2002 Toyota Sequoia Owner Complaints

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a set of Lionhart Lionclaw ATX2 tires purchased through Walmart and installed by a professional tire shop. After installation, the vehicle developed a persistent vibration at driving speeds. The vehicle was inspected by Discount Tire, which performed road-force testing and documented high road-force measurements on all four tires: 39 lbs, 46 lbs, 44 lbs, and 42 lbs. Discount Tire also attempted road-force matching and documented that the condition remained unchanged after the procedure. Because all four tires demonstrated unusually high road-force values and continue to cause vibration, I am concerned that the tires may have a manufacturing or quality defect that could affect vehicle safety and handling. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint for potential tire-related safety concerns and determine whether similar complaints have been reported involving these tires.

NHTSA ID

11743876

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

They should not have towed my car

NHTSA ID

11711639

Incident

Jan 17, 2026

I was driving my 2002 Toyota Sequoia on the freeway at approximately 65 mph on the [XXX] when suddenly the vehicle made a beeping noise and the VSC Light and TRAC Light came on. The vehicle suddenly lost control in the wheels and tires and suddenly decelerated out-of-nowhere. Due to the sudden, abrupt movement and loss of control, the vehicle nearly flipped over. It was an extremely dangerous, possibly life-threatening situation. Thankfully, I was attentive and alert and had both hands on the wheel and was able to get the vehicle in control. This happened before two times and this would be the third time. I have taken the vehicle to several different auto repair shops and they have been unable to pin point and fix the problem. Because this issue continues to happen and puts me into dangerous situations repeatedly, I firmly believe that this is a bigger malfunctioning/defect problem that Toyota needs to address and fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11684034

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

My vehicle has randomly been flashing vbs/abs/traction control lights. Sometimes nothing happens other than the flashing lights. Other times I’ll be driving & when going around a curve my car makes a beeping noise (sounds like the abs noise activated) & I’ll feel a pulsing under the brake & hear a grinding sound. It doesn’t allow me to brake effectively. Another time I was coming to a stop behind a car at a red light. It was clear as day, roads weren’t wet & I couldn’t have been going over 10 mph. When hitting my brakes, my steering wheel kind of glided back & forth for a sec and it felt like my tires “floated”in the same motion as wheel until it stopped.

NHTSA ID

11594971

Incident

Jun 17, 2024

Component/System Failed: The frame of my 2002 Toyota Sequoia has severely rusted, resulting in a gaping hole. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The rusted frame jeopardizes my safety and renders the vehicle unsafe for use. Confirmation: A mechanic has confirmed the rust issue. Manufacturer Inspection: Toyota has not inspected my Sequoia’s frame. Warning Signs: There were no warning lamps or messages related to frame rust prior to the failure; it became evident during my recent inspection. The gaping hole in my Sequoia’s frame is not due to normal wear and tear but rather Toyota’s poor manufacturing practices. Shockingly, Toyota issued a “limited service campaign” for similar rust issues in other vehicles, but I was never informed. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. It is clear that Toyota’s decision to implement a limited service campaign, rather than a comprehensive recall, reflects a blatant disregard for the safety and satisfaction of its customers. By prioritizing cost-cutting measures over ethical responsibility, Toyota has failed to uphold its duty to consumers and the people who sustain its business. Toyota’s actions have revealed a disturbing trend of prioritizing profits over people. The company’s failure to adequately address known issues with rusted frames speaks volumes about its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Despite numerous complaints and documented cases of frame rust, Toyota’s response has been inadequate. I urge Toyota to take immediate action. Inspect and replace my Sequoia’s frame promptly. Prioritize consumers over profits. Restore my faith in the brand that I once trusted.

NHTSA ID

11577256

Incident

Mar 13, 2024

Advance rust on car frame

NHTSA ID

11569687

Incident

Feb 3, 2024

While driving on a curved road, the vehicle made a grinding sound with flashing VSC off and Trac off lights, as it pulled violently to the right and almost ran off the road with my two children in the back seat. This was an extremely scary incident. I 1. While driving on a curved road, the vehicle made a grinding sound with flashing VSC off and Trac off lights, as it pulled violently to the right and almost ran off the road with my two children in the back seat. This was an extremely scary incident. I do understand that many first generation Sequoia owners have reported similar incidents and that there were no recalls, however, I think this is a serious enough issue that will cost innocent people their lives. I was able to pull a reading from the OBD2 and it says there is a fault with the Yaw Rate Sensor. Please help before this causes someone's death. Thank you!do understand that many first generation Sequoia owners have reported similar incidents and that there were no recalls, however, I think this is a serious enough issue that will cost innocent people their lives. I was able to pull a reading from the OBD2 and it says there is a fault with the Yaw Rate Sensor. Please help before this causes someone's death. Thank you!

NHTSA ID

11548841

Incident

Oct 7, 2023

The frame and attached components of the 2002 Sequoia are rusting at alarming rates. Seemingly surface quickly turned into structurally penetrating rust (I.e. holes in the frame rails). Additionally rocker panels and wheel arches show signs of significant penetrating rust. Pieces of rusted metal were found under the car on my driveway recently.

NHTSA ID

11547933

Incident

Sep 7, 2023

Frame of vehicle is rusting. Never reserved any recall notifications. Called toyota supervisor said not covered missed deadline. Now have to pay $2000 + for undercoating. Toyota should pay for it they are refusing. I am not the only one not being g notified.

NHTSA ID

11542305

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

To whom it may concern, I recently purchased a 2002 Toyota sequoia. I brought the truck to a local shop for a (overall assessment of the vehicle) since I just Purchased it. The shop owner ( I have their name address if needed). The chassis is rusty and has holes sue to rust. If someone can get back to me It’s much appreciated

NHTSA ID

11540644

Incident

Aug 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and hesitated to respond. The contact depressed the brake pedal a second time, and the vehicle stopped. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and depressing the brake pedal. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11532939

Incident

Jun 7, 2023

Mileage

222,715 mi

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Latitude Tour, Tire Size: P265/70/R16, DOT Number: APJ6001X1814. The contact stated he was informed at a State Inspection that the vehicle had failed the inspection because there was a large crack in the tread of all four tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13T006000 (Tires); however, the tire size was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tires were not covered. The tires were replacement tires. The tires were not replaced. The tire failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ID

11532288

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

Mileage

117,000 mi

While driving on a highway at about 60 mph, my vehicle made a loud grinding noise while the steering felt very difficult to control and then the VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF lights both came on. I got off the highway and pulled over to a parking lot to inspect the vehicle, but I did not see anything that would cause the vehicle to do that. After a few minutes, I restarted the vehicle and while driving on local roads to get home, the same thing happened again. I was extremely worried for the safety of my wife and children in the vehicle. After reading a few Toyota owners threads online, this seems to be a very familiar pattern with these Toyota Sequoias, and I strongly believe that this will result in very serious injuries or possible deaths if Toyota does not issue a recall to fix the problem causing such dangers for drivers. Please investigate the matter to save lives. Thank you!

NHTSA ID

11484462

Incident

Sep 14, 2022

Rack and pinion rusted out and had to be replaced. It cracked in the middle of the highway and left me inching to safety. Never fully recovered 186k, frame is fully rusted and will not pass inspection due to faulty oxygen sensors and excessive rust and corrosion. Will need to replace exhaust to input a new sensor at 4k Vechicle is fully operable and functional but cannot pass inspection without the safety of rust treatment or replacement It’s a great vechicle but unfortunate that the 2002 series is left out of the recall . There are a lot of early generations that have these issues and although the trucks are reliable and have a long life , are undriveable because they can’t pass inspection. Please consider extended the rust recall to 2001-2003 Sequoias. This was my grandfathers truck and really would like to keep his memory in the family and drive my grandfathers truck as it still runs perfectly but has on going issues with rust and frame issues . There was an extended warranty for 2002 Sequoias that expired in 2014. This is a point where most Sequioas weren’t experiencing this issue. Dealership or recall will not honor and denied any claim for rust It is unfortunate because I am now disabled and love my Sequoia so much and was hoping to drive to appointments and gain my health back. It has become more than I am able to afford to fix an entire frame of the vehicle. It’s evident that early generations all that his issue but has not been honored for repair. I’ve repaired things over the years with hopes to pass inspection and now have insight as to what the real issue is. The excessive rust and damage to the frame.

NHTSA ID

11474941

Incident

Jul 19, 2022

My vehicle frame was cracked and very unsafe to drive. My inspection cannot passed until I fixed the crack developed on the frame. Inside the car the weather strip is cracked all side.

NHTSA ID

11454219

Incident

Feb 2, 2021

On parkway 50 to 55 mph driver side ball joint broke. Truck could of flipped or hit another vehicle. Could of caused damage to my body or death. No warning of impending breakage. I do have pics of broken balljoint and it did cause damage to driverside fender. Frame is rusting. Worried about frame unsafe could brake at any time. Toyota refuses to check and replace.

NHTSA ID

11453561

Incident

Feb 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the traction control system would independently activate, causing the vehicle to suddenly stop upon acceleration. The contact stated that the traction control light would intermittently illuminate during the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and they informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 270,535.

NHTSA ID

11445314

Incident

Dec 7, 2021

Mileage

270,535 mi

The frame of the vehicle has severe rust and now has holes in the frame, making it unsafe to drive and possibly causing an accident. Meticulous care has been taken of this vehicle and it is never taken off road or abused. I’ve had several other vehicles and have never had this frame rust safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11441396

Incident

Nov 22, 2021

The frame is rusting out in the key places needs to be replaced or remedied for future vehicles

NHTSA ID

11429233

Incident

Aug 16, 2021

While driving around 50 mph, the traction control and vsc warning lights illuminated and the brakes started locking up, which made me seem like the traction control kicked in. The front wheels started seizing and the vehicle started jerking in middle of the highway. I had to pull over and have a cousin pick up my parents that were riding in the car and had to restart the vehicle. I was able to drive it home with the problem happening again right as I was taking my exit to my home.

NHTSA ID

11422821

Incident

Jun 26, 2021

The left rear frame broke away from rear sway bar. I was just leaving my house when I heard a thunk. I noticed the problem when I turned onto the faster road as I accelerated the whole backend moved right, pushing the front end left (into oncoming traffic). Letting up on the accelerator cased the reverse to happen, the back end swung left and the front turned right. So, glad it happened slower streets and not the highway. There was a limited service recall on this model to coat with a rust proofing paint and we had the service done in 2012. This failure would have probably killed someone if it had happened on the freeway or cloverleaf. These vehicles should be either repaired by Toyota or off the road.

NHTSA ID

11419903

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

I WENT TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE MY WHEELS ROTATED; HE SAID THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND MAY BE A DANGER TO DRIVE. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AS THERE ISN'T AN EASY FIX TO REPLACING THE FRAME. THE MECHANIC SAID THE ONLY FIX IS REPLACING THE FRAME. I HAVE A FAMILY OF 8 PEOPLE WHO DEPEND ON THIS VEHICLE

NHTSA ID

11416292

Incident

May 11, 2021

Mileage

179,000 mi

THE UNDERCARRIAGE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT WHICH IS SAD BEING THAT I RECENTLY JUST PUT A COUPLE GRAND INTO RESTORING AND LABOR SERVICE ON MINOR ISSUES LIKE STEERING RACK AND PINION, BREAKS, TIRE RODS.

NHTSA ID

11414652

Incident

Aug 24, 2018

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL COME UNBUCKLED WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND I IHAVE HAD TO RE-BUCKLE IT AND IT MAY STAY BUCKLED OR IT CAN COME OUT AGAIN. I AM AFRAID IF I WAS TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THAT THE SEAT BELT WILL BECOME UNBUCKLED AND NOT HOLD ME IN THE SEAT.

NHTSA ID

11398398

Incident

Feb 27, 2021

Mileage

309,123 mi

VSC, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING INSTRUMENT LIGHTS ON. ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL AND VSC ARE INOPERABLE DUE TO A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE WITH FIRST GENERATION SEQUOIAS. MY SPECIFIC CODES ARE C1241 AND C1203. TOYOTA TOLD ME I WILL NEED A NEW COMPUTER TO CONTROLS THOSE SYSTEMS AT A 921 DOLLAR EXPENSE. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN ONGOING SINCE 2009.

NHTSA ID

11389936

Incident

Oct 1, 2009

Mileage

123,731 mi