2001 Toyota Sequoia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.