2014 Toyota Sequoia

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

The paint on my vehicle is peeling off- roof, around all windows and expanding.  I went to a Toyota Dealership Part Counter to get touch-up paint and they told me that color had a paint recall. (Every time I wash the vehicle it gets worse.)  I asked to speak with a service manager at Toyota, 11/2024 and was informed that the paint color (0070 Blizzard Pearl) had a recall for peeling off.  Their recall solution is to bring the vehicle to a certified Toyota Collision center and they will repaint the vehicle affected by the recall. It's not a safety recall, but rather a CSP(Customer Support Program).  Unfortunately, even if you service the vehicle at a dealership it is unlikely they would share the CSP information, only a safety recall information.  Instead, a CSP is mailed to you.  I contacted Toyota customer service and they mailed the CSP notice in 2020 to the previous owner's address.  Toyota then extended the CSP expiration to 5/13/2024 on 12/11/2022, but failed to mail an additional extension of the CSP notice to me.  Toyota did confirm they had my contact information during that timeframe. Toyota did send me other safety recalls from 12/11/2022 to 5/13/2024, so they had my contact information to notify me of the CSP paint recall.  I was told since the CSP expired 05/2024 that they will not repaint my vehicle and I will have to pay to repaint.  Toyota is being unethical, dishonorable, scandalous, shifty, discreditable, parsimonious and immoral.  As they did not act with due diligence to notify their customer the paint was going to literally fall off of the car.  I was laid off and can not afford to pay to repaint it.  They need to act in good faith to rectify this issue and repaint my vehicle.  Had I been notified 2 years ago, I would have certainly had them repaint it. I thank the parts counter employee to letting me know this was their fault.

NHTSA ID

11629634

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

The paint on my vehicle is peeling off- roof, around all windows and expanding. I went to a Toyota Dealership Part Counter to get touch-up paint and they told me that color had a paint recall. (Every time I wash the vehicle it gets worse.) I asked to speak with a service manager at Toyota, 11/2024 and was informed that the paint color (0070 Blizzard Pearl) had a recall for peeling off. Their recall solution is to bring the vehicle to a certified Toyota Collision center and they will repaint the vehicle affected by the recall. It's not a safety recall, but rather a CSP(Customer Support Program). Unfortunately, even if you service the vehicle at a dealership it is unlikely they would share the CSP information, only a safety recall information. Instead, a CSP is mailed to you. I contacted Toyota customer service and they mailed the CSP notice in 2020 to the previous owner's address. Toyota then extended the CSP expiration to 5/13/2024 on 12/11/2022, but failed to mail an additional extension of the CSP notice to me. Toyota did confirm they had my contact information during that timeframe. Toyota did send me other safety recalls from 12/11/2022 to 5/13/2024, so they had my contact information to notify me of the CSP paint recall. I was told since the CSP expired 05/2024 that they will not repaint my vehicle and I will have to pay to repaint. Toyota is being unethical, dishonorable, scandalous, shifty, discreditable, parsimonious and immoral. As they did not act with due diligence to notify their customer the paint was going to literally fall off of the car. I was laid off and can not afford to pay to repaint it. They need to act in good faith to rectify this issue and repaint my vehicle. Had I been notified 2 years ago, I would have certainly had them repaint it. I thank the parts counter employee to letting me know this was their fault.

NHTSA ID

11629633

Incident

Mar 3, 2022

I live in the high rockies and travel daily for work. I have left my studded tires on year-round for 10 years. This is my 3rd time using General Grabber Arctic studded tires. The side wall is damaged on 2, the studs are missing in sporadic spots. They have only been used approx 18k and are worn. The Manufacture tread warranty is 75k. Tire rack wont honor the tread wear and also are requiring me to purchase new tires that have sidewall damage and they may reimburse me. I did purchase road hazard, although Tire Rack uses a 3rd party. The manufacturer told me that these tires are only to be used 43 degree or less temp, which on a summy winter day in the high Country it can be 70- neg 20 degrees. The also said once I stud the tires it voids their warranty, as well as they offered to reimburse me to replace my tires, but only will give me 25%. Between Tire Rack and General, they are not providing a solution and now I will have to drive on worn tires this winter, as I can not afford to replace out of pocket. They are not allowing a solution, in which it jeopardizes the safety of my family. It's also against the law in Colorado to drive on tires that the tread is worn. Point being these tires should not have worn this quickly and they just care about money and not the consumer's safety.

NHTSA ID

11620950

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

Car was taken in for routine maintenance at local dealership where all work is done -Feb 2023 recommended brakes upon inspection brakes at .2 and .5 wear - pre paid -the part were ordered and took awhile to come in -returned to dealership to have brakes done early April 2023 - found out wrong part ordered Needed TRD Big brake kit - pads needed part # PTR09-34071- parts on back order May, then June then July and then sept - called Toyota cooperate and after multi calls got a case number [XXX]- dealing with Carter George at Toyota brand engagement -offered to pay 42 dollars a day due safety of the car and brakes on back order - I would first pay out of pocket and then be reimbursed august , sept October and November each month a set back on time for brake parts to be delivered - talked with him monthly - and received ok to continue rental Dec 8 received a call from Carter George that the brake parts were not due in until October 2024 or aer BUT Toyota would no longer support rental or contribute to any further repair costs - even the downgrading of the brake system from TRD big brake 6 pistons to a 2 piston standard brake - all further costs were on me . I have worked with my local dealership and they have discounted the price of downgrading the brakes but Toyota will NOT help cover costs even though replacement parts or other options are unavailable - the car has not been driven - but now this is my only source of transportation to get to work . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11559936

Incident

Dec 8, 2023

My 2014 Toyota Sequoia Platinum has the frame rusting problem that other models have had; however my Make/Year is not included in the recall.

NHTSA ID

11510094

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Airbag light on and needs spiral cable. safety is at risk because the mechanism to deploy air bag is not functioning confirmed by both dealer and outside mechanic Has been inspected by Toyota dealership there has been multiple airbag recalls for Toyota vehicles during the year my car came out. I feel there needs to be a recall on this airbag issue

NHTSA ID

11423951

Incident

Jul 8, 2021

THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO START. ALL LIGHTS ARE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR RUNS TERRIBLY AND STALLS AT TIMES. THE CODE STATES THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN ON BACKORDER FOR 5 WEEKS. OVER 1300 REQUESTS FOR THE PART IN THIS AREA ALONE. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH OTHER SEQUOIAS AS WELL.

NHTSA ID

11317112

Incident

Feb 13, 2020

BOTH FRONT SEATS ARE BROKEN. THIS IS A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT DRIVEN THAT MUCH IT IS THE 2ND CAR AND USED ON WEEKENDS MOSTLY. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME NEVER HAVE HAD CAR SEAT OR SEATS BREAK AT ALL NOW BOTH FRONT SEATS ARE BROKEN I THOUGHT SCREWS WERE LOOSE DEALER SAID BROKEN. WTF

NHTSA ID

11311824

Incident

Oct 18, 2019

Mileage

52,000 mi

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.