10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
81,784 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Toyota Sequoia Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #66

Mar 042014

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 128,450 miles

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

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 #65

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 #64

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 #63

Jan 112010

Sequoia

  • 66,253 miles

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

Vsc and vsc of lights are oncodes C1223 ABS control system malfunction, C1231 steering angle sensor, and C1247 stroke sensor indicates needs the skid control ECU T 2.0 replaced skid control ECU 08/01/2010 check engine light found P0031 af sensor B1S1 T1.0 parts replaced. 6/01/2013 again vsc trac off service engine light on and dealership wants $1400 for new computer.

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

problem #62

Apr 202013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
I was driving down the highway and my vsc trac lights came on along with my engine light. When I got home, I looked at my vehicle manual to determine what had happened. I attempted to remedy the problem as suggested by Toyota, unfortunately, nothing changed. Approximately 2 weeks later my brake light intermittently turned on & off. Less than 5 months earlier, I had my all of my brakes replaced, so I can't imagine that my brakes are faulty. I became alarmed by these electronic miscues - so I went online to explore whether this was a common thread with other Sequoia owners. I discovered very quickly that there are many people who have had problems with their vsc / engine / and brake lights becoming activated. I was hoping this problem might be covered under a recall, but it appears that it is not. I am hoping for a remedy that won't have extensive costs to me.

- Jackson, WI, USA

problem #61

May 192012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
When have the car on and running the traction light brake light and vsc light come on at the same time.

- Alhambra , CA, USA

problem #60

Feb 052013

Sequoia

  • 190,000 miles

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

Hi I have a 2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5, and the vsc trac, vsc off and check engine came on all at once, took it to auto parts store and they ran the scanner it said to change the O2 sensor, which I did and nothing changed, I have read about this problem that has been coming up quiet a lot in this model, can you tell me if there is a recall for this problem, I went to the dealer and they told me that there was not any recall related to this issue.

- Lake In The Hill, IL, USA

problem #59

May 162013

Sequoia

  • 44,000 miles
Toyota Sequoia 2003 - within months of taking new car delivery, vsc ABS and trac lights would blink intermittently and on occasion the auto would decelerate. As the issue was intermittent, dealership was unwilling/unable to diagnose. Trouble would continue with less frequent deceleration but more frequent warning light illumination until, after a few years, the warning lights stayed on and involuntary deceleration seemed to cease. Two different factory dealerships provided two different diagnoses. One said yaw sensor and other sensors need replacement (out of warranty); the other, more recently said that brake booster and actuator need replacement (out of warranty). Vehicle continues to brake normally and ABS does function keeping the SUV steerable during panic stops. Traction and stability control issues were not tested by this driver. Search of internet based user groups shows this problem common in earlier year Sequoia/Tundra models. Costs of repairs range from $1600 for yaw sensors to $3700 for brake booster and actuators. Toyota usa is unresponsive unless repairs are undertaken and makes no warranty of cooperation should repairs prove ineffective or unnecessary. This appears to be an ongoing issue with this and other 2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 and limited models.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #58

Aug 012003

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 5,000 miles
Concern started with a vsc and traction control warning lights in instrument cluster coming on and off in an intermittent fashion without pattern or external cause. The warning lights would not remain on but instead would glow for a brief bit of time and then extinguish. The vehicle did exhibit a spontaneous deceleration on several occasions while operating at low speed (less than 20 mph) and on level, smooth ground. The episodes were brief and normal brake operation return immediately once speed dropped to approximately 5 mph. In the decades that I have operated this automobile, the warning lights went from lighting intermittently to being illuminated continuously; the spontaneous breaking has seemingly ceased since these lights have remained on. Dealership and factory were informed of this concern with each service visit. Dealership response was that they were unwilling or unable to diagnose an intermittent concern. Once the lights remained on, I was initially informed that they suspected a defective yaw sensor and more recently, malfunctioning brake booster components; warranty period had lapsed and no extension was offered. Attempts to correctly diagnose and repair this concern have dragged on for 10 years with dealership and factory position that repairs, be they diagnostic (the yaw sensor replacement) or definitive (booster and brake system), were not warranty issues despite their intermittent presentation during the warranty period. My periodic practical testing of the brakes demonstrates that the ABS system functions properly despite warning light indications to the contrary. Current dealership estimated cost to replace brake booster and actuators is $3800 with a 12 month warranty. Toyota usa's position is this is not a warranty issue as of April 2013.

- West Hollywood, CA, USA

problem #57

Mar 122007

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 51,548 miles
Vsc traction and ABS control warning lights stay lit. Lights would go on and off and now stay lit all the time so have no warning if ABS system is functional or has other issues. Lost the ability to turn traction control on/off. Took vehicle in for service at dealer, 3-26-07, and was informed it was a manufacturing defect with an internal component, yaw rate sensor. Reported to Toyota and requested assistance in repairing as this appeared to be a manufacturing defect. Toyota denied claim. Have seen vehicles produced 1 month earlier are now under recall for similar issues NHTSA campaign # 10V176000. Dealer cost to repair at time was $1433. Have experienced braking oddities on occasions.

- Evans, GA, USA

problem #56

Nov 062006

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 43,500 miles

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

Unintended acceleration, increased acceleration despite stepping on brake, , brakes did not stop car and crashed total loss.

- Greentown, PA, USA

problem #55

Mar 052013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 141,235 miles
The Toyota Sequoia went nose down and started to make a grinding noise pulling hard to the right. Loss of power happened and I had no control. I tried to accelerate but it seemed like there was no response. It has done this three times. I feel like I will hit someone or someone will hit me!

- Headland, AL, USA

problem #54

Mar 012013

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
My wife was on freeway, driving our 2003 Toyota Sequoia limited 2wd, when vsc light lit up and a buzzer sounded. At the same time, her vehicle started to decelerate on its own, causing vehicles behind her to have to brake to keep from rear-ending her vehicle. This was accompanied by a horrific grinding and banging sound. My wife found a safer place to pull to the side of the freeway and stop the vehicle. A tow truck was called and vehicle was "flat-bed" towed to repair garage.

- La Mesa, CA, USA

problem #53

Nov 012012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • miles
Vsc, trac, brake lights.

- Dearborn, MI, USA

problem #52

Aug 312012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 119,000 miles
The vsc trac light has been on (showing it is off), along with the check engine light. Occasionally the brake light comes on too while driving. Today the ABS light came on. The only code that is coming up is for a weak O2 sensor.

- Oil City, PA, USA

problem #51

Feb 232012

Sequoia 4WD 8-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
I was driving the truck when I heard a noise in the tires like they were falling down I had encounter this when I had the truck new. But it is stop and 10 years later it is doing it again I believe the dealer should fix it because I read a lot of people have this problem it can cause a accident.so I'm concern and would like to get it fix thanks.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #50

Oct 112011

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 125,000 miles
One day the vsc trac, vsc off, brake, ABS lights all came on the dash, shortly after this happened we received a recall notice in the mail stating this exact problem. So I made an appointment at our local Toyota dealership for them to look at it and fix. The first time I dropped it off for the day they called after and said the machine to test the vehicle was down, and that it would be a day or two before it was repaired, well I needed my vehicle so I went a picked it up. About a month later I made another appointment and returned to the dealership where they finally tested my vehicle and proceeded to tell me that my vehicle did not fit the criteria for VIN identification. I really do not know how this is possible considering all the information stated on the recall is exactly what is wrong with my vehicle. After days of research I have learned that multiple sensors and ECU needs to be replaced costing in the range of $2000 plus dollars. Also I have read multiple consumer complaints just like this one. These lights are on the vehicle for a reason and Toyota put the recall out for a reason so fix the problems!!!!

- Charodn, OH, USA

problem #49

Aug 072012

Sequoia

  • 105,000 miles
My vsc off and vsc trac lights says on and my ABS light is also on as well.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #48

Aug 172012

Sequoia 8-cyl

  • 54,000 miles
Vsc trac, vsc off, brake, ABS lights... all on, all at once. There is obviously a quality control issue with these that Toyota does not want to be on the hook for. Many others went to the national highway safety program and filed a complaint. If they get enough of these they will go to the manufacturer and issue a recall.

- Vancouver , WA, USA

problem #47

Jul 092012

Sequoia

  • 197,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sequoia. While parked, the contact noticed that the vsc warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph the when the vehicle began decelerate and shake abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 197,000.

- Rome, GA, USA

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