2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA Recalls, Complaints & Safety

Took my toyota in for repair at they deemed it not safe to drive

I own a 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5, which I purchased new in Colorado and moved to Virginia in 2004. I received a Toyota Limited Service Campaign Program notice in 2013 about excessive corrosion on the frame. Alexandria Toyota inspected the vehicle and applied a Corrosion-Resistant Compound to the frame. They also replaced the spare tire carrier assembly due to rusting. Over the years, I've had mechanics mention the rust on the frame but Toyota never issued a recall on the 2001 Sequoia. In November 2024, the following dashboard lights remained on while driving: Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) OFF, VSC TRAC and Brake Lights. I took it to Steven’s Auto Clinic in Alexandria. They found low brake fluid levels were causing the brake system failure. The brake pipes are leaking due to heavy rust. In addition, rust was destroying the under carriage. The brake system and frame would require extensive maintenance. They warned me NOT to drive the car. They refilled the brake fluid to allow me to take the car home. Reading the Complaints under Structure on the NHTSA website, dozens of customers over the years mention serious rusting on the frame of their 2001 Sequoias. I believe Toyota had a recall to replace the frame on the Tundra but never included the 2001 Sequoia even though it was built on the Tundra frame. I now have a vehicle I can’t drive, due to safety concerns, and I can’t sell, except for parts. The Sequoia should have been included in the Tundra recall. Toyota needs to be held accountable. I can provide any paperwork for my 2001 Sequoia including the Limited Service Campaign Program notice and the repair order from Stephen’s Auto Clinic if necessary. I can also provide the vehicle for inspection.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he became aware of a cranking sound and the vehicle suddenly started jerking and shaking. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, and the front wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the failure had gotten worse over time. The contact also stated that while searching online, he became aware that the failure was a common failure with similar vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for a diagnostic test; however, the dealer declined to perform the diagnostic test, stating that the sub frame was unstable, and an unknown recall campaign had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated the dealer informed him there was a recall for the sub frame, however, the recall had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.

No accident. Just frame issues. If you can. Can I please get a voucher for frame repair. I really like this SUV. Thank you!

Rear axle is rusted to the point where differential fluid is leaking out of the body. There is extreme rust in general which has led to the failure of multiple components such as the oil pressure sending unit. Check engine light is on. This hasn't been verified by a shop or agency, only by me. These issues were discovered shortly after purchase this year.

While driving my 2001 Sequoia SR5 with only 74,750 miles on freeways at speeds between 55 and 65 mph, the SUV's braking system activates unexpectedly and without cause. The VSC check engine lighting and warning sound illuminate. My SUV veered to the right, the steering wheel vibrated, and it went into a skid when the brakes were abruptly engaged, causing it to skid. My SUV abruptly decelerated as if it had lost power. This situation was hazardous for other vehicles who could not tell if they were applying the brakes due to the absence of visible brake lights to prevent a collision. Fortunately, I responded defensively and avoided collisions with other vehicles and roadside obstacles. This issue is a safety concern; if it occurs at the wrong moment, a tragedy can be avoided. I've seen more than a hundred complaints from other proprietors and a completed NHTSA investigation. Sequoia models from 2001 and subsequent years were recalled for the same issue. Before a life is lost, Toyota must address this issue in all model years.

No incident. Frame is getting a little rusted. Can you please send me a voucher for a recall.

Complete failure and separation of the lower ball joint. Caused the wheel to fall off, damaging the front fender and jamming the front door making the door stuck closed. Fortunate we did not crash into anything and kill anyone. A very close call.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the front driver’s side wheel bearing fracture causing the tire to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the front wheel bearing was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.

The tread came off on the freeway. The actual tire is still in tact. The tread flew off and ripped our bumper and quarter panel off. The back latch and window to open the vehicle to retrieve the spare no longer work. We are now concerned with the other tires quality and tread.

I was coming off the highway goi g down the off ramp at a rate of speed in line with the speed limit, and the vsc/abs/brake lights all came on. The truck started making a grinding noise and was difficult to control. I pulled over and checked underneath. Everything was fine and there was no sign of an issue. I turned the truck off and on, and all the lights cleared; however, the lights turn on again when the vehicle is cold. Once it warms up, and you turn the car on and off, the clear. No codes on the scanner. Forums say this happens regularly with this make, model and year, but no one is sure what it is. Everything from emissions, to the brake sensor to the yaw rate sensor.

INAPPROPRIATE stability braking, A noticable swerve to the right accompanied by a grinding noise ant the ASC and Traction control warning lights.

Vsc tracking lights and check engine

I have changed tires 2 times but I did not know that my sequoia has a recalled from the suspension and it seems to me that all the suspension is out eventhough that I replaced the struts upper and lower balljoint side arm rod tide even the racquet pinion may be out please help with the nesessary repair driving it like that I’m putting my family at having a accident cause the tire do not wear properly sincerely Joseluis saldana

Frame Replacement needed: I took my 2001 Toyota Sequoia (45,515 miles; always garaged) in for an Emissions & Safety Inspection. I was notified the excessive rust on the frame has cause damage to the lines for the brakes/bubbling on the lines, fuel line, power steering fluid lines and, eventually, other undercar items may soon fail. It is recommended that due to the excessive rusting/premature frame rotting, the SUV should be decommissioned and off the road. Toyota dealership actually suggested that it might be necessary for me to sign a waiver in order to take the vehicle out of the dealership. The waiver was to hold Toyota harmless should something result as a result of the defect. I was shocked at the request/I declined. Stated the severe rusting is from the front to the rear of the frame. Research shows the Toyota Corporation is fully aware of the excessive rusting on the Toyota Sequoia SUVs however no remedy has been in place to resolve the issue for current owners. I am advised to replace the fuel lines (approximately $1700 for parts and labor), however, upon replacement the excessive rusting to the frame may damage the other lines in the vehicle and the frame will need to be replaced as well (about $10,000). The 2nd technician stated he has done work on 20+ year old SUVs a lot, none with anywhere near this type of premature rusted frame. Stated he couldn't believe how bad it is. Said it flakes apart when you touch it anywhere. He stressed that I should not have my octogenarian mom, and 1st grader in the vehicle. This is our family vehicle. The 2001 Sequoia SUV was built on a tundra frame which had a structural recall (NHTSA action number: pe09049) for frames built in 2000 and 2001. The Sequoia was left out of this recall; a 2012 Spray Option was offered for the frame (I was told by "Israel" today / Brand Ambassador Department). I never received the notification. No dupport from Toyota. The frame, fuel lines need replacement. Pls help!

ABS kicks in while driving. It happens at a moderate speeds. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD since I am in the car with my kids and it causes the car to unexpectedly brake. The VSC light come on and blinks, there is a loud grinding sound. This was reproduced by mechanic. SAFETY HAZARD

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while approaching the vehicle, she noticed rust and corrosion on the undercarriage of the entire vehicle. The contact stated that she had received a manufacturer recall notification and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who sprayed the undercarriage with a rust coating inhibitor to prevent the undercarriage from rusting however, the failure occurred. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer Millennium Toyota (257 N. Franklin St, Hempstead, NY 11550, (516) 874-2581) who inspected the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Recently I took the vehicle in to investigate a clunking noise. I was informed by the shop that the frame had completely rusted through, causing the rear stabilizer arm to become detached. I also had a front stabilizer link fail twice in a year, presumably from the frame excessively flexing. Upon further investigation, I came to learn that Toyota is quite aware of this very issue, they’ve issued recalls where insufficient measures may have been taken to temporarily stop the rusting, and that many many other Sequoia owners have the same exact problems that I’m having, and Toyota refuses to take responsibility for this premature failure and provide some sort of relief. Given the frequency and number of complaints, I’m kind of shocked that NHTSA hasn’t banned these vehicles from the roadways. Seems like a serious accident waiting to happen. It’s not like the facts are in question in this case. There must be hundreds or thousands of examples. If you do a web search for “2001-2004 toyota sequoia rust corrosion on frame” you’ll find a bunch of examples, as well as accounts of Toyota’s numerous refusals to stand behind their mistakes. I still have the vehicle, and would gladly help you with any investigation. I did have part of the frame welded just so I could limp it back home to WI. I towed it on a trailer. It runs great, and is in very good condition, which is why this is all such a shame.

Occasionally, while driving the vehicle the "vsc trac" automatically comes on causing the vehicle to brake and the steering is difficult to control.

The vehicle engages braking in one front wheel for no apparent reason. The traction and vsc lights come on. This can occur at low speed or at high speed. It can make the vehicle unstable. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am taking the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. There was no accident.

MY TRUCK WOULD BE PERFECT ASIDE FROM THE MAJOR CORROSION LOCATED ON THE ENTIRE FRAME. I'M ON BORROWED TIME WITH MY VEHICLE. TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE THE FRAME BEFORE THE BOTTOM DROPS OUT. THE CAUSE OF THIS WOULD PROBABLY BE CHEAP PARTS FROM THE FACTORY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES APPLIED FORCEFULLY AND INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT AND SEVERAL OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000.

VERY BAD RESTY FRAME AND KEEP FIXING SHOCKS BECAUSE THE FRAME IS BAD ON MY TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2001 CAUSE PROBLEM WITH BRAKES AND SHOCKS

2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH REAR DOOR LATCH. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO ISSUE. *LD *JS

WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP MOMENTARILY AND LURCHED THE VEHICLE, THE VSC AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND A WARNING BUZZER WENT OFF. AFTER LOOKING INTO THINGS, THERE ARE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE 2001 AND 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA THAT CAUSE THIS EXACT THING TO HAPPEN TO PLENTY OF OTHER PEOPLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN AN EVALUATION DONE ON THIS MATTER AND IT WAS RULED THAT THE SEVERITY OF THE ISSUE DOES NOT WARRANT A RECALL. WHY THERE IS NO RECALL BEING ISSUED ON THE MULTIPLE FAILURE POINTS IN THE VEHICLE'S SYSTEM AND PEOPLE ARE REQUIRED TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS FOR PARTS AND LABOR WHEN THE MANUFACTURER'S DESIGN DIDN'T LAST? I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY FATHER TO FEEL MORE SAFE IN, AND THAT IS THE LAST THING THAT HE FEELS WHILE DRIVING IT. I AM NOW REQUIRED TO DRIVE OUR AFFECTED VEHICLE AND HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY PAYING ATTENTION SO THAT THE ABS SYSTEM DOESN'T SHOOT ME INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE.

THE VEHICLE STABILIZATION CONTROL TURNS ITSELF ON AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. HAS NO CORRELATION TO DRIVING CONDITIONS, TYPE OF ROADWAY, OR SPEED VEHICLE IS MOVING. THERE IS A BEEP AND THEN A PULL ON THE STEERING WHILE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND SENSATION OCCURS. IT HAS GOTTEN SO BAD, THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE BECAUSE YOU CANNOT STOP. MECHANIC HAS TRIED TO REPAIR BUT IS UNABLE TO ROOT THE CAUSE. THE LAST TIME WAS SO BAD, MY HUSBAND THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO CRASH ON THE HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP. *TR

WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET WITH NO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS (RAIN, WET ROAD, ETC.) HAD ACCELERATED UP TO ABOUT 35MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE TRAC OFF, VSC, AND SKID LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (POSSIBLY FLASHING) AND A WARNING BEEPING SOUND WENT OFF. THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING METAL ON METAL SOUND AND THE CAR WAS SHUTTERING (VIBRATING). I IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO DEPRESS THE BREAKS, AND WHILE THE CAR DID BEGIN TO SLOW FURTHER THAN IT ALREADY WAS, I DID NOT FEEL LIKE I COULD HAVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AS IF I HAD TOTAL CONTROL OF THE BREAKS. I LOOKED AHEAD TO SEE WHERE I COULD PULL INTO TO GET OFF THE ROAD WHEN THE LIGHTS/WARNING SOUND WENT OFF AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THIS WAS AFTER ABOUT 5-10 SECONDS. I DROVE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO A GAS STATION TO GET GAS. THE VEHICLE SEEMED FINE. I WAS ONLY ABOUT 5 MORE MINUTES TO HOME SO I CONTINUED DRIVING. DURING THAT 5 MINUTE DRIVE IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME. THE EXACT SAME BEHAVIOR, I WAS ALREADY SLOWING DOWN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND WAS TRAVELING PROBABLY 15-20MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED. AFTER ABOUT 5 SECONDS THE BEHAVIOR STOPPED AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. I WAS ONLY ABOUT 30 SECONDS FROM HOME. CONTINUED HOME AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE TO HAVE YOUR BREAK SYSTEM ACTIVATE UNCONTROLLABLE. IT WAS TERRIFYING AT 35 MPH, I CAN'T IMAGE WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN AT 65MPH. A FEW SECONDS OF RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED PULLING THE FUSE FOR THE ABS SYSTEM TO DISABLE IT, BECAUSE NOT HAVING IT IS SAFER THAN YOUR BREAKING SYSTEM UNCONTROLLABLY GOING OFF ON YOU. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND FIXED BEFORE THERE IS A FATAL ACCIDENT!

TWICE, ONCE IN NOV. 2019 AND AGAIN N MAR,.2020, THE ELECTRONIC SKID CONTROL HAS ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT REASON, CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. BOTH OCCASIONS OCCURRED ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR RALEIGH , NC. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, SOLID (NO SAND OR GRAVEL) SURFACE. WHEN THE SYSTEM ENGAGED AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT NEARLY UNCONTROLLABLY, THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED (GRINDING METAL-ON-METAL SOUND0, AND THE ENGINE SPEED WAS REDUCED. IN ADDITION, THE TRAC AND VSC ICONS LIT UP ON THE DASH AND THE RE WAS A BEEPING SOUND. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE IN THE LANE TO MY RIGHT, I COULD NOT HAVE AVOIDED HITTING THEM. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BUT THIS WAS PURELY LUCK. AFTER THE FIRST EVENT I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MARK JACOBSON TOYOTA IN DURHAM, NC ON NOV 14, 2019 ( I HAVE THE SERVICE RECEIPT.) THEY STATED THAT THEY "COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM" AND SAID THAT THEY DID A "ZERO POINT CALIBRATION." I HAVE NOT HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AFTER THE SECOND EPISODE SINCE IT HAPPENED JUST YESTERDAY. A SURVEY OF THE INTERNET REVEALS MULTIPLE OTHER FIRST GENERATION SEQUOIA OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME THING, BUT THERE IS NO REPORTED SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY "FIX" THAT WORKS CONSISTENTLY IS TO REMOVE THE ABS SYSTEM FUSE; HARDLY A SOLUTION, SINCE IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME TO DISABLE A CRITICAL AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY SYSTEM. NEVERTHELESS, GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM ENERGIZED, I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT DISABLING THE ABS SYSTEM IS THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS. I WOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR YOU HELP IN FINDING A SAFE SOLUTION TO THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.

CORROSION ON CHASSIS

WHILE DRIVING INTO MY DRIVEWAY, ON THE FREEWAY OR ON CITY ROADS, I SUDDENLY HEAR BEEPING SOUND, GRINDING NOISE, MOMENTARY DECELERATION AND THEN THE VSC OFF AND VSC TRAC LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNS ON. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING AND STATIONARY. I AM AFRAID THAT I MIGHT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN DECELERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON THE WAY TO THE OFFICE 5 DAYS A WEEK. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS COVERING 2003 SEQUOIA MODELS BUT DID NOT INCLUDE 2001 SEQUOIA MODELS. I BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD INCLUDE 2001 MODELS IN THE RECALL BEFORE PEOPLE GET INTO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.

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.