271 of the
4,811 complaints filed about the Toyota Sequoia
are about the electrical system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
The vehicle is a 2015 Toyota Sequoia with the 5.7L V8 engine and approximately 192,632 miles. The vehicle developed an abnormal internal engine/timing noise, especially when warm. An authorized Toyota dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed an internal engine/timing-related condition involving timing chain tensioners, timing chains, chain guides, camshaft gears, lifters, gaskets/resealing, and related labor. The estimated repair cost is approximately $19,716. The concern is safety-related because if the timing chain, tensioners, or related internal engine components fail while the vehicle is being driven, especially at highway speeds, the engine could stall, lose motive power, or become unable to safely continue operating. A sudden loss of motive power in traffic could increase the risk of a crash and put the occupants and other motorists at risk. This is a family vehicle used to transport young children, so the risk is not theoretical or acceptable. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Toyota dealer. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has been consistently maintained per the manufacture's schedule. Separate wear items were already repaired as needed. The dealer’s diagnosis concerns internal engine/timing components consistent with manufacturer defects, not ordinary maintenance items. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any agency other than the Toyota dealer. Warning lamps or messages are UNKNOWN. The primary symptom before repair was abnormal internal engine/timing noise. This complaint is being submitted to document a potentially serious internal engine/timing component condition that could affect the vehicle’s ability to safely propel itself if the failure progresses. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11744827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Sequoia. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 143,000. It was later discovered, when the contact received the Title, the mileage was 248,000.
NHTSA complaint #11717336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 90,586, and at the time of checking the Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 260,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11576521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11566695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doors not locking with key fob. Have to manually lock all doors by hand. Sometimes the key fob arms the security and sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve replaced the key fob and tried to program new fob but cannot program, hooked up a scanner to run for codes and 1 showed a (B1242 - wireless door lock tuner circuit)
NHTSA complaint #11565897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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 complaint #11494765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the lane departure and rear cross passing warning light illuminated and the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to inspect the vehicle however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Several months later, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the same local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that the rear bumper sensor was not properly aligned to the brackets on the bumper, causing the failure. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact was concerned that at some point the failure might recur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the lane departure and rear cross passing warning light illuminated and the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to inspect the vehicle however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Several months later, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the same local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that the rear bumper sensor was not properly aligned to the brackets on the bumper, causing the failure. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact was concerned that at some point the failure might recur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VSC, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING INSTRUMENT LIGHTS ON. ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL AND VSC ARE INOPERABLE DUE TO A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE WITH FIRST GENERATION SEQUOIAS. MY SPECIFIC CODES ARE C1241 AND C1203. TOYOTA TOLD ME I WILL NEED A NEW COMPUTER TO CONTROLS THOSE SYSTEMS AT A 921 DOLLAR EXPENSE. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN ONGOING SINCE 2009.
NHTSA complaint #11389936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TOOK 2004 SEQUOIA TO KINGS TOYOTA FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL AS WELL AS DIAGNOSTIC EVAL OF VSC ABS LIGHTS ISSUE. RECEIVED A PHONE CALL THAT THE TECH COULD NOT DETERMINE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNLESS WE PAID AN ADDITIONAL $360 FOR MORE TIME TO DIAGNOSE AND THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH WITH LARGE HOLES. WONDERED IF WE WANTED TO PURSUE THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE LARGER SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE FRAME. ORIGINAL ISSUE OCCURRED WITH LIGHTS COMING ON (HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES PREVIOUSLY) FOLLOWED BY THE POWER WINDOWS CEASING TO WORK, SEVERAL HOURS LATER THE WIPERS AND WINDOW SEEMED SLUGGISH AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. HAD TO JUMP THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND THEN WHEN JUMPING NO LONGER WORKED, WE HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE INTO A CHURCH PARKING LOT. AFTER BEING TOLD BY MR. HOWARD THAT THEY DON'T SEE VEHICLES COME INTO SERVICE WITH LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME, I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT 10S OF THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA TRUCKS, INCLUDING 05-08 SEQUOIAS, HAVE BEEN RECALLED - CRC APPLIED AND FRAMES REPLACED AS WELL AS TOYOTA BUYING BACK 95-00 TRUCKS WITH RUSTED FRAMES FOR 1.5 TIMES THE BLUE BOOK VALUE. 04 SEQUOIAS MENTIONED MORE THAN 300 TIMES FOR THE VSC, TAILGATE AND RUSTED FRAME ISSUES THAT ARE PREVALENT IN THIS MODEL - MY VEHICLE HAS ALL 3. SPOKE WITH COLIN, THE SERVICE MANAGER, WHO REITERATED WHAT I FOUND ONLINE. TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING SINCE THE RECALL IS CLOSED AND DID NOT INCLUDE THE 04 MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #11302665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE CONTROL, ABS, VCS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND STABILITY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON IN ORDER TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GROOVE TOYOTA (5460 S BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113, (303) 800-9063) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURES RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,056.
NHTSA complaint #11277094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ON EACH OF THE DOORS ON THE SUV HAVE FAILED. THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK WITHOUT USING THE KEY, AND THE ONLY DOOR WITH KEY ACCESS IS THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE DOORS CAN BE LOCKED/UNLOCKED FROM INSIDE. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS SEEM EXCESSIVELY HIGH, AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE ON TOYOTA VEHICLES. SINCE THE ACTUATOR IS PART OF THE DOOR LATCH, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ACTUATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A LATCH PROBLEM. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT REST.
NHTSA complaint #11160786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RUSTY PARTS (RUST EXTENDED WARRANTY) THE BACK WINDOW ON MY 2008 TOYOTA SEQUOIA FELL DOWN ABRUPTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ITEMS FLEW FROM MY BACK WINDOW AND I WAS FORCED TO SLOW DOWN ABRUPTLY AND PREVENT DRIVERS IN MY REAR FROM BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER PULLING OVER, I HAD TO RETRIEVE THOSE ITEMS ON A BUSY ROADWAY. I ATTEMPTED TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE BY POWERING THE WINDOW BACK UP, BUT IT WOULDN'T WORK. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE WINDOW TO THE UP POSITION AND IT WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO SECURE MY ITEMS AND DRIVE HOME SLOWLY. LATER THAT DAY, I CONDUCTED SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THE 1ST GENERATION SEQUOIA WAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. APPARENTLY, THE ISSUE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY WINDOW REGULATOR FROM RUST. UNFORTUNATELY, I DO NOT SEE ANY RECALLS FOR THE 2ND GENERATION MODELS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND ONCE THEY EXAMINED THE BACK DOOR, THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAUSE FOR THE WINDOW FALLING DOWN ABRUPTLY WAS INDEED FROM A RUSTY REGULATOR AND RUSTY PARTS. I CONDUCTED MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT TOYOTA HAS BEEN INFAMOUS FOR INSTALLING PARTS THAT RUST OVER TIME. TOYOTA ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR RUST, BUT IT DOESN'T STATE SPECIFICALLY WHAT IT COVERS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE IT INTO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE RUST EXTENDED WARRANTY RECALL PERTAINS ONLY TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND NOT ANYTHING ELSE. THE NOTICE IS THE MAIL DID NOT SPECIFY THE UNDERCARRIAGE. MY RUSTY PARTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR RUST. IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT TOYOTA IS FINDING A WAY TO REMOVE THEMSELVES FROM ANY LIABILITY WITH THEIR VEHICLES DEVELOPING RUST OVER A QUICK PERIOD OF TIME. IF A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR RUST ON THE FRAME, THAT'S AN INDICATOR THAT TOYOTA USES POOR QUALITY PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11142569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
IN MARCH 2016, I HAD - FOR THE FIRST TIME - THE VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, BRAKE, AND ABS LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL COME ON... ALL 4 ON AT ONCE. THEN AGAIN, TODAY, I HAD THE VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON. A KNOWN ISSUE FOR BOTH SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA MODELS, OWNERS HAVE TRIED TO GET A RECALL. MANY THOUGHTS ONLINE ABOUT WHAT CAUSES THIS; IT APPEARS IT'S A FAULTY SKID CONTROL UNIT (ECU UNIT). SAYS THE ECU WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE INTO A "SAFE" MODE AND LIMIT OUTPUT POWER AND ACCELERATION, UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED. I EXPERIENCED THIS TODAY AFTER THE LIGHTS CAME ON. OTHERS ONLINE SAY MIGHT BE A BAD BRAKE FLUID SENSOR, BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH OR OXYGEN SENSOR. HOWEVER, OVERWHELMINGLY IT SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY ECU' AND THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE ELECTRONIC PART ($2,300)!
NHTSA complaint #11112069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I AM HAVING A RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH MY 2018 SEQUOIA IN THAT I AM CONSISTENTLY GETTING WARNING LIGHTS AND ALARMS GOING OFF FOR 'BRAKE WARNING,' REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, 'BLIND SPOT MONITOR MALFUNCTION' AND 'FRONT CAMERA MALFUNCTION.' IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES AND THEY KEEP SAYING THERE ARE COMPUTER GLICHES AND KEEPNUPDATING THE SOFTWARE OVER AND OVER AGAIN. TOYOTA SENT DOWN A TECH FROM DENVER TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND INSTEAD OF REPAIRING THE PROBLEM, THEY HAVE DISARMED ALL OF MY ALARMS BECAUSE WHAT THEY SAID WAS THAT THEY WERE SET TOO SENSITIVE?! THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS TWO OF THE TIMES THAT THE 'BRAKE WARNING' FLASHES THE TRUCK STARTS TO SLOW ITSELF DOWN. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN AN 18-WHEELERBIS BEHIND ME? THE BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T COME ON TO LET THEM KNOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS SLOWING DOWN!! I AM VERY SCARED OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND TOYOTA SAYS IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE? I'M AT A LOSS AS WHAT TO DO NOW GIVEN THAT ALL OF THESE SOFTWARE UPDATES ARE BEING DONE AND ALARMS ARE DISABLED I FEEL LIKE I'M DRIVING IN A VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE!!
NHTSA complaint #11101969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.