7th Oct 2012, 23:24
Have a 2001 that I have owned for 6 years. Bought it with 109,000, and now have 190,000. Shortly after buying, the engine light came on. Code says catalytic converters. Replaced both cats as well as O2 sensor, but the light is still on. Back hatch handle has broken twice. Park and Drive lights out. Finally, will have to replace the rotors for the THIRD time (which is why I came looking... glad I found this problem). Will talk with a mechanic about larger brake components. Other than that, very nice, comfortable car!
29th Feb 2016, 19:12
Bought my Toyota Sequoia 2001 new, love the car but... at 120K miles:
Frame rotted and had to be replaced.
Rack and pinion went at 75K.
Brakes every 20K miles.
VSC malfunctions while driving since 100K.
Brake cylinder went early on.
Replaced back door latch at $500 plus x 3 manifold head gaskets shot at 40K miles = $3300.
I still have the Sequoia and prefer it to my Jeep and my new Pilot, but the issues were major.
17th Jul 2016, 21:52
Bought a 2001 Sequoia Limited 4x4 used with 60k miles. Currently at 219,000, used as a daily driver, and expect to keep it to 300k+ or keep it in the family.
Major pluses: No accidents, no engine repairs, original transmission and drive train, all major stuff works. Regular oil/filter changes (7.5k intervals) timing belt and water pump twice, just replaced the radiator and major hoses. Dealer keeps up on the tranny/ differential/lube service, but I don’t buy into the brake system and cooling system flush intervals; brakes done once, cooling twice including the new radiator interval. Interior is original, and with the exception of a slight tear on the side of the driver’s seat, the leather is in great shape.
Nagging issues: What is up with the “D” light? Plus, a few others that are an inconvenience; my front speakers blew, though probably due to my son’s choice of artist and bass settings; the aluminum trim that lines the windows uses some sort of paint-like covering that is finally beginning to wear. The luggage rack cross-over members are sealed in the same manner. The stuff rubbed right off after the first use of a luggage carrier. I’m going to powder-coat.
Major issues:
1. Yes, the front brakes. I have towed a heavy trailer twice and was fine, but still don’t like the feel. The dealer has a rotor/caliper/pad fix that is pricey; going to try upgrading to better pads and slotted rotors.
2. VSC and the ATC system have been occasional nightmares. Same heavy shaking and brakes grabbing (come ON Toyota, it’s always to the right; that’s a CLUE!). Take my advice: don’t believe the techs that claim after-market shocks, or oversized tires, or your rack & pinon system are to blame. One even tried to tell me that the VSC system was just doing its job. Finally cornered a Japanese Toyota engineer and dragged him out on a test drive. Yes, the stereotype is correct; they are exceptionally honorably people. Diagnosis Negative on the above; it turned out to be a pitch and yaw sensor. Unfortunately the gremlin seems to be back.
9th Jun 2012, 19:03
We have a 2001 Sequoia 4x4 limited that we also bought new in Dallas. It has 136,000 miles on it now, and we have had minimal problems. We also towed a 5500lbs trailer for many years with no problem.
First, I replaced ALL my oils to highest grade of synthetic just after I bought the vehicles (3k miles). Change my engine oil every 10k with Royal Purple, and also changed ATF again at 100k with Royal Purple. Also replaced the differential oils with synthetic. This cost me a pretty penny, but has been worth it.
Replaced tires twice. Normal wear.
Replaced back door latch twice. A plastic piece that gets brittle. I understand replacing it, but the cost was ridiculous.
Replaced front brake pads at 63k, and then all brake pads and turned rotors at 100k. No other problems... fingers crossed.
Replaced timing belt at 100k. Water pump was fine so I left it alone. Also replaced serpentine belt. This is when I did the ATF again with synthetic.
Just replaced the starter two days ago.
I also did spark plugs twice, coolant replaced once, and flushed the brake fluid.
I love the SUV, but I'm a bit worried it might be getting too old. The interior is going down hill. The front speakers stopped working, but I just use the back ones. The back window won't go down, but I didn't really use it before. My side windows is starting to act up, my D light is burned out, and the Mode button just broke. I think the plastics are just wearing out.
You have to remember, the SUV is 11 years old with 136,000 miles. I've never had a car this old or with this many miles.