Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 03/12/2013 | 265000 | ||
| 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 manufacture's defect for $6,000. there is no way to perform the recall without incurring the additional costs. | |||
| 01/02/2013 | 167000 | 1 | |
| 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. *tr | |||
| 01/02/2013 | 167000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 06/15/2012 | 185000 | 1 | |
| 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. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2012 | 185000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 03/13/2012 | 91000 | ||
| 2001 toyota sequoia 91000 miles excessive frame rust, rear end housing replaced at 74000 miles as goodwill by toyota excessive rust noted at this time seems like poor quality steel | |||
| 12/09/2011 | 155000 | ||
| 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. kmj | |||
| 12/09/2011 | 155000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated the entire frame of the vehicle has rotted. the contacts mechanic and the dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the frame is rotted from front to rear. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told there was nothing that could be done about the frame. the failure mileage and current mileages were 155,000.rl | |||
| 11/16/2011 | 186000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 11/16/2011 | 186000 | ||
| 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. kmj | |||
| 11/21/2011 | 157000 | ||
| 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 nhtsa 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 | |||
| 11/16/2011 | 186000 | ||
| 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. kmj | |||
| 11/21/2011 | 157000 | ||
| 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 nhtsa 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 | |||
| 11/16/2011 | 186000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated the vehicle was taken into a mechanic to be inspected and found that the frame was rusted. the contact stated the entire frame was rusted, but most of the rust was to the rear axle. the contact was told that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive. the contact with the manufacturer and was told the frame was only guaranteed for three years. the failure mileage and current mileage was 186,000.rl | |||
| 11/21/2011 | 157000 | ||
| 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 nhtsa 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 | |||
| 10/17/2011 | 120000 | ||
| 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 valuse of $9000.00-$10,000.00, now made worthless and un-driveable 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 nhtsa 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 nhtsa 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. | |||
| 10/24/2011 | 88000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 09/01/2011 | |||
| My 2001 toyota sequoia has extensive frame rust. i am very concerned with safety and am not sure what to do. the body is in excellent condition but the frame and attached components are severely rusted. i understand toyota will not take action on this issue. i am the original owner. | |||
| 10/24/2011 | 88000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 09/01/2011 | |||
| My 2001 toyota sequoia has extensive frame rust. i am very concerned with safety and am not sure what to do. the body is in excellent condition but the frame and attached components are severely rusted. i understand toyota will not take action on this issue. i am the original owner. | |||
| 09/04/2011 | 152000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated when he stopped the vehicle, the entire suspension system collapsed. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, where the contact was informed that the lower ball joint on the front driver's side fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 152,000. | |||
| 09/04/2011 | 152000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated when he stopped the vehicle, the entire suspension system collapsed. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, where the contact was informed that the lower ball joint on the front driver's side fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 152,000. rvk | |||
| 08/15/2011 | 273505 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the right side of the vehicle collapsed down onto the tires as the lower ball joints fractured. the vehicle was then maneuvered to the side of the road because it was no longer drivable. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that there were no recalls addressing the failure. the dealer also informed the contact that she would have to pay for the repairs. the manufacturer was notified and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 273,505. sm. | |||
| 08/15/2011 | 273505 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated while driving 60mph the right side of the vehicle dropped on to the tire. the lower ball joints broke off. the vehicle was steered to the side of the road because it was not drivable. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated there was no recall on her vehicle. the dealer informed her she would have to pay for the repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 273,505. mw | |||
| 05/19/2011 | 100000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated the frame underneath the vehicle was rusted and corroded from the inside out. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop for inspection and they noticed underneath near the rear tires the rust and corrosion on the frame. the dealer was contacted and informed the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer was contacted who stated there are no recalls and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 100,000...mw | |||
| 03/24/2011 | 167913 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. the contact stated that the vehicle was covered with rust on the rear end of the frame and spreading to the front. the contact was informed of the rust problem when the vehicle failed inspection. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that there was nothing they could do since there were no related recalls. the contact was not aware of the rust, because the vehicle did show any signs nor did it malfunction. the failure and current mileage was 167,913. | |||
| 12/01/2004 | 5 | ||
| Purchased a 2001 sequoia. after warranty expired, & continuing to today, vsc/trac off lights come on while driving, but goes off by itself. researched the issue & found that this problem is common & costly to fix. please investigate if this is a defect & safety recall issue. thanks. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2004 | 15000 | 5 | 02/01/2001 |
| The front braking system on 2001 sequoia was replaced and upgraded. *mr the brake jobs were performed at the following mileages: 15k, 25k, 30k, 55k, and 74k miles. the left wheel rattled over the rough road, the rear left strut made a noise when going over bumps due to a broken shock, and the engine light had come on. *sc *jb | |||
| 09/23/2003 | 19000 | 6 | |
| While driving at any speed and when the brakes were applied the vehicle surged forward. dealer has tried to find the cause of the problem on six different occasions. also, when vehicle was at a stop light it trembled violently.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL (ASC) | |||
| 01/24/2008 | 2 | 12/27/2000 | |
| My vsc engages at time while trying to merge on to the interstate with dry pavement, causing the vehicle to loose power, i had a tractor trailer just about run in to the back of my sequoia because of this. this is a safety problem and should be corrected . *tr | |||
| 10/16/2007 | 97000 | 1 | 08/15/2005 |
| (vsc) problem on my 2001 toyota sequoia. was told the steering angle sensor is bad/ not working and needs to be replaced.. *tr | |||
| 08/22/2006 | 115000 | 7 | 02/10/2002 |
| Got 2001 toyota sequoia 02/2001 many problems. one is vsc system warn lights on, total activation of vsc system for no reason. 8/04 brought to dealer, vsc warning lights on and sometimes power cut,very dangerous! dealer found yaw rate sensor may possibly be malfunctioning, but everything working according to manufacturer specifications no problem at this time. vsc system working as designed. ok to return to service. 7/06 check engine light on. brought to dealer 8/3/06, told nothing wrong, probably loose gas cap. we had heard that excuse before. 8/18/06 on a trip from ct to sc, vsc off/ vsc trac off warning lights came on and beeped. arrived at our destination, parked car for 1 hour. drove about 1 mi vsc system fully activated brought us to complete stop in traffic, almost rear ended! took to local dealer (8/21). $191 later was told it was a sensor malfunction not a safety issue what so ever. service rep said absolutely not a problem to drive to ct perfectly safe. 3 hours later vsc off /vsc track off warning lights came on. on our last stop warning lights went off as usual but did not come back on right away. instead vsc system went into total activation on i81 at 70 mph! luckily we were in right lane. made it to narrow shoulder. got vehicle under control, the shoulder had run out and we were about 1 ft from hitting the guardrail. we could have been killed and could have caused a 40 car pile up with many deaths! brought vehicle to our local dealer. problem so dangerous that i don't want to get in this car again! i will never feel safe or trust toyota service again. toyota needs to educate dealer service depts and recall this vehicle before someone dies. this is only one of many problems we have had with this car and toyota service. we could have been killed or hurt twice (not just this incident) because of malfunctions and toyota service mistakes. we bought this vehicle because of toyota's reputation for safe, quality-built vehicles. we got neither! *jb | |||
| 08/23/2006 | 115001 | 3 | 02/10/2001 |
| Dt*the consumer stated the vsc warning light illuminated. the dealer believed the problem was the yaw rate sensor. the check engine light illuminated, the dealer told the consumer there was nothing wrong, and it was probably a loose gas cap. while driving, the vsc activated, the consumer was able to gain control of the vehicle. updated 09/15/06. *jb | |||
| 10/21/2005 | 54000 | 1 | 03/11/2005 |
| During normal driving vsc, trac control and brake lights all lit up. lights go off and come back on intermittently. i have been on edmunds website and see too many other people with this exact issue. it will cost on the average over $1,000 to correct. my vehicle is no longer covered under warranty and is too young and expensive to have this issue. this is something that i feel toyota should recall. *jb | |||
| 11/01/2004 | 30000 | 8 | 10/25/2004 |
| Traction control system (vsc/trac) will intermittently not function for no apparent reason, causing vsc/trac lights to illuminate and potentially compromising vehicle safety. diagnostic check of vehicle reveals a problem with the brake booster and/or a sensor within the brake booster assembly that is prone to intermittent failure on this vehicle. replacement of the parts in question are prohibitively expensive (over $1,000) and only covered up to 3yr/36k mile on the vehicle. there is a definite failure trend present in this particular vehicle and toyota knows about them, given the tsbs that exist for this problem. this issue needs to be addressed as a recall to ensure all vehicles, especially ones out of warranty coverage, are repaired properly. *jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 05/20/2010 | 212000 | ||
| Thursday may 20th 2001 ball joint failed on left front, doing 35mph. wheel came off. recall starting with sequoias manufactured august 2001. mine was manufactured may 2001. my vehicle was not under recall so they refused to fix it and the dealer wants $4800 for the repairs. they cited on the estimate that reason for failure is unknown. they stated the right side ball joint is fine but they suggest replacing it for another $500. i was could have had a car full of teenagers going down the freeway at the time, my daughter wanted me to drive carpool for a field trip, luckily i couldn't drive for them. | |||
| 02/20/2009 | 127000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. while exiting the highway at 35 mph, the contact attempted to make a right turn and it felt as if a tire had blown. the steering wheel became extremely hot and he was barely able to maneuver the vehicle off the highway. he noticed that the tire detached from the mounting. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they stated that the ball joints failed. no repairs have been made. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 127,000. | |||
| 11/01/2007 | 1 | ||
| We had a 100,000 mile service with a toyota dealer. shortly after the vsc/abs lights started coming on whenever the vehicle was placed in drive. they insist it is the skid control and ecu computers that need to be replaced. i have identified a number of other consumers with the same complaint. when will nhtsa investigate this and force a recall? *tr | |||
| 04/06/2001 | 16 | 04/06/2001 | |
| Vehicle: 2001 toyota sequoia sr5 2wd. front suspension problem. since obtaining the vehicle in april 2001 i noticed a problem in the stability of the front end of the vehicle. i took it to the dealership (i-10 toyota in indio) on 3 separate occasions and they were unable to identify the problem. when i heard about the recall (o5v225000) i anticipated that this was the trouble that i had all along with the sequoia. when i looked into the recall it turned out that it referred to 2002 to 2004 vehicles only. common sense tells me that if the trouble existed on subsequent models after its inception to the market, it is only obvious that 2001 models are to be included. i understand that recall letters will be issued starting in july 2005. i am filing this complaint because i am aware that 2001 models will not be included and i respectfully request that 2001 year models are also recalled. the instability with the front end continues. the tires have been changed 3 times to different types and the instability continues. please verify with your internal engineers if the ball joints utilized on 2001 models were any different than latter models. you will find that the same mechanisms have been used until now that this issue is being addressed by your office. your attention and subsequent positive inclusion of my petition is appreciated. hector casas | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||
| 12/18/2006 | 1 | 06/25/2005 | |
| Front suspension, lower control arm, ball joint separated while backing the vehicle out of the driveway. the front passenger side wheel collapsed and folded under the wheel well causing damage to the suspension, axle, and vehicle body. *jb | |||
| 11/13/2005 | 106000 | 1 | 02/07/2001 |
| Driving south bound on rt. 301 in bowie, md. began to slow and moved right into the exit lane towards mount oak rd. west bound. heard a loud noise and the 2001 toyota sequoia leaned over toward the drivers side front wheel. it became extremely hard to turn the steering wheel and braking power was greatly reduced and the sequoia was basically uncontrollable. was able to steer slight towards the right to avoid being pulled back into traffic. impacted a safety median, designed to protect cars entering the highway from those exiting the highway, and crossed completely over it the wheel hub had separated from the lower control arm. the tire, wheel rim, hub, steering rack, steering tie rod, control arms, brake lines, drive axle, etc. had all been damage severely. pictures of the scene show a single skid mark from the driver's side front wheel clearly. the single skid mark indicates that one wheel was not rotating at all, while the other three were rotating freely, or under the control of the anti-lock brakes. i found no my 2001 recalls. i later found nhtsa campaign id number : 05v225000 indicating a recall due to failed ball joints in the 2002-2004 sequoia. the sequoia model was first available as a my2001 and initial introduction was late in 2000. my2002 started in the late summer of 2001. i find it hard to believe that so quickly after the model introduction toyota would make major changes in the suspension and/or ball joints. it was by luck only that no one was injured or killed due to the suspension failure, toyota needs to react quickly and notify my2001 owners of this dangerous defect. not only did the suspension fail, causing the wheel to move back and jam into the rear wheel well area, but it seemed to cause an almost total loss of braking ability. i believe the anti-lock brakes responded to the locked front wheel by modulating the power to the other wheels resulting in less braking force. *jb | |||
| 04/06/2001 | 16 | 04/06/2001 | |
| Vehicle: 2001 toyota sequoia sr5 2wd. front suspension problem. since obtaining the vehicle in april 2001 i noticed a problem in the stability of the front end of the vehicle. i took it to the dealership (i-10 toyota in indio) on 3 separate occasions and they were unable to identify the problem. when i heard about the recall (o5v225000) i anticipated that this was the trouble that i had all along with the sequoia. when i looked into the recall it turned out that it referred to 2002 to 2004 vehicles only. common sense tells me that if the trouble existed on subsequent models after its inception to the market, it is only obvious that 2001 models are to be included. i understand that recall letters will be issued starting in july 2005. i am filing this complaint because i am aware that 2001 models will not be included and i respectfully request that 2001 year models are also recalled. the instability with the front end continues. the tires have been changed 3 times to different types and the instability continues. please verify with your internal engineers if the ball joints utilized on 2001 models were any different than latter models. you will find that the same mechanisms have been used until now that this issue is being addressed by your office. your attention and subsequent positive inclusion of my petition is appreciated. hector casas | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT | |||
| 12/05/2005 | 71355 | 2 | 05/11/2002 |
| I own a 2001 toyota sequoia and the front left ball joint is making a popping noise. i contacted toyota and they told me they are not offering a remedy campaign for the 2001 toyota sequoia. they have a remedy campaign on the sequoia and tundra for 2002-2004. they are not offering a remedy campaign for the 2001 sequoia even though the front ends are the same. i am concerned not only for my family, other owners and the general public that walk, ride and drive on our public roads. when the ball joints fails the vehicle will wreck and cause serious injuries to all people in the vehicle or close to the accident. it does not make any since that the 2002-2004 sequoia and tundras have a remedy campaign and the 2001 sequoia does not when they have the same front end. *nm | |||