10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
133,278 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #18

Aug 132014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 162,000 miles
I drive a 2002 Sequoia and have had about 8 instances where the trac off, trc vsc, and slip indicator lights all come on while the truck feels like it locks up and a beeping alarm sounds and a pulling to the right with a grinding noise. This morning the slip indicator lights stayed on with the grinding noise seems like a few seconds longer than yesterday. I was about to pull off of the road when the other two lights came on and the car drove normal when the lights are on. When you turn the engine off and restart the lights go off. However the error occurs on a daily basis now. The roads I travel are mainly highway and have been dry. I have noticed that there are many complaints for the same issue and that Toyota did issue a recall for the 2003 model year.. this is a very dangerous issue and needs correction. One would think that the recall should extend to all years.

- Scott, LA, USA

problem #17

May 172012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
The vsc lights come on when driving, the rear differential seal was completely rusted through and should be on a recall, the frame was on recall and replaced in 2014, but the rear seals were rusted thru and Toyota after costing me thousands does not want to cover rear seals why ? right after the frame was replaced and the Toyota dealer in deerfield beach, fl said the rear differential is also way rusted out and may blow the seals, well they did during a oil change and check. If Toyota knew of the extreme rust on the frame that it was also on the rear differential as confirmed by 3 different mechanics one being Toyota. Toyota wants me to pay $2,000 to fix which is outrageous.

- Westerly, RI, USA

problem #16

May 232014

Sequoia

  • 130,000 miles
In the fast lane I-10 East mm 110 driver tire and spindle fell off and went under car skid across 4 lanes with my 3 kids 8-4- 7 weeks and wife.recall already been done happened on pass side 10K ago also supposedly replaced could have killed all of us went to Toyota the first time and was told "we'll it has over 100K mi" does that mean after a Toyota has 100K mi the front end will fall off and possible kill everyone, keep in mind recall was already done once I don't believe it.I have owned Toyota's all my life my father has worked for them since 78' I have his 85 4runner with 360K on it and I am a mechanic myself and have turned dozens of people to Toyota's this is not acceptable I will be getting a lawyer and buying a Chevy on Tuesday.

- San Juan Capo, CA, USA

problem #15

Jan 282014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 143,888 miles
I have a tremendous amount of frame rust on my 2002 Sequoia. I have been issued a service campaign from Toyota and have been proactively called upon by a local dealer to provide the service. After reading on the NHTSA web site and other forums about structural issues and the way Toyota is handling this issue I want to be proactive in my complaint. Spraying or frame replacement is the only option I have been provided to date. This issue appears to be widespread and caused by Toyota's manufacturing processes. That being the case, it appears that Toyota is not stepping up to buy back those vehicles that require this drastic measure. They should buy back the effected Sequoias much like they did regarding the exact issue with their Tundra trucks a few years ago. The Sequoia and the Tundra share the same frame, so why wouldn't the buy back effect both vehicles given safety implications.

- Franklin, MA, USA

problem #14

Jan 182013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 180,000 miles
The vehicle was inspected by the Toyota dealer in January 2013 per a recall for possible rust in the frame. Per the inspection, rust was not noted and the frame was treated with an undercoat rust inhibitor. Had rust been noted, the frame would have been replaced according to the dealer/recall. In September, 2013 a noise was noted in the front end area when turning and going over bumps. Upon inspection by a certified mechanic it was found that the sway bar had become separated from attachment to the frame due to rust. It was further noted that the sway bar could not be reattached due to a hole in the frame caused by rust. This was later confirmed by the Toyota mechanic on 11/15/13. Therefore, the vehicle is neither repairable nor safe to drive. Either Toyota's treatment for rust prevention was not effective or rust had already compromised the frame but was not noted during the inspection. Toyota is not honoring the original recall and is offering no solution in addressing the problem. Toyota claims it's responsibility for addressing the rust in the frame ended on 1/18/13. Yet, the problem still exists and we are left with a vehicle that is neither safe, drivable, or repairable due to a condition for which it had been recalled just a few months earlier.

- Alto, MI, USA

problem #13

Oct 162013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 1,000,210 miles
Vehicle was traveling at 65pm all of a sudden the trac control light and vsc light came on, was unable to control the truck due to the steering wheel getting light. Pulled over and stopped called Toyota customer care they states we are own our own with that problem.

- Saint Cloud, FL, USA

problem #12

Feb 132013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
This vehicle has a rusted frame which Toyota will replace. They will not replace without customer cost several parts affected by the frame replacement. This is thousands of dollars required by the customer that otherwise would not be required. I want Toyota to pay for the frame and the other required parts.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #11

Sep 162012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 185,000 miles
Our 2002 Toyota Sequoia has a completely rusted out frame, rear differential and other parts such as brake lines etc. While driving on the highway the rear differential exploded and the car would not drive any further. I put the car in park, turned off the car and the car kept rolling despite being in park. I applied the emergency brake to stop the car. The rear differential housing was completely rusted through and leaking fluid. We then discovered that in addition the frame of the car was completely rusted through. The car is no longer safe to drive because of the rusted frame and under carriage. Our dealership has been wonderful and rented me a car and will replace the frame but Toyota is saying that I am responsible for the differential replacement.

- Cossayuna, NY, USA

problem #10

Jul 172012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 106,000 miles
Frame of vehicle is rusted and very thin in areas. The suspension and rear axle housing is rusting also. Frame is very close to developing holes and is de-laminating I believe it is unsafe to drive and Toyota will not do anything about it.

- Dunmore, PA, USA

problem #9

Jun 272012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
Dealer reports that frame (crossmember) is rotted to the point of being unsafe to drive.

- Swansea, MA, USA

problem #8

Jan 052012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 76,000 miles
The vehicle was examined at our local Toyota dealer on 1/5/2012 because of making a grinding noise and shaking with acceleration at speeds above 20 mph. It was found to have extensive rust damage to the frame with a large rust hole in the right front area at the sway bar bushing bracket. The rear differential housing was rusted and leaking fluid, the right and left sway bars were broken, both front brake calipers were stuck and the rotors badly rusted. Repairs for the frame alone were estimated at over $10,000 with more than that amount to take care of the other issues. This Sequoia has been well maintained on a regular schedule, washed regularly and kept at night in a garage. The body and interior are in excellent condition. The car has only 76,000 miles on the odometer. It was quite a shock to go from a car we relied upon to carry us safely in winter weather to one which has had to be abandoned for scrap. I understand that frame rust issues have been a serious problem for many Toyota models including the Tacoma and Tundra resulting in recalls. The Sequoia needs to be added to this list.

- Elkview, WV, USA

problem #7

May 172007

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • miles
I have a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The frame, undercarriage and hitch are all rusted. The undercoating peels right off at the carwash. I asked my Toyota dealer about it when it was in for a oil change and he said nothing to worry about. Every year it is getting worse and my husband said it is something to worry about. Is Toyota going to stand behind there products? I am worry this year about it passing inspection.

- Curwensville, PA, USA

problem #6

Aug 122011

Sequoia

  • 134,455 miles
2002 Toyota Sequoia was found by mechanic to have frame rust through. Contacted Toyota Corp. With no recall stated by them, and no resolution offered. Filed Ohio attny. General complaint filing.

- Willoughby, OH, USA

problem #5

Nov 232009

Sequoia

  • 125,000 miles
Driving on the freeway, my car "collapsed". I was able to glide to the center median and stop. After towing my car to the dealer, it was determined that the ball joint failed (the ball joint had been recalled). I did not receive the recall notices. While Toyota is willing to repair the recalled item, they are not willing to cover the cost of the related damage which would not have happened if the ball joint did not fail. As an owner of 5 Toyota, we feel that Toyota should cover the subsequent damage and the cost of the rental car since it took them over one month to contact us with their answer.

- Lafayette, CA, USA

problem #4

Apr 302007

Sequoia 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. While driving 45 mph a squeak was heard in the front of the vehicle. The contact received a recall letter about the lower ball joints, the contact was on a waiting list with an approximate repair time of 6 months. An alignment was performed at the failure mileage of 82,000. The current mileage was 83,500. The consumer stated there was a wobble come from the front of the vehicle when slowing down or stopping, and the vehicle would pull to the right. Updated 05/22/07.

- Goodyear , AZ, USA

problem #3

Sep 282006

Sequoia

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles
In 8/06 I noticed a roaring/grinding noise coming from my end. L. bearing replaced X2. Problem remained. Then replaced the right front bearing. Still to no avail. I then took my car to Toyota in tampa who stated the replaced bearing had been pressed in too tight. I took my car back to the mechanic who then took the entire assembly over Toyota in clearwater to replace the entire assembly. Still no resolution. Tire problem? so, I took it back to the tire kingdom who put on new Michelin cross terrain SUV tires. Problem remained. So I took it back to them and they then put on a new set of Michelin ltx tires. Problem remained. So, I then took it to collisiontec in clearwater, thinking that perhaps tire kingdom might have bent something when they originally rotated the tires. (the certified Toyota mechanic had previously inspected everything under my car when he first had it but had been unable to detect any damage). Collisiontec drove the car and did an initial inspection, but could not detect anything. They have asked to have me bring the car back so that they can keep it for a week and do a complete inspection. In the meantime, my check engine light came on and the vsc/vtc light came on, so I took it back to the Toyota mechanic. The O2 sensor needs to be fixed/replaced. To fix the vsc/vtc Toyota doesn't sell the one part needed, only the complete set for $900! this is all on top of the original roar/grinding/vibration problem which still exists!! reapairs now up to 2K & no resolution. Also, my car was recalled for the ball joint problem. There is no sticker indicating ball joints replaced. If the ball joints were not replaced as they should have been, could this be the source of the roar/grinding/vibration? this roar/grinding/vibration is coming from the front and occurs only when the car is in motion.

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #2

May 052003

Sequoia

  • miles
While driving the vehicle swayed from left to right..

- Agua Dulce, CA, USA

problem #1

May 092002

Sequoia

  • miles
Vehicle drifts suddenly to the right or left. Steering wheel does not pull to either side but requires corrective movement to straighten vehicle's path. This condition is more severe on a windy day or when passing a truck or bus or larger vehicle. Potentially dangerous condition. Two new Sequoia SUV's were purchased at the same time. The Sequoia with the steering and handling problem came with Michelin tires. The other Sequoia came with Bridgestone tires and does not have this problem.

- Miami, FL, USA