Problems · by component

2003 Toyota Sequoia suspension problems

45 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2003 Toyota Sequoia cite suspension, 7% of all 684 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
45
7% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the suspension

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2003 Sequoia was in the garage for a check on the brakes. I also asked them to check the frame for any rust issues, because I had previously been concerned about it earlier. They reported to me that the car should be off the road because the rust in the frame was so severe. They said they would not put it up on the lift anymore because it could break in half. The stabilizer was barely connected at one end. There were holes completely through the frame at several places. I know from my research that Toyota issued safety recalls for 2003 Sequoia and Tundra vehicles. This an issue that Toyota should repair.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2026Suspension, StructureODI 11757568
“Abnormal rust all over underside of vehicle including frame, structural components, brake lines, steering components … etc. FRAME and steering/suspension components rusting out. Rear differential rusting out. Cab mounts rusting out. Spare tire hardware rusting out. Transmission cooler lines about to burst from corrosion. Rear tow assembly rusting out. Entire underside is rotting out. Known issue which has plagued hundreds of owners, but Toyota has not recalled this model year. Extremely dangerous; one brake line has already gone out resulting in a loss of braking. Toyota applied an undercoating circa 2013 but they just sprayed over an already rusted frame and other components without proper preparation which actually accelerated the corrosion and rot. Deceptive and unethical business practices. Vehicle cost over $50,000 new in 2003 and only has just over 120,000 miles on it. This should NOT be happening. Please help. Please investigate.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2022Steering, Suspension, StructureODI 11471811
“Hello, I am writing to you to have an investigation started on 2003 Toyota Sequoia, I own one and there has been concerns with the Frame of the vehicle rotting out, there was Warranty Enhancement Program sent out in United States to cover frames of 2001 to 2004 Toyota Sequoias which replaced severely rusted out frames at the dealership. I use this vehicle for my family and I do not want to endanger the lives of them and the people around the community where the frame may break due to rust and cause a severe accident. Please take a look at the details below and get back to me. Subject: Limited Service Campaign (LSC) CSD Certain 2001 through 2004 Model Year Sequoia Vehicles Frame Inspection I am located in Canada would like NHSTA to investigate and see if this program can be administered to vehicles in Canada since I have severe rotting of the frame and I have had to have it welded many times to not compromise the safety of the vehicle”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2021Suspension, StructureODI 11440777
“The latch hook/truck door release has a defect. It has been replaced 3 times after purchase of my vehicle , by the following Toyota dealerships (Tejas Toyota in Humble Texas (2x); Maund Toyota in Austin, Tx (1x). Each dealership service said it was/is manufacture defect with the latch hook and it stops “un latching when the vehicle the button is pressed to unlock and the handle can not open the hatchback” This time I was traveling out of state with my pet in the kennel and when we stopped for restroom break the latch would not open to retrieve the pet to let out the kennel. We were traveling with a vehicle full of items, which the entire inside of the vehicle had to be emptied I ordered to let all the seats down and try to maneuver to try to get my dog out of kennel I. Such a small confined space that was hard to open because it was in the side. It took over and hour to cut the cage at the top to retrieve my pet. The sad part is there was no warning because we were traveling a 13 hour trip, stopping every couple hours for breaks and stretches, and the couple hours before we open the hatchback just fine. This is more than a safety concern for the animal. This is…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2021Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11430913
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A TIRE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE TECHNICIAN DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 235,000.*DT*DT”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2021SuspensionODI 11406936
“WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 45 OR 60 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES REAL BAD AN VIBRATES FEELS LIKE I GOT A FLAT TIRE OR FEELS LIKE I'M GONNA HAVE A TIRE COME OFF WHEN I BOUGHT IT ALSO CONSUMES A LOT OF GAS UST TO GET REAL GOOD GAS MILEAGE BUT NOW NOT SO GOOD JUUST TO FILL UP TWICE A WEEK BUT NOW SOMETIMES 3 TO 5 TIMESWHICH IS WEIRD DIDN'T KNOW I HAD A RECALL WARRANTY I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A LOT OF THINGS ESPECIALLY IN THE EMISSIONS PART FOR CAR BOUGHT NEW FUEL LINE SOLENOIDS , PURGE SOLENOID, NOW IT SAYS I NEED A NEW VALVE VENT SOLENOID. THERE IS A VACUUM LEAK OTHER THAN THAT RUNS GOOD DOESN'T OVER HEAT OR BREAK UNLESS I NEEDED TO BUT USES A LOT OF GA SHAKES REAL BAD I DON'T WANNA DRIVEMORETHAN 70 MPH ALL THE TIRES ARE AT 41 PSI”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 10, 2019Suspension, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11279303

Showing 6 of 45 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Suspension: lower ball joint

Free remedy

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.

SuspensionReported May 17, 2005NHTSA 05V225000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.