- The problem
- Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. The seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during april 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
Vehicle safety record
2001 Toyota Sequoia Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 530 complaints about the 2001 Toyota Sequoia with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (170) and the driver assistance (131). Those complaints describe 20 crashes, 16 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in March 2007 for the master cylinder. For comparison, the 2002 has 692.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Sequoia year, for its age
#16 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 530
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 20
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 16
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2001 Toyota Sequoia problems
Share of all 530 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Toyota Sequoia recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
- The problem
- On certain 4x2 vehicles equipped with an alloy wheel tire upgrade (options wm4, wm8, zl1-zl4, dh4, or dh5) installed by the processing centers in jacksonville, florida or commerce, georgia, a label identifying the spare tire as a temporary use spare tire was not installed. The upgrade includes 4 larger size tires with alloy wheels. The original spare tire/steel wheel is not part of the upgrade and was not changed.
- The risk
- Different operating characteristics can be experienced when the spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with a caution label and an insert for their owner's manual. Owner notification began july 15, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
What owners say
Be the first Sequoia owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
530 complaints about the 2001 Toyota Sequoia
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 22.
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...
Read the full complaint
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...
Read the full complaint
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...
Read the full complaint
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...
Read the full complaint
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,...
Read the full complaint
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...
Read the full complaint
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
Toyota Sequoia: every year compared
All Sequoia years2001 Toyota Sequoia vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Toyota Sequoia | 530 | 3 | F | |
| 2001 Ford Expedition | 609 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Lincoln Navigator | 92 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser | 9 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Jeep Wagoneer | 3 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2001 Cadillac Escalade | 3 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe | 0 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Chevrolet Suburban | 0 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2001 GMC Yukon | 0 | 8 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2001 Toyota Sequoia
Does the 2001 Toyota Sequoia have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Sequoia: master cylinder (March 2007); exterior lighting (May 2006); wheels (May 2002). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota Sequoia?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (170), driver assistance (131), body, doors & structure (111).
How many complaints has the 2001 Toyota Sequoia had?
530 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 12, 2001 and the latest on April 8, 2025. Of these, 20 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 16 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2001 Toyota Sequoia a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 1 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Toyota Sequoia year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Toyota Sequoia years have the most complaints?
2002 (692), 2003 (684), 2001 (530). See every Toyota Sequoia year compared.
What should I do if my 2001 Toyota Sequoia has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data