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Toyota Sequoia Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • asian1asian1 Member Posts: 1
    there is a problem with the a/c compressors of alot of toyotas where the compressor jams and metal shreds and goes throught the whole system damaging it irreversible. the cost is app. $3000. Toyota knows about this and they are trying to hide from responsibility of there mistake. i called corporate and they stated " we havent had any problems with the a/c's" the dealership showed me the memorandum that states there acknowledgment of the problem in 2000-2005.
    thats all long standing problem if you ask me. this is not like toyota and never should be. im feel betrayed by a company i both had been faithfull to and reccomended to everyone i know. people need to speak up about the a/c problem because to many dont know what to do.
  • 91harley91harley Member Posts: 1
    The drivers side roof luggage rack side rail has had the coating taken off by a flapping tie down strap. A body shop guy told me it is some sort of plastic coating and paint will not stick to the exposed metal underneath. Any one have a solution or know where I can pick up a used rail? New ones run almost $250.00
  • maripro1maripro1 Member Posts: 1
    Sorry to hear you are having problems with your Sequioa. I have a 05 (2wd) SR5 and love it! I currently have 11K on the truck with only one problem. On the top left hand side of the dash resides a sensor. The bracket broke (could have happened while detailing the dash - who knows.. Anyway, I took the truck to my local Santa Barbara Dealer who kindly replaced the bracket under warranty while handling my 10K oil change. No big deal...
    Prior to buying the Toyota, I looked at the Chevy Tahoe and Nissan Armada (previously owned a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder and loved it) SUV'S. While the Nissan had more power, I was amazed at how cheap the interior was! The Chevy was nice but I couldn't get over my past experiences with GM products and the local dealers reputation isn't as good as our local Toytota.
    I truely believe the Sequoia is a superior SUV. You might want to list your complaints and try another dealer for the repairs. As long as cars are built by humans, there will be problems - God knows I have had my share over the years (Chevy Citation & Pontiac Sunbird sound familar?) but a good dealer will always try to fix the problem and gain a happy customer for the next purchase.
  • sifi_007sifi_007 Member Posts: 10
    Thanks for alls comments, I guess my frustration stems from this highly rated vehicle having the same problems across the board. At least if I bought the Armada or Tahoe, I would be expecting to have these problems but not a highly rated top of the line Sequoia. Oh, well, like you all said, its just a car, I guess my expectations were just too high based on the reviews I read. Kudos to all and keep loving your Sequoia's. I hope this will be the only problems with mine. :shades:
  • sikoyasikoya Member Posts: 4
    Joj, you mentioned about a RECALL for the BALL JOINT in Sequoias. I have a 2005 Limited and I am still experiencing minimal vibrations in the steering wheel despite of 2x wheel balancing performed in my Sequoia (vibration was not as bad though). Do you know the year covered in the recall? Does anybody knows? Any answer will be appreciated. Thanks!
  • jojjoj Member Posts: 6
    I was looking back at some old posts here and found this:

    #1140 of 1234 Re: Vibration feeling under foot [toyotaman02] by chimemaker May 18, 2005 (3:23 pm)
    Bookmark | Reply | E-mail Msg
    Replying to: toyotaman02 (May 16, 2005 9:43 pm)

    You didn't mention the year of your Sequioia, but I too have that same vibration.
    TACOMA TRUCK AND SEQUOIA SUV OWNERS MAY WANT TO TAKE NOTE!
    Today May 18th. Toyota issued a NHTSA Campaign no; 05V225000 concerning a suspected suspension problem with the lower ball joint, on some Tacoma Trucks, and Sequoia SUV's from 2001 - 2005 model years. I own a 2003 Sequoia SR5.
    The dealers will be replacing the lower ball joints on identified affected vehicles.
    Toyota will be notifiying owners of vehicles suspected of been affected by this starting on July 15, 2005. If you feel work is necessary sooner, you can call Toyota at 1.800.331.4331, and/or your Toyota Dealer and explain the symptoms.
    NHTSA Has A Safety Hotline to call; 1.888.327.4136 Hope this helps, Rob


    I did not receive a notice of this, but I moved into a new house a year ago June and so maybe it didn't get forwarded.
  • sikoyasikoya Member Posts: 4
    Joj, thanks for the info and to your quick reply. I will call Toyota and my Toyota dealer tomorrow. I hope this will resolve my problem coz my family, especially my 5 year old son, loves our Sequoia. Thanks again!
  • jojjoj Member Posts: 6
    I did not realize how quickly I replied! That was my first chance to see if anyone had responded to my earlier post!

    I am also very happy with my Sequoia (2002), no major issues. The broken shifter bracket, not covered under warranty, is only about a $200 fix. I also had some issues with rear axle seal that was replaced under warranty, so no big deal. I have not had AC or brake problems that others with my MY have complained about in the past on this forum. Hope this recall is what you need to fix your problem!
  • eagle13eagle13 Member Posts: 1
    Hello and thank you. I have the same problem. When I am in 4th or OD and around 40 to 45 and start to slowly accelerate up a hill the whole truck ( Sequoia 2005, 3500 miles ) starts to shake. You can feel the vibration really bad up through the accelerator pedal. I have taken it back to the dealer ,( twice ) and he says Toyota does not recognize this as a problem ?? The area rep told him to clear the memory and drive it around very easy and reset the computer that controls the transmission. This did not help ( the dealer said that the one of the lot that they had not sold it worse than mine ???? I took it to another dealer's service department and they said that everyone on the lot does the same as mine, because he went and tried them after he rode with me and saw and felt what I was talking about ????
    I have ask for the area tech represenative to call me.
  • 2toyotas2toyotas Member Posts: 104
    If you push the accelerator pedal you will downshift the transmission, and there will be no shaking. By accelerating slowly you are keeping the transmission in either 4th or OD, and you are bogging the engine. You are trying to get a 5300 LB truck up hill, you need to give it gas to downshift the transmission. I don't really believe it is a mechanical problem, but rather the transmission in the wrong gear.
  • willy4willy4 Member Posts: 1
    My wife scraped the paint off the rack in a parking garage. I had it powder coated for $100 at the dealership. No problems.
  • acarracarr Member Posts: 1
    Baxter,
    What were the symptoms/problems and error codes that lead to getting a new transmission?
  • sifi_007sifi_007 Member Posts: 10
    How do I get my dealer to replace these. My car also vibrates and I took it in and the dealer rotated and balanced the tires. It didnt do away with the problem. Is there something I can do to tell the dealer to do what you recommended?

    Thanks
  • av8torav8tor Member Posts: 1
    You need to call the 800 for Toyota customer service and they should be able to tell you if your car is affected by the recall. That is, if you bought the car new from a dealer, the Toyota central services database will have all of your owner information and VIN #. I have a 2002 Sequoia Limited with a bad steering wheel wobble. The problem first occurred at about 32,000 miles when i had my tires replaced. Yes, they had to be replaced at 32,000 miles and it was because of the problem with the ball joints! I had two alignments on the car, and it still drove down the road as though the tires were pigeon-toed. The wobble was so violent under normal driving conditions that I didn't want to drive it. I took the car back to the NTB, where the tires were replaced, several times and they could only mitigate the wobble and not eliminate it. Then Toyota issued their recall on the ball joints, which i had promptly serviced. I thought that would have solved my problem but it did not. Just today, I started to back out of my driveway with the emergency brake still engaged. I noticed it before moving only a few feet and disengaged the brake. Once i shifted into drive and started on my way, i heard a funny crunching sound. I thought that i ran over something and when i looked back, there was nothing. Guess what? My wobble is gone! What ever that crunch was, it released a type of 'pressure' that was causing my wobble. Funny thing about the Sequoia is that the car will actually move just fine in reverse and in drive with the emergency brake on. It sounds like a silly thing to do, but i'm sure i'm not the only one who has accidently left the emergency brake engaged while driving. The emergency brake indicator is in a bad position on the dash and the car drives like it's not engaged even when it is so it's hard to tell. There is a big connection with the brake system causing a lot of these vibrations that i have read about with so many Sequoia and Tundra owners. Anyway, i'm at my wits end with this car. I paid $42k for this car brand new and it's not even come close to meeting my expectations. I will not be buying another one and i am a very loyal Toyota customer.
  • juanitajuanita Member Posts: 7
    I have recently purchased a 2005 Sequoia. It has 1800 miles on it. To date it has been back to the dealer 3 times in 2 months. Once for the radio static, then the air conditioning not blowing cold and now it is back at the dealership for the rotten egg smell when you accelerate.

    From what I am reading now and what the service advisor tells me, the problem occurs on the 2001-2004 models but has been corrected in 2005 model. I'm wondering if anyone else is having the rotten egg smell in the 2005 model.

    I cannot believe that Toyota is not recognizing this problem. If I had known about the rotten egg smell or even a chance of having the problem, I would not have purchased the vehicle especially with the price tag on the sequoia.
  • gasallygasally Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 Sequoia 4x4 with 62,000 miles and would like some help/advice on 3 problems. 1) Clicking/rubbing sound from the left dash area. 2) Brake pedal-when I am at a red light and have been stopped for about one minute, occasionally the brake pedal will go to the floor. 3) VSC and Trac light come on when I start then they go off, occasionally they stay on but will go off if I restart the vehicle. Any advice?
  • czechm8czechm8 Member Posts: 23
    That is not normal for your brake pedal to do that. You most definately have a brake booster or brake master cylinder problem. I would get that thing into the shop right away to address the brake problem before something fails. While you are there, have them read the codes to trouble shoot the VSC and Track light problem.
  • rav4urav4u Member Posts: 21
    My 2004 RAV4 had the rotten egg smell after only 2300 miles and it turned out the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. From what I read this was a fairly common problem with a few Toyota models and a TSB was issued to replace the catalytic convertor. After they replaced it the rotten egg smell was gone.
  • juanitajuanita Member Posts: 7
    From talking with the service advisor at the dealership they said there was a TSB for the 2001-2004 models to replace the catalytic convertor. However the 2005 models do not a fix yet and they are not sure when they will have a fix.
  • nancyaznancyaz Member Posts: 2
    I just purchased a 2006 Sequoia 4x4 limited. I have 500 miles on it. At about
    400 miles I started to notice an irritating vibration in the gas pedal at cruise -especially at 30-50 mph. Seems to go away at higher speeds. Engine is not
    lugging, nor does it feel tranny related. Just feels like something causing a vibration. Anyone else have this problem??
  • ownutahownutah Member Posts: 7
    Hi there,
    I have a 2002 Sequoia and at 37,000 miles the drivers side door handle cracked and then broke off. Now at 40,000 miles the passenger side door handle is cracked and will break off the next time some tries to use the door. This is frustrating for me as a Real Estate Agent. I have people in and out of the car often. I hate to have to tell them wait a second don't open that door! They then ask about the problem and I explain I have not had the time to go in and pay $110.00 for the repair. My first vehicle was a Toyota and have owned them ever since. This one issue has troubled me for many reasons including safety.
    Has anyone else had this problem?
  • cbahrcbahr Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone out there have problems with alignment and tire problems? I am at the end of my rope.....
  • barndoctorbarndoctor Member Posts: 4
    Has anyone experienced problems removing the Rear Differential Fill (not Drain)Plug from a Sequoia? Mine is a 2002 model year. I'm experienced with cars and just can seem to figure out how this fill plug could be so stubborn - almost appears to be welded into place. Any thoughts from you good people - especially if you work on the truck yourself . . .
  • barndoctorbarndoctor Member Posts: 4
    This truck appears to be especially unsympathetic with lower grade tires. My second set of tires (Cooper brand) on my 2002 model are starting to look shabby with 30k on them. Once they begin to wear unevenly, due to a poorly balanced tires or poor alignment, you're in trouble. Be sure to find a tire store with an especially good reputation with truck tires, not just cars. Good luck.
  • lait2000lait2000 Member Posts: 33
    No, this procedure only work for 2003 and 2004 because 2001 and 2002 had difference chip inside.
  • rgc1265rgc1265 Member Posts: 10
    Have you tried heating it up with a torch?
  • toinktoink Member Posts: 1
    Recall covered year 2001 to 2003, I just got mine done last week (Seq.2003)
  • brucekeysbrucekeys Member Posts: 2
    Here's my reply to another post similar to yours: As I type this, my 2002 Sequoia, 45K miles, is having the driver's side interior door handle replaced. I asked the service advisor if he's seen many, he said a few, and added, "it's just plastic, you know." I've been told it's about a $30 part and and hour (aka $80) to replace, we'll see. If anyone hear's of a warranty or good will adjustment, pass it along. Thanks.
  • terri5017terri5017 Member Posts: 1
    The VSC & Trac lights are on constantly on my 2003 Sequoia. My car is not yet 3 years old and I seem to lose control of the car & my breaks lock up at about 2-3 mph about every other day. It seems to be a safety issue, but the dealership says it's not.

    I am not unaware of this problem as my mom, a co-worker & my husband's employer all had the same problems on their Sequoias. My issue is that my truck is just out of warranty & the dealership wants $1300 to replace my computer sensor when my mom's was repaired under warranty a couple of months ago b/c her's went out at 36K miles. Of the 3 other owners, one other was in warranty & the 3rd got half of his repair paid for. I have reported this to NHTSA complaint site & saw numerous complaints about this problem. There are also numerous complaints on this forum about the same issue. Can anyone provide me some useful insight about why there has not been some type of recall?

    Also, can anyone give me some guidance on getting Toyota to pick up all or some of the cost of the repair? I have a meeting with the district factory rep tomorrow to discuss this. Thanks
  • davefrazeedavefrazee Member Posts: 1
    I have the EXACT problem with my 2003 Sequoia with 50k miles, and I believe it is an extremely dangerous situation!
    On turns, especially right turns when trying to accelerate into fast moving traffic I experience a total loss of power with no acceleration. I am pumping the gas pedal and pressing it to the floor, and I just coast slowly into the oncoming traffic and wait to be rear ended at any second. This happens in dry road conditions, and seems to occur more often when the engine is cold. My skid/traction lights blink for a second or two, then I re-gain engine power another second or so after that. I have also noticed my steering has become very stiff when driving in very slow situations (parking lots, driveway etc.), I don't know if this is related.

    Dave - Strongsville, Ohio
  • toyofannewtoyofannew Member Posts: 24
    Toyata knew this problem and it did be a safety issue! I was quite luck at the time I got this problem: I was only a couple of miles from one of Toyata dealers, not on Sunday/evenings, and it's still under warranty. Dealer knew the problem after my simple description: it's computer chip defect and the repair rate was ~12% at the time I changed the chip for my 2003 SR5, it would cause mis-function for break system. Also, I was told Toyata already replaced the supplier so I didn't need to worry about the replacement. However, I don't think Toyata willings to spend millions for the recalls on this issue until some serious accedents related to it.
  • illiniwinilliniwin Member Posts: 1
    I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA LIMITED THAT I JUST PURCHASED AT THE END OF AUGUST W/ 48,000 MILES. IT IS A CERTIFIED CAR. SINCE THE DAY I BROGHT IT HOME FROM THE DEALER, THE VSX OFF, VSX TRAC & BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD ALL STAY LIT UP. I HAVE IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES & IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. I ALSO HAVE NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES. WHEN I COME OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A STOP LIGHT, IT IS NOT A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO THE GAS. THE CAR IS BUCKING OR SOMETHING IS WRONG. THIS LOOKS SIMIALR TO SOME OF THE PROBLEMS YOU ARE EXERIENCING. ANY ONE HAVE ANY ADVVICE FOR ME OR A SMILAR PROBLEM THAT MAY HAVE BEEM FIXED? THE DEALER IM DEALING WITH IS CURRENTLY CLUELESS.. THANKS IN ADAVANCE
  • lunker1lunker1 Member Posts: 1
    My 2001 Sequoia's back window didn't work either. I fixed it by lowering it using the key in the back door. Then it worked from the switch on the dash also. :shades:
  • kaplaugherkaplaugher Member Posts: 1
    What was your recourse. The same happened today to my 2001. My wife was terrified she had a vechicle full of children on a single lane road.

    For month I have been telling toyota. They wanted me to continue driving.

    Keith
  • kokikoki Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 sequoia with stock 16 inch rims and tires. Is it possible to change my rims and put the sensor to the new rims? Can this be done..... Any body knows...

    koki
  • kiddogokiddogo Member Posts: 14
    My wife has a 2004 Sequoia and we just today noticed that we she gets out of the car after parking it anywhere a red light flashed on the dash board that looks like a car with a key in it. We have jiggled the key in the ignition, I pulled the fuse for the dash and it keeps lighting up off and on. Any help appreciated in advance

    Paul
  • kennynmdkennynmd Member Posts: 424
    Don't think its anything. I have it on mine too. I think its part of the on-board security system/ keyless entry.
  • jrodgersjrodgers Member Posts: 1
    Yes< I have a 2005 Sequoia SR5 2wd. I have the same problem, exactly! I thought it was an engine miss since it was happening on a slight gradient "under load" at about 30 to 50 mph. It did not seem quite as apparent when I put the engine into a lower gear. The local dealer said there was nothing wrong. I disagree! I traded in a 4-runner 03 model with 4wd and that did not have the problem and was a far better ride even with sport suspension! i did expect more of Toyota. Let's hope someone finds the answer and lets us know!
    Has the area tech got hold of you yet? Any answers? :mad:
  • juanitajuanita Member Posts: 7
    I am truly disappointed in my recently purchased 2005 Sequoia and its issues (problems with only 2000 miles on it). Toyota is aware of problems but still have no fix. So I am paying for vehicle that continues to have issues that Toyota cannot fix and don't have any idea when they will have a fix. I'm in the process of going through arbitration with them right now but feel I will probably loss my shirt for something out of control and something I think Toyota should have disclosed before I purchased the vehicle. I also own 1998 Toyota and other general maintenance have had no problems. Toyota has always had a reputation of quality vehicle. What happened?

    My advice to potential buyers would be "BUYER BE WARE". You might want to look at another make of vehicle until Toyota gets back to producing quality vehicles.
  • 520toyota520toyota Member Posts: 1
    yeah hi i just bought my 2001 toyota seqouia from a used car dealership
    i am having trouble witn back window also.
    i called dealership they want to charge me 80 bux to look at it .
    and technician stated that (we told him problem) it mght cost 300 bux
    any solutions to my problems
  • islandboyislandboy Member Posts: 4
    yes, I noticed this immediately. the interior will scratch even with your finger nail.
  • ownutahownutah Member Posts: 7
    I have had the same noise with my 2002 SR5 Sequoia. This seems to be the way in which the tank lets out exsessive pressure from moving about with fuel in the tank. This has been my observation anyway. If you take the gas cap off while it is "groaning" and then place it back on it stops for a little while.
    Juts logical reasoning, not sure if it is right or wrong.
    Thanks,
    Robert Bolar
  • steveinindysteveinindy Member Posts: 48
    what type of problems are you having?
  • sallen10sallen10 Member Posts: 30
    I had the same problem with my 2004 Sequoia. The fix was simply a new (better fitting?) replacment gas cap.

    Steve Allen
  • sallen10sallen10 Member Posts: 30
    I don't know if its normal, but I ear them also.

    Steve Allen
  • sallen10sallen10 Member Posts: 30
    What is a secret warranty, and how can I find out if any exist for my car?

    A secret warranty arises from some technical service bulletins (TSBs). TSBs are notices that the dealer service departments receive from manufacturers alerting them to known problems with their vehicles and what the suggested repairs are. In some cases the dealer is instructed to replace certain parts or make certain repairs free of charge, even though the vehicle is out of warranty. By law, TSB repairs covering emissions equipment are free of charge to the customer for up to 100,000 miles. Please click here to see Maintenance Schedules, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins for your vehicle.
  • lait2000lait2000 Member Posts: 33
    I have same experienced with my 2003 Sequoia when I purchased it. After I use "Armor All" to clean all interior surfaces, this help to prevent scratch. I recommend you to try this. This Armor All is available in any Auto Part stores :)
  • juanitajuanita Member Posts: 7
    I have had problems with A/C, radio and most recently sulfur dioxide leaking into the cab. I'm now wondering if other exhaust is leaking into the cab. When I drive the vehicle I get terrible headaches. I am car pooling right now so the weeks I don't drive no headaches. This vehicle doesn't even have 3000 miles on yet. I wonder what next.
  • oliver9oliver9 Member Posts: 6
    I, too, have the same problem. Mine is 2003 Sequoia, 60K miles. I have extended warranty, but it does not cover this problem. Anyone has the same issue?
  • jsargjsarg Member Posts: 2
    I have 90,000 miles on mine will change at 100,000 when I plan to change the timing belt. Dealer charges$365.00 to change both.
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