NHTSA Complaint #11439589 — 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA

Frame Replacement needed: I took my 2001 Toyota Sequoia (45,515 miles; always garaged) in for an Emissions & Safety Inspection. I was notified the excessive rust on the frame has cause damage to the lines for the brakes/bubbling on the lines, fuel line, power steering fluid lines and, eventually, other undercar items may soon fail. It is recommended that due to the excessive rusting/premature frame rotting, the SUV should be decommissioned and off the road. Toyota dealership actually suggested that it might be necessary for me to sign a waiver in order to take the vehicle out of the dealership. The waiver was to hold Toyota harmless should something result as a result of the defect. I was shocked at the request/I declined. Stated the severe rusting is from the front to the rear of the frame. Research shows the Toyota Corporation is fully aware of the excessive rusting on the Toyota Sequoia SUVs however no remedy has been in place to resolve the issue for current owners. I am advised to replace the fuel lines (approximately $1700 for parts and labor), however, upon replacement the excessive rusting to the frame may damage the other lines in the vehicle and the frame will need to be replaced as well (about $10,000). The 2nd technician stated he has done work on 20+ year old SUVs a lot, none with anywhere near this type of premature rusted frame. Stated he couldn't believe how bad it is. Said it flakes apart when you touch it anywhere. He stressed that I should not have my octogenarian mom, and 1st grader in the vehicle. This is our family vehicle. The 2001 Sequoia SUV was built on a tundra frame which had a structural recall (NHTSA action number: pe09049) for frames built in 2000 and 2001. The Sequoia was left out of this recall; a 2012 Spray Option was offered for the frame (I was told by "Israel" today / Brand Ambassador Department). I never received the notification. No dupport from Toyota. The frame, fuel lines need replacement. Pls help!