Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Toyota Sequoia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On parkway 50 to 55 mph driver side ball joint broke. Truck could of flipped or hit another vehicle. Could of caused damage to my body or death. No warning of impending breakage. I do have pics of broken balljoint and it did cause damage to driverside fender. Frame is rusting. Worried about frame unsafe could brake at any time. Toyota refuses to check and replace.
The frame and attached components of the 2002 Sequoia are rusting at alarming rates. Seemingly surface quickly turned into structurally penetrating rust (I.e. holes in the frame rails). Additionally rocker panels and wheel arches show signs of significant penetrating rust. Pieces of rusted metal were found under the car on my driveway recently.
To whom it may concern, I recently purchased a 2002 Toyota sequoia. I brought the truck to a local shop for a (overall assessment of the vehicle) since I just Purchased it. The shop owner ( I have their name address if needed). The chassis is rusty and has holes sue to rust. If someone can get back to me It's much appreciated
Component/System Failed: The frame of my 2002 Toyota Sequoia has severely rusted, resulting in a gaping hole. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The rusted frame jeopardizes my safety and renders the vehicle unsafe for use. Confirmation: A mechanic has confirmed the rust issue. Manufacturer Inspection: Toyota has not inspected my Sequoia's frame. Warning Signs: There were no warning lamps or messages related to frame rust prior to the failure; it became evident during my recent inspection. The gaping hole in my Sequoia's frame is not due to normal wear and tear but rather Toyota's poor manufacturing practices. Shockingly, Toyota issued a "limited service campaign" for similar rust issues in other vehicles, but I was never informed. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. …
I recently went to my local Toyota dealership for radiator and exhaust system evaluation and possible repairs and was by advised that the frame on the driver's side of the vehicle has major rust perforation problems. I was told that the degree of rust thru was significant and May create a safety hazard. A friend later advised that there have been widespread reports of this issue with older sequoias. I researched and found that a recall had been issued for some models a few years ago. I don't recall receiving a recall notice, but in reviewing my service records I see that on April 23, 2013 my frame was inspected based on the following service notation: "cod recall - open recall frame inspection and spare tire functional and visual check - replaced spare tire carrier - removed rust - cleaned frame with no rust perforation found - crc application by outside shop." I have owned the vehicle …
In early 2014, we noticed significant rust issues on the frame and other areas underneath such as the spare tire holder, o2 sensor area, exhaust, and trailer hitch area. After receiving the Toyota recall campaign letter for repair or replacement of the Sequoia frames, we took it to our Toyota dealer in July 2014. The dealer said the rust was so bad after spraying it once, that they had to keep my truck an extra day to spray it again with another coat (on areas other than the frame as well). I called the dealer to see if the 2nd coating was sufficient and they said it was ready to be picked up and they would not be replacing the frame. Upon pickup, the coating was so thick it was dripping off in the parking lot. The dealer said it would take 30 days to "cure". …
Severe premature frame rust including the dislodge of spare tire and carrier, repaired periodically at high cost to the vehicle owner. Frames in question were manufactured with defect in corrosion resistant properties that is well known and documented. Ntsb has been aware of this condition on various Toyota trucks for at least 10 years. Class action lawsuit has been approved for limited model years vehicles but leaves many effected out of the class. Condition effects model year 2000 and up all tundra, tacoma, sequioa and 4runner vehicles. Toyota has been allowed to deny responsibility by implementing a limited service campaign that has long since expired on these faulty vehicles. …
In July, '17 I was told the frame of the vehicle has penetrating rust. This was not supposed to happen since Toyota put corrosion resistant compound on it during the service campaign. The vehicle was inspected for rust in early June/ late May and I was told there were no penetrating rust areas. In June and July I put over $2,000 in repairs into this vehicle as I planned to drive it for several more years. I have since learned that applying the crc is a band-aid and will not stop rust once it has started. I believe Toyota did not address this limited service campaign properly. I believe all vehicles in this campaign should have had total frame replacement rather than relying on visual inspection and using a "band-aid" approach.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. When the vehicle was taken in for a state inspection, the technician stated that the frame was severely corroded. The contact was advised by the technician that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired under a recall two years prior; however, the dealer coated the frame with anti-corrosive lubricant. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000. Ma 08/13/15 the consumer stated two independent mechanics advised that the recall was done incorrectly causing the failure. The manufacturer would not assist with repairs. Updated 12/1/2015
During 2006, the rear liftgate window frame rusted causing the rear window to fall open. The dealer stated it would cost ~$1,600 to replace the equipment and associated parts. I decided not to replace due to the infrequent usage of the rear liftgate window. Around March 15, 2015, the rear window fell open due to complete destruction of the window frame and associated hardware due to corrosion. Also, in February 2015, noticed that the frame of the vehicle was "soft" while jacking the vehicle for brake inspection. The vehicle has the same frame as the Toyota tacoma which was recalled by Toyota many years ago due to excessive corrosion issues. My vehicle is exhibiting the same problem.
Body complaints in other Sequoia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Toyota Sequoia?
NHTSA has 95 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia, 14% of the model year's 666 complaints. The component named most often is body (49 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Toyota Sequoia body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2002 Toyota Sequoia, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Sequoia body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.