NHTSA Complaint #11546433 — 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA

I want to bring attention to the a fatal flaw designed into Toyota truck frames. I understand Toyota denied my claim and I am out of luck with the repairs on my truck. However it is morally responsible for me to bring awareness to this deadly issue. Since most owners don't know they have a problem until the frame breaks, it is worth raising awareness to save human life. This is not a cosmetic issue, its a life or death issue for the consumer. The frame on my truck is completely rusted. In 2013, a Toyota dealership did a frame inspection on my 2003 truck per the recall notice to the previous owner. Toyota had a safety recall for a two step frame replacement for 12 years. The inspection noted an excessive amount of corrosion and rust on the frame components. In 2014, another Toyota dealership decided to spray a sealer over the rust instead of replacing the frame. The sealer trapped moisture and accelerated the oxidation process. This made the problem worse and the rust spread and destroyed the metal to a point its not repairable or safe to drive. The frame of the truck is only 20 years old and was garage kept. However it was operated in a cold climate where salt is applied to the roadways. After filing a several cases with Toyota US I was told its the consumers responsibility and the case was denied. Me and the previous owner did follow the guidelines set forth by the safety frame recall. Since Toyota worked on the frame during the time of the recall they should be held responsible for any liability to human life. Now that these vehicle are starting to age we will start see fatalities on our roadways that will be directly linked to bad frame design. Crumple zones and vehicle safety systems are not effective when the structure they are built upon are defective. I have attached pictures and dealer paperwork for review.