10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,508 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.

2003 Toyota Sequoia brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Toyota Sequoia Owner Comments (Page 2 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #138

Nov 142014

Sequoia

  • 150,000 miles

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

When accelerating from a stop and turning into/across traffic, the vehicle stability control (vsc) system activates improperly, causing loss of normal acceleration rate for approximately 3-10 sec (lower times are achieved by reducing pressure on the accelerator (counter intuitive when pulling into traffic) to get the system to deactivate. The activation is very intermittent and unpredictable, but exposes the vehicle to crashes by making it impossible to come up to speed quickly- especially bad when turning left across traffic. This is the exact same problem that Toyota issued recall 10V176000 to correct in Apr 2010. Unfortunately, that recall only covers early build 2003 Sequoias and mine was built two months outside the window. This recall needs to be expanded.

- Annandale, VA, USA

problem #137

Mar 122015

Sequoia

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. While reducing speed, the traction stability control sensor illuminated and the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate. After stopping the vehicle and restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V176000 (electronic stability control). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #136

Nov 152014

Sequoia

  • 110,000 miles
While driving at about 55 mph, the ABS, track control sensor lights came on and suddenly the acceleration stops I press the pedal to accelerate and there was no response I could not accelerate so I turn my emergency lights on, and accelerate again and this time it worked. But it's been doing that on everyday basis the mechanic said is the vehicles computer, is there a recall for this problem" can someone help"

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #135

Oct 162014

Sequoia 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles

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

I am experiencing the same vsc problems as I read in the other complaints, along with other electrical issues. Randomly (or so it seems) the vsc, brake lights, drive light and others will go on and off. It has been doing this for about a month now and every time I go to take it in for service, they aren't on and they "can't find anything wrong."

- Forest Ranch, CA, USA

problem #134

Sep 152014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 138,000 miles
First the check engine light came on, then the vsc off light followed immediately by the vsc trac light. The problem is intermittent, as the lights only stay on for a day or two then don't come back on until a few days later. I have checked the recall database for my vehicle and it is not included, although this problem has been recalled on other vehicles matching my vehicle's general description. I live in a very wet area of the country and rely on this system to work properly. From what I can read through online forums, Toyota needs to take a look at every vehicle that is experiencing this issue, as it appears to be significantly more widespread than first thought.

- Lake Oswego, OR, USA

problem #133

Sep 172014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 137,000 miles
I have been having this issue with the electronic stability control with my truck for several months. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they have been unable to determine what the problem is. They first told me I had to replace my shocks and springs all the way around. That didn't fix the problem. As far as I can tell they don't have any fault codes to work with from the computer. I live on a windy road in the mountains. Everytime I go around a turn, which is all of my road, the traction control kicks on, the brake peddle pulses and the breaks grind until I come out of the turn and my wheels are straight. Just in time for the next turn. This is very dangerous. I can't stop my truck fast if a deer or other wildlife runs across the road. This happens all the time.

- Malibu, CA, USA

problem #132

Sep 042014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 130,000 miles

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

Going around a turn in the mountains at a slow speed, my traction control kicks in and there is a grinding noise, I loose the use of the brakes completely until the traction control turns off. I took it to the dealer and they told me my springs and shocks were bad. I replaced all 4 of the springs and shocks and the problem persists. This is very dangerous and scary.

- Malibu, CA, USA

problem #131

Jul 312014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 161,980 miles
The vsc, and trac, and brake lights all lit up while coming into an intersection, where I heard a grinding clunking noise in the drive train, as I tried to stop the vehicle, coasted through the intersection, made others braking to avoid me as I steered away from them. This has happened intermittently over the years but this was the scariest, as it happened going into an intersection. It has happened backing out of our driveway several times, on the highway several times. Toyota doesn't want to tie this issue to the recall regarding the vsc ECU trac light recall from several years ago. I've tried unsuccessfully to escalate this issue with Toyota motor co.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #130

Jul 312014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 161,980 miles
We bought this 2003 Sequoia limited 2 wheel drive new, and it has been a good car over all. But the vsc tracs, brake lights have flashed on and off sporadically at different speeds, when driving and or when braking. They usually don't effect the car, but recently we have experienced them all coming on when braking, and we seem to loose power and the power steering is lost momentarily until we come to a stop, and shut it off for a few minutes. This happened most recently last week when coming into an intersection driving about 30mph, and all of the vsc, trac, and brake lights abruptly came on, there was a grinding noise, and it seemed to have lost electrical power, trying to come to a stop, I could not stop in time for the intersection, but was lucky enough to avoid being hit by cross traffic, it could have been a lot worse. It sounded like something fell apart underneath. I inspected it and saw nothing, but know that this is a major safety issue that Toyota should address and pay for being a recall item. I called the Toyota hotline and was given a case number for this issue, which was a recall in 2010. Took it to the dealer, and they weren't able to replicate the issue. Stated it was a bad computer, and some vsc module sensor" didn't state Toyota would cover the cost or help with the cost. Even though this has been a known issue with Toyota Sequoia's for years, and was a recall item. This is a safety issue that could result in a major accident. Why would Toyota not cover the cost to fix this if it is a recall item? I want it fixed but with the miles I have on it, don't want to spend much money on it, especially an item that is a recall problem with many like mine. What should I do? wait to have an accident, hire a lawyer, and sue" frustrated Toyota owner in Texas.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #129

Jul 222014

Sequoia

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stability control, traction control, and the check engine warning lights suddenly remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.

- Santa Rosa Beach, FL, USA

problem #128

Jul 232014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 185,790 miles

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

The vsc off/ trac off and check engine and brake light all came on. The brake started to jump and the car pulled hare to the left. I turn the car off and back on the problem went a way but the lights all came back on. However there are a lot of people having this problem with their Sequoia and I have seen no safety recall for this.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

problem #127

Jun 272014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • miles
At random times, the vsc and brake lights will come on. When this happens, the brakes do not work properly. They severely grind and stopping is nearly impossible. The only solution is to completely turn the car off and restart. I have taken my vehicle to Toyota many time over the course of several years. This is very dangerous as I have children riding in the vehicle!! Toyota either said there is nothing wrong or that a sensor will need to be replaced which costs approximately $1600. This is a common issue with older Sequoias and should be a recall. It should be free of charge to the owner! I should not have to pay for something Toyota did not do right!

- Dacula, GA, USA

problem #126

Apr 242014

Sequoia

  • 87,000 miles
I have my A/C on and the brake light turns on and trac and vsc lights come on. This has been heaping since 60000 miles and there was a recall on it but not on mine. They do test and can't find the problem. When I turn the car off they come off.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #125

Mar 062014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 99,103 miles
Vehicle almost lost control during a 25mph turn in light rain condition. The vehicle has brand new tires as well. This is a known issue with many Toyota Sequoia vehicles and Toyota refuses to acknowledge fault. The failure to announce a recall on the vsc pressure sensor unit will cause the vehicle to lose control, skid, loss of ABS and subsequently lead to crash.

- Jupiter, FL, USA

problem #124

Jan 012014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 58,600 miles
Upon normal driving the vehicle would not accelerate accurately and quickly enough after making a left turn. The vehicle would also randomly illuminate 3 indicator lights when the brake pedal is depressed. The 3 indicators are brake, trac off, vsc off. Before these lights illuminate the vehicle's brake pedal would become very hard to press causing the brake pedal to require much more force applied to it thus causing a decrease in stopping distance which is a very serious safety issue.

- South Ozone Park, NY, USA

problem #123

Mar 042014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 128,450 miles
While accelerating on an on ramp along interstate highway, vsc vehicle stability control light came on, engine went to idle, lost speed. After about 10 seconds, vsc light went out, engine able to accelerate. Considering heavy traffic on interstate 495, this is very dangerous. No ice, no snow, no rain, road was dry and level. This is the third time it has occurred.

- Sterling, VA, USA

problem #122

Sep 032013

Sequoia

  • 148,000 miles
Received Toyota factory recall for corrosion-resistant compound due to excessive frame rust. Called local dealer and also factory Toyota for appointment. Took the vehicle in to the dealership. One day later received phone call that my vehicle was safe and that they had sprayed this coating on the vehicle. I picked up vehicle and this corrosive chemical is dripping of the vehicle and is not drying. Concerned for environment and also, I have no idea of how vehicle was inspected assuring that the frame is safe.

- Nisswa, MN, USA

problem #121

Nov 302009

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 77,000 miles
The vehicle stability control (vsc) lights keep coming on at random and will not turn off until the engine is restarted. There was a voluntary recall from Toyota for this problem but the dealer said mine is not affected but obviously it is since I received a notice and the lights do come on. I also hear grinding noise when the ABS engages. Toyota dealer wanted to charge me for the fix.

- Cashmere, WA, USA

problem #120

Dec 172013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 91,000 miles
Vsc/ABS and trac lights came on. Took in to dealer replaced skid control computer and still lights stayed on. Now I must replace yaw sensor for more money. This is an issue with most Sequoias of the 2003 year model.

- Santa Ana, CA, USA

problem #119

Oct 192013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 118,200 miles
While driving, brake light illuminates - has been happening for past month. On 10/19/13, trying to stop at a light and when stepped on brakes, the ABS light, tcs light, and brake lights all illuminated and the brakes failed - started pulsating. Pavement was dry and did not step on brakes hard or fast - just slowing down for light. Had to pull over to side to avoid hitting car. Took to dealer said was ABS computer and not in recall. Extended warranty does not cover ABS computer. Service was not performed. Looking to replace computer cheaper. Dealer service check in lady said this is an issue with our year/make, yet there is no recall for failing brakes??

- Corona De Tucson, AZ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?