RoadVitals

2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
107
Latest Jul 3, 2019
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

55
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN DRIVING THE BACK LIGHT AN TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME IN BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AN IT SAYS CODES C1203 C1223 C1247 ALSO SAYING THE ABS SENSOR ON MASTER CYLINDER OPEN CIRCUIT ALSO HAS A CODE FRO 0DTC HAD IT CHECKED OUT ON 7/1/2019

NHTSA ID 11229128 · filed Jul 3, 2019

VSC, VSC TRACTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON. NO OTHER PROBLEM TO DRIVE. LIGHTS SEEN FROM 89000 MILE. CHANGED BRAKE SYSTEM ON 75000 MILE INCLUDING ROUTER AND WORKS FINE.

NHTSA ID 11047959 · filed Nov 22, 2017
All 55 reports naming driver assistance

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

"BALL JOINT FAILURE" WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN FREEWAY AT 35-40 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE HAD COME OFF AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP. LOST STEERING, BRAKES AND ANY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE SKID INTO THE GUARD RAIL SPINNING IT AROUND AND SLIDING UNTIL IT CAME TO A STOP. THE ARM CAME DIRECTLY OFF THE VEHICLE AND IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 11196223 · filed Apr 15, 2019

VCS OFF LIGHT, VCS TRAC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND WILL NOT GO OFF. . *TR

NHTSA ID 10639616 · filed Sep 28, 2014
All 38 reports naming other / unspecified

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DEFECTIVE ABS SYSTEM SINCE INITIAL PURCHASE. AT FIRST, AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT NOW A SAFETY HAZARD. BRAKE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT &TRAC LIGHT CONSTANTLY ARE ON & NOW ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS GOING ONLY 10 MPH BRAKES ARE AFFECTED WHERE THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE & BRAKES DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. I WAS TOLD THE YAW SENSOR WOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS COSTING $880, BUT IT DIDN'T; NOW ITS THE SKID CONTROL ANOTHER $875 WHICH I AGREED TO & WHEN CALLING TO GET STATUS OF MY CAR, I'M TOLD IT DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE & NOW IT'S THE BOOSTER ANOTHER $1,000 WHICH I'M NOT PAYING. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THIS IS ISSUE MAKES IT A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. MY CAR IS STILL SITTING IN THE SHOP AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT.

NHTSA ID 11047824 · filed Nov 21, 2017

THE 2003 SEQUIOA FRAME IS RUST IS EATING AWAY THE FRAME. WE PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS VECHICLE. WOULD TOYOTA STANDBY THERE VECHICLE AND REPLACE THIS FRAME OR WE HAVE PAY FOR REPLACEMENT .

NHTSA ID 10861474 · filed Apr 26, 2016
All 28 reports naming brakes

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL NEVER INFORMED MY FAMILY ABOUT THE RECALLS FOR THE FRAME ON TOYOTA SEQUIOAS. THEREFORE FOR MORE INVESTIGATION DURING REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE NOT LONG AGO I SAW HOLES IN MY FRAME AND WAS VERY BAD AND HAD MY WORRIED ABOUT MY VEHICLE. I WAS UNABLE TO TAKE PHOTOS AT THE TIME BUT AM WILLING TO PUT MY VEHICLE ON A LIFT AND TAKE AS MANY PICTURES AS NECESSARY

NHTSA ID 11194392 · filed Apr 7, 2019

MY TOYOTA SEQUOIA 4X4 LIMITED HAS ABOUT 230000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SLOWED DOWN TO TAKE A TURN AND HEARD A LARGE "THUNK". I THEN CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND LATER AS I GOT UP TO ABOUT 60 VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER HEATH AND THE FRAME HAD SEPARATED DUE TO RUST AT THE STABILIZER BAR FOR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME. I WAS GOING TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE FRAME IS JUST RUST FOR THE FULL REAR SECTION OF THE FRAME AND HAS LARGE HOLES DUE TO RUST. IT IS DEFINITELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER THIS ISSUE TILL 2014. I REACHED OUT TO TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. TOYOTA KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE. I WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY HELP. I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MAY 2018 FROM A PRIVATE PARTY AND TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT THE RISK I TAKE PURCHASING PRIVATE PARTY.

NHTSA ID 11150802 · filed Nov 11, 2018
All 9 reports naming body & structure

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, VSC AND TRAC OFF LIGHTS BECAME ILLUMINATED, NO OTHER SYMPTOMS. STAYED ON FOR 2 DAYS THEN DISAPPEARED AGAIN. TWO MONTHS LATER THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD BECOME ILLUMINATED, PUT IT IN PARK TO LOAD PASSENGERS, AND WHEN RETURNED TO DRIVE, THE VSC AND TRAC OFF LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND A GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD WHEN APPLYING BRAKES - ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT. TURNED THE CAR OFF, CHECKED FLUIDS AND FUSES, WHEN RESTARTED ONLY BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND CAR APPEARED TO BE DRIVING NORMALLY. TOOK IT IN TO TOYOTA TODAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT AS THE BRAKE LIGHT IS STILL ON, AND THE GRINDING NOISE WAS A CONCERN - AND AM TOLD THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IN ALL MY RESEARCH ON THIS, I'M VERY CONCERNED AS IT APPEARS TO BE QUITE A COMMON PROBLEM, AND ON A SEARCH OF MY VIN IT SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL (ALTHOUGH I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALER THAT MY ECU WAS 'FLASHED TO THE UPDATED PROGRAMMING') CURRENT COST QUOTED IS $1,508 - BUT WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ONCE THE BOOSTER IS INSTALLED THEY HAVE TO RE-RUN THEIR CHECK AND IT MAY NOT BE THE ONLY PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING AS WE OWN 2 OTHER TOYOTAS, AND PURCHASED THIS CAR AS A DAILY DRIVER TO TAKE OUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, EVERYTHING I'VE SEEN REGARDING THESE ISSUES LEAVES ME VERY CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY.

NHTSA ID 10749564 · filed Aug 18, 2015

THE VSC AND TRAC LIGHTS STARTED COMING AFTER A CLUCKING SOUND HEARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN IT GOES AWAY. BUT IT COMES BACK INTERMITTENTLY. THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AS WE WILL NEED TO GO ON A LONG FAMILY TRIP IN A FEW WEEKS. PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10661046 · filed Nov 26, 2014
All 9 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER COMING TO STOP OR SLOWING DOWN, WHEN TURNING CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE. FOR ABOUT 7-10 SECONDS WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DOING THIS INTERMITTENTLY ABOUT TWICE A WEEK. ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEM WITH ABS LIGHT STAYING OFF AND ON SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION BUT RECURRED AFTER VISIT 4 TIMES. VEHICLE HAS 135,000 MILES. MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10714249 · filed May 3, 2015

TRAC OFF LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE LIGHT. THIS IS TWICE THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10524312 · filed Jul 11, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

"BALL JOINT FAILURE" WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN FREEWAY AT 35-40 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE HAD COME OFF AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP. LOST STEERING, BRAKES AND ANY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE SKID INTO THE GUARD RAIL SPINNING IT AROUND AND SLIDING UNTIL IT CAME TO A STOP. THE ARM CAME DIRECTLY OFF THE VEHICLE AND IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 11196223 · filed Apr 15, 2019

THE CHASSIS IS VERY RUSTY AND I WANT TO CHANGE THE SHOCKS BUT I DON'T WANT TO DAMAGE THE CAR BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT CHASSIS HAVE TO BE FIXED FIRST AND I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THAT COST OR WHERE TO GO TO FIXED

NHTSA ID 10956690 · filed Feb 24, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ID 11020248 · filed Aug 29, 2017

2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE IN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME TO REPAIR FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD

NHTSA ID 10926917 · filed Nov 28, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A FAMILIAR ROAD LEAVING A CAR WASH GOING NO FASTER THEN 45 MPH, THE REAR END STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN WE WOULD TAKE OFF. WE TOOK IT TOO OUR MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL, HE CHANGED THE FLUID IN IT TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP BUT IT DID NOTHING, IF ANYTHING IT MADE IT WORSE. BUT HE DID SAY THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS ON THE PLUG WHICH WOULD INDICATE A GEAR GOING OUT. HE TOLD US NOT TO DRIVE IT TILL WE GET IT FIX BECAUSE IF IT WERE TO COMPLETELY GO OUT IT WOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10523573 · filed Jul 7, 2013

REAR DIFFERENTIAL ROTTED TO THE POINT OF LEAKING. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS ONLINE, TOYOTA TUNDRAS AS WELL, WHICH HAVE THE SAME DIFFERENTIAL AND FRAME, ARE UNDER RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10442358 · filed Jan 4, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REPEATED INCIDENCES OF GAS PEDAL BEING STUCK AND UNABLE TO BE DEPRESSED TO GIVE THE VEHICLE FUEL AND ACCELERATE. ESSENTIALLY VEHICLE RANDOMLY LOCKS UP, TYPICALLY AT LOW SPEEDS AS ON A PARKING LOT OR LEAVING A DRIVEWAY OR PARING GARAGE. THE GAS PEDAL FEELS AS IF THERE IS SOMETHING BLOCKING IT FROM BEING UTILIZED WHILE THERE IS NOTHING PHYSICALLY OBSTRUCTING THE PEDAL. AFTER TAPPING AND THEN FRANTICALLY TRYING TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AND BREAK IT FREE IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD NECESSITATING QUICK REACTION AND BREAKING. IT IS SCATTERED BUT RECURS PERIODICALLY WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL FOR THE TRACTION, SKID, STABILITY ISSUES AND AIRBAGS. SCHEDULED FOR RECALL SERVICES MENTIONED BUT DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH PEDAL. ONCE TOLD IT WAS CLEANED AND ADJUSTED BUT IS MOSTLY IGNORED AND I'M TREATED LIKE I'M NUTS. NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY BUT I'M AFRAID THAT SOMEONE MAY BE HURT. IT IS A FRIGHTENING EVENT AS YOU FEEL NOT IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND VULNERABLE. HAVE HAD IT HAPPEN WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC OR TURNING ONTO BUSY STREET. EVEN GIVING AMPLE TIME FOR NORMAL TRAFFIC, THE INABILITY TO PROVIDE GAS TO THE VEHICLE LEFT US AT THE VEHICLES MERCY AND IN A VULNERABLE SPOT TO BE BRIAR SIDES BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT WAS NOT THE FLOOR MAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10531731 · filed Jul 25, 2013

I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR IN FRONT ME STOP AT THE FWY. I MADE PANIC STOP BUT MY ABS WONT ACTIVATE. I JUST BUMP A CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10485808 · filed Nov 22, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ECU, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL , LIGHTS STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10537084 · filed Aug 24, 2013

BRAKE LIGHTS ON TOYOTA SEQUOIA COMES ON WITHOUT WARNING, STAYS ON TILL IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. HOWEVER, BRAKES SEEM TO WORK FINE, BUT VEHICLE SLOWS WHEN MAKING A TURN, INCLUDING MINOR TURN AT LOW SPEED AND THE ROLL OVER LIGHT COMES ON, WITH THE WHEELS HARDLY TURNING. VEHICLE IS 2003 BUT LESS THAN 50, 000 MILES (APPROX. 48,689). *TR

NHTSA ID 10320334 · filed Mar 16, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

"BALL JOINT FAILURE" WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN FREEWAY AT 35-40 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE HAD COME OFF AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP. LOST STEERING, BRAKES AND ANY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE SKID INTO THE GUARD RAIL SPINNING IT AROUND AND SLIDING UNTIL IT CAME TO A STOP. THE ARM CAME DIRECTLY OFF THE VEHICLE AND IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 11196223 · filed Apr 15, 2019

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A FAMILIAR TWO LANE ROAD WITH MANY CURVES AND NOT REACHING A SPEED ABOVE 45 MPH, I CAME UPON A CURVE, BRAKED, AND STEERED MY SEQUOIA APPROPRIATELY. I WAS DRIVING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CURVE, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO TURN WITH THE CURVE, MY SEQUOIA HEADED TOWARD THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. AS IT VEERED TOWARD THE FENCE POSTS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, I COULD NOT SLOW IT DOWN OR STEER IT BACK TO MY LANE. NO MATTER HOW I PRESSED THE BRAKES, IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN BUT INSTEAD SPED UP. THE LAST I REMEMBER IS THE REALIZATION THAT I COULD DO NOTHING TO STOP OR STEER MY SEQUOIA. I ROLLED IT 3 1/2 TIMES (THROUGH THE FENCE AND THEN BACK THROUGH IT AGAIN IN ANOTHER SPOT). MANY THANKS TO GOD, MY 3 YEAR OLD MADE IT OUT WITH BUT ONE SMALL SCRATCH ON HIS ARM AND A HUGE FEAR. HOWEVER, IT TOOK THEM 1 1/2 HOURS TO GET ME OUT AND THEN I HAD TO BE CARE-FLIGHTED DUE TO FACIAL INJURIES, HEAD TRAUMA, AND DISFIGURED LEFT ARM. ALTHOUGH MY SEQUOIA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS ALONG WITH FRONT AIRBAGS NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I KNOW CERTAIN SENSORS HAVE TO BE ACTIVATED TO INFLATE AN AIRBAG SO I FEEL I NEED TO MENTION THAT THIS VEHICLE NO LONGER RESEMBLED A SEQUOIA. NO HEADLIGHTS REMAINED, ALL WINDOWS WERE GONE, THE DASH, HOOD AND ROOF COLLAPSED IN ON ME. IT TOOK ME FIVE WEEKS TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN AFTER FEELING SUCH HELPLESSNESS. LAST WEEK I RECEIVED A POST CARD ABOUT TOYOTA RECALLS THAT INVOLVED MY SEQUOIA SO I DECIDED TO LOOK IT UP. I GOT VERY SICK READING THE RECALLS AND INVESTIGATIONS THAT ARE RELATED TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED. IT IS VERY UPSETTING THAT I TRUSTED TOYOTA FOR MY FAMILY AND THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10505821 · filed Apr 10, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY $1,500 REPAIR PER DEALER. THE TRANSMISSION DIFFERENTIAL LIGHT FLASHES ON THE DASH, WE FOUND OUT THE SEAL, RELAY AND ACTUATOR ARE ALL BAD $1,500 REPAIR I FOUND NUMEROUS CASES OF THIS ON THE INTERNET. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HELP STATING THE MILEAGE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10314113 · filed Feb 25, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS OCCURS DAILY (SINCE I NOW LIVE IN ARIZONA). THE VENT RECIRCULATE SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY OVERIDES TO RECIRCULATE MODE IN MANUAL MODE WHEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES DIFFER. THIS CAUSES THE WINDOW FOGGING AND LIMITED VISIBILITY. THE RECIRCULATE WILL TURN ON EVEN IN FRONT WINDOW DEFROST MODE - A COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR VISIBILITY SAFETY. TOYOTA SERVICE TECH STATED THE ONBOARD COMPUTERS FIRMWARE IS TO BLAME AND THERE IS NO FIX AVAILABLE. TOYOTA UNRESPONSIVE OTHERWISE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10311878 · filed Feb 18, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .