Owners have filed 1,126 complaints
about the 2002 Toyota Sequoia with NHTSA between 2002 and 2026.
The largest single group is the stability & traction control.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota Sequoia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
242.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
91.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
363.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
667.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
9610.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
11912.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
29732.2%
150,000+ miles
27429.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2002peak 25Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Toyota Sequoia
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE16006Opened 14 Jun 2016Closed 20 Dec 2016ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
Yaw rate sensor malfunction
On June 14, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-006 to investigate 135 complaints alleging incidents of yaw rate sensor malfunctions resulting in unexpected Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) activations and steering pull while driving in model year (MY) 2001-2002 Toyota Sequoia vehicles.ODI identified a total of 958 incidents in complaints provided by Toyota or submitted to ODI by consumers.ODI conducted the following work to assess the alleged defect in the subject vehicles: 1) evaluated the design of the subject yaw rate sensor; 2) initiated vehic...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
Recalls on the 2002 Toyota Sequoia
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V741000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
18V883000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
15V285000
AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
15V286000
AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
07E023000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V225000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
Risk: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
02V129000
WHEELS
ON CERTAIN 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ALLOY WHEEL TIRE UPGRADE (OPTIONS WM4, WM8, ZL1-ZL4, DH4, OR DH5) INSTALLED BY THE PROCESSING CENTERS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA OR COMMERCE, GEORGIA, A LABEL IDENTIFYING THE SPARE TIRE AS A TEMPORARY USE SPARE TIRE WAS NOT INSTALLED. THE UPGRADE INCLUDES 4 LARGER SIZE TIRES WITH ALLOY WHEELS. THE ORIGINAL SPARE TIRE/STEEL WHEEL IS NOT PART OF THE UPGRADE AND WAS NOT CHANGED.
Risk: DIFFERENT OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CAN BE EXPERIENCED WHEN THE SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201952337,591 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag inflator or airbag module replaced. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected. Additional Note: Vehicles may have had the original front passenger airbag inflator replaced as a "like-for-like" replacement under recall 2016-103 (Toyota Recall #'s SRC 241 & SRC 242) as a temporary remedy while evaluating a permanent remedy. These vehicles will receive the permanent remedy passenger airbag assembly under this recall.
Recall 20186995,369 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator or airbag assembly. <br><br> Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Vehicles may have had the original front passenger airbag inflator replaced as a “like-for-like” replacement under recall 2013-133 (Toyota Recall #'s SSC 193/241 & SSC 194/242) as a temporary remedy while evaluating a permanent remedy. These vehicles will receive the permanent remedy passenger airbag assembly under this recall.
Recall 2016103400,124 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2013113, 2014224, 2015197 and 2015269. Correction: All vehicles having not received a replacement inflator as part of the previous recall will now have a replacement inflator installed by dealers. For Matrix model vehicles, dealers may replace the front passenger airbag assembly with one equipped with a newly specified inflator.
Recall 2015269366,860 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2016103. Please see recall 2016103 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016103">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 2014224107,339 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2016103. Please see recall 2016103 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016103">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 201311375,000 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2016103. Please see recall 2016103 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016103">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 200515114,341 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, a manufacturing issue with the front lower ball joint could result in premature wear. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period of time in this condition, the ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort, reduced vehicle self-centering and noise in the front suspension. In extreme cases, when the driver continues to operate the vehicle in this condition, the lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of vehicle steering control. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower ball joints.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 177,000 milesHelena, MTCrash
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING 75MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT FAILED (4 DAYS AFTER A SAFETY INSPECTION DONE AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP). THE TIRE FOLDED UNDER THE CAR AND WE NEARLY HIT THE MEDIAN AND THEN THE CAR TO OUR RIGHT. WE MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD FAILED. $6,700 WORTH OF DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. I RAN MY VIN # THROUGH YOUR DATABASE AND 0 RECALLS WERE FOUND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11065974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesHolt, FLCrash
STEERING
WHEN DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE PERIODICALLY YANKS HARD TO THE RIGHT, IT SOUNDS LIKE I HAVE A FLAT TIRE, FRONT RIGHT TIRE FEELS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT STOPPED TURNING. CAR SLOWS, VSC SYSTEM IDIOT LIGHTS FLASH AND BEEP. AFTER I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY THOUGH UNINTENTIONALLY RUN ANOTHER CAR OFF THE ROAD IT RETURNS TO NORMAL. THE IDIOT LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO MECHANICS NUMEROUS TIMES IN LAST FEW WEEKS, CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM. BUT KEEPS HAPPENING. MECHANIC IS AWARE OF 2003 AND NEWER RECALL FOR THE SAME REASON, TRIED RECALIBRATING YAW SENSOR SUCCESSFULLY. 3 DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN MECHANICS SAYS THE SENSOR MAY BE PERIODICALLY MALFUNCTIONING, OVER CORRECTING FOR A NONEXISTENT PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED GOING 30 MPH ONCE, AS WELL AS TODAY THE LIGHTS AND BEEPING WENT OFF AT A DEAD STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY. WENT STRAIGHT TO MECHANICS, TURNED OFF CAR TO GO INSIDE, NOTHING FOUND WHEN HE PULLED IT IN
NHTSA complaint #10907303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesHolt, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE PERIODICALLY YANKS HARD TO THE RIGHT, IT SOUNDS LIKE I HAVE A FLAT TIRE, FRONT RIGHT TIRE FEELS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT STOPPED TURNING. CAR SLOWS, VSC SYSTEM IDIOT LIGHTS FLASH AND BEEP. AFTER I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY THOUGH UNINTENTIONALLY RUN ANOTHER CAR OFF THE ROAD IT RETURNS TO NORMAL. THE IDIOT LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO MECHANICS NUMEROUS TIMES IN LAST FEW WEEKS, CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM. BUT KEEPS HAPPENING. MECHANIC IS AWARE OF 2003 AND NEWER RECALL FOR THE SAME REASON, TRIED RECALIBRATING YAW SENSOR SUCCESSFULLY. 3 DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN MECHANICS SAYS THE SENSOR MAY BE PERIODICALLY MALFUNCTIONING, OVER CORRECTING FOR A NONEXISTENT PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED GOING 30 MPH ONCE, AS WELL AS TODAY THE LIGHTS AND BEEPING WENT OFF AT A DEAD STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY. WENT STRAIGHT TO MECHANICS, TURNED OFF CAR TO GO INSIDE, NOTHING FOUND WHEN HE PULLED IT IN
NHTSA complaint #10907303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesHolt, FLCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHEN DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE PERIODICALLY YANKS HARD TO THE RIGHT, IT SOUNDS LIKE I HAVE A FLAT TIRE, FRONT RIGHT TIRE FEELS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT STOPPED TURNING. CAR SLOWS, VSC SYSTEM IDIOT LIGHTS FLASH AND BEEP. AFTER I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY THOUGH UNINTENTIONALLY RUN ANOTHER CAR OFF THE ROAD IT RETURNS TO NORMAL. THE IDIOT LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO MECHANICS NUMEROUS TIMES IN LAST FEW WEEKS, CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM. BUT KEEPS HAPPENING. MECHANIC IS AWARE OF 2003 AND NEWER RECALL FOR THE SAME REASON, TRIED RECALIBRATING YAW SENSOR SUCCESSFULLY. 3 DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN MECHANICS SAYS THE SENSOR MAY BE PERIODICALLY MALFUNCTIONING, OVER CORRECTING FOR A NONEXISTENT PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED GOING 30 MPH ONCE, AS WELL AS TODAY THE LIGHTS AND BEEPING WENT OFF AT A DEAD STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY. WENT STRAIGHT TO MECHANICS, TURNED OFF CAR TO GO INSIDE, NOTHING FOUND WHEN HE PULLED IT IN
NHTSA complaint #10907303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSAN Juan Capo, CACrash
STEERING
IN THE FAST LANE I-10 EAST MM 110 DRIVER TIRE AND SPINDLE FELL OFF AND WENT UNDER CAR SKID ACROSS 4 LANES WITH MY 3 KIDS 8-4- 7 WEEKS AND WIFE.RECALL ALREADY BEEN DONE HAPPENED ON PASS SIDE 10K AGO ALSO SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED COULD HAVE KILLED ALL OF US WENT TO TOYOTA THE FIRST TIME AND WAS TOLD "WE'LL IT HAS OVER 100K MI" DOES THAT MEAN AFTER A TOYOTA HAS 100K MI THE FRONT END WILL FALL OFF AND POSSIBLE KILL EVERYONE,KEEP IN MIND RECALL WAS ALREADY DONE ONCE I DON'T BELIEVE IT .I HAVE OWNED TOYOTA'S ALL MY LIFE MY FATHER HAS WORKED FOR THEM SINCE 78' I HAVE HIS 85 4RUNNER WITH 360K ON IT AND I AM A MECHANIC MYSELF AND HAVE TURNED DOZENS OF PEOPLE TO TOYOTA'S THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE I WILL BE GETTING A LAWYER AND BUYING A CHEVY ON TUESDAY.
NHTSA complaint #10593827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSAN Juan Capo, CACrash
SUSPENSION
IN THE FAST LANE I-10 EAST MM 110 DRIVER TIRE AND SPINDLE FELL OFF AND WENT UNDER CAR SKID ACROSS 4 LANES WITH MY 3 KIDS 8-4- 7 WEEKS AND WIFE.RECALL ALREADY BEEN DONE HAPPENED ON PASS SIDE 10K AGO ALSO SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED COULD HAVE KILLED ALL OF US WENT TO TOYOTA THE FIRST TIME AND WAS TOLD "WE'LL IT HAS OVER 100K MI" DOES THAT MEAN AFTER A TOYOTA HAS 100K MI THE FRONT END WILL FALL OFF AND POSSIBLE KILL EVERYONE,KEEP IN MIND RECALL WAS ALREADY DONE ONCE I DON'T BELIEVE IT .I HAVE OWNED TOYOTA'S ALL MY LIFE MY FATHER HAS WORKED FOR THEM SINCE 78' I HAVE HIS 85 4RUNNER WITH 360K ON IT AND I AM A MECHANIC MYSELF AND HAVE TURNED DOZENS OF PEOPLE TO TOYOTA'S THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE I WILL BE GETTING A LAWYER AND BUYING A CHEVY ON TUESDAY.
NHTSA complaint #10593827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Olympia, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11743876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Splendora, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
They should not have towed my car
NHTSA complaint #11711639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
STEERING
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 complaint #11684034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11684034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11684034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
WHEELS
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 complaint #11594971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11594971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11594971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 complaint #11577256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Advance rust on car frame
NHTSA complaint #11569687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loganville, GA
WHEELS
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 complaint #11548841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loganville, GA
STEERING
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 complaint #11548841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loganville, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11548841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11547933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 complaint #11547933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniondale, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11542305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
SUSPENSION
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 complaint #11540644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 complaint #11540644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 222,715 milesSumter, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 complaint #11532939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesLorton, VA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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 complaint #11532288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 complaint #11484462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
STEERING
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 complaint #11484462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11484462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Brunswick, NJ
STEERING
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 complaint #11474941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Brunswick, NJ
SUSPENSION
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 complaint #11474941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.