2004 Toyota Sequoia

Above average

Owners filed 380 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 9 times.

Not among the Toyota Sequoia years to avoid. Which Toyota Sequoia years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
95,000 milesMedian miles at failure

295 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Toyota Sequoia problems

69 of the 380 complaints (18%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control61
110
Structure › Body · body and frame53
000
Service Brakes · brakes31
100
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration23
102
Air Bags · airbags23
307
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes22
000
Electrical System20
000
Unknown or Other18
000
Traction Control System18
000
Suspension16
203

2004 Toyota Sequoia body and frame problems

18% of all complaints

69 of the 380 complaints are about the body and frame.

Share of the 69 body and frame complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
139,000 mi
median of 56 reports
Peak year of filing
2017
13 body and frame complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the body and frame
None
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed May 12, 2026 at 198,000 miles
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 17, 2025 at 203,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2004: 8 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'042005: 9 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2006: 9 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'062007: 23 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2008: 19 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'082009: 23 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2010: 56 complaints, 2 about the body and frame'102011: 18 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2012: 25 complaints, 3 about the body and frame'122013: 25 complaints, 3 about the body and frame2014: 32 complaints, 5 about the body and frame'142015: 34 complaints, 6 about the body and frame2016: 19 complaints, 5 about the body and frame'162017: 24 complaints, 13 about the body and frame2018: 10 complaints, 6 about the body and frame'182019: 13 complaints, 9 about the body and frame2020: 9 complaints, 3 about the body and frame'202021: 9 complaints, 6 about the body and frame2022: 4 complaints, 2 about the body and frame'222023: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2024: 5 complaints, 2 about the body and frame'242025: 2 complaints, 2 about the body and frame2026: 3 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'26Recall 05V225000 (suspension)Recall 06E049000 (headlights)Recall 07V013000 (suspension)Recall 07E023000 (brakes)Recall 15V286000 (airbags)Recall 15V285000 (airbags)Recall 18V883000 (airbags)Recall 19V741000 (airbags)Recall 22E002000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation EA21002NHTSA investigation PE14016NHTSA investigation EA06014
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2004 Sequoia peaked in 2010, with 56 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 18% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 3 so far.

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint22E002000
Filed Jan 14, 202215,200 vehiclesTenneco Automotive

Defect. Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints for 2004-2007 Toyota Sequoia and 2004-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles, MOOG part number K80521, K80522, NAPA part number NCP2601633, NCP2601634, ACDelco part number 45D2344, and 45D2345. The ball joint housing may have inadequate hardness, causing premature failure.

Risk. A ball joint failure may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DRiV will work with distributors to return unsold parts. Dealers will inspect and replace the ball joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact DRiV customer service at 1-877-489-6659 or at [email protected].

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V741000
Filed Oct 17, 2019928,220 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V883000
Filed Dec 12, 2018168,993 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.

Air Bags15V286000
Filed May 13, 20151,069,055 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.

Air Bags15V285000
Filed May 13, 20151,973,468 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint07V013000
Filed Jan 19, 2007533,124 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND MINI VANS, DUE TO POSSIBLE IMPROPER FINISHING OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, SOME BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INCIDENTAL DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL LUBRICATION. THIS MAY CAUSE THE BALL JOINT TO WEAR AND LOOSEN PREMATURELY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION.

Risk. IN EXTREME CASES, IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint05V225000
Filed May 17, 2005768,379 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.

Risk. THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2004 Sequoia.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
Opened Feb 24, 2015Led to recall 14V668airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

LOWER BALL JOINT FAILUREEngineering analysis EA06014Closed
Opened Aug 2, 2006Closed Feb 28, 2007Led to recall 07V013000suspension

In a letter dated january 18, 2007, toyota notified NHTSA of a safety defect in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 toyota tundra and my 2004 through 2007 toyota sequoia vehicles produced between september 15, 2003 and november 17, 2006 (NHTSA recall no. 07v-013). According to toyota, ?in the front suspension lower ball joint on the subject vehicles, due to possible improper finishing of the ball joint, such as the aspect of the ball stud surface, some ball joints may experience an incidental deterioration of the internal lubrication. This may cause the ball joint to wear and loosen …

Technical service bulletins

167 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Sequoia. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 48body and frame 38electrical system 20airbags 14engine 12transmission 8tires 6brakes 5
05015Service campaignJun 27, 2005suspension

SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 50J - PHASE I - FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS CAUSING INCREASED STEERING, EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 6, 2024body and frame

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified …

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 6, 2024body and frame

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as …

T-SB-0039-24 Rev2Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 6, 2024body and frame

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is …

T-SB-0061-23 Rev2Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 5, 2024body and frame

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

T-SB-0062-23 Rev2Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 3, 2024body and frame

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark …

T-SB-0035-24 Rev1Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 12, 2024body and frame

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified …

Showing the newest 6 of 38 bulletins about the body and frame, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 6, 2026MN

I own a 2004 Toyota Sequoia and have owned it since it was built by Toyota. In 2013 Toyota had a safety recall on the frame for that vehicle because in certain Northern states they are having issues with the frame rotting and braking. I brought my vehicle in May of 2013 and Carlson Toyota in Minnesota inspected. It said that it passed and they installed a corrosion kit. This vehicle has been meticulously cared for over the years and it still looks that way on the exterior and interior. I have always had this vehicle enrolled in a car wash club so it gets washed almost daily in the winter and has for its entire life. But the frame of this vehicle is to the point now where it shouldn't be driven. It is so dangerously, rotted and breaking apart. I had the vehicle in Florida for spring break and while I was driving it there it was making some weird clunking noises. So I took it to a repair shop and the frame repair shop said that the frame was beyond repair and probably should not be driven. But it was my only vehicle and I had no choice but to drive it back to Minnesota. Since then I've had several issues when taking off and stopping with loud clunking noises, but it is my daily vehicle and I believe that Toyota should do something to fix it or replace it.

Wheels
Filed Jul 1, 2026CA

Description of the Safety Crash/Informed Incident: Vehicle Information: 2004 Toyota Sequoia (VIN: [XXX]) Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Police Agency: California Highway Patrol (Report #:[XXX]) Speed at Incident: Highway speeds (~65 MPH) Description of Defect/Failure: Structural mechanical failure leading to sudden, catastrophic wheel separation at highway speeds. Nine days prior to the incident, on [XXX], the vehicle underwent a comprehensive brake, rotor, and tire rotation service at a certified Toyota dealership (Toyota of Chula Vista, Work Order #[XXX]). While traveling on the interstate, the right rear passenger wheel assembly completely detached from the moving vehicle. As a result, the wheel flew off crossing several traffic lanes, traveling over a jersey wall on the freeway shoulder, landing into a nearby drainage ditch. The vehicle dropped onto the remaining brake/rotor assembly, generating extreme sparks, causing an immediate loss of braking pressure, and creating an imminent threat of a rollover or multi-vehicle fatal collision. Subsequent post-incident inspection on a maintenance lift revealed that all wheel studs on the right rear hub were completely sheared or stripped off. This indicates a severe technician failure to properly torque the wheel lug nuts to factory specifications during reassembly, or an un-diagnosed structural failure of the wheel mounting components following certified dealer service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

Structure
Filed May 12, 2026198,000 milesNJ

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 28, 2025IL

Rust! Frame completely rusted, even though the CRC was applied back in 2013.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 17, 2025203,000 milesPA

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.

Structure
Filed Oct 3, 2024NJ

See attached document for complaint.

Structure
Filed Aug 29, 2024NJ

See attached document for complaint.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 13, 2024143,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the check brakes and a traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. When Toyota issued a recall for the braking issue, the contact did not receive notices, so the contact called them and was told it was a few selected 2004 Toyota Sequoia recalled for those who had complained but, it was not broadcasted like that. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07E023000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 11, 2024PA

Frame is rotting out

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 27, 2024PA

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 31, 2023PA

Frame

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 31, 2022IN

The undercarriage is rotten you help my thanks

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 2, 2022MN

Frame has rust issues throughout. Frame not properly treated at the factory and now I am suffering because it has virtually rusted through in front of the drivers side rear wheel which was pointed out to me at Toyota when my car was in for service.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 12, 2022NY

The frame is rusting away due to poor grade of metal that it is built from.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 30, 2022OH

Rotting frame!

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 28, 2021TN

The tail gate will not open. I had the vehicle since 2018 and it was working and now it's not working. I taken it to toyota dealership and the cost is to much for at this point. I was wondering is there anything that can be done?

Structure › Body
Filed May 1, 2021100,000 milesFL

SIGNIFICANT FRAME RUST IN THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT

Suspension
Filed Apr 30, 2021356,000 milesCA

I WAS SIMPLY PARKING MY 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA IN PARKING LOT SPACE. LEFT FRONT TIRE FELL COMPLETELY OFF THE CAR WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS WARNING OF PENDING PROBLEMS! BALL JOINT CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED! PRIOR RECENT NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT SHOWED NO PENDING PROBLEMS. DID A CHECK AND FOUND MANY PRIOR BALL JOINT ISSUES FOR THIS CAR AND A PRIOR RECALL YEARS AGO. TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN CAPITOLA CA. THEY REPLACED BALL JOINT AND RELATED PARTS. THEY CHARGED ME LOTS OF MONEY CLAIMING THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD "PREVIOUSLY BEEN RECALLED AND REPAIRED IN 2007 SO NO LIABILITY ON THEIR PART. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND COMPLAINED AND WAS BOUNCED AROUND UNTIL A FELLOW NAMED "GARRET" TOLD ME THE BALL JOINTS HAD BEEN "FIXED" IN 2007 DURING A RECALL. GREAT. THEN WHY DO THESE ISSUES CONTINUE? MY CAR IS DRIVEN ONLY ON PUBLIC STREETS AND THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THIS IMPENDING FAILURE. THE BALL JOINT AND RELATED SIMPLY FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. I TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF THIS VEHICLE AS I INTENDED ON KEEPING IT REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. WHAT BS IS TOYOTA PULLING WHEN THEIR SEQUOIA (AND OTHER SIMILAR TOYOTA VEHICLES) CONTINUE TO CATASTROPHICALLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING? I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE DIED ON THE FREEWAY ETC BECAUSE OF THIS? I HAVE PERSONALLY OWNED AND/OR FAMILY, FRIENDS ETC. MANY CARS, TRUCKS ETC. BALL JOINTS LIKE BRAKES, TIRES HOSES ETC WEAR OUT SLOWLY AND GIVE AMPLE WARNING WHEN THEY NEED REPLACEMENT IE TIRE WEAR IS INCREASED, STEERING DIFFICULTY ETC. NOT IN TOYOTA'S CASE. THERE WAS NO WARNING AT

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 25, 2021100,000 milesNY

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH

Suspension
Filed Mar 15, 2021356,000 milesCA

LEFT FRONT (DRIVERS SIDE) WHEEL BALL JOINT(S) FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY CAUSING WHEEL TO FALL OFF AND WEDGE UNDER CAR WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. NO PRIOR WARNING, NO PRIOR NOISE, NO PRIOR STEERING ISSUES, NO STRANGE TIRE WEAR (TIRES JUST REPLACED 6 MONTHS AGO). JUST INSTANT AND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE!

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 202181,840 milesOH

REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. HANDLE FAILED DEALER REPLACE LOCK SUB ASSY AND HANDLE ASSY.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2021134,444 milesOH

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 4 YEARS FIRST FAILED IN 2010., REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. HANDLE FAILED DEALER REPLACED LOCK SUB ASSY AND HANDLE ASSY.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2021214,792 milesOH

REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. HANDLE FAILED DEALER REPLACE LOCK SUB ASSY AND HANDLE ASSY. THIRD FAILURE IN 8 YEARS, 2010, 2014 AND 2018. PARTS ARE FAILING ABOUT EVERY 4 YEARS. OWNED CAR 6 YEARS BEFORE FIRST FAILURE.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2021250,600 milesOH

REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN DEALER HAS REPLACED LOCK SUB ASSY AND HANDLE ASSY 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS. THIS IS THE FOURTH FAILURE LATCH HAS, 2010, 2014, 2018 AND 2021. THE FIRST THREE FAILURES OCCURRED ABOUT EVERY 4 YEARS THE CURRENT FAILURE WAS 2 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS. OWNED. CAR 6 YEARS BEFORE FIRST FAILURE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 19, 2020180,000 milesCA

TRAC OFF LIGHT AND VAC TRAC LIGHTS ON ALL THE TIME! GRINDING NOISE WHEN BRAKES APPLIED AT RANDOM TIMES. CAUSE FOR CONCERN! HAVE HAD EVERYTHING REPLACED THAT COULD CAUSE THIS OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS AND STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE!

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 13, 202052,482 milesOH

MY 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA HATCH (LOCK SUS ASSY AND HANDLE ASSY) HAVE FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED ON TWO OCCASIONS. ON 10 JULY 2014 AND 23 NOVEMBER 2018 EACH WERE COSTLY REPAIRS FOR A SIMPLE HANDLE/LOCK THAT WERE POORLY DESIGNED. A DOOR HANDLE AND LOCK SHOULD NOT COST OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH QUALITY OF SMALL PART REPLACEMENT JOBS I HAVE HAD TO COMPLETE TO MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE. HATCH DOOR FAILED WITH NO WARNING OR PREVIOUS PROBLEMS SUMMER AND WINTER CONDITIONS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 13, 2020134,444 milesOH

MY 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA HATCH (LOCK SUS ASSY AND HANDLE ASSY) HAVE FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED ON TWO OCCASIONS. ON 10 JULY 2014 AND 23 NOVEMBER 2018 EACH WERE COSTLY REPAIRS FOR A SIMPLE HANDLE/LOCK THAT WERE POORLY DESIGNED. A DOOR HANDLE AND LOCK SHOULD NOT COST OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH QUALITY OF SMALL PART REPLACEMENT JOBS I HAVE HAD TO COMPLETE TO MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE. HATCH DOOR FAILED WITH NO WARNING OR PREVIOUS PROBLEMS SUMMER AND WINTER CONDITIONS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 18, 2020240,000 milesTN

WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, AND AT LOW SPEEDS, VTS IS TURNING ON AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. THIS HAPPENS WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC AND I CANNOT SPEED UP UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS STRAIGHT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 20, 2020137,500 milesMA

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF WITH NUMEROUS RECEIPTS TO PROVE IT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, I HAVE OBSERVED A 'ROT' HOLE IN THE REAR PART OF THE FRAME. THE WHOLE IN THE FRAME IS APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF A DOLLAR BILL AND SPREADING. THERE ARE OTHER PARTS OF THE FRAME THAT WILL NEED ATTENTION IN THE FUTURE. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED SEQUOIA MODEL YEARS 2005 AND UP AND HAVE NEGLECTED TO INCLUDE THE 2004. IT IS APPARENT THAT THE 2004 SEQUOIA IS SUBJECT TO THE SAME FAULTY FRAME MANUFACTURING AS OTHER MODELS/ YEARS OF NUMEROUS TOYOTA'S. MY VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 137,600 MILES ON IT. I HAVE MAINTAINED VEHICLES FROM FROM THE 90S THAT HAVE BETTER FRAME CONSTRUCTION THAN MY TOYOTA. I BELIEVE THAT THE FRAME ON MY 2004 SEQUOIA WILL NEED FRAME PATCHES IN THE FUTURE AS WELL AS MANY OTHER METAL COMPONENTS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME REPLACED.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 19, 2020170,000 milesPA

WHEN TEMPERATURES FALL TO 32 DEGREES F (SOMETIMES HIGHER) OR BELOW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED THE SRS (AIRBAG) LIGHT ILLUMINATES IN COLD TEMPERATURES. AFTER CAR WARMS UP AND IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON SRS LIGHT WILL GO BACK OFF. FOLLOWING AIRBAG CODES ARE STORED IN SRS AIRBAG MODULE (ECU): B1141 B0116 THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY TOYOTA SINCE 2004 BUT THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THIS PART OR OFFERING REPLACEMENT. AFFECTED PART NUMBER: 89170-0C070 THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS SINCE IT DISABLES ALL AIRBAGS. THE ONLY REPAIR OPTION IS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG ECU THAT HAS BEEN UPDATED. THIS AFFECTS THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: 2003 - 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2001 - 2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HERE IS THE OFFICIAL TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AIR BAG SYSTEM - MIL ON/DTC'S B1140/B1141 SET ELECTRICAL EL007-04 TITLE: M.I.L. "ON" DTC B1140 & B1141 MODELS: '03 - '04 SEQUOIA MAY 26, 2004 INTRODUCTION UNDER CERTAIN COLD CONDITIONS (APPROXIMATELY 0F /-18C OR BELOW), SOME 2003 AND 2004 MODEL YEAR SEQUOIA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS MAY EXHIBIT A M.I.L. "ON" CONDITION WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1140 OR B1141 STORED IN THE AIRBAG ECU MEMORY. TO PREVENT A M.I.L. "ON" CONDITION, THE AIRBAG ECU HAS BEEN UPDATED. APPLICABLE VEHICLES ^2003 - 2004 MODEL YEAR SEQUOIA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS AND PRODUCED BEFORE THE PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VINS SHOWN. MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOTANATION.COM/THREADS/AIRBAG-E

Suspension
Filed Feb 3, 2020MN

WE BOUGHT IT IN 2014 WITH 76K AND THE FRAME HAD RECENTLY BEEN COATED. SUPPOSEDLY IT WAS FROM TEXAS, AND WE LIVE IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA. THE FRAME LOOKED GOOD AND SEEMED SOLID, BUT WITHIN A YEAR OR TWO ALL OF THE COATING FELL OFF REVEALING VERY RUSTY METAL. BY 3 YEARS (2017) THERE WERE HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME MAINLY BEHIND THE FRONT TIRES AREA, AND THE REST OF THE FRAME IS ALSO QUITE RUSTY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS BUT THEY BROKE SOON AFTER AND KEPT BREAKING WITHIN A FEW MONTHS AFTER REPEATED REPLACEMENT DUE TO EXCESSIVE FRAME MOVEMENT. IT FEELS LESS SAFE WITHOUT A FUNCTIONAL SWAY BAR ATTACHED TO THE FRAME AND HAS MORE BODY ROLL WITH MORE RISK OF ROLLOVER. THE FRAME IS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT, AND THE RUST IS SPREADING LIKE CANCER IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS UNDERNEATH. THE BODY HAS ALMOST NO RUST AT ALL. I PARKED IT IN THE WINTERS TWICE NOW, HOPING TO BUY TIME. BUT I'M COUNTING THE DAYS THAT IT WILL BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ANYMORE. I'M NOT EVEN SURE WHEN TO DETERMINE WHEN THAT WILL BE, AND AM HOPING IT DOESN'T HAVE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LIKE OTHERS HAVE HAD WITH THE EARLIER SEQUOIAS. I BOUGHT THIS FOR MY WIFE AND PAID $16000 CASH FOR IT. WE'VE PUT ON 60K MILES BUT EXPECTED TO GET MANY MORE YEARS OUT OF IT BEING THAT IT IS SO SOLID AND RELIABLE OTHERWISE. THIS FRAME IS HORRIBLE, AND PROBABLY WOULD HAVE SHOWN ITSELF A PROBLEM SOONER, HAD IT NOT BEEN IN TEXAS MOST OF ITS PREVIOUS YEARS. IT IS WRONG THAT THE 01-04 YEARS ARE EXCLUDED FROM

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 28, 2020187,000 milesOH

TOOK 2004 SEQUOIA TO KINGS TOYOTA FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL AS WELL AS DIAGNOSTIC EVAL OF VSC ABS LIGHTS ISSUE. RECEIVED A PHONE CALL THAT THE TECH COULD NOT DETERMINE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNLESS WE PAID AN ADDITIONAL $360 FOR MORE TIME TO DIAGNOSE AND THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH WITH LARGE HOLES. WONDERED IF WE WANTED TO PURSUE THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE LARGER SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE FRAME. ORIGINAL ISSUE OCCURRED WITH LIGHTS COMING ON (HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES PREVIOUSLY) FOLLOWED BY THE POWER WINDOWS CEASING TO WORK, SEVERAL HOURS LATER THE WIPERS AND WINDOW SEEMED SLUGGISH AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. HAD TO JUMP THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND THEN WHEN JUMPING NO LONGER WORKED, WE HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE INTO A CHURCH PARKING LOT. AFTER BEING TOLD BY MR. HOWARD THAT THEY DON'T SEE VEHICLES COME INTO SERVICE WITH LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME, I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT 10S OF THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA TRUCKS, INCLUDING 05-08 SEQUOIAS, HAVE BEEN RECALLED - CRC APPLIED AND FRAMES REPLACED AS WELL AS TOYOTA BUYING BACK 95-00 TRUCKS WITH RUSTED FRAMES FOR 1.5 TIMES THE BLUE BOOK VALUE. 04 SEQUOIAS MENTIONED MORE THAN 300 TIMES FOR THE VSC, TAILGATE AND RUSTED FRAME ISSUES THAT ARE PREVALENT IN THIS MODEL - MY VEHICLE HAS ALL 3. SPOKE WITH COLIN, THE SERVICE MANAGER, WHO REITERATED WHAT I FOUND ONLINE. TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING SINCE THE RECALL IS CLOSED AND DID NOT INCLUDE THE 04 MODELS.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2020MS

I'VE BEEN DEALING FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAVING AIR-BAGS BEING REPLACED. WHEN AN APPOINTMENT IS GIVEN, I GO TO DEALERSHIP AND AM TOLD NO ONE HAS PLACED AN ORDER FOR THE PARTS.MS DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION CONTACTED ME AND SAID THEY HAVE MADE THE REQUEST FOR REPAIR AND ESTABRROOK TOYOTA OF PASCAGOULA HAS SAID THERE IS NO RECORD OF ANY CORRESPONDENCE.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 28, 2019MI

FRAME HAS RUST HOLES AND THE STEERING STABILIZER MOUNT RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. VERY UNSAFE ! THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION SO THE SEVERITY OF RUST ON THE FRAME SEEMS VERY OUT OF PLACE. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREME AND NOT NORMAL. NOT ACCEPTABLE FROM A MANUFACTURER KNOWN FOR ITS QUALITY SYSTEMS. TPS SIX SIGMA EMBARRASMENT IN MY OPINION

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 3, 2019145,000 milesKS

FUEL GAUGE NOT MEASURING FUEL PROPERLY. AFTER A FULL TANK, GAUGE INDICATES EMPTY TANK AFTER FEW DAYS. SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING AND ENGINE LOSES POWER FOR A WHILE WHILE THE GAUGE GOES TO 100 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY AND GOES BACK TO ZERO AND RESTORES POWER TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 145,000 MILES ON IT. ALSO RUST ON THE BODY FRAME .

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock
Filed Nov 27, 2019227,557 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. IN 2011, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE LATCH FRACTURED. THE LATCH WAS REPLACED BY CULVER CITY TOYOTA (9077 WASHINGTON BLVD, CULVER CITY, CA 90232); HOWEVER, THE LATCH FRACTURED AGAIN AND THE TAIL LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ORDER FOR THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, THEY HAD TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 227,557.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 17, 2019VA

OUR 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA HAS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE CAR THAT HAS MADE IT UNSAFE TO OPERATE. WE UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA USED POOR QUALITY STEEL TO MAKE THE FRAME. WE HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA, WHICH HAS REFUSED TO FIX OR REPLACE THE FRAME BECAUSE WE MISSED THE JULY 31 2014 DEADLINE. WE KNOW THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2005-08 MODELS AND THE 2004 MODEL SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS WELL. WE WANT THE FRAME TO BE REPLACED. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 5, 2019WV

I WAS CHECKING EVERYTHING ON MY VEHICLE OVER BEFORE I WENT FOR INSPECTION AND I NOTICED RUST CORROSION STARTING ON THE FRAME. I TOOK TO A FRIEND TO CHECK FOR ME AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE FRAMES AND THERE WAS A RECALL OF SORTS BACK IN 2012 REGARDING THE FRAMES WERE NOT COATED CORRECTLY FOR THE COLDER STATES. I HAD HEARD ABOUT THIS WARRANTY ISSUE BEFORE BUT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. MY BROTHER IN LAW TOLD ME TO CHECK IT OUT BACK IN 2016 WHEN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG/STEERING COMPONENT. I WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME THAT THE RECALL/ WARRANTY ISSUE HAD EXPIRED AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. I HAVE NOT NOTICED ANY RUST UNTIL THIS YEAR. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT GO OFF ROAD AND IS ONLY DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS. I CALLED TOYOTA USA ON 7/24/2019 AND EXPLAINED TO THEM THE SITUATION. ONE OF THE LADIES FELT CONFIDENT THAT I COULD BE HELPED. THEN WHEN I WAS TRANSFERRED TO A LADY NAMED ASHLEY, SHE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SHE TOLD ME THAT THE WARRANTY ISSUE WAS SENT TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER IN JUNE OF 2012 AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THEY PROBABLY DID NOT RESPOND SEEING HOW I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE 1/26/2012. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT SINCE I DO NOT TAKE IT TO A CERTIFIED TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE DONE THAT THERE WAS STILL NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE MY VEHICLE WHERE I WANT WITHOUT THE MANUFACTURER DECIDING TO HONOR A WARRANTY BASED ON THE FACT THAT I GO TO ONE OF THEIR SERVICE CENTERS. I

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 8, 2019219,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE'S OIL WAS BEING CHANGED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE FRONT SWAY BAR BRACKET WAS ROTTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO IRA TOYOTA OF TEWKSBURY (LOCATED AT 468 MAIN ST, TEWKSBURY, MA 01876, (978) 863-9009) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 219,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 27, 2019178,865 milesOH

THE BOTTOM PART OF THE TUBE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. WHEN I WENT TO LIFT IT UP TO CHECK A LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID LINE, THE JACK WENT THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 4, 2019219,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME ON THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF CEDAR PARK (LOCATED AT 5600 183A, LEANDER, TX 78641, (512) 379-7575) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT AN UNKNOWN RECALL PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE BODY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 219,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 8, 2019210,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED UNCONTROLLABLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY SAFELY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARM FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE SUBFRAME WAS SPRAYED PER AN UNKNOWN SERVICE CAMPAIGN, BUT IT DID NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SUBFRAME WAS PLATE WELDED. TOYOTA OF SMITHFIELD (LOCATED AT 550 GEORGE WASHINGTON HWY, SMITHFIELD, RI 02917, (401) 723-0972) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN HAD EXPIRED AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 29, 2019IL

THE FRAME HAS BEEN RECALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME WOULD NOT BE REPLACED BUT SPRAYED WITH ANTI RUST COATING INSTEAD. THE COATING PEELED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. COMPLAINTS WERE MADE BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FRAME AT TIME OF RECALL. CURRENTLY THE FRAME IS PRACTICALLY FALLING APART. WE ARE UNABLE TO GET A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE AT THIS TIME NOR CAN WE SELL IT AS IS. WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS AT THIS TIME? THANK-YOU *DT*JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 22, 2019IL

YESTERDAY MY MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE FRAME UNDERNEATH WAS ALL RUSTED AND FALLING APART. THAT PARTS ON FRAME COULD FALL WHILE I AM DRIVING. I TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER BY WHERE I LIVE. THEY SAID THAT RECALLED HAD JUST EXPIRED. WHAT A COINCIDENCE. PLEASE HELP. I DONT WANT TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 8, 2019139,000 milesVA

TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH 139K MILES. THIS SUV HAD A FRAME RECALL IN 2014, TOYOTA DEALER APPLIED THE PAINT/EPOXY TO THE RUSTED FRAME INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE RUSTED FRAME. THE PAINT PEELED OFF WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE APPLICATION. NOW THE FRAME IS RUSTED VERY BADLY. WHEN DRIVING IT MAKES GRINDING NOISES. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT BECAUSE OF EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST, THE FRAME HAS GOTTEN WEAKER AND IS SLIGHTLY BENT. THIS MAKES THE MOVING PARTS TOUCH THE OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY/FRAME RESULTING IN THE NOISES. HE SUGGESTED REPLACING THE RUSTED FRAME.

Suspension
Filed Mar 20, 2019210,000 milesMA

ENTIRE FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS RUSTED AND VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, UPON AIR BAG RECALL FIX, INFORMED ME OF A RECALL OR WARRANTY REPAIR FOR THE SEQUOIA RUSTED FRAMES. TOYOTA CORPORATE CLAIMS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING SINCE THE "RECALL' HAS EXPIRED. I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION. MANY OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE AND TOYOTA IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS RECALLED OTHER MODEL YEARS FOR FRAME REPLACEMENTS. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE WE GET APPROPRIATE ACTION?

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 26, 2018110,000 milesKY

I PURCHASED A TOP OF THE LINE '04 TOYOTA SEQUOIA IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR FOR ALMOST 9K. IT HAS LESS THAN 110K MILES ON IT AND IN PRISTINE CONDITION. WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP IN AUGUST BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. NOPE! THIS WAS THE FRAME THAT WAS RECALLED UNDER THE TUNDRA TRUCKS FOR RUSTING OUT BECAUSE THE FRAMES WERE NOT BUILT CORRECTLY. NO WHERE IN MY RESEARCH DID THE RECALL MENTION THE SEQUOIAS. THE FRAME IS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT ISN'T EVEN SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN TO KERRY TOYOTA IN FLORENCE KY, AND SPOKE WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND KEEP BEING TOLD THERE IS NOTHING YOU TOYOTA CAN DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS OWNER DIDN'T TAKE IT IN WHEN THE RECALL WAS ACTIVE AND HAVE THE SPECIAL SPRAY COATING SPRAYED ON TO THE FRAME. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS. YOU HAD A RECALL ON THESE FRAMES AND DIDN'T INCLUDE THE SEQUOIA MODEL NAME AND TOYOTA KNEW THESE FRAMES WOULD BECOME DANGEROUS AND DETRIMENTAL TO THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THIS ISN'T A FEW HUNDRED DOLLAR FIX WHICH WE COULD DEAL WITH, IT'S 7 THOUSAND OR MORE DOLLARS FIX AFTER I PAID ALMOST 9K FOR A CAR THAT HAD LESS THAN 110K MILES AND IS OTHERWISE IN PERFECT CONDITION. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR YOU COULDN'T TELL THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD BECAUSE SOMEONE HAD SPRAYED UNDERCOATING ALL OVER THE FRAME. THIS CAR AND THE CONDITION IT IS IN MINUS THE FRAME SHOULD LAST ANOTHER 200K MILES OR MORE. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT, I SPENT ALL THAT MONEY ON IT AND I CAN NOT BELIEVE TH

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 8, 2018MA

THE REAR DRIVERS FRAME SNAPPED IN HALF. BROKE IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL. NO HELP FROM TOYOTA. SO IT SITS IN DRIVEWAY. RUMOR HAS IT A RECALL IS ON WAY.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 18, 2018118,000 milesNJ

UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTED, DCH TOYOTA NEW BRUNSWICK TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT THE SEALANT THEY USED DID NOT PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM OCCURRING. AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS NOT ROAD SAFE. BUT THEY DO NOT WANT TO MAKE THE REPAIR THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE ORIGINALLY. STRANGE, THOUGH, IS THAT THEY FIXED THE SAME YEAR TUNDRA THAT HAS THE SAME FRAME AND UNDER CARRIAGE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 2018126,000 milesSC

VSC AND TRAC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THESE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. OCCASIONALLY BRAKE WILL MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND PEDAL WILL GO TO FLOOR. THIS HAPPENS WHILE TRYING TO STOP.

Complaints 1-50 of 380, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20221200Routine
20214200Routine
20204200Routine
20197600Routine
201820500Routine
20177300Routine
201611300Routine
20159300Routine
201417300Routine
201312300Routine
201220400Routine
201117700Routine
2010311020Routine
20096900Routine
200867900Routine
2007136910Routine
20062021000Above average
20053521112Fatalities reported
2004 — this page380910Above average
2003565711Fatalities reported
2002666810Above average
2001531301Fatalities reported

Compare every Sequoia year →

2004 Toyota Sequoia: questions buyers ask

Is the 2004 Toyota Sequoia a good car?

It is not among the Sequoia years to avoid. Owners filed 380 complaints, against about 352 for a typical Sequoia year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (18%).

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Toyota Sequoia?

The body and frame: 69 of the 380 complaints (18%) are about it. The typical report comes at 139,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Sequoia have?

9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 14, 2022. The largest, 15V285000, covered 1,973,468 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2004 Toyota Sequoia problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 95,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 139,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 Toyota Sequoia?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open. 2 investigations are open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Toyota Sequoia?

The manufacturer filed 167 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (38), the electrical system (20) and the airbags (14). They include a service campaign, 05015, filed Jun 27, 2005. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 14, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.