2002 Toyota Sequoia Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Toyota Sequoia, 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
- Driver assistance28027.7%
- Brakes19219.0%
- Body & structure959.4%
- Other / unspecified919.0%
- Steering787.7%
- Suspension504.9%
- Electrical424.2%
- Airbags343.4%
- Powertrain (other)333.3%
- Interior & seats323.2%
- Transmission232.3%
- Engine212.1%
- Fuel system111.1%
- Tires & wheels90.9%
- Visibility60.6%
- Seat belts30.3%
- Exterior lighting20.2%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Advance rust on car frame
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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!
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH OUR CAR IS ON LIST TO BE RECALLED. WE SEE TAKATA RECALLS ON ALL VEHICLES WILL BE DONE DECEMBER 2019. WHY HAVE WE NOT RECEIVED THE RECALL
TAKATA RECALL WE HAVE OWNED OUR SEQUIOA SINCE 12/13/2001, WE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. WHEN WE 1ST BOUGHT IT THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY AND BILL DUBE OF DOVER NH REPLACED SOMETHING AND FIXED IT. I HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS WITH MY VEHICLE AND RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES THRU OUT THE YEARS. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VSC TRACTION CONTROL STARTING IN 2002 LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND GO OUT, AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THERE IS HIGH HUMIDITY AND WHEN USING AIR CONDITIONING, MY ALLOY WHEELS HAVE BEEN DISGUSTING SINCE 2004. I HAVE A EXTENSIVE REPAIR HISTORY WITH BILL DUBE DEALERSHIP THEY NEVER ADDRESSED ISSUES AS ONCE LIGHTS ON DASH TURN OFF THERE IS NO HISTORY. IN 2006 MY LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON I BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA OF PORTSMOUTH NH AS I WAS ALMOST AT 100000. MILES. THEY COULD NOT LOOK AT VEHICLE DUE TO WARRANTY. I DROVE TO BILL DUBE AND THEY REFUSED TO SEE ME THAT DAY OR DOCUMENT THAT LIGHTS WERE ON SO THEY COULD FIX IT. ONCE MY ODOMETER HIT 100000 WARRANTY WAS NULL AND VOID. I WAS EXTREMELY UPSET CALLED MULTIPLE TIMES TO TOYOTA CORPORATION AND APPEARED TO GET SAME JERK WHO REFUSED TO HELP AND GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND. WE HAVE OWNED OUR SEQUIOA FOR 18 1/2 YEARS. I LOVE MY CAR IT HAS APPROX 445000 MILES AND WOULD APPRECIATE ASSISTANCE. MY VSC IS CONSTANTLY ON NOW ALONG WITH THE ABS LIGHT. THE AIR BAG ONLY COMES ON WHEN THERE IS HIGH HUMIDITY AND I AM DRIVING. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE SEQUIOA THE SALESMAN ACTUALLY STATED THE SEQUIOA HAD A HARD DRIVE TO RETAIN LIGHT HISTORY. I ALSO HAVE BEEN CONCERNED WITH MY FRAME WHICH WAS REPLACED IN 2012. I HAVE RETURN TO PORTSMOUTH TOYOTA WHERE WORK WAS DOWN A FEW TIMES. MY VEHICLE APPEARS CROOKED AND NOT ALIGNED THEY THINK I AM CRAZY. I PRACTICALLY LIVE IN MY VEHICLE I WORK IN HOSPICE SO I AM VERY AWARE OF MY VEHICLES LOOK AND CONDITION. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE WITH MY VEHICLE, I WOULD LIKE MAKE IT TO 500000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED AND THE HOOD AND TAILGATE LATCHES WERE UNABLE TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
DRIVING ON NY THRUWAY TRANSMISSION WENT. TOWED TO NEAREST SERVICE STATION WHERE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED AFTER WHICH WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CHASSIS WAS EXTREMELY RUSTY. TWO DAYS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK CAR TO SEARS TO FIND OUT TRANS FLUID LEAK AND FRAME ROTTED AND DECLINED SERVICING VEHICLE. FOLLOWED UP AT TOYOTA DEALER FOR LEAK AND FRAME INSPECTION. TECHNICIAN FOUND POWER STEERING LINE LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID AND EXCESSIVE FRAME PERFORATION / CORROSION. THEY WOULD NOT WORK ON IT. TECHNICIAN INSTALLED A NEW HOOK LOCK AND CABLE ASSEMBLY AS HOOD WOULD NOT LOCK.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS ACCELERATING ONTO THE FREEWAY TODAY AND IT FELT AS IF THE LEFT BRAKES CAME ON ALONG WITH A SCREECHING SOUND AND IT MADE ME SWERVE LEFT. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID SWERVING INTO MERGING TRAFFIC BUT I NEARLY CRASHED. OVER THE LAST WEEK THE VSC OFF LIGHTS HAVE STARTED GOING ON AND OFF AND AND AFTER REVIEWING SOME LITERATURE ON LINE IT SEEMS THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. THE 2003 SEQUOIA WAS ACTUALLY RECALLED FOR THIS SAME THING. VERY DANGEROUS AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO CONTACT THE DEALER TO SEE ABOUT IT GETTING FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THIS REALLY PISSES ME OFF. EVEN IF THERE IS NOT A RECALL I SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE DANGER I WAS PUTTING MYSELF IN. I HAVE BEEN HAPPY WITH MY TRUCK FOR 8 YEARS BUT AFTER THIS INCIDENT AND SEEING WHAT OTHERS HAVE GONE THROUGH I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA!!! *KB
DRIVING ON NY THRUWAY TRANSMISSION WENT. TOWED TO NEAREST SERVICE STATION WHERE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED AFTER WHICH WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CHASSIS WAS EXTREMELY RUSTY. TWO DAYS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK CAR TO SEARS TO FIND OUT TRANS FLUID LEAK AND FRAME ROTTED AND DECLINED SERVICING VEHICLE. FOLLOWED UP AT TOYOTA DEALER FOR LEAK AND FRAME INSPECTION. TECHNICIAN FOUND POWER STEERING LINE LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID AND EXCESSIVE FRAME PERFORATION / CORROSION. THEY WOULD NOT WORK ON IT. TECHNICIAN INSTALLED A NEW HOOK LOCK AND CABLE ASSEMBLY AS HOOD WOULD NOT LOCK.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRAME IS RUSTED SO BAD CHUCKS OF THE FRAME ARE FALLING OUT CAUSING PROBLEMS TO SWAY BAR, THE MOTOR WAS BASICALLY LAYING SIDE WAYS TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT PANEL. I HAVE SEVEN CHILDREN WE DEPENDED ON THIS VEHICLE TO GET US EVERYWHERE WE NEEDED TO BE. NOW ITS SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BC WHEN THE CHUCK OF FRAME FELL OUT IT CAUSED SWAY BAR TO DROP DOWN CAUSING ME TO ALMOST WRECK WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE SUV . I WAS DRIVING DOWN KY 344 VANCEBURH KY, 41179 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:00 A.M TRAVELING TOWARDS ROUTE 57 TOLLESBORO KY 41189
WELL I TOOK THAT TO A SHOP TO GET THE STEREO WORKING WHICH THE OWNER TOLD ME AFTER TWO HOURS IT WON'T BE READY UNTIL TOMORROW SO I LEFT IT THERE WITH THE DEPOSIT WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY AFTER WORK JUST TO PICK IT UP UNTIL I GOT HOME START OBSERVING THAT MY ANTI SECURITY ALARM WASN'T WORKING WELL WHILE OBSERVING I NOTICED THAT THE DOORS WEREN'T THE SAME COLOR AS THE TRUCK THEN I NOTICED MY SUNROOF WAS IN IT THEN STARTED NOTICING THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS IN PLACES I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE AND NOW I WENT TO THE DMV LOGGED IN CHECK MY VIN NUMBER AND PLATES IT SEES THAT IT'S BEEN PUT UP FOR SALE
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
VEHICLE MAKES A SPUTTERING NOISE AT ACCELERATION AND COASTING SPEED. EVEN AT STOP. SOUNDS LIKE A MISFIRE AND THUD AT SOME POINTS. CAUSES A LOSS IN POWER AND JERK. *JS
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
PURCHASED 4 NEW FIRESTONE WILDERNESS LE 265/70/16 TIRES IN JULY. WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED VIBRATING OF CAR AROUND 60 MPH. PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED TIRES. 3 OF THE 4 TIRES ARE MISSING LARGE CHUNKS OF TREAD. ONE OF THE TIRES HAS WIRES AND INNER TIRE EXPOSING CAUSING VIBRATION. UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA ELECTRICAL ISSUES-AIR CONDITIONING COMES ON SPONTANEOUSLY WITHOUT INITIATION BY DRIVER, BACK WINDOW ALWAYS FAILING TO OPERATE PROPERLY, NOT OPENING OR CLOSING @ TIMES, NOW STUCK CLOSED, TRACKING DEVICE COMES ON FOR LONG PERIODS WITH USED & NEW TIRES, EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS PROFESSIONAL ALIGNMENTS, AND PROPER DRIVING, ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON. ALL OF THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN BOUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA SERVICE DEPT , THE SUV HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY TOYOTA ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, AND PARTS HAVE REPORTEDLY BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER, THESE ISSUES CONTINUE, THERE ARE ALSO NO DEVICES IN PLACE TO KEEP THE DRIVER'S MAT FROM CURLING OVER THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. *TR
AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN JULY OF LAST YEAR, MY 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA EXPERIENCED CAR TROUBLE. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED 3 MAJOR PROBLEMS. FIRST, THE REAR WINDOW ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY OPEN ALL BY ITSELF. THIS SELF OPENING WOULD OCCUR AT NUMEROUS TIMES. THE WINDOW WOULD OPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, WHEN IT WAS STATIONARY OR EVEN WHILE IT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE SCARIEST HOWEVER, WAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. FORTUNATELY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE SECOND MAJOR PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH THE DOOR LOCKS. THE LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK THEMSELVES REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANYONE TOUCHING THEM. THIS LOCKING/UNLOCKING WOULD AGAIN TAKE PLACE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, STATIONARY OR EVEN UNOCCUPIED. THE LAST COMPLAINT IS THAT THE GAS GAUGE WILL DROP TO EMPTY WITHOUT ANY REASON SO THERE ARE MANY TIMES THAT I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH GASOLINE I HAVE LEFT IN THE TANK. THIS TOO IS OCCURRING ON A RANDOM BASIS. IT'S LIKE THE VEHICLE IS HAUNTED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AIR ENTERING INTO THE VEHICLE. HE OPENED THE FLAP APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES TO DETERMINE IF THE AIR WAS COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. IMMEDIATELY, THE SUNROOF BLEW OFF THE VEHICLE BACKWARDS APPROXIMATELY 25 FEET ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WALKED BACK TO RETRIEVE THE UNBROKEN SUNROOF GLASS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,400. UPDATED 09/25/08 *BF AN INSPECTION REVEALED, THAT THE ADHESIVE/GLUE FAILED. UPDATED 10/01/08. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
ON AUGUST 13, 2011 WHILE TRAVELING ON I-75 SOUTH OF ATLANTA A VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD & ATTEMPTED TO RETURN AND OVER CORRECTED, HE STRUCK OUR SEQUOIA WITH SUCH FORCE IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR THAT THE REAR OF THE OUR SEQUOIA IMMEDIATELY TURNED SIDEWAYS AND WE BEGIN TO FLIP. AFTER FLIPPING WE LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SLID APPROX 1/4 OF A MILE BEFORE COMING TO RESTING PLACE IN THE MEDIAN ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. MY WIFE &13 YEAR OLD SON WERE SEVERELY INJURED, MYSELF AND MY OTHER 2 SONS SUSTAINED INJURIES BUT NONE WERE LIFE THREATENING. NEITHER MY WIFE'S NOR MY SONS SEAT BELT LOCKED AND ONCE THE WINDOWS BLEW OUT MY SON WAS DRAGGED DOWN THE INTERSTATE CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES TO HIS HEAD, BACK, ARM AND LEG. MY WIFE SUSTAINED WORSE INJURIES, HER ARM 6 INCHES & 6 INCHES BELOW HER ELBOW WAS CUT OFF. NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND NEITHER SEATBELT "FIRED" PROPERLY ALLOWING MY WIFE AND SON TO SUSTAIN LIFE ALTERING INJURIES. NO ONE DOUBTS THAT IF THE SAFETY FEATURES WE PAID ADDITIONAL $ FOR HAD FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER. SOON AFTER THE ACCIDENT I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO HAVE THE INCIDENT INVESTIGATED. AN "INDEPENDENT" INVESTIGATOR READ THE VEHICLE EDR (BLACKBOX) SOON THEREAFTER I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT TOYOTA HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY. WHEN I CALLED AND SPOKE TO THE TOYOTA REP THAT SIGNED THE LETTER, HE WAS IMMEDIATELY ON THE DEFENSIVE. HE YELLED AND TRIED USING INTIMIDATION TECHNIQUES TO GET ME TO "GO AWAY". MY WIFE IS NOW PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND UNABLE TO WORK AS AN RN. I HAVE OWNED 7 TOYOTA VEHICLES & PAID EXTRA FOR THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, WE AS CONSUMERS HAVE BEEN DECEIVED BY TOYOTA SELLING US ON SAFETY AND RELIABILITY. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER TOYOTA. I TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO TELL OTHER PERSPECTIVE CAR PURCHASERS MY STORY & THE FAILURE OF TOYOTA TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR LOYAL OWNERS. BUYER BEWARE. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT RELAY GOES OUT CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO SHUTOFF WHILE DRIVING. FOR THE 2ND TIME IN A YEAR. PART WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW PART. REAR DOOR WILL NOT LATCH AND RATTLES. REAR LATCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. IT DOES NOT SHUT OR SEAL SO CARBON MONOXIDE ENTERS THE CABIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZE UP FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE, REAR DRIVER SIDE. *TR
DRIVESHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP IF FELT AS IF CONSUMER HAD BEEN REAR ENDED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SEVENTEEN TIMES, AND THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL.*AK THERE IS ALSO A THUMPING NOISE AND VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD ASSOCIATED WITH A HARD START CONDITION. BRAKES GRAB AT TIMES. REAR SPEAKERS INOPERATIVE 3RD ROW. SUNROOF RATTLE. WATER INSIDE MARKER LIGHT COVERS WHEN RAINING. RUBBNG NOISE FROM REAR WHEELS. CENTER WHEEL CAP WAS TIGHTENED. *TT *TC
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .