3rd Feb 2004, 17:59
I also have a 2001 Toyota Sequoia Limited. I have also had problems with the front brakes, but my dealer experience has been totally different from those previously posted. My service manager at Torrance Toyota has always fixed my brakes, once under a brake recall and once for free because they seemed to wear uncharacteristicallly fast (15% after 6000 miles). I look forward to having mine for a long time and possibly getting the next gen when it is time. I was told that the indicator lights (Brake and Trac) come on when the brake fluid is low or the brake system needs maintenance. Each time those lights come on, I go in and they take care of it. Hope you all find that gem of a dealer too!
31st Mar 2004, 14:41
I also have a 2001 Sequoia. There is a TSB on the brake problem. The fix is the put on new disc (larger), new calipers, and larger pads. This solves the vibration problem. All newer Sequoias have the bigger brakes. My dealer initially told me they could not do the fix since my vehicle had over 36K miles on it and that the fix was not covered by my warranty. If this describes you, you will have to raise enough "cain" to get them to help. Start by calling Toyota's national help line and request regional involvement. I eventually got the brakes upgraded for no charge. This brake issue is well known by Toyota whether they admit it or not. The brake light thing can definitely be resolved by adding brake fluid to proper level.
27th Apr 2004, 08:06
I have a 2001 Sequoia and have experienced the exact same issues. I have returned the car to the dealer and receive the same run around as you all. They have explained that the brakes are ABS and that I need to get used to it. I raised cain with the dealership with the final resolution being to trade the car in for a newer model. I am going to, but it will not be a Toyota.
23rd Jun 2004, 22:53
We have had several problems with our 2001 Toyota Sequoia. Among those: problems with the braking system (as everyone else had indicated) including warped rotors, the VSC lights coming on periodically for no reason, an internal computer needing to be replaced (over $2,000) the back window not going down properly and the biggest problem of all: the whole air conditioning system needs to be replaced (at 40,000 miles and at a cost of $2,400 quoted by our dealer). We would DEFINITELY not recommend this vehicle to others and plan on trading it in ASAP!
12th Aug 2004, 20:52
I have a Toyota Sequoia 2001 and have the same issues as the rest of you with the brakes and the vsc light, I also had the back window stop working because the motor went out. I have had my brakes fixed 4 times and 4 sets of tires because the cars eats them. The dealer tells me its normal. I have had a sever exhaust leak since about 5,000 miles. I have 47,444 miles on my car and My car still has the exhaust leak,my air conditioner isn't working right, My car acts like it wants to stall when it is at a idle, usually when its cold. I have gotten the run around for a long time. I took my car to the dealer today and will await the outcome.
25th Aug 2004, 13:04
I too have experienced some of these same problems. I have had two door handles break and the brake lights come on all the time and the dealer said it was nothing. My rear window will not roll down anymore due to the moter and of course it broke down right after 36,000 miles. The transmission is "jerky" at times and when idling it seems to want to take off on its own. I will not buy this car again. When someone hit my bumper and I had it replaced the paint did not match. The dealer said Toyota does not have the formula for the paint. I will not buy a Toyota again.
15th Sep 2004, 17:22
I have the same problems with my 2001 sequoia. I had my brakes replaced at 39K miles, and another at 45K. I am about to go again at 60K due to too much warping. I see an endless trip to the brake upon reading your comments here and I'm trying to convince myself to trade it in. I wonder where I can find the national number for Toyota.
13th Oct 2005, 07:34
The sequoia brake upgrade consists solely of a larger brake caliper. IIRC It is 10mm longer. The rotors don't change, only basic hardware.
The problem with the brakes wearing out quickly is solely driving habits. If you drive your truck like the small sports car you use to have, it will tear up the brakes.
Those with AC problems, if you've had the same problem within a year, it wasn't properly repaired.
I just finished service work on a truck that had 210,000 miles, I don't feel it's Toyota's fault, it's drivers error.
28th Sep 2006, 15:02
No brake problems here. Purchased the vehicle with ~40k miles and just replaced the brakes at 128k miles. Now at 136k miles and no major problems to report. The vehicle has been a workhorse of the family without a disapointment. Only annoyances to mention is a ticking sounds that lasts a few minutes after startup. Overall, very satisfied.
1st Nov 2006, 21:51
I own a 2001Toyota sequoia. I had spent a lots of money on the brake. The rear window I just fixed it last year and now it won't go up again. I don't know what the dealer will say this time, but I thing I will call the nationaToyota this time.
16th Apr 2007, 00:48
My 2001 seq power just stopped and just died while waiting for a green light. I stopped the engine and restarted it, but every time I gear it to drive, the engine dies. I took it to the Toyota dealer a few times (charging me big time) but they cannot find anything wrong with it. any opinions or ideas why?
26th May 2007, 09:00
I have a 2001 Sequoia with 100K miles and have had to replace the brakes and rotors at least every 25k miles. Dealer is no help. Also, had to replace rear door latch and many interior parts. The latest is the air compressor seized. Does anyone know of recalls or had luck getting Toyota to pay for these obvious design flaws? Who did you contact?
18th Jun 2007, 16:11
I too have had serious problems with the brake system on my 2001 Toyota Sequoia. It currently has 163,000 miles and I have to date, replaced the entire braking system (rotors, brake pads, etc.) 6 times. Just this year, I have replaced them 3 times. I have used all Toyota parts and after market parts as well and nothing will fix this problem. At this point, I have had to park it and buy something else. I have had 3 Toyota 4Runners and this Sequoia, so needless to say I am a loyal customer. But after this, I won't buy another Toyota vehicle. I can't sell it with this problem, but can't afford to keep replacing the brake system every few months. Toyota knows about this problem with this particular vehicle, why do you think they have started putting larger braking systems on all their models after this one? I am on the verge of suing Toyota (husband is a lawyer).
16th Dec 2003, 19:05
Have had similar problems specifically on snow or ice. The vehicle will not stop and is very hard to control/direct. Have taken to dealer and told "that I will get used to it". Also told this is a "normal characteristic". Have also had slip VSC light come on for no reason. This has been very frustrating since toyota ignores the problem.