Toyota Sequoia Maintenance and Repair

lgdeneault · July 2005

The following was sent to corporate Toyota in California a couple of months ago. As of this writing, no response...

Dear President:

In March 2002, I purchased a Toyota Sequoia - Limited and although I have been
a very big fan of your vehicles for years, I have the following complaints
about the Sales and Service Departments at Bob Massie Toyota in White Oak,
Pennsylvania:

1) When I purchased the above vehicle, I also purchased a 70,000 mile extended
warantee (Attachment #1). At the time, I was told that this warantee covered
everything and anything that might go wrong with this vehicle bumper to
bumper.

2) From the onset, the left-side of the driver's side seat wore excessively in
one particular spot. Several attempts were made to repair this defect
(Attachments #2, #3, #4). All of which were pathetically unsuccessful. I even
attempted to have this repair done in McLean, VA (where I recently moved) and
Koons Toyota stated that the repair was done bad (Attachment #5). I got the
impression that the Service Department at Koons didn't even want to touch such
poor worksmanship. For your review, I have attached a photograph of the state
of the repair to this seat currently looks like (Attachment #6).

3) Shortly after purchasing the above vehicle, a sharp clicking noise was
noticed coming from the far left corner of the driver's side dashboard. Bob
Massie Toyota refused to acknowledge the existance of this noise (Attachment
#7) although this pillar noise was a well documented issue in the Toyota
Technical Service Bulletins (Attachment #8).

As of this writing, the above vehicle has nearly 80,000 miles on it and it is
admittedly outside of the original 70,000 mile extended warantee and my
situation obviously doesn't matter to the Sales and Service Departments at Bob
Massie Toyota.

What really does matter to me, at this juncture, is if Corporate Toyota TRULY
does care about its long-standing reputation and its willingness to treat its
customers properly.

Rather than only complain about the quality of service (or the lack thereof!)
that I encountered at Bob Massie Toyota, I offer the following as potential
solutions to each of the above items, in order to appropriately resolve this
matter in an amicable fashion:

1) Corporate Toyota mus insist and enforce that the Sales and Service
Departments at Bob Massie Toyota either provide TRUE bumper to bumper
coverage on the extended warantees that they offer or have them stop stating
this as fact. Anything less is deliberate deception.

2) Since Bob Massie Toyota made several pathetic attempts to repair the
driver's side seat, I am politely requesting that Corporate Toyota make
suitable arrangements for this item to be either be properly and professionally
repaired or to have the seat replaced in its entirety.

3) Since Bob Massie Toyota clearly ignored my attempts and requests for them to
repair the pillar clicking noise, I am politely requesting that Corporate
Toyota make suitable arrangements to have this item properly and professionally
repaired.

It should be obvious to you that I am clearly unhappy with the quality of
service that I have unfortunately encoutered at Bob Massie Toyota and my
subsequent disinterested treatment there. I have unfortunately found their
entire Sales and Service Departments to be both deceptive and completely unable
to competently service the above vehicle.

What concerns me even more is what I don't and haven't yet seen. If Bob
Massie Toyota's obvious acceptable level of service is as inferior as the above
seat repair, I absolutely shudder at the thought of what all has (or hasn't)
been done in terms of maintenance to this vehicle.

It should also be obvious that I will never purchase another vehicle at this
dealership and many of my family and friends feel the very same way because of
these obviously pathetic attempts at maintenance and repair, in addition to the
nearly constant clicking that is heard in the passenger compartment.

Trust me when I say that Bob Massie Toyota is clearly doing Corporate Toyota a
dis-service by their innept and deceptive Sales and Service Departments. They
are also clearly undermining Toyota's world-wide reputation and all of your
well-intended marketing efforts as well.

Although it is very clear to me that Bob Massie Toyota could obviously care
less about losing me as a customer, I would be terribly surprised and
disappointed if Corporate Toyota takes this very same position. Please know
that I will be grateful to you and your office for any and all efforts on their
part to resolve this matter. Thanks, in advance, for your time and
consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

A Pending Loyal Toyota Customer,

LEE G. DENEAULT

donaldvf · July 2005

Several weeks ago the battery on my 2004 Sequoia discharged. It seems since then that I have lost the function that automatically shuts off the headlights when the car is locked or if it is left unattended. Is this sensible and can it be restored without having to make a visit to my distant dealer?

Thanks in advance

Don

hybuild · July 2005

Would the link for the Program procedure have instructions for the 03 4 runner and 02 and 04 camry? I am looking for the programming procedures for my spare keys. I'd appreciate any helpful information.

themayneline · July 2005

I am just posting this out of curiousity. I have a 2002 Sequoia, 100,000 miles. Yesterday I was working on a trailer attatched to the car. I ran the battery down. My wife took the truck for a short drive. She then had trouble starting it the battery was weak. She managed to get it started. She drove it home - 2 miles. The automatic lights would not turn off. She tryied turning the lights knob to off. She locked, unlocked. The lights would not go off. We had had this problem once before (although I did not remember it at the time). I told her to let the car run for 1/2 hour to charge up the battery. I go turn the car off, lock the doors. The lights go off. I then remembered I had had it about 30,000 miles ago when the battery was very weak. I replaced the battery (it had 70,000 miles on it. I had gotten my money's worth.) The problem went away.

I was curious if anyone else had heard of this.

joe

aloka · July 2005

I have the same problam with my 2001 Sequoia
dealer wants $375 fo replace this little plastic handle . if I know how to open the door withot spending $375 I can do it my self for $75.
did you get your door fixed?
please let me know if you know something.
Thanks
Aloka

wwest · July 2005

We are now to the point where your newer vehicle may have literally a hundred ECU's, inexpensive microprocessors. I recently had the alternator fail on my 92 LS400 and the first indication I had was various dash indicators coming on during a drive. My 2001 Porsche C4's ABS light would illuminate during a drive and it would turn off by restarting the car. New battery did the trick.

My assumption is that the ECU that controls your lights had just enough voltage to turn the lights on but with the extra (substantial) system loading of the lights the voltage dropped below its required operational voltage level and it shut down with the lights on.

andersdu · July 2005

Similar situation with my 2001 SR5 - I used a screw driver - from the exterior - to lever the fixed part of the latch and open the door. I then removed the interior panel and loosened license plate inset covering the latch to remove the latch. I drilled the broken plastic stem and remaining latch part and installed a fine threaded steel screw, (all must be well aligned) and now the repaired part is as strong as it should have been in the first place!

Duncan

sikoya · July 2005

I just bought a 2005 Limited Toyota Sequoia (2WD) and I have noticed steering wheel vibrations that starts at 30 miles per hour. Could it be caused by the OEM Dunlop tires (with poor reviews at Tirerack.com)? Has anybody experiencing the same problem? I would appreciate any reply. Thanks!

toyotaken · July 2005

My guess would be that it is much more likely that it is a ballance issue with one of the wheels. Have the wheels/tires re-ballanced and my guess would be that the problem will be resolved.

Ken

raymur · July 2005

Unfortunately, replacing the rotors is a different matter, which was my original question about places that have reasonable prices to perform the work. By the way I'll pass on to the Toyota Dealers that they are wasting money buying specialized equipment to do brake work. All they need is a piece of wood and a large screwdriver, think of the money that they could save. I wonder if one needs a specific type of wood or any wood will work.

pjbailey · July 2005

2002 Sequoia Moon Roof opens after shutdown. Both dirver and passenger windows open as well. Is this an automatic setting I can change?

pjbailey

toyotaken · July 2005

Are you meaning that you can still use the moonroof and window controls after you turn your ignition off? That is a "retained power" feature on the Sequoia. They will work for about 45 seconds or until either front door is opened as a convenience in case you forgot to close/open any of them. I don't know of a way to disable it. If this is not what you're asking about, please describe more in detail what you're asking.

Ken

pjbailey · July 2005

Ken,
Thanks for responding.
I just purchased a used Sequoia and when I shut down the engine sometimes the moon roof and the front tow windows open automatically after I am out of the vehicle. I suspect the previous owner may have set the "system" to act this way, but I have been unable to find it described in the manual. Any ideas?

pjbailey

toyotaken · July 2005

That's a new one to me, quite honestly with over 10years of working with Toyota's. Do you have a Oijua(sp?) board to see if casper is a resident? *LOL* In all seriousness, I'll check the manuals when I get into work tomorrow afternoon and see if I find anything.

Ken

pjbailey · July 2005

Ken,

Will check back tomorrow for your response.

<><
pjb

heyjjjaded · July 2005

Hi - I have a 2004 Sequoia SR5 with two VERY SMALL dents in the backseat door behind the driver's side. They are so small that you can't see them if you look directly at them ... but you can see them if you step back and look at them from the right angle. Anyway, I'd like to remove the inside panel and see what I can do with these from behind. Does anyone know how to remove this panel? Anything else I should know? Thanks!

toyotaken · July 2005

I'm still looking for an owner's manual, but from the people I've talked to, this is new to them as well. I don't know of a way to program or unprogram this. I'll continue to update you if I get any additional information.

Ken

pjbailey · July 2005

Ken,

Thanks. The local Toyota Dealership wants to keep it to try to see if there is a short in the wiring. Will post the results when I can get it to them.

<><
pjb

kodmcc · July 2005

This is my second Sequoia as I've had an 02 replaced with an 04 due to drive train lemon issues. I've noticed that both of these vehicles have had a lot of corrosion on the battery terminals. Even the hold down brackets have corroded. Had to clean them twice in one year. Never had seen this amount on any other vehicle I've owned. Dealer just says clean it with no explanation. Has anyone else had this problem?

blackdog4 · July 2005

Our 2002 Sequoia with 40,000 miles had the yellow engine warning light come on. All gauges were reading normal and a check under the hood revealed all fluid levels were normal. My wife took the truck in to the dealer yesterday and we paid $33 to be told that the gas cap was not tightened enough. When I was informed about this, a little light went on in my head as I believe this has been mentioned in the past in this forum. The interesting part of this is that the light first went on when we were in an isolated area with no dealer near by. The day before taking the vehicle in, I filled the tank myself, and tightened the cap the way I usually do. Also the light came on initially when no recent gas had been added. Make a mental note, it could save you $33.

2002ts · July 2005

I tried to program a remote on a 2002 Sequoia I bought. I tried many times step 1 to step 7 but no response. After the on, lock, on and lock and pull key out. No response from the car. (no lock and unlock confirmation). Could this car has no keyless installed? I looked under the dash/stereo and see the wireless door lock receiver inside. Could this car has every components installed but mey be one wire unhook? When you want the option of keylee entry, the dealer will hook this wire and do the programming for you. Could any one tell me if this is toyota dealer secret?

2002ts · July 2005

I checked on my 2002 Sequoia and it has theft deter. system but no keyless remote. I checked on factory manual and located the wireless door lock control receiver is installed. I tried to program it but with no response from the car after step 7. (pull out the key after on,loco,on,lock). Any one know what toyota dealer secret? Since it has the hardware in the car, could it poosible the need to plug in one unhook wire? Someone who works at toyota dealer service deparrtment can tell me this. Please

gailee · July 2005

We've had exactly the same scenario. I am a woman with a little hand and usually open the door with two fingers. The handle cracked right in half. Have you had any luck getting the dealer to pay for this repair? It might as well have been built by Mattel.
Gaillee

kurtw · July 2005

Update on vibration. Toyota regional rep (central atlantic) came to dealership to see the truck and determined that rear diff was heating up and causing vibration - rear diff and rear bearings replaced and vibration and humming sound have been corrected. I know others have experienced this (and regional rep indicated at least 3 to 4 others in region) - thought I would pass the "fix" along, as dealer (and I would admit me as well) was convinced that the problem was either front end or transmission.

tampaman · July 2005

I have an '03 SR5 White with the silver over fenders and bumpers. Attemped to get a bottle of touch up at the dearler,,gave me number "UCAD7" at the silver color. Its not even close. Could anyone tell me if this is the right paint code for the trim. Appreciate any help.

tlet · July 2005

I just bought a 2005 Sequoia LTD with the JBL E7006 Sound system w/NAV and rear seat DVD system. When the ignition key is in the ACC position, the system operates great. However, when I start the vehicle I get very little sound (when I turn the volume to MAX I get a small amount of audio). Also, the DVD system does not work when the vehicle is running (again it works fine when ignition is in ACC mode). The head unit does not seem to sense that a DVD is in the player because when I hit the "disc" button on the head unit, it says "no CD". When I do this when the ignition is on "ACC", it works fine. The dealer just ordered a new amp, but they can't assure me that is the problem. Any ideas???

greyson · July 2005

The dealer reset the computer that controls the transmission and they believed it helped. I drive the car and it has not helped. I think this is an issue with the new 5 speed transmission or the logic that controls it. I also think they know there is a problem but Toyota has not come up with a fix. This also happens on my daughter's 2005 SR5.

reesesmom · July 2005

I just had to have my terminals cleaned as well. It was preventing my Sequoia from starting one morning.

They gave no explanation either.

pjbailey · July 2005

Ken,

Got the vehicle in to the Toyota dealership last week. They found a short in the driver's door. Everything works normal now. Thanks for your responses. BTW do you know of a store with an inexpensive set of floor mats and cargo mat for the 2002 Sequoia?

pjbailey

curious54 · August 2005

I HAVE A 2001 SEQUOIA WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. IT RUNS LIKE A CHAMP AND HAULS LIKE ONE TOO. ANYWAYS, I HAVE NEVER CHANGED THE FAN BELT ON MY TRUCK, SO WHEN DO I NEED TO DO THAT...THANKS

czechm8 · August 2005

There is one serpantine belt that drives all your accessories. I don't think there are any hard/fast rules about when to change it. Many repair places suggest you replace them every three years.
Inspect it to see if it is cracked, brittle or damaged. If it has never been replaced, then It may be a good idea to replace it before it breaks and leaves you stranded. Many Toyota truck owners I know replace their belts with Goodyear Gatorback belts.

streets57 · August 2005

8/01/05
Toyota Sequoia rear hatch latch assembly replacement.

I recently found it necessary to replace the rear hatch door latch assembly. It had broken and there was no way to open the rear hatch from the inside or outside.
The 2001 Sequoia sold in 2000 had 89,000 miles and was maintained well. It looks like this plastic part that failed is just a weak design and most or all will fail at some point.

1. You can open the rear hatch from the outside if you can get the small piece of the broken lever out of the square hole that is on the right side of the handle grip area. You will need to use a strong piece of wire or a screwdriver type tool with a slight bend on the end. The lever that pulls on the cable that opens the latch is located above the opening in the handle grip area, accessed through the small square hole. Insert the tool that you made and fish around to find the cable lever, you will need to have the tool pointed up to find the lever. Once you find the lever pull down to pull the lever. Note: make sure that the hatch is unlocked or it wont open.
2. If you cant locate the lever or cant make it open from the outside you will need to do it from the inside of the vehicle. This isnt fun but it can be accomplished with a little sweat and a few choice words thrown in.
3. You can work from the outside of the truck at this point, roll the rear glass down to give you access. The plastic trim pieces on each side of the rear glass can de popped off by hand, they each have three plastic barbs that hold them on. Remove them carefully and pull straight out to remove them, this will give you access to the large rear piece of plastic trim that covers the inside of the rear door.
4. Remove the vinyl pull-strap that is located on the rear panel, use a #2 philips to do this. Now start to remove the large inside door panel. This panel has the rear glass inside rubber anti-rattle blade attached to the top of it. (If you were able to open the hatch door from the outside you can remove the inside panel by starting at the bottom of the panel and using a thin blade to lift the panel away from the door and then pop the plastic barbs loose, then lift it up and off of the door sheet-metal.) Starting at one corner, bend out and pull up on the panel where it is hooked over the top of the window opening sheet-metal. It takes a little force to get it started but be persistent, once it is started work towards the other end. Once its loose at the top you can reach inside and pop loose the plastic barbs that retain the panel and remove it completely.
5. You now have access to the inside of the hatch. Remove the three round rubber grommets, this give you access to the latch lever that pulls on the release cable. Reach inside with a screwdriver push down on the lever and you will be able to release the latch on the hatch door and open it.
6. There is a white plastic cover covering the cable attachment point, remove it by pulling down and away from the assembly, it clips onto the assembly bracket and helps secure the cable to the lever attachment point. You can now release the cable from the assembly, remove the screws holding the license plate recess cover and the nut holding the key cylinder assembly and then remove the cable assembly bracket, (two nuts). Now you can remove the license plate recess panel and the broken latch lever assembly that is attached to it as a unit.
7. You cant just purchase the ($2.00) plastic piece that broke, Toyota will make you purchase the entire assembly, $63.00. By the way I shopped around and got three different estimates from Toyota Dealers, ranging from $280 to $360 to do this job. This first repair took me seven hours because I didnt know what I was doing, I spent 3 hours just attempting to open the hatch, I could do it now in about two hours.

irish9 · August 2005

Can someone direct me to the 'full' TSB regarding the brake problems on a 2002? Do we need to subscribe and/or pay for TSB's? Thanks.

bsimpson · August 2005

RE: SEQUOIA 05
I have the same trouble with my 05 Seq. The rear window stoppped working. Funny thing about there not being a fuse for the rear slider. Coincidentally the rear wiper does not work too. Will be taking it into the deal for a warranty repair. I'll let you know what they find.

petro33 · August 2005

mine quite about three weeks ago and I try it every once in a while asking for a miracle. Well the last time I rapped on the switch after it did not work and what do you know...IT WORKS..

bayoutiger · August 2005

Will the procedure for the remote programming work on a 2002 Sequoia?

fromfrederick · August 2005

Any idea if cracked exhaust manifolds are covered under Toyota's standard 60,000 mile powertrain warranty?
Thanks

sifi_007 · August 2005

My 05 Sequoia, with 12 mi. pulls left when over 50mph. I brought it back to the dealer the day after purchase and they aligned it and said all is well. Well, it is still pulling to the left. What did you do to get yours fixed?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

toyotaken · August 2005

Powertrain coverage is for engine, transmission and drive axles only.

Ken

czechm8 · August 2005

This is what you want:

Sequoia

camber: +0.25 degrees
caster: +2.75 degrees (4WD) or +3.00 degrees (2WD)
total toe: +0.08 degrees

These are still within Toyota's specs. Castor is the most critical and should be set at the top end of Toyota's range for the vehicle to track properly. Trust these numbers.....there's been a lot of discussion and real world experience behind them on another board. If you want more detail, I can post more. Just find a shop with high quality Hunter equipment and someone who knows what they are doing and they will have no problems setting to these specs.

low_ball_88 · August 2005

I just came back from the dealer for an oil change and they forgot to put oil in and I drove for two miles before I realized the engine oil gauge did not move off of L. The car did not ceased but the dealer said he will have to take apart the engine to see what damage was done. I was very upset since the it is only a 02 4WD Limited with only 28K miles on it. I need some advise on how to handle this. I do not want to drive this vehicle again knowing that the engine will be rebuilt. I want them to replace it! Is this possible without going the legal route?

sifi_007 · August 2005

Are you meaning to tell me the dealer wont do this if I ask them too? Please advise, its still under warranty.

I also feel the vibration under foot on this car. Is this common on all Sequoias? Thanks for your help.

sifi_007 · August 2005

I am surprised that edmunds.com and consumerreports.org still ranks this as the best large SUV with all its problems. With all the problems I'm reading here, this oughtta be classified as a lemon. Am missing something here?

The first day I drove out of the dealership I found out the alignment problem, took it back the very next day and they said its fixed and its still a problem. Now I am feeling the vibration under my feet problem, it has only 600 miles on it. Whats next, the tires fall out? hmmm I wont be surprised. I am getting disappointed with this piece of junk that every review board thinks so highly of.

I was debating between the Sequoia and a GM vehicle, because of all the reviews I read I decided on the so called highly recommended SUV. Well, Im not very pleased with it right now. Im thinking of just trading it in for a Tahoe or an Armada. Wasted my money on this lemon!!! :mad:

sifi_007 · August 2005

Also, I forgot to mention that wind noise is a problem also with my 4WD SR5. I just noticed it when I drove it on the freeway. The noise sounds like the A/C on full blast. I thought is was the A/C when I had it on, then I turned it off and the noise didn't go away. I would expec this from a ford or chevy but definitely not from a Toyota. Boy was I wrong.

toyota411 · August 2005

yes, thats a good idea. Go trade for a GM and then you will know what real "problems" are. Maybe its you? People who look at problems all day are going to find them or maybe think they are finding them! Its all a head game and you are one of the ones that get caught up in it. Before wasting your money on another suv look at what everyone is saying about that vehicle and go test drive and I am sure you will find those "problems" also.

raymur · August 2005

Why do I have the feeling that these people questioning Sequoia reliability, will be on the GM And Nissan Boards with complaints after they buy those vehicles. I've had a few issues with my Sequoia but nothing that would make me question it's reliability. It's one of the better built SUVs out there. As for the comment how can Consumer Reports rate the Sequoia as a recomended buy, it's because they have surveyed a broad cross section of owners, not the few malcontents that inhabit most of these boards.

kennynmd · August 2005

There are problems with every vehicle and there are dealeships that say everything is "normal". You are going to hear alot of problems with this board b/c thay's what this is for...a listing for prblems for owners. Maybe you just got a bad vehicle. It happens to all vehicles no matter how much you spend. A friend of mine bought a new Civic a couple of years ago and had alot of problems. my advice, take a look at the problems at the Tahoe or Expy boards and I'm sure there will be alot more compared to the problems here.

folsom33 · August 2005

sifi 007, all vehicles will have some problems. Its a bunch of metal connected by rubber, gaskets and other metal, the whole mess of material is suspossed to control multiple explosions over an extended period of time. It doesen't always work, BUT I feel on the whole that my choice of a seq was the best for me. Mine is an '01 limited with 95,000 miles on it and I can't remember when I had a repair other than regular maintenance, and of course changing the brakes every 15-20K miles.

Your road noise could be from a vent open. I do not like seq arrangement of heater/AC controls after 4 years of driving I still find myself just pushing buttons hoping for the right combination of heat/AC and vents. I guess I could read the directions but after this long I find it morally offensive to have to refer to the manual for advice.

Happy owner but always looking for something better.....

mhayne · August 2005

While I was installing the overhead dvd player I accidentally shorted out the dome light wires. I thought it was a blown fuse initially but can't seem to find one that's blown. Any ideas?

joj · August 2005

My '02 Sequoia is at the dealership right now. I had trouble with the shifter as it was loose and becoming difficult to shift into park. The dealer says it is the "shifter bracket" and this is not covered under the 60,000 mile power train warranty. Does this sound right? I thought the shifter would be part of the transmission/drive train and would be under the power train warranty. I am at 58,000 miles, so no longer under 36,000 factory warranty. Anyone else have this problem?

Also, they said that there was a recall for the ball joint and they are going to do that repair. They said it was dangerous to drive it without the repair and that there had been two accidents. I have not received notice of such a recall, but I am getting the work done. They said when it starts causing problems there is a vibration in the steering. I was glancing thru and saw some vibration issues being discussed here, so maybe this would cover it.

Toyota Sequoia Maintenance and Repair

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles