2001-2004 Toyota Sequoia Rust Corrosion on Frame Condition LSC CSD

OishiiJPN

Moderator
Staff member
Hi there,
So it was just announced that Toyota is settling with Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia owners to the tune of $15k! Unfortunately, Sequoias only as far back as 2005---mine is 2004! Do we have any recourse?
This newest rust corrosion settlement appears to be a separate/different program than this LSC CSD. We'll post more information when it becomes available.
 
2

20sequoia02

Guest
I would like to be part of the class action suit also. I have an 02 that was inspected and coated only to have holes in the frame one year later
 

aje342

New Member
In the same boat as 20sequoia02. Have a 2002 sequoia, did what we were supposed to with the coating and now in danger of having the frame fail while driving. Is there no recourse for those who were able to follow thru with the LSC CSD and still have a pile of rust for a vehicle?
 

OishiiJPN

Moderator
Staff member
In the same boat as 20sequoia02. Have a 2002 sequoia, did what we were supposed to with the coating and now in danger of having the frame fail while driving. Is there no recourse for those who were able to follow thru with the LSC CSD and still have a pile of rust for a vehicle?
This is just my own experience with these scenarios. Obviously there was a problem with these frames rusting.

Now most of the time it takes a lawsuit in order for a company to do something about the problem and provide relief. In most cases, unless the problem was egregious like the VW emissions cheating scandal, the solution whether from a lawsuit or voluntarily, like in this case, the relief offered is not what anyone wants. It's kinda in the middle. Just enough for most customers but not enough to all.

Now the problem here is that it sounds like your Sequoia did not qualify for a full frame replacement at the time of the inspection so the Toyota Dealer sent it out to a third party to have the undercoating applied. If this is the case then your problem is with the third party company that applied the undercoating. At least this is what Toyota might say.
 
2

20sequoia02

Guest
This is just my own experience with these scenarios. Obviously there was a problem with these frames rusting.

Now most of the times it takes a lawsuit in order for a company to do something about the problem and provide relief. In most cases, unless the problem was egregious like the VW emissions cheating scandal, the solution whether from a lawsuit or voluntarily, like in this case, the relief offered is not what anyone wants. It's kinda in the middle. Just enough for most customers but not enough to all.

Now the problem here is that it sounds like your Sequoia did not qualify for a full frame replacement at the time of the inspection so the Toyota Dealer sent it out to a third party to have the undercoating applied. If this is the case then your problem is with the third party company that applied the undercoating. At least this is what Toyota might say.


This is not the case. It was done by Toyota Certified Technicians that followed the outlined recall by corporate. Corporate told them to stop testing the frames with a hammer and just do a visual inspection. They were also told to just spray the frames no prep or anything and the was outline by corporate also. How can you see what is going on inside a boxed frame. A year later and I have holes in my frame? If they did any kind of structural integrity test it would have failed right then and there.

The reason they only sprayed and replaced the spare wheel assembly was to keep the government off their backs. There were reports of spare tires falling off and rolling down the road. the government would of then forced them to do a full on recall instead of this half assed limited service campaign.

I think it would be in Toyota'so best interest to just fix the people that are complaining about the issue. Toyota has to shell out big dollars to the lawyers of the latest lawsuit, save a few bucks and do what's right is what I say.
 

OishiiJPN

Moderator
Staff member
It was done by Toyota Certified Technicians that followed the outlined recall by corporate.
Usually the inspection and if needed, the frame replacement part, is performed by the Dealer but any undercoating application would be subleted unless the Dealer has a body shop equipped to do this. We've never done this where I worked.

Corporate told them to stop testing the frames with a hammer and just do a visual inspection.
Any documentation on this?

Toyota has to shell out big dollars to the lawyers of the latest lawsuit, save a few bucks and do what's right is what I say.
Just looking back at whats been done in the past on these rusted frames and what information we have online so far. It looks like this will be another Limited Service Campaign and not a Recall.....

Toyota to settle U.S. truck rust lawsuit

LSC ESD

LSC A0F

CSP ZTH


This campaign might be 12 years from the date the vehicle was originally sold (DOFU=Date of first use) probably with unlimited mileage. Now of that, how many owners will take there vehicle in? How many of the vehicles will pass the inspection now but fail later?

Again, based on history, once the inspection is performed and the vehicle passes, that's it-your done. There's no coming back later and trying to get a frame replaced under the campaign. The total cost to Toyota will no where be $3.4 Billion. Even the Lawyers who won the suit stated that about only 15% of frames would need to be replaced...

I'm not saying whats right or wrong, just trying to portend what some owners can expect. We will keep you updated with the latest as we know it and how to make the most out of this situation.
 
2

20sequoia02

Guest
Usually the inspection and if needed, the frame replacement part, is performed by the Dealer but any undercoating application would be subleted unless the Dealer has a body shop equipped to do this. We've never done this where I worked.


Any documentation on this?


Just looking back at whats been done in the past on these rusted frames and what information we have online so far. It looks like this will be another Limited Service Campaign and not a Recall.....

Toyota to settle U.S. truck rust lawsuit

LSC ESD

LSC A0F

CSP ZTH


This campaign might be 12 years from the date the vehicle was originally sold (DOFU=Date of first use) probably with unlimited mileage. Now of that, how many owners will take there vehicle in? How many of the vehicles will pass the inspection now but fail later?

Again, based on history, once the inspection is performed and the vehicle passes, that's it-your done. There's no coming back later and trying to get a frame replaced under the campaign. The total cost to Toyota will no where be $3.4 Billion. Even the Lawyers who won the suit stated that about only 15% of frames would need to be replaced...

I'm not saying whats right or wrong, just trying to portend what some owners can expect. We will keep you updated with the latest as we know it and how to make the most out of this situation.

My Toyota dealership did it. They did frame replacement and the coating. The Campaign even said a certified Toyota tech will do the work.

Documentation, no but I do have phone recording from corporate that said they did not do structure test like they did on the original tacoma recall only a visual inspection. Again how do you inspect the inside of a box?

This recall comes with a warranty tho. If mine had a warranty just like this one and the original tacoma recall I would have a new frame since it would of fell under the extended warranty time period.

I'm just saying Toyota dropped the ball and only did the bare minimum to keep the NHTSA off their backs.

The amount/ the way I drive me vehicle it should of lasted me another 10 years easily. Now if I would take it in to do a simple oil change a reputable shop will not work on it for liability reasons. Told corporate this and they said correct but they can't tell me what to do with my vehicle.
 

Jack

New Member
Hi there,
So it was just announced that Toyota is settling with Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia owners to the tune of $15k! Unfortunately, Sequoias only as far back as 2005---mine is 2004! Do we have any recourse?
Mine too. and also never received LSC note regarding rusted frame replacement. There suppose to be another class action for older vehicle as well.
 
L

Leanna

Guest
So I found out my 2001 Sequoia's frame is rusted out as well. I've tried to follow the thread and what I'm getting is that nothing can be done now?
 

Jack

New Member
I recently complain - once again- to Toyota and even I emailed them pictures of my rusted frame and ask them what I need to do? Should I just junk the vehicle or drive until i will have some kind of accident when frame just brake down? They call me back - very rude, said they did everything what they can and basically they do not care. 20sequia02 is right, they issued a recall and they proceeded as little as possible to show they did something. We suppose to sue Toyota!!!!!
 

Phantomx

New Member
I have a 2004 toyota sequoia for more than 8 years right now have 105,200 miles never get any letters from toyota or anyone went to get the inspection sticker and fail due Rust corrosion on frame I went to the dealer and ask they tell me nothing they can do only get it in trade in. Are you serious? I tell the guy and if I goin to buy other car won't be a toyota. Toyota need to do something about this
 

Lewis

Moderator
Staff member
never get any letters from toyota
Unfortunately, we hear this all to often. I know that this comes as no consolation but this is why this forum was started. To share information with Toyota Owners about their vehicles.

One thing that has perplexed me is that no one has taken the time to "Recommend" this post via the Facebook link below. How else can we spread the word about what vehicles are covered for if Toyota Owners don't take the time to share it?
 
L

Laura

Guest
Here I am stuck with a 2002 Toyota Sequoia unfit to drive, rusted frame, can't be inspected. To get my inspection, I took it to Toyota Checkered Flag here in Va Beach since I needed other work to be done. My frame pictures are totally disturbing which was provided by a local body shop.

Case department was not helpful and provided no solutions. I never received any notice on a limited service claim. With that said, my vehicle has been back to the Toyota Service Department/Dealership during the time span for servicing and not once did they mention that the frame was an issue and recommended repairs.

Toyota case department said they can't speak on behalf of the dealership or service department and stated that the US Postal service was the carrier for the notice. Hmmm....

Next step, call the Service Manager of Toyota Checkered Flag to see if there is a solution. However, I do find it odd that a day later after I filed a claim, Toyota Checkered Flag sent me an email stating they will give me $2500 for my vehicle as a trade in. Really? I don't need another car.

If there is any other recourse, or a new class action suit, please let me know. You can contact me at beachin7@gmail.com. I am looking forward to a sense of direction.
 
M

Msuttonrc

Guest
I have a 2004 toyota sequoia for more than 8 years right now have 105,200 miles never get any letters from toyota or anyone went to get the inspection sticker and fail due Rust corrosion on frame I went to the dealer and ask they tell me nothing they can do only get it in trade in. Are you serious? I tell the guy and if I goin to buy other car won't be a toyota. Toyota need to do something about this

Can we begin a lawsuit for Sequois the are older than 2005? My 04 has 104,500 miles on it - tie rod mount rusted off the frame. Msuttonrc@yahoo.com
 
L

Laura

Guest
I'll jump in on a class action suit with you. Mine is a 2002. I'm not sure how to go about doing this, but its worth a try. Let me know.
 
2

20sequoia02

Guest
Does anyone have a contact for the class action lawsuit for the 2005 sequoias? I can only find a 1800 number that only has a recording and anot email that only has an auto response with a do not reply email

I have read in the lawsuit that the 2000 till 2004 have the same issues as the 2005 to 2008. I'm wondering if the original lawsuit states they have problems too why is the settlement only for 05 and 08
 
L

Lakinda Davis

Guest
My name is Lakinda Davis. I bought a 2001 Toyota Sequoia that my frame is rusted. How can I get my frame redone.
Okay Folks....I am going to do it. Take Toyota to small claims court for not notifying me of the LSC for my 2001 Sequoia. I have tried to resolve this issue with Toyota via their customer service staff by submitting several cases over the past 12 months. After being told the 7/31/2014 deadline had passed, and there was nothing more they were willing to do, I have few other options. To rub salt into the wound, while at my local Toyota dealership for parts (for another Toyota - I have owned 12) I was discussing my experiences with a dealership Service Center employee. He did not understand why I was told that Toyota would not do anything. He said they currently had two (2) frames in the dealership to repair two vehicles under the campaign. That was 20+ months AFTER the campaign officially ended. When I asked why they could not help me, he simply said "I must not have gone far enough up the food chain" to get action. That was the push I needed to try to resolve this via legal action. I filed my small claim case that same day.

Now that I have a court date scheduled, I would like to have one or two names of other owners who also did not get a notice of the LSC. I see Miriam Reilly added her complete name above. Would any others be willing to do the same? I promise it will only be used to add credibility to my claim, that others have experienced the same. Even some that purchased the vehicles new (which I did not). BTW....I also had a 2001 Tacoma and DID receive the notices for that vehicle....just not the Sequoia.

It seems Toyota will admit that there are problems with the frame, but believes I have no case because they have some evidence that they "mailed" the notice letters and a statute of limitations is in place. They don't seem to care if "we" ever received the letters, just that they mailed them. Sounds a lot like the "check is in the mail" to me.

Wish me luck. We all may benefit if I win. Any names that could help the cause will be appreciated.

Thanks
Will Hager
 
L

Lakinda Davis

Guest
If anybody get a lawsuit together. Please include me. I am a owner of 2001 Toyota Sequoia. I love the way it drives. I purchased this vehicle without looking under the bottom and it is rusted out. On the 12th of this month makes a year since I purchased it cash money. I paid $4800 that I feel like I just threw my money away. I keep replacing muffler pipes and o2 sensors and catalytic converters. My mechanic say it's not safe but it has been my only vehicle so I have no choice but to drive it and pray about it til I get something else.
 
J

Jason K

Guest
I have a 2005, and live in Chicago area. Is there an option between frame replacement and buy back? Is buy back always $15,000? If there is a buy back, do you keep vehicle or is it scrapped?
 
Top