2003 Toyota Sequoia Owner Complaints

Front end in rolled shacking. Tires wearing extremely fast and uneven image. Unable to drive

NHTSA ID

11576522

Incident

Mar 3, 2023

Can not get BSC, TRC engine lights off traction control kicks in and locks steering and brakes . Unsafe can not smog after spending thousands replacing parts

NHTSA ID

11576521

Incident

Dec 12, 2012

Can not acsess the failed charcoal canister due to rear door failing and am unable to open . So I can not drop the spare tire and acsess the canister

NHTSA ID

11576520

Incident

Dec 12, 2020

Once again the rear latch system has failed and I am unable to open my rear hatch door. So I am unable to remove my spare tire. And can not acsess the failed charcoal canister Toyota is screwing up my life with all their failed parts preventing repair on other parts

NHTSA ID

11576518

Incident

Jun 6, 2017

Traction control warning lights, VSC warning lights. These lights have been on for 2 years, resulting in check engine light on. I have replaced every sensor possible, fuses, gas cap, and reset the system multiple times but can not get these lights to stay off. Since lights have been on, when driving on a muddy, wet, icy or slippery road way, my steering locks up, the brakes stop working and there is complete loss of vehicle control. All without warning. This is an extreme hazard and very dangerous. This has been on going since 2017 and is still a major problem . It started at around 200,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11566695

Incident

Jan 20, 2024

This Vehicle's frame had an extended warranty on it for excessive rust damage in the northern cities. There are holes in the frame, very close to welding points that may break at anytime while driving. And cause an accident.

NHTSA ID

11554998

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

So in few words when check engine light is happening then immediately traction control and skid control and maybe other safety features are automatically goes off, which almost made me crash with all my family during rain. I definitely don’t like it and I don’t think it’s a good idea if one of the non critical sensors broken then you have to die in crash. I think Toyota should check it because it’s doesn’t sound right.

NHTSA ID

11549379

Incident

Oct 11, 2023

The lock actuators in the doors are notorious for going on more than normal it's another very common issue with the seqouia. My driver one is bad right now. And clearly the window motors are faulty cuz I had 3 bad at once I fixed one but my sunroof and back tailgate window both do not work. It is also a very common problem

NHTSA ID

11547482

Incident

Aug 24, 2023

UNKNOWN I'm unsure of what is causing it but it is a very common issue with the 03-04 sequoia. The brake light will come on like on mine and apparently it's a failure in one of the brake components. It's either the brake booster or the master cylinder in most cases is starting to g out. I've done research on this issue and it's a very common problem costing people thousands to get fixed. I feel like if it's that huge of a problem like I've seen with sequoia owners than it's needs to be addressed in a better manner

NHTSA ID

11547481

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

I want to bring attention to the a fatal flaw designed into Toyota truck frames. I understand Toyota denied my claim and I am out of luck with the repairs on my truck. However it is morally responsible for me to bring awareness to this deadly issue. Since most owners don't know they have a problem until the frame breaks, it is worth raising awareness to save human life. This is not a cosmetic issue, its a life or death issue for the consumer. The frame on my truck is completely rusted. In 2013, a Toyota dealership did a frame inspection on my 2003 truck per the recall notice to the previous owner. Toyota had a safety recall for a two step frame replacement for 12 years. The inspection noted an excessive amount of corrosion and rust on the frame components. In 2014, another Toyota dealership decided to spray a sealer over the rust instead of replacing the frame. The sealer trapped moisture and accelerated the oxidation process. This made the problem worse and the rust spread and destroyed the metal to a point its not repairable or safe to drive. The frame of the truck is only 20 years old and was garage kept. However it was operated in a cold climate where salt is applied to the roadways. After filing a several cases with Toyota US I was told its the consumers responsibility and the case was denied. Me and the previous owner did follow the guidelines set forth by the safety frame recall. Since Toyota worked on the frame during the time of the recall they should be held responsible for any liability to human life. Now that these vehicle are starting to age we will start see fatalities on our roadways that will be directly linked to bad frame design. Crumple zones and vehicle safety systems are not effective when the structure they are built upon are defective. I have attached pictures and dealer paperwork for review.

NHTSA ID

11546433

Incident

Apr 1, 2013

I recently purchased my 2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD that had the manufacturer’s undercoating done as a result of the LSC in 2013. The coating has failed and water was able to seep in causing massive rust on the frame. It is a safety hazard to drive at this point.

NHTSA ID

11527097

Incident

Jun 10, 2023

I have a 2003 Toyota Sequoia 167k miles that has major frame rust. This is now becoming a safety issue and Toyota needs to be held accountable!

NHTSA ID

11506809

Incident

Feb 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, he felt the vehicle made a sudden stop. The contact checked under the hood and noticed that the VSC box was melting. The contact disconnected the battery to the vehicle and the smoke stopped. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11494765

Incident

Nov 23, 2022

Mileage

200,000 mi

Undercarriage frame found to be badly rusted, by a AAA Driver who came to my roadside assistance following a brake failure due to rusted and leaky brake lines.

NHTSA ID

11487298

Incident

Sep 15, 2022

"VSC OFF, VSC TRAC, and ABS" indicators on the dash. YAW sensor failure which controls wheel speed which will cause vehicle to decelerate and possibly cause an accident. Toyota should issue a nationwide recall. Toyota is aware of the issue but has failed to issue a nationwide recall.

NHTSA ID

11476504

Incident

Jul 20, 2022

Abnormal rust all over underside of vehicle including frame, structural components, brake lines, steering components … etc. FRAME and steering/suspension components rusting out. Rear differential rusting out. Cab mounts rusting out. Spare tire hardware rusting out. Transmission cooler lines about to burst from corrosion. Rear tow assembly rusting out. Entire underside is rotting out. Known issue which has plagued hundreds of owners, but Toyota has not recalled this model year. Extremely dangerous; one brake line has already gone out resulting in a loss of braking. Toyota applied an undercoating circa 2013 but they just sprayed over an already rusted frame and other components without proper preparation which actually accelerated the corrosion and rot. Deceptive and unethical business practices. Vehicle cost over $50,000 new in 2003 and only has just over 120,000 miles on it. This should NOT be happening. Please help. Please investigate.

NHTSA ID

11471811

Incident

Jul 1, 2017

Hello, I am writing to you to have an investigation started on 2003 Toyota Sequoia, I own one and there has been concerns with the Frame of the vehicle rotting out, there was Warranty Enhancement Program sent out in United States to cover frames of 2001 to 2004 Toyota Sequoias which replaced severely rusted out frames at the dealership. I use this vehicle for my family and I do not want to endanger the lives of them and the people around the community where the frame may break due to rust and cause a severe accident. Please take a look at the details below and get back to me. Subject: Limited Service Campaign (LSC) CSD Certain 2001 through 2004 Model Year Sequoia Vehicles Frame Inspection I am located in Canada would like NHSTA to investigate and see if this program can be administered to vehicles in Canada since I have severe rotting of the frame and I have had to have it welded many times to not compromise the safety of the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11440777

Incident

Nov 17, 2021

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11435335

Incident

Apr 24, 2021

My gas gauge sensor consistently drops below the “E” marker when the truck has gas in it and especially when it is filled up. After driving about 50 miles or so, the gauge will move up some ; however, I have been relying on my DTE monitor to let me know about gas. I have taken it to the dealer twice and both said “the gas tank needs to be dropped in order for repair” I was About to pay for the service but was told I had to make an appointment. However the service advise ask had I had it replaced before because there was a recall on that particular part several years ago. Please note I have never received any notice about a recall regarding the issue. Please advise.

NHTSA ID

11430915

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

The latch hook/truck door release has a defect. It has been replaced 3 times after purchase of my vehicle , by the following Toyota dealerships (Tejas Toyota in Humble Texas (2x); Maund Toyota in Austin, Tx (1x). Each dealership service said it was/is manufacture defect with the latch hook and it stops “un latching when the vehicle the button is pressed to unlock and the handle can not open the hatchback” This time I was traveling out of state with my pet in the kennel and when we stopped for restroom break the latch would not open to retrieve the pet to let out the kennel. We were traveling with a vehicle full of items, which the entire inside of the vehicle had to be emptied I ordered to let all the seats down and try to maneuver to try to get my dog out of kennel I. Such a small confined space that was hard to open because it was in the side. It took over and hour to cut the cage at the top to retrieve my pet. The sad part is there was no warning because we were traveling a 13 hour trip, stopping every couple hours for breaks and stretches, and the couple hours before we open the hatchback just fine. This is more than a safety concern for the animal. This is also the ares for retrieving the spare tire underneath the vehicle when the spare has to be released. I have replaced the part 3 times and I am charged $600 cost for parts and labor, when Toyota is aware of the defect. I just had the part replaced 19 months ago and Toyota only gives a 12 warranty on the part. This is ludicrous when the manufacture is aware of the ongoing problem. I have purchased 4 prior Toyota’s and never had had this type of problem. My second safety issue is the case gage drops below the empty gage and stays there even though there is gas in the vehicle. The dealership said there was a recall years ago but I never received any notice. Please advise.

NHTSA ID

11430913

Incident

Aug 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle was rusted and towed to the local dealer and diagnosed that the rear differential casing and steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 240,000.Note: While driving, a loud grinding noise was heard and the vehicle was shaking. 1 pulled over and had the car towed. It was determined the rear differential casing was completely rusted and the oil leaked out. It-was also determined the Steering column was completely rusted. The vehicle was recalled in 2012, due to rust issues. The dealership stated they would do the recall work but the vehicle was in poor shape. When I contacted Toyota, they said it was a courtesy recall and will not do any further. Consumer is asking for assistance with the cost of repair due to poor workmanship.

NHTSA ID

11424411

Incident

Dec 1, 2020

Mileage

240,000 mi

WHEN TAKING MY 2003 SEQUOIA TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING ISSUE I WAS HAVING, I WAS TOLD THE FRAME WAS SO RUSTED OUT IS WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO COVER ANY COSTS INVOLVED IN REPAIRING OR REPLACING THE FRAME.

NHTSA ID

11413903

Incident

Apr 22, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG COVER WOULD DETACH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED PASSPORT TOYOTA (5001 AUTH WAY, CAMP SPRINGS, MD 20746, (301) 899-6000) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11413029

Incident

Apr 1, 2020

Mileage

160,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A TIRE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE TECHNICIAN DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 235,000.*DT*DT

NHTSA ID

11406936

Incident

Apr 13, 2020

Mileage

235,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HENDRICK TOYOTA LOCATED AT 9505 W 67TH ST, MERRIAM, KS 66203 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN 2013 UNDER A MANUFACTURERS CAMPAIGN REGARDING THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.

NHTSA ID

11400298

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

Mileage

181,000 mi