As the proud third owner of a well-maintained 2001 Toyota Sequoia Limited, I've come to deeply appreciate the vehicle's quality and durability. With nearly 300,000 miles on the odometer, it stands as a testament to one of the finest gasoline engines across the auto manufacturing industry. However, my confidence in its longevity is significantly undermined by not just one, but two major safety concerns: frame corrosion and issues with the rear crossmember and fuel tank mounting system. These aren't isolated problems but well-known issues reported by a majority of consumers who own these vehicles, highlighting a critical need for action.

The frame corrosion concern goes beyond typical wear and tear; it stems from the original underbody coating, which was faulty, and the use of substandard steel produced by a manufacturer that has since filed for bankruptcy and gone out of business. This has placed the vehicle's structural integrity in jeopardy. Furthermore, the rear crossmember and the fuel tank mounting system have emerged as serious safety hazards, posing additional risks to the vehicle's operational safety. I have no doubt that with regular maintenance, this engine can continue to operate for over 500,000 miles. However, the widespread reports of these defects and the acknowledged flaws in materials and manufacturing processes cast doubt on its achievability without significant intervention.

It's noteworthy that other auto manufacturers' vehicles from as far back as the 1960s through the 1990s have withstood similar and even harsher conditions, indicating a clear flaw in Toyota's frame manufacturing process for the period referenced.

Toyota previously initiated a Limited Service Campaign (LSC) to address rust perforation on certain models, but this response falls short of addressing the full scope of the issue. The campaign must be broadened and intensified by NHTSA to include Toyota Sequoias from 2001 through 2007, specifically targeting the rear crossmember and fuel tank mounting system issues and the underlying faults in the frame's steel and coating, reflecting the widespread concern among owners. Furthermore, it is imperative that Toyota North America not only extends warranty coverage but also commits to replacing the frame or sufficiently correcting the manufacturing defects to ensure the safety and longevity of these vehicles.

Demanding accountability from manufacturers for the complete safety and longevity of their products is essential, especially when a defect is as widely recognized and reported as it is in this case. Our vehicles should be capable of withstanding the tests of time and mileage in all aspects.

I urge you to join this petition calling for NHTSA to reopen recall investigations into these specific Toyota models and for Toyota North America to take decisive action. This includes extending warranty coverage and committing to replacing the frame or sufficiently correcting the manufacturing defects to ensure the safety and longevity of these vehicles, addressing both the widely reported rust perforation and the acknowledged flaws in the rear crossmember and fuel tank mounting system, compounded by the initial use of substandard steel and faulty underbody coating.

Link to the original documentation for Tundra models 2000-2003: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2009/RCMN-09V444-2781.pdf