10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 109,623 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the driver's side front lower ball joint failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 200,600.
- Brownwood, TX, USA
Last year my car while traveling at a speed of 50 mph just collapsed. My ball joints fell completely off. My the grace of god I wasn't killed because I was on the interstate. I have since had it repaired but not by a Toyota dealer. At the time as now, all my lights were lit vsc trac, ABS etc. I have had this problem throughout having this Toyota and it has been very costly. Now as we speak my car is at a dealer and I can only imagine they will tell me it's the faulty computer chip. I will also have them check for rust since I'm hearing of all these cases of rust. My car has been in tip top shape due to my husbands knowledge of cars. However, some of these reports appear to be incidents beyond our control. I'm lucky to be alive. I guess if I had been killed Toyota would still be denying their product is faulty. I would like Toyota to step up and pay for some of these issues I've had and if my car needs this expensive computer chip..ABS is engaging my brakes they pay for it. This is the second time I've made a report and I haven't heard anything from Toyota...
- New Orleans, LA, USA
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 manufacturers defect for $6,000. There is no way to perform the recall without incurring the additional costs.
- Bowie, MD, USA
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.
- Cedarburg, WI, USA
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.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2001 Toyota Sequoia 91,000 miles excessive frame rust, rear end housing replaced at 74,000 miles as goodwill by Toyota excessive rust noted at this time seems like poor quality steel.
- Willington, CT, USA
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. Updated 01/10/12
- Hopkinton, MA, USA
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.
- Uxbridge, MA, USA
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 Tundra. 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* repair or replace this frame, nor offer any assistance with vehicle that is in otherwise excellent condition, with a book values of $9000-$10,000, now made worthless and un-drivable 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.
- Berlin, NH, USA
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.
- Hampden, ME, USA
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.
- Mason, OH, USA
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 repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 152,000. Updated evoq 10/25/11.
- Long Beach, CA, USA
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.
- Fullerton, CA, USA
The front braking system on 2001 Sequoia was replaced and upgraded. 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.
- Golden, CO, USA
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.
- West Columbia, SC, USA
- Frisco, TX, USA