RoadVitals

2001 Toyota Sequoia Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints 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.
14
Latest Jan 9, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 530 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Toyota Sequoia submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 14 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming powertrain

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Body & structurePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 9, 2024

Rear axle is rusted to the point where differential fluid is leaking out of the body. There is extreme rust in general which has led to the failure of multiple components such as the oil pressure sending unit. Check engine light is on. This hasn't been verified by a shop or agency, only by me. These issues were discovered shortly after purchase this year.

NHTSA ID
11564516
Incident
Jan 7, 2024
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Sep 12, 2016

MY 2001 SEQUOIA (151,000 MI) WHICH HAS BEEN GARAGED AND MAINTAINED METICULOUSLY IS SUDDENLY SHOWING THE VSC LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS AT THE SAME TIME! THERE IS A VERY ROUGH FEELING WHEN I'M DRIVING THE CAR LIKE SOMETHING IN THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS VERY WRONG. THERE IS A "CLUNKING" NOISE AS SLOW AS 5 MPH AT ALL TIMES AND ALL SPEEDS. AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY PULL TO THE LEFT MOMENTARILY AND THEN RELEASE ITSELF BUT THE LIGHTS NEVER GO OUT UNLESS CAR IS OFF. I HAVE READ THE 138 COMPLAINTS AT THE DOT.GOV SITE ABOUT THIS EXACT PROBLEM AND THUS FAR, TOYOTA CORP IS IGNORING THE COMPLAINTS.WHERE IS THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW ALOT OF OWNERS WHO HAVEN'T EVEN INVESTIGATED WHY IT'S HAPPENING IN THIER TRUCK TOO. HOW CAN THEY DO BUSINESS LIKE THIS ??? THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA !!! I WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO HAVE TOYOTA REPAIR THEIR PROBLEM ON THEIR PRODUCT. JUST FIX YOUR PROBLEM TOYOTA AND I WILL CALL OFF THE DOGS... SIMPLE STUFF.

NHTSA ID
10905674
Incident
Aug 1, 2016
Mileage
151 mi
BrakesDriver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 28, 2016

WHEN OPERATING AT SPEED, THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY SHUTTER BRIEFLY, AND PULL TO RIGHT. SEEMINGLY A WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONTROL OF STEERING IS LOST. VSC LIGHT COMES ON, AND CANNOT BE REST UNTIL RESTATING THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ID
10822732
Incident
Jan 27, 2016
Mileage
210,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 26, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRACTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A CHIME SOUNDED AS THE SKID CONTROL SYSTEM ENGAGED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN UNTIL THE VEHICLE'S SKID CONTROL SYSTEM DISENGAGED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

NHTSA ID
10785944
Incident
Oct 10, 2015
Mileage
200,000 mi
BrakesPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jul 23, 2015

STREET DRIVING, CLEAR DAY AND CAR DASH BOARD STARTS TO ALARM. DASHBOARD LIGHTS FOR VSC, ANTILOCK BRAKES GOES HAYWIRE. HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE AND VIBRATION FELT THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL, WITH LOSS OF POWER, AND PULL TO THE RIGHT ALL SIMULTANEOUSLY HAPPENING. ALARM BELLS ALL GOING OFF IN THE CAR. IT IS VERY LOUD NOISE FOR ALL OCCUPANTS. TERRIFYING OCCURRENCE WITH LOSS OF BRAKES AND POWER. FIRST EVENT LASTED APPROXIMATELY 20 SECONDS. PULLED OVER AND THE CAR SEEMED FINE. THIS HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT BUT OCCURRED AFTER CAR WAS WARM AND OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN ITS IS WARMER OUTSIDE AS WELL. NOW, 16 MOS LATER, THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND TOYOTA DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR AND CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR SURE. WILL HAVE TO PARK THE CAR NOW SINCE THEY CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.

NHTSA ID
10735958
Incident
Mar 7, 2014
Mileage
316,000 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Apr 18, 2015

2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WAS RECALLED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRAME. ALL PARTS SUCH AS THE BACK PLATES FOR THE BRAKES, TIE ROD ENDS, STABILIZER BARS, AND MANY MORE ATTACHED HAD RUST WHEN IT WENT INTO THE SHOP. HOWEVER, TOYOTA DID NOT CARE THAT THE RUST HAD SPREAD. I COULD HAVE WRECKED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF TOYOTA. IT HAS BEEN COSTLY AND THE CAR IS NOT THE SAME SINCE THE TRANSFER OF THE FRAME. RUST SPREADS AS CANCER AND IS AS DEADLY WHEN IT IS UNDER YOUR CAR. I WILL HAVE TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10706455
Incident
Apr 9, 2014
Mileage
135,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 21, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP AND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE AND VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS SPORADICALLY RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID
10548709
Incident
Jul 27, 2013
Mileage
109,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 4, 2013

ON FREEWAY CRUISING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WITH NO WARNING AT ALL, LOSS OF POWER AND UNABLE TO ENGAGE GEARS. IT IS NOW IN THE SHOP MECHANIC SAYS IT IS THE PLANETARY GEARS IN TRANSMISSION AND WILL REQUIRE A REBUILD. COST $3500. *TR

NHTSA ID
10523160
Incident
Jul 3, 2013
Mileage
122,000 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Oct 24, 2011

2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA HAS ONLY 88,000 MILES AFTER TEN YEARS. RECENTLY FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO ROTTED, RUSTED FRAME AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL CASING. MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE FRAME FAILURE BY PRESSING FINGER THROUGH RUSTED METAL. VEHICLE NOW REQUIRES FRAME STRENGTH ASSESSMENT TO DETERMINE IF IT IS SALVAGEABLE. VEHICLE HAS SAME FRAME AS RECALLED TOYOTA TUNDRA. *TR

NHTSA ID
10432610
Incident
Oct 24, 2011
Mileage
88,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 20, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING AND THE REAR FRAME WAS CORRODED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID
10426499
Incident
Sep 1, 2006
Mileage
90,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 2, 2008

2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA- 48K MILES..VEHICLES TRACTION CONTROL AND VSC LIGHTS COME ON SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING THE CAR. JUST BEFORE THE LIGHTS COME ON, THE CAR SHAKES AND MAKES A GRINDING NOISE, PULLS TO THE RIGHT, AND LOSES POWER. THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE THE CAR. ANYWHERE FROM 1MIN TO 15MIN FROM THE START OF DRIVING. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS ONCE THE VEHICLE IS UP TO SPEED, WE HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN IN TO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR PULLED SO VIOLENTLY AND DIDN'T HAVE POWER. THE CAR WILL SHAKE AND PULL AND THE ONLY WAY WE'VE GOTTEN IT TO STOP IS BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKE AND REDUCING SPEED (LESS THAN 30 MPH). AFTER WE REDUCE THE SPEED, THE TRAC AND VSC LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR IS DRIVABLE UNTIL YOU CYCLE THE IGNITION. IT'S PRETTY SCARY. MY FATHER-IN-LAW TOOK THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS IS SKID CONTROL ECU FAULTY, MUST REPLACE. DTC CODES C1363 AND C1234. THE COST THEY QUOTED HIM WAS $2415.99 + $200 LABOR. WE HAVEN'T DECIDED TO PURCHASE THE NEW ECU BECAUSE WE FEEL ITS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY OR SHOULD BE A TSB. I'VE SINCE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT OTHER SEQUOIA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOYOTA'S RESPONSE IS TO JUST REPLACE THE ECU. SOME OF THEM EVEN GOT INTO ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND SHAKING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10250448
Incident
Nov 3, 2008
Mileage
48,700 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT IT COULD LEAK ON THE BRAKE ROTORS. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN 2004. HOWEVER, SINCE THERE IS AN UPDATED SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE FAILURE, HE FEELS HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AGAIN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 84,000.

NHTSA ID
10195916
Incident
Jul 9, 2007
Mileage
84,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 7, 2004

"OIL LEAK FROM REAR AXLE SEAL. BOTH SIDE AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WERE REMOVED AND REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE REAR PADS AND TURNED THE REAR ROTORS DUE TO GREASE BUILD UP ON SURFACES FROM THE AXLE SEAL LEAK. *BF *TC *JB

NHTSA ID
10106821
Incident
Nov 19, 2004
Mileage
82,056 mi
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)+1 more
Filed Jan 15, 2004

WE HAVE A TOYOTA SEQUOIA, THE PROBLEMS ARE THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS NOT OPERATING ALL THE TIME. IT DOES NOT ENGAGE SOMETIMES AND DOES NOT STAY IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. ONE EXAMPLE IS MY WIFE HAD SIX FRIENDS IN THE VEHICLE THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE DID NOT STAY ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE SKID CONTROL MADE THE ENGINE LOOSE POWER SO SHE SLID BACKWARDS DOWN A HILL. NO ONE WOULD RIDE IN OUR 4WHEEL DRIVE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE SKID CONTROL MAKES THE ENGINE LOOSE POWER WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THERE IS ALSO A HESITATION IN THE ENGINE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE FRONT BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR THE SAME REPAIRS AT LEAST 10 TIMES AND IS STILL NOT WORKING THE WAY IT SHOULD. WE HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION FOR SERVICE ON OUR SEQUOIA. WE HAVE DONE INTERNET RESEARCH THROUGH NHTSA AND HAVE FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER TOYOTA SEQUOIA'S. THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER HAVING A BAD ODER FROM BACTERIA GROWING, THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS LOOSE AND THE POWER WINDOW MOTORS MADE A LOUD NOISE. WE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT ON ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH NHTSA, COMSUMER AFFAIRS OF CALIFORNIA AND YOU. WE WANT TO PURSUE THE LEMON LAW AND GET OUR MONEY BACK. WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH TOYOTA ARBRITRATION BUT ARE GETTING NOWHERE. WE HAVE HAD TOYOTA'S PREVIOUSLY AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM. THIS VEHICLE IS A LEMON.

NHTSA ID
10069885
Incident
Jan 15, 2003

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.

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