1.7
hardly worth mentioning- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 100,922 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.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. While driving approximately 15 mph over a bumpy road, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Valley Stream, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. While driving various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact observed that the frame was corroded and the hood and tailgate latches were unable to open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
- Milwaukee, WI, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for routine maintenance when the contact was told that the entire frame was severely rusted. The contact was also advised that the vehicle was not safe to operate. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 104,000.
- Mount Clair, NJ, USA
Frame rusting through with at least one hole fond, not thoroughly checked yet.
- Willoughby, OH, USA
I am the owner of a 2002 Toyota Sequoia with 186,000 miles. On July 19th I picked up the vehicle from some my repair shop after some routine maintenance (timing belt replacement). The mechanic noted that '' when checking the vehicle on lift, found front frame arches near feet rusted through and cracked almost a foot long on both sides.' I made an appointment with grappone Toyota in concord, New Hampshire and on July 21st they confirmed the damage and reported that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The damage is caused by a defective frame design that allows water to collect and not drain. My research shows this is a known problem with this frame as used on the Sequoia and Tundra. It also apparently was a problem on the Tacoma which has a similar defective design. I contacted the Toyota us corporate officeby phone on the 21st and was informed that Toyota does not recognize the problem on the Sequoia as requiring any program to rectify such as Toyota has reportedly done for the Tundra and Tacoma. Given the unsafe nature of the defective design, and the implications should it fail on the road, I find this unacceptable. I subsequently took the vehicle to a reputable welding shop who found the damage was more extensive and welded 21 inch long plates on both frame arches. He confirmed that the damage was caused by a frame design that allowed water to accumulate in the frame and corrode the metal.
- Franklin, NH, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that he noticed that the bottom of vehicle was severely rusted. In addition, the inner line of the doors was beginning to exhibit rust. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was it repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that his warranty was expired and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
- Stanton Island, NY, USA
Frame rust through, 2002 Toyota Sequoia. Frame is completely rusted through along the bottom directly below where the front left support mount is attached. The opening as a result of this rusting is large enough to put at least three fingers through. The rust through then extends back to below where the front frame cross member is attached. This was first observed november15, 2010. It is believed this is the same as the frame which is used on the Toyota Tundra for which a replacement program has been in effect. This vehicle was purchased in Connecticut where it was driven for its first six and one half years. The remaining time having been in Ohio. We now have a questionably safe vehicle for which Toyota customer service tells us nothing can be done.
- Cincinnati, OH, USA
Toyota vehicle frame seriously rusting through. Identical to problems with Toyota Tundra. Dealer and Toyota claim they do not have a program to cure the frame problem on Sequoia's even though they have the same frame as the Tundra.
- White River Junction, VT, USA
During my annual nys vehicle inspection, 11/6/2010, I was notified by the mechanic that he would be unable to pass on inspection my 2002 Toyota Sequoia due to a sizable hole rusted through the frame. Based on my review of information on the internet, this is not an unknown issue with the Sequoia. The Sequoia and the Tundra are built on the same frame and Toyota is replacing frames on Toyota Tundra pickup trucks that exhibit this defect. Apparently, this is an acknowledged defect in the Toyota Tundra, based on a recall notice dated may, 2010 for the Tundra for years 2000 to 2003. However, I don't find anything pertaining to the 2002 Toyota Sequoia, which is the vehicle in question, although it is built on the same frame as the Toyota Tundra, which should be similarly treated. As an additional fact, this Sequoia issue has been taken up by tv stations in boston, and the Massachusetts attorney general has also been involved in resolution of a Sequoia complaint. This is not an isolated defect for the Sequoia and is apparently a significant issue for Toyota.
- Scotia, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact was informed by a mechanic that there were 3 holes in the frame of the crossmember that held the transmission. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 100,000.
- Providence, RI, USA
2002 Toyota Sequoia undercarriage rust. Purchased the car new. About five years ago complained to dealer when serviced. Dealer did nothing about it. Told me nothing wrong with car. As of today their is major rust on frame and components under the car. Truck is built in same factory as Tundra which has been recalled for major rust problem. Both cars share basic components.
- Newtown Square, PA, USA
Significant rust on frame and underbody of 2002 Toyota Sequoia has been in evidence during the last 3-4 years. Rust is spreading to body panels as well. Mechanic comments regularly about unusual amount of rust.
- Port Washington, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia SR5. During routine maintenance at 60,000 miles, he was advised that the entire rear left and right axle assembly was corroded. The left and right rear axle assembly, and the oxygen sensor were replaced under the warranty. In 2004 the failure resurfaced. The cost for the repair was $3,000. However at 90,000 miles the garage discovered that the under frame carriage was severely corroded. A sand blast might correct the failure, but it was not guaranteed. He contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated they were aware of premature corrosion, but they would not provide assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000. The current mileage was 90,000.
- Weston, CT, USA
- East Otis, MA, USA