10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 1
Average Mileage:
129,801 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Toyota Sequoia engine problems

engine problem

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2001 Toyota Sequoia Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #100

Aug 072023

Sequoia

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Arcadia, CA, USA

problem #99

Nov 012018

Sequoia

  • 156,000 miles
Driving 45mph on straight road the vehicle vsc engaged pulling hard to the right and decelerating quickly. I pulled over, called dealership and was told to drive it the 2 miles to dealership. Within 100' of dealership I crossed intersection and car suddenly decelerated, engaged the assistance again and I was almost struck by truck that swerved and almost hit pedestrian. Dealer said it was a yaw steering sensor. Part was unobtainable or possible within 8 weeks, and no after market parts available. Mechanic recommended vehicle not be driven. Toyota declared part obsolete. I researched and found this was already at the NHTSA attention but that they closed the investigation. How is this acceptable?

- Davie, FL, USA

problem #98

Aug 222018

Sequoia

  • 165,000 miles
The traction control pulls the vehicle to the right at any speed. I almost crashed today.

- Wichita Falls, TX, USA

problem #97

Apr 192018

Sequoia

  • 101,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the vehicle the brakes where applying themselves, vehicle started shaking and vibrating and slowing down and the vsc trac lights came on. It scared me and I almost had a panic attack. I pulled off taylor road(city street) and turned the car off and checked to see if I had a flat tire. I restarted to car and the lights remain on and I took the car home. My wife is now scared to drive it.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #96

Apr 012017

Sequoia

  • 84,800 miles
While driving our 01 Sequoia SR5 with only 85,000 miles on side streets and highways at speeds ranging from 5mph to 70 mph, the SUV's braking system suddenly engages for no reason while the veh. Is in motion. The vsc, check engine lights come on along with the alerting sound. When the brakes engage, the veh. Veers to the right, the steering wheel vibrates and the veh. Goes into a skid due to the brakes being suddenly engaged. The veh. Also decelerates suddenly as if it has lost power. This is dangerous for other drivers who can't tell if you are braking because there are no brake lights to be seen to prevent a collision. Thankfully we have been able to react defensively and avoid collisions with other veh.'s. and roadside objects. We have seen several suggestions as to the fix for this problem like the yaw rate sensor being replaced. The cost of the part is $568 without the install cost.this problem is a safety issue and if it occurs at the wrong time, a preventable tragedy is going to occur. I have seen well over 50 complaints on this from other owners and a closed NHTSA investigation on this exact issue. They recalled the 2003 Sequoia for the same issue. Toyota needs to fix this in all model years before a life is lost. See 2003 recall info below: 2003 Sequoia recall #10V176000 recall date 04/30/2010 component electronic stability control read more at https://www.cars.com/recalls/Toyota-Sequoia-2003/#qjwyc1mk25ovhgfx.99 read more at https://www.cars.com/recalls/Toyota-Sequoia-2003/#qjwyc1mk25ovhgfx.99

- Abingdon, MD, USA

problem #95

Nov 162016

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 270,000 miles
Vsc trac light comes on while driving, activates brakes and car pulls and swerves while driving.

- Murphy, TX, USA

problem #94

May 012016

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 156,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2001 Sequoia, suddenly showing the vsc lights and brake lights at the same time! there is a very rough feeling when I'm driving the car like something in the undercarriage is very wrong. There is a twice beep and the car, will suddenly pull to the left momentarily and then release itself but the lights never go out unless car is off. I can feel the brakes like shaking.I S scary and this happen like 4 times.the last is in the highway.is make a noise like a scratch metal.I know I'm not the first one.please Toyota fix the problem.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #93

Sep 162016

Sequoia

  • 163,000 miles
My complaint stems from the vehicle stability control (vsc) issue that commonly plagues the 2001-2001 Toyota Sequoia. As many others have filed complaints over this vsc issue, mine is no different. My Sequoia, a 4X4 SR5 with 160K miles, works flawlessly other than the vsc lights being constantly illuminated while driving. The results of the malfunction, possibly from the yaw rate sensor, present a momentarily loss of power and random unexplained steering events. The only way to temporary clear the vsc lights and the effects of the malfunction is to completely stop the vehicle, turn off the ignition and restart the vehicle. I fear a loss of control of the vehicle while my wife and kids are driving at highway speeds. I would like to see Toyota issue a formal recall or pay for a new yaw rate sensor and the consumer pays the labor. Other than the vsc issue, the Sequoia is a great vehicle overall.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

problem #92

Aug 172016

Sequoia

  • 188,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. While driving 35 mph, the traction control and vsc warning lights illuminated. Also, the front passenger side wheel seized and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the yaw sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.

- Livingston, TN, USA

problem #91

May 312016

Sequoia

  • 145,000 miles
Traction control malfunction. When in motion the car engages the brakes for no reason, intermittently applying the brakes causing the car to pull & swerve, and shudder. This happens when going straight, turning, or just driving down the road.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

problem #90

Jan 272016

Sequoia

  • 210,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When operating at speed, the vehicle will suddenly shutter briefly, and pull to right. Seemingly a wheel locked up. Control of steering is lost. Vsc light comes on, and cannot be rest until restating the engine.

- Valley Springs, CA, USA

problem #89

Aug 312015

Sequoia

  • 159,300 miles
The vehicle skid control randomly engages for no reason. It causes lost of power and braking, causing steering to be very difficult.

- Cincinnati , OH, USA

problem #88

May 202015

Sequoia

  • 297,000 miles
My 2001 Sequoia was in an accident in November 2014. It was totaled but I decided to have it repaired as it was in great running condition prior to accident. It had been running fine to around may when the vsc went off while I was driving around a curve making me almost lose control of the car. The same thing would happen intermittently with a slight jerk of the car to the left. On June 25th there was a very violent jerk to the left while I was driving with my boys. Took it to a dealership on 6/27/15 and was told it was the yaw rate sensor. Dealership re-calibrated and it ran fine for 2 days. On 6/29/15 there was another violent jerk of the truck with the vsc lights coming on. I called the dealership and they instructed me to bring it back in. Took truck in on 6/30/15 and was told I would need to repair the yaw rate sensor since the recalibration did not work. I was given an estimate of $746.29 for replacement and this was taking into account the $108 I spent on 6/27/15. Told the repairman I would investigate further and would get back with him. As I was pulling out of the dealership going less than 5 mph, the truck jerked violently again almost slamming me into the car in the left lane. With the high mileage of the truck I do not want to spend an absorbent amount of money for repairs. As these sensors have reportedly had reports of multiple malfunctions in the past based on my research, I am not even sure that having it replaced would even fix the problem and if it did, would I be faced with the same problem a few months down the road when the new sensor goes bad. I can not believe that Toyota or the government would allow this type of malfunction which is life-threatening to go on unresolved. Is it really going to take the loss of lives as in the case of the airbags before something is done? help!

- Waxhaw, NC, USA

problem #87

May 022015

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 179,000 miles
My 2001 Toyota Sequoia violently experienced a vsc trac error when driving next to a semi on the freeway. It almost pulled my car into the semi, and then off the road as the wheel jerked, brakes and engine response cut significantly. This highway issue happened last month, and just this week, the problem has become more frequent, occurring on neighborhood streets with absolutely no triggers. The steering wheel sometime shakes, and sometime pulls suddenly. It occurs sometimes during a slow turn, but is also happening just driving at 25 miles an hour down a straight road.....updated 11/13/15 updated 12/28/2015

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #86

Mar 122014

Sequoia 4WD 8-cyl

  • 218,645 miles
A loud noise driver side, vsc light on and ABS.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #85

Mar 132015

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 290,000 miles
When the gas peddle is depressed the car will not go! I've almost been in 2 accidents due to it!

- Paulden, AZ, USA

problem #84

Feb 032014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 91,548 miles
My vsc trac, vsc off, brake, & ABS lights won't turn off.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #83

Mar 032014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 93,400 miles
On multiple occasions, my 2001 Toyota Sequoia has shown random activation of the vehicle stability control system at highway speeds on dry, smooth pavement. Each incident the same thing happens: The activation of a brief audible warning beep, the vsc indicator light flashes along with the slippery surface light (two squiggly lines) and the vehicle suddenly begins randomly applying hard ABS braking to the right front wheel, accompanied with a loud grinding noise that sounds like it coming from the braking system. The brakes feel as if they are pulsating during each of these incidents, it is almost impossible to control the vehicle. It jerks and swerves from side to side and shakes violently. The only way to regain control is to reduce the speed and pull to the side of the road as quickly and safely as possible. The lights stay on until the vehicle is cut off. Once the car is turned off the lights will go out. After the car sits for about 30 minutes or more or over night the lights will no longer be lgo out. I have had the truck diagnosed with the yaw rate censor code by one repair shop and one autoparts store. Over the past year, this serious problem has recurred at least four times without warning and there is not a predictable set of circumstances that seems to cause an occurrence. My wife now refuses to drive this vehicle and I have dramatically reduced the usage this SUV for fear that another incident may result in a serious accident!!! it is a very frightening experience for me and my family. I have 98,200 mile on the vehicle.

- Debary, FL, USA

problem #82

Dec 292014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 147,880 miles
At highway speed going down hill fully loaded at night in Sierra with temps in low 30S and no snow in the area where the incident happened, my 01 toy Sequoia pulled to the left within seconds both trac off/vsc trac lights came on. All of my mud and snow tires have good tread. Luckily, I had both hands firmly on the steering wheel when it happened. Able to get home safely at normal highway speed. These lights are still on until to date (1/17/16) because I have not taken in to toy dealerships; guess many third parties don't want to mess around with this issue. Many complaints have been posted in regards to vsc issue. Toy need to recall this model now.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #81

Sep 222013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 112,500 miles
On multiple occasions, the vehicle has exhibited random activation of the vehicle stability control system at highway speeds on dry, smooth pavement. Each incident is characterized by: The activation of a brief audible warning beep, the vsc indicator light flashes along with the slippery surface light (two squiggly lines) and the vehicle suddenly begins randomly applying hard ABS braking to the wheels intermittently shifting from side to side, back to front, accompanied with a loud grinding noise that appears to emanate from the braking system. During these incidents, it is almost impossible to control the vehicle as it jerks from side to side and shakes violently. The only viable response is to reduce speed and pull to the side of the road as quickly as possible. To recover control, the vehicle ignition must be turned off and the vehicle restarted. Over the past year, this serious problem has recurred at least four times without warning and there is not predictable set of circumstances that seems to initiate an occurrence. My wife now refuses to drive this vehicle and I have dramatically reduced the usage this SUV for fear that another incident may result in a serious accident!

- Bradbury, CA, USA

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