on the frame from rust. The truck drives rough now. The vehicle only has 150,000 miles. The rust holes are so severe that they're directly under my suspension. I feel very unsafe driving this vehicle. Their was once a recall for the frame. It doesn't seem that it was satisfied. I'm very worried about this issue. Toyota should have to replace frame or make it safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11639427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5, which I purchased new in Colorado and moved to Virginia in 2004. I received a Toyota Limited Service Campaign Program notice in 2013 about excessive corrosion on the frame. Alexandria Toyota inspected the vehicle and applied a Corrosion-Resistant Compound to the frame. They also replaced the spare tire carrier assembly due to rusting. Over the years, I've had mechanics mention the rust on the frame but Toyota never issued a recall on the 2001 Sequoia. In November 2024, the following dashboard lights remained on while driving: Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) OFF, VSC TRAC and Brake Lights. I took it to Steven’s Auto Clinic in Alexandria. They found low brake fluid levels were causing the brake system failure. The brake pipes are leaking due to heavy rust. In addition, rust was destroying the under carriage. The brake system and frame would require extensive maintenance. They warned me NOT to drive the car. They refilled the brake fluid to allow me to take the car home. Reading the Complaints under Structure on the NHTSA website, dozens of customers over the years mention serious rusting on the frame of their 2001 Sequoias. I believe Toyota had a recall to replace the frame on the Tundra but never included the 2001 Sequoia even though it was built on the Tundra frame. I now have a vehicle I can’t drive, due to safety concerns, and I can’t sell, except for parts. The Sequoia should have been included in the Tundra recall. Toyota needs to be held accountable. I can provide any paperwork for my 2001 Sequoia including the Limited Service Campaign Program notice and the repair order from Stephen’s Auto Clinic if necessary. I can also provide the vehicle for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11638521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear subframe was fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11633912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The paint on my vehicle is peeling off- roof, around all windows and expanding. I went to a Toyota Dealership Part Counter to get touch-up paint and they told me that color had a paint recall. (Every time I wash the vehicle it gets worse.) I asked to speak with a service manager at Toyota, 11/2024 and was informed that the paint color (0070 Blizzard Pearl) had a recall for peeling off. Their recall solution is to bring the vehicle to a certified Toyota Collision center and they will repaint the vehicle affected by the recall. It's not a safety recall, but rather a CSP(Customer Support Program). Unfortunately, even if you service the vehicle at a dealership it is unlikely they would share the CSP information, only a safety recall information. Instead, a CSP is mailed to you. I contacted Toyota customer service and they mailed the CSP notice in 2020 to the previous owner's address. Toyota then extended the CSP expiration to 5/13/2024 on 12/11/2022, but failed to mail an additional extension of the CSP notice to me. Toyota did confirm they had my contact information during that timeframe. Toyota did send me other safety recalls from 12/11/2022 to 5/13/2024, so they had my contact information to notify me of the CSP paint recall. I was told since the CSP expired 05/2024 that they will not repaint my vehicle and I will have to pay to repaint. Toyota is being unethical, dishonorable, scandalous, shifty, discreditable, parsimonious and immoral. As they did not act with due diligence to notify their customer the paint was going to literally fall off of the car. I was laid off and can not afford to pay to repaint it. They need to act in good faith to rectify this issue and repaint my vehicle. Had I been notified 2 years ago, I would have certainly had them repaint it. I thank the parts counter employee to letting me know this was their fault.
NHTSA complaint #11629633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The paint on my vehicle is peeling off- roof, around all windows and expanding. I went to a Toyota Dealership Part Counter to get touch-up paint and they told me that color had a paint recall. (Every time I wash the vehicle it gets worse.) I asked to speak with a service manager at Toyota, 11/2024 and was informed that the paint color (0070 Blizzard Pearl) had a recall for peeling off. Their recall solution is to bring the vehicle to a certified Toyota Collision center and they will repaint the vehicle affected by the recall. It's not a safety recall, but rather a CSP(Customer Support Program). Unfortunately, even if you service the vehicle at a dealership it is unlikely they would share the CSP information, only a safety recall information. Instead, a CSP is mailed to you. I contacted Toyota customer service and they mailed the CSP notice in 2020 to the previous owner's address. Toyota then extended the CSP expiration to 5/13/2024 on 12/11/2022, but failed to mail an additional extension of the CSP notice to me. Toyota did confirm they had my contact information during that timeframe. Toyota did send me other safety recalls from 12/11/2022 to 5/13/2024, so they had my contact information to notify me of the CSP paint recall. I was told since the CSP expired 05/2024 that they will not repaint my vehicle and I will have to pay to repaint. Toyota is being unethical, dishonorable, scandalous, shifty, discreditable, parsimonious and immoral. As they did not act with due diligence to notify their customer the paint was going to literally fall off of the car. I was laid off and can not afford to pay to repaint it. They need to act in good faith to rectify this issue and repaint my vehicle. Had I been notified 2 years ago, I would have certainly had them repaint it. I thank the parts counter employee to letting me know this was their fault.
NHTSA complaint #11629634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Back in 2018 toyota did the undercoat to my 2006 Toyota sequoia frame to prevent rust. Now my frame is completely rotted out to the point i can’t drive my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11629218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While I was driving on the freeway, my family and I heard a loud bang. I pulled over to check and discovered that our sunroof had exploded. We went to a Toyota dealership to have it examined, but the staff claimed it was caused by a rock. We opened the sunshade to check, but no rock was found inside. It was clearly an issue with the sunroof itself. Despite this, we received no help and were simply dismissed.
NHTSA complaint #11593459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TOYOTA frame is falling apart due to the use of faulty metal to manufacture those frames they ran a limited service campaign to replace some of the frames and they denied many other owners that right please help by telling TOYOTA North America to take care of this very hazardous issue thank you
NHTSA complaint #11579668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for a diagnostic test; however, the dealer declined to perform the diagnostic test, stating that the sub frame was unstable, and an unknown recall campaign had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated the dealer informed him there was a recall for the sub frame, however, the recall had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11579250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component/System Failed: The frame of my 2002 Toyota Sequoia has severely rusted, resulting in a gaping hole. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The rusted frame jeopardizes my safety and renders the vehicle unsafe for use. Confirmation: A mechanic has confirmed the rust issue. Manufacturer Inspection: Toyota has not inspected my Sequoia’s frame. Warning Signs: There were no warning lamps or messages related to frame rust prior to the failure; it became evident during my recent inspection. The gaping hole in my Sequoia’s frame is not due to normal wear and tear but rather Toyota’s poor manufacturing practices. Shockingly, Toyota issued a “limited service campaign” for similar rust issues in other vehicles, but I was never informed. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. It is clear that Toyota’s decision to implement a limited service campaign, rather than a comprehensive recall, reflects a blatant disregard for the safety and satisfaction of its customers. By prioritizing cost-cutting measures over ethical responsibility, Toyota has failed to uphold its duty to consumers and the people who sustain its business. Toyota’s actions have revealed a disturbing trend of prioritizing profits over people. The company’s failure to adequately address known issues with rusted frames speaks volumes about its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Despite numerous complaints and documented cases of frame rust, Toyota’s response has been inadequate. I urge Toyota to take immediate action. Inspect and replace my Sequoia’s frame promptly. Prioritize consumers over profits. Restore my faith in the brand that I once trusted.
NHTSA complaint #11577256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear axle is rusted to the point where differential fluid is leaking out of the body. There is extreme rust in general which has led to the failure of multiple components such as the oil pressure sending unit. Check engine light is on. This hasn't been verified by a shop or agency, only by me. These issues were discovered shortly after purchase this year.
NHTSA complaint #11564516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.