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2008 Toyota Sequoia

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Comments

  • seq4lifeseq4life Member Posts: 7
    When I first started reading this string of complaints about the rattling I said I bet it's the same problem I was experiencing but never bothered to post because I said folks will not believe me or think I am crazy...Well hdfatboy is just as crazy as I am ;) ...it was simply my shoulder strap buckle hitting against the side panel...I am just a fussin & cussin bout how I have spent 50+ on this truck for it to sound like a tin can, pulling over tryin to figure out where this most irritating noise is coming from...my daughter says, "Mommy it the seat belt hitting the side of the door", duh...adjusted the seat belt problem fixed...Also, to the Plat. owners why are you guys trying to replace seats with the bench instead of purchasing a Limited initially...is there really that many more features in the Plat. to loose addtional seating...just curious
  • xierxier Member Posts: 99
    Plat Owner here and love the 2 Captains chairs in the back with the center console in the middle. Not sure why the other poster is calling the center console a Captains chair - its just a center console with a fold up/out lid that lays flat. We use this as a TOYBOX for the kids - versitle 100% for us. If I had more than 2 kids I would ahve not opted for the the Sequoia - I would have looked into a ESV ETC - to carry larger stroller etc...

    Hear some rattling here as well - assumed it was someting in the child seats but now will have to check it out.
  • saramaddiesaramaddie Member Posts: 19
    I have the rear dvd entertainment system and know that once I was able to watch video up front on the nav system. Unfortunately I can't remember how to do it. I know that the vehicle has to be in park but thats about it.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Apply the parking brake?
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    Hello,

    About 5 months back you wanted to get the Lexus LX570, did you go for it?
  • carmonkey1carmonkey1 Member Posts: 1
    I have an '08 Tundra, same car and have the same noise. I think I identified something else which is causing the rattle a decent speeds. I'll see if I can get to the bottom of this and let you know.
  • ejtpaejtpa Member Posts: 5
    I had that same problem-it was the light between the first and second rows. I had the dealer replace it and the noise is gone. Try pressing on the plastic light cover and see if that makes your noise disappear. Very annoying! Overall I think the 08 makes far more noise than my 02 ever did, even at 108k miles.
  • vgermannvgermann Member Posts: 8
    Thanks, anxious to hear what you come up with, the noise is definitely coming from the exterior, near the base of the windshield not the cabin. I am in need of a service, so i will mention it to the dealer and see if they know what it is. I am really surprised that there is no insulation under the hood. It appears that there is provisions to have put some there, which is even more puzzling.
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Regarding the lack of insulation, the engine is so smooth and quiet I was thinking it's just not needed....as silly as it sounds on a truck like this they do try to save weight for fuel economy reasons. Perhaps the provision for insulation is there for a future diesel engine?
  • jomer001jomer001 Member Posts: 6
    I have only 4,399 mi on my 08 sequoia. I took it for a road trip to Florida last week. On our way back in I-95 I notice a weird tapping noise (sound like a diesel engine on idle or starting a stick shift car on 3rd gear) coming from the engine during acceleration at high speed to pass another car. Now, even at city driving i hear the same tapping noise during acceleration. Has anyone experience the same? I dropped it to the dealer today, awaiting respond.
  • jomer001jomer001 Member Posts: 6
    I coudn't believe when the dealer says i have a crack on the left side exhaust manifold, at 4,399 miles?!! I did some research and found that this kind of problem was common with the 01 Sequoias. Now the part is being ordered and under warranty. My point is, did Toyota ever redesign the exhaust system to prevent such premature damage. Watchout for any ticking sound!
  • samcemsamcem Member Posts: 5
    I have over 16,800 miles on my '08 with the 5.7L engine and have no exhaust problems. jomer, do you have the 5.7?
  • jomer001jomer001 Member Posts: 6
    I have 08, 5.7L engine. I just called Toyota about it the have it on record, because this component is only under warranty up to 3yr/36,000 mi.
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Jomer, the exhaust manifold on a 2001 Sequoia is completely different design than the 2008. You don't even have the same engine that they used in 2001. Just curious, where did you find that this problem was common on the 2001's? The reason I'd like to know is that my sister is thinking of buying her neighbor's 2001, thanks in advance for your help.
  • jomer001jomer001 Member Posts: 6
    i know that. i was just wondering if they use the same manufacturer who make (OEM)substandard exhaust manifold. I read about 01 sequoia below...

    http://www.carfax.com/car_safety/ratings/SRR.cfm/year/2001/make/TOYOTA/model/SEQ- UOIA/trim_id/2001TOYT4W%20SEQUOIA_SR5

    more as mentioned in Tundra site.

    Goodluck!
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Thanks Jomer, great website! I'm not sure how it would be possible to find out who makes the exhaust manifolds, even whether they are made by Toyota or outsourced (or both, or maybe they have multiple sources). And of course the problem could be in the manufacturing process, or it could be Toyota's design (and of course the issue with your '08 might have nothing to do with the apparent '01 problems). Thanks again.
  • johnc09johnc09 Member Posts: 2
    I just wanted to share some of the problems I've had with my 08 Sequoia, in case anybody out there is thinking of buying one. I bought it because a friend had a Camry and raved about Toyota quality. What a mistake! I have had the Platinum for 15 months now. I had it back repeatedly for the driver's side mirror which kept tilting on its own whenever the power was switched off. I eventually got it to stay after playing around with the memory seat again and again. I had a cracked sensor in one of the wheels so the tire pressure warning light stayed on. I complained about the foul smell I got every time I accelerated ( I still get it now). They said to change gas stations. I had a piece of trim come loose next to the driver's seat belt. They had to replace the passenger seat belt as it kept locking up. I had a rattle from the roof lining. The dealer said there was a loose piece of conduit that lead to the vent in the roof. Result? They had to strip the whole lining out and replace clips that held a conduit in place. It was off the road for 3 days. A day after I got it back, I noticed a rattle from one of the second row seats. Once again, I took it to the dealer. They tried to fix the brackets, but had to order three parts for it, and now it will be off the road again for a whole day. It seems that there's one thing after another with this car. The quality is very, very poor, and I can't believe for one second that my car is the only Sequoia affected. Apart from the faults, let me tell you that the Sat Nav is a piece of junk. It doesn't even recognize my dealer's address, and won't let me type it in. It is not user friendly at all. And the mileage hasn't gone above 11 mpg, even when I'm driving it like an old lady going to Church! Why do the other Toyotas have a remote fuel filler flap, and the Sequoia doesn't? It seems strange that other cars are protected, yet the car with the 26 gallon tank isn't. I think that a $60,000 car should have HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a push-button start system. Driving in the daytime with the headlights on, you can increase the brightness of the gauges with a rotary switch, but the brightness doesn't increase on the temperature readout. Toyota need to go back to the drawing board with this car and listen to customer's feedback. If you're thinking of buying a big SUV and don't need to tow 10,000 pounds, buy an Acura MDX.
  • sinecuresinecure Member Posts: 6
    We expected, and found, reliable Toyota quality in our 2008 Sequoia. As in message 1844, we had a rattle in the roof (duct work), requiring removal of the roof lining, and we are disappointed in the navigation system. However, the overall quality and design of the vehicle is outstanding. Our 3 Camry's and our Avalon were all high quality, very reliable vehicles and it looks like the 2008 Sequoia will be another winner. Thank you, Toyota!

    We've also had pieces of junk: 2 Lincoln Continentals that were unreliable, maintenance nightmares; a Mercury LN7 that blew an engine at 60k (oil changed every 3k); and an absolute piece of junk Chrysler Newport that must have rivaled the Yugo in low quality and unreliability. If not for the competition of Toyota and other foreign manufacturers, I guess we'd be driving $50k Pintos, union "workers" would be making $200k a year and still averaging 20% absenteeism, and Detroit management would still focus entirely on marketing rather than quality while ensuring itself seven figure bonuses. Thanks again, Toyota!
  • vgermannvgermann Member Posts: 8
    I took my Sequoia to the dealer and they said they couldn't hear the noise. The noise continued and I have discovered the source on my own. It is the rubber weather strip at the base of the windshield that somehow came loose. Next service I will have it repaired.
  • kb24twkb24tw Member Posts: 3
    I just got my 08 Sequoia Limited 4x2 two weeks ago has 200 miles only on it. I noticed every time i open/close the passenger doors makes a popping sound. Is that normal or not? already put wd40 and didn't work. Is anyone here has the same problem? please help me on what to do? thanks!
  • manavimanavi Member Posts: 150
    Take it back to the dealer?

    BTW, what kind of deal did you get? Were there any 2010's available yet?
  • hdfatboyhdfatboy Member Posts: 324
    To johnc...I also own a Plat Sequoia 08 with 26000 miles. Its been absolutely troublefree...no rattles and nothing has had to be addressed by the dealer other than oil changes and tire rotations every 5K miles.

    I drive hard and tow an 8000+lb boat and my overall mileage after 25K is exactly 14mpg. My mileage began to improve after the first 5k miles so you might want to be patient until the engine breaks in abit further. There's no tow vehicle I've owned that is even in the same league as the Sequoia and this statement comes from a guy that has towed for over 20 years with 2 different 3/4 ton Suburbans and a Denali XL.

    I just had my 25K service and the mechanic said I had at least 20,000 miles left on my front brake pads and 30,000 miles left on the rear...and that's after a fair amount of towing last year. No GM tow vehicle I've ever owner could go 50,000 miles on the original brake pads. I was lucky to get 20K miles. Based on the remaining tire tread, the tires will last at least as long as the brake pads.

    Sorry to hear about your rattle issues however I've had none in my black/red rock interior Platinum. This vehicle has been of the highest quality I've owned which includes over 20 vehicles including many GMs, 4 BMWs including a 740il and various other Toyotas and Nissans.

    I will however agree with you on those features that should absolutely be included on a vehicle of this cost at the top of the model line:
    HIDs should have been a must
    Smartkey with push button start was also a must
    Rain-sensing wipers, how could they leave these out when they are included on my 5 year old Avalon?
    I agree on linking the brightness of the temp read-out to the dash gauge brightness
    Would it have been too much to ask for a light behind the mirror controls for night operation?...seems like someone fell asleep at the design table on this one.
    Was it really necessary to require the ignition key be turned in the ignition before the mirrors can be folded or unfolded? This is a definite design annoyance and completely unecessary.
    The Toyota GPS is a disaster. They should junk it and just buy Garmin or at least get rid of their law department that has placed the nanny controls on this Nav system.
    And while they're looking for design improvements, how about adding an extra couple of inches to the slide rails of the front passenger seat to let it go back further.
  • kb24twkb24tw Member Posts: 3
    We went to Los Angeles, ca last weekend with my family driving our Sequoia 08 limited has 1300 miles on it. The nightmare started on our way home to Sonora, ca which is 5 to 6 hours drive. Cruising along I- 5 north after 60 miles away from LA suddenly the engine starts to loss power, vsc and check engine lights went on its like its stock on a first gear in the middle of the freeway imagine we are with my 4yr old kid and a 10 month old baby its a scary situation. I'm running about 70mph then it starts to slowdown to 30mph on a fast lane so i have to pull it over then called a towing service then took it back to the nearest local dealership now we have to stay for another day in La cause its Sunday everybody is close. So the following morning then they check it on whats wrong with car and they didn't found anything so they said its safe to drive it so we did after 60 miles again same road same exit the vsc lights and check engine went on again, the engine is stalling again and this time we almost got killed because i have to swerve to a truck lane with a 30 mph speed so its really scary and called the towing service again and forgot to tell you we have to ride inside the towing truck with my kids without an a/c. its is really stressful and traumatic. we have to go back to the nearest dealer again. and its really disappointing investing 55k car just TO put your fAMILY LIVES in danger. now they are still tryin to figure out whats wrong with it. so this nightmare is still to be continued.............I shouldn't have traded my honda to a Toytota.....
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    When you lose power, do your electronics and lights still work?

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • kb24twkb24tw Member Posts: 3
    Yes they are still working. The dealer where i left my car called today they said they don't know whats wrong with it they check all the codes etc. Now the Toyota Specialists are going there to check.....
  • sequoialinemansequoialineman Member Posts: 2
    So, basically you had a minor short circuit in a power mirror, and loose trim. My 05 F-250 has had the fuel pump replaced FOUR times. My 06 Suburban died on my wife 2 days after we got it, another in-tank fuel pump replacement, and the climate control would go to hot at random. Had the control replaced 3 times, 300.00 each. The only complaint I've had with my new Sequoia is the rear suspension. It seems to sag a little when I pull my 28' camper and 19' ski boat (doubles). The Tahoe I traded in wouldn't even pull the camper by itself over 55 mph. And as far as rain sensing wipers and push button start, I like to do some things myself, like shift the Sequoia's 6 speed double overdrive transmission in the sequential shift mode. Sounds like you were expecting luxury rather than sport utility. Thats why they call it an SUV.
  • vgermannvgermann Member Posts: 8
    anybody know how to turn this off?
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Manavi, the dealer closest to me (Green Brook, NJ) does have several 2010's on the lot. Looks like they just skipped the 2009 model year entirely, is that correct?
  • ratmratm Member Posts: 11
    shark715: We had few 2009 models in Canada but looks like they skipped that year in USA because there was too many 2008 left on inventory.
    I think I've read somewhere that someone got a 2009 in California, if it's true that would be extremely rare.
  • johnc09johnc09 Member Posts: 2
    Hey hd. Remarkable to hear that your car runs perfectly. Now I'm also having problems when engagain 4wd. The steering feels like it's going to sieze, then it releases. I'm also having a lot of vibrating thorugh the steering wheel. What else can go wrong? Maybe it's time to get rid of it!
  • kacee60kacee60 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2008, have 16000 miles and mine was doing the same thing, i think they had to replace the rack and pinon steering. The seals were out of it. It vibrated alot in the steering and always pulled to the right, finally the noise was bad.
  • navguy1navguy1 Member Posts: 181
    Toyota released the new update for $199.

    The Sequoia part numbers are:

    86271-GEN04-09 2005-2007
    86271-GEN05-09 2008-2009
    86271-GEN06-09 2010-2011
  • gldwinggldwing Member Posts: 13
    We need to check around and see what dealer will work with us.
  • usma90usma90 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2008 SR5. I have been looking for a billet grill. I found one, but it means cutting into the existing grill. I am not opposed to that, but then I saw the grill on a 2010 Tundra Limited. This new grill is a very nice OEM grill, and almost looks like billet. It is also about $150 cheaper than a billet grill. Does anyone know if the grill from the 2010 Tundra Limited will fit as a direct replacement for my 2008 Sequoia grill? The parts counter guy wasn't a whole lot of help. Thanks for any info.
  • jbm4jbm4 Member Posts: 5
    Turn on car
    Trip meter - make sure it's on "A"
    Turn key off
    Hold down trip reset
    While holding down turn key to accessories position and hold button for 10 secs
    Light will go out.
  • honeyspoilsmehoneyspoilsme Member Posts: 1
    All right all you Sequoia Experts - I need your expert, but more importantly, honest opinion. My husband began his search to replace his 2006 QX56. It is the second one he's owned and we've had no problems with it. After owning Expeditions, Suburbans, Yukons and Yukon XLs, an article persuaded us to look at the QX56 and we were immediately struck by the difference in the quality, ride, performance and creature comforts. Needless to say, we have been extremely pleased and have enjoyed every mile. Now we are looking to replace it and an article persuaded my husband to look at the 2010 Sequoia. We compared the 2010 QX56 and the 2010 Sequoia and preferred the ride, handling and creature comforts of the Sequoia. We also compared the Yukon
    XL, Denali, Lincoln, Lexus and Cadillac. They weren't even in the same league as the Sequoia. Here's where YOU EXPERTS come in! Any new opinions on the 2010 Sequoia? Don't be afraid of hurting our feelings - we can take it!!! Thanks for your help.
  • 08SeqPlt08SeqPlt Member Posts: 2
    Sorry to hear about your probelms... but not everyone appears to be having the issues you describe and although I respect your post and the information as it pertains to your specific situation - there usually are more posts about problems than there are no problems (most people don't write about things that work fine - i.e. when was the last time you blogged about the microwave working as it should?)

    We have a 2008 Platinum 2WD in pearl white ext with redrock interior... It's awesome! We ave about 15,000 miles on it with no problems (I admit I did have a slight whistleing noise that I couldn't figure out at first but turned out to be the aftermarket K&N air filter that wasn't allowing the stock box to close all the way and since they have a much greater airflow than stock air filters, it created a little whistle that you could hear when you really get on it... a little weatherstripping at teh opening of the box to ensure a tight seal and presto - all I hear are 381 ponies now.)

    We get about 14MPG city and 19 HWY but I did manage to get 22 MPG on a weekend trip to/from Santa Barbara (driving about 75-80) in August and that was fully loaded with family and gear - I think that's pretty respectable mileage for a vehicle like this.

    The big improvements (that are more nuances than they are problems) are the ability to close the exterior mirrors without the key in the "on" position (shouldn't be required to have the key in at all; and also - make that switch light up - please.

    Otherwise - our family loves the car - it's luxurious, holds up to my kids climbing all over it - powerful enough for me to grin when I'm on the highway - and safe and reliable for the wife and family.

    I'm definitely going to consider another Toyota when the time comes for another car - but that may be awhile cause this is gonna last us a good 10 years easy!

    (and I am not affiliated with Toyota in any way shape or form... I have bult and worked on many different types of cars a lto of 60's and 70's Chevys - Nova's, El Camino's, and a lot of other makes models - Mercedez, Camry, Saturn, Explorer, Jeep Cherokee, Crapolier, Acura TL, and more - The Sequoia is one of the best I have ever owned)
  • vgermannvgermann Member Posts: 8
    Thank you, jbm4! almost lost faith in the forum when i did not get a response.
  • tino73tino73 Member Posts: 4
    I am in 46375. It is $3000 or 0% for 5 years in our area (northwest IN & chicago, IL suburbs). We took the 0%.
  • wbenderwbender Member Posts: 3
    I got a cargo mat that is composed of two pieces, one fits when the third row seats are up, they both link together and fit seamlessly when the seats are down. Unfortunately, I can't remember where I got them.

    I debadged the 2008 Platinum completely, no holes, just like my 2004 4Runer.

    The front MacNeil floor mats fit like a glove. The rear, not so much. Semi custom as they said, you need to cut them to a "better" fit.
  • vgermannvgermann Member Posts: 8
    I have had my Sequoia for 18 months (Black) think its too late to debadge? you got photos of yours?
  • hdfatboyhdfatboy Member Posts: 324
    Someone must have stolen the chrome Toyota emblem off the front of the grille on my 2008 Platinum Sequoia. Does anyone have a part number or a source to buy this emblem. I've looked all over the net and it appears that only the "mount" is available. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to get a replacement emblem for the grill?

    Thanks
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you are a Toyota owner and interested in sharing your reaction to the recall with reporters, send an email stating the vehicle you own, your telephone number, and the best time you can be reached.

    Send to: karen@edmunds.com
  • blown7blown7 Member Posts: 8
    Gentlemen,

    Just bought a CPO 2008 Sequoia Limited 5.7 4x4. Still getting used to the thirst this baby exhibits...

    Can anyone tell me how to kill the DRLs?
    The NAV & phone lockout while in motion is a lost cause but I would like the DRLs to go away.

    Any advice appreciated.

    Thanks

    Blown7
  • blown7blown7 Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2010
    Gentlemen,

    Can anyone tell me how the vehicle "sees" its speed? Is it a mechanical / electronic driveline sensor or is it via wheel sensors [via the ABS]?

    My concern is that I would like to have a taller differential gear ratio installed with a view to improving the city fuel economy.
    My BMW uses wheel rotation [ABS sensors] to compute vehicle speed, so a change in differential gearing only affects engine RPM for a given vehicle speed. The speedometer retains it's accuracy.

    Anyone have any insight as to how Toyota senses vehicle speed in a 2008 Sequoia?

    Thank you

    Blown 7
  • hdfatboyhdfatboy Member Posts: 324
    I have a 2008 Platinum Sequoia. The DRLs can NOT be turned off. Even though they are described as "on/off" in your invoice, they aren't. I believe then can be turned off in Canada but not in the US.

    I added a switch and a Speed Pulse Generator (http://www.coyotetruck.com/ct/NavMods.aspx) which allows me to use the full phone address book and the entire "destination Database" even when on the road. Best feature I could have added to the vehicle. Toyota needs to go tell their lawyers to get a life and let consumers input destinations while on the road. Far more dangerous to be parked on the side of a highway while trying to input a new destination.

    Although I suspect Toyota's attorneys will be busy on "other matters" for the foreseeable future.
  • blown7blown7 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the 411.
    I looked at the Speed Pulse Generator and have decided to go with the Costal Technologies solution.

    As far as the DRLs, I have a buddy that had the DRL on his Tundra turned off.

    His advice was to buy & install a non-DRL flasher from Toyota.

    Non-DRL part # 81980-0C020
    W/DRL part is # 81980-0C010

    So I ordered one online and I'll get back to you on the result once its been installed.
  • blown7blown7 Member Posts: 8
    Installed flasher #81980-0C020 last night. No more DRLs!

    Installed Costaltech's LockPick2 WF and the phone, NAV and back-up camera are now available in ANY gear and at any speed.
    Pricey mods but IMO well worth the cost and the agg to install.

    If Mercedes Benz and BMW say its OK to dial while driving, who the hell is Toyota to say we cannot. Toyota FORCES you to reach for the cell while driving instead of allowing functionality through the NAV screen.
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Unfortunately it sounds like Toyota is a bit more savvy when it comes to potential American legal liabilities. I can see it now...someone driving their MB or BMW is programming their nav system while driving, hits and kills someone, and the Plaintiff claims that it's the car manufacturer's fault for allowing it (and they will show that the manufacturer could have easily programmed the car not to allow it by using Toyota an example). That's why in Europe you can watch DVD's on your Mercedes nav screen, but that function is locked out here.
  • blown7blown7 Member Posts: 8
    I know first hand about European driving as I shipped one of my 7 Series there for some Autobahn running a few years back.
    They not only use the phone and work the NAV, they do it @ 150+ mph.

    Toyota's perception of Americans mirrors that of the US TV programming executives...that Americans as a group, are as dumb as rocks.
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