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2003 Toyota Sequoia acceleration complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 91, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Toyota Sequoia acceleration problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Dec 5, 2014 · Acceleration · 153,000 miles · CA

The vsc trak light comes on for no apparent reason and will remain on until I take the vehicle in to my mechanic. It worries me that there may be something more serious wrong with the vehicle. This has occurred for a number of years, over an over again. Can this be fixed permanently?

Filed Nov 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 140,000 miles · CA

I am experiencing the same vsc problems as I read in the other complaints, along with other electrical issues. Randomly (or so it seems) the vsc, brake lights, drive light and others will go on and off. It has been doing this for about a month now and every time I go to take it in for service, they aren't on and they "can't find anything wrong."

Filed Nov 22, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 138,000 miles · OR

First the check engine light came on, then the vsc off light followed immediately by the vsc trac light. The problem is intermittent, as the lights only stay on for a day or two then don't come back on until a few days later. I have checked the recall database for my vehicle and it is not included, although this problem has been recalled on other vehicles matching my vehicle's general description. I live in a very wet area of the country and rely on this system to work properly. From what I can read through online forums, toyota needs to take a look at every vehicle that is experiencing this issue, as it appears to be significantly more widespread than first thought.

Filed Sep 4, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 130,000 miles · CA

Going around a turn in the mountains at a slow speed, my traction control kicks in and there is a grinding noise, I loose the use of the brakes completely until the traction control turns off. I took it to the dealer and they told me my springs and shocks were bad. I replaced all 4 of the springs and shocks and the problem persists. This is very dangerous and scary.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 161,980 miles · TX

The vsc, and trac, and brake lights all lit up while coming into an intersection, where I heard a grinding clunking noise in the drive train, as I tried to stop the vehicle, coasted through the intersection, made others braking to avoid me as I steered away from them. This has happened intermittently over the years but this was the scariest, as it happened going into an intersection. It has happened backing out of our driveway several times, on the highway several times. Toyota doesn't want to tie this issue to the recall regarding the vsc ecu trac light recall from several years ago. I've tried unsuccessfully to escalate this issue with toyota motor co.

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 161,980 miles · TX

We bought this 2003 sequoia limited 2 wheel drive new, and it has been a good car over all. But the vsc tracs, brake lights have flashed on and off sporadically at different speeds, when driving and or when braking. They usually don't effect the car, but recently we have experienced them all coming on when braking, and we seem to loose power and the power steering is lost momentarily until we come to a stop, and shut it off for a few minutes. This happened most recently last week when coming into an intersection driving about 30mph, and all of the vsc, trac, and brake lights abruptly came on, there was a grinding noise, and it seemed to have lost electrical power, trying to come to a stop, I could not stop in time for the intersection, but was lucky enough to avoid being hit by cross traffic, it could have been a lot worse. It sounded like something fell apart underneath. I inspected it and saw nothing, but know that this is a major safety issue that toyota should address and pay for being a recall item. I called the toyota hotline and was given a case number for this issue, which was a recall in 2010. Took it to the dealer, and they weren't able to replicate the issue. Stated it was a bad computer, and some vsc module sensor? Didn't state toyota would cover the cost or help with the cost. Even though this has been a known issue with toyota sequoia's for years, and was a recall item. This is a safety issue that could result in a major accident. Why would toyota not cover the cost to fix this if it is a recall item? I want it fixed but with the miles I have on it, don't want to spend much money on it, especially an item that is a recall problem with many like mine. What should I do? Wait to have an accident, hire a lawyer, and sue? Frustrated toyota owner in texas.

Filed Jul 23, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 185,790 miles · MD

The vsc off/ trac off and check engine and brake light all came on. The brake started to jump and the car pulled hare to the left. I turn the car off and back on the problem went a way but the lights all came back on. However there are a lot of people having this problem with their sequoia and I have seen no safety recall for this.

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · GA

At random times, the vsc and brake lights will come on. When this happens, the brakes do not work properly. They severely grind and stopping is nearly impossible. The only solution is to completely turn the car off and restart. I have taken my vehicle to toyota many time over the course of several years. This is very dangerous as I have children riding in the vehicle!! Toyota either said there is nothing wrong or that a sensor will need to be replaced which costs approximately $1600.00. This is a common issue with older sequoias and should be a recall. It should be free of charge to the owner! I should not have to pay for something toyota did not do right!

Filed Mar 21, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 99,103 miles · FL

Vehicle almost lost control during a 25mph turn in light rain condition. The vehicle has brand new tires as well. This is a known issue with many toyota sequoia vehicles and toyota refuses to acknowledge fault. The failure to announce a recall on the vsc pressure sensor unit will cause the vehicle to lose control, skid, loss of ABS and subsequently lead to crash.

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 58,600 miles · NY

Upon normal driving the vehicle would not accelerate accurately and quickly enough after making a left turn. The vehicle would also randomly illuminate 3 indicator lights when the brake pedal is depressed. The 3 indicators are brake, trac off, vsc off. Before these lights illuminate the vehicle's brake pedal would become very hard to press causing the brake pedal to require much more force applied to it thus causing a decrease in stopping distance which is a very serious safety issue.

Filed Mar 5, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 128,450 miles · VA

While accelerating on an on ramp along interstate highway, vsc vehicle stability control light came on, engine went to idle, lost speed. After about 10 seconds, vsc light went out, engine able to accelerate. Considering heavy traffic on interstate 495, this is very dangerous. No ice, no snow, no rain, road was dry and level. This is the third time it has occurred.

Filed Feb 27, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 77,000 miles · WA

The vehicle stability control (vsc) lights keep coming on at random and will not turn off until the engine is restarted. There was a voluntary recall from toyota for this problem but the dealer said mine is not affected but obviously it is since I received a notice and the lights do come on. I also hear grinding noise when the ABS engages. Toyota dealer wanted to charge me for the fix.

Filed Dec 20, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 91,000 miles · CA

Vsc/ABS and trac lights came on. Took in to dealer replaced skid control computer and still lights stayed on. Now I must replace yaw sensor for more money. This is an issue with most sequoias of the 2003 year model.

Filed Jul 26, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 66,253 miles · MI

Vsc and vsc of lights are oncodes c1223 ABS control system malfunction, c1231 steering angle sensor, and c1247 stroke sensor indicates needs the skid control ecu t 2.0 replaced skid control ecu 08/01/2010 check engine light found p0031 af sensor b1s1 t1.0 parts replaced. 6/01/2013 again vsc trac off service engine light on and dealership wants 1400.00 for new computer.

Filed Jul 3, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 101,000 miles · WI

I was driving down the highway and my vsc trac lights came on along with my engine light. When I got home, I looked at my vehicle manual to determine what had happened. I attempted to remedy the problem as suggested by toyota, unfortunately, nothing changed. Approximately 2 weeks later my brake light intermittently turned on & off. Less than 5 months earlier, I had my all of my brakes replaced, so I can't imagine that my brakes are faulty. I became alarmed by these electronic miscues - so I went online to explore whether this was a common thread with other sequoia owners. I discovered very quickly that there are many people who have had problems with their vsc / engine / and brake lights becoming activated. I was hoping this problem might be covered under a recall, but it appears that it is not. I am hoping for a remedy that won't have extensive costs to me.

Filed Jun 25, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 65,000 miles · CA

When have the car on and running the traction light brake light and vsc light come on at the same time.

Filed May 19, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 190,000 miles · IL

Hi I have a 2003 toyota sequoia sr5, and the vsc trac, vsc off and check engine came on all at once, took it to auto parts store and they ran the scanner it said to change the o2 sensor, which I did and nothing changed, I have read about this problem that has been coming up quiet a lot in this model, can you tell me if there is a recall for this problem, I went to the dealer and they told me that there was not any recall related to this issue.

Filed May 16, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 44,000 miles · CA

Toyota sequoia 2003 - within months of taking new car delivery, vsc ABS and trac lights would blink intermittently and on occasion the auto would decelerate. As the issue was intermittent, dealership was unwilling/unable to diagnose. Trouble would continue with less frequent deceleration but more frequent warning light illumination until, after a few years, the warning lights stayed on and involuntary deceleration seemed to cease. Two different factory dealerships provided two different diagnoses. One said yaw sensor and other sensors need replacement (out of warranty); the other, more recently said that brake booster and actuator need replacement (out of warranty). Vehicle continues to brake normally and ABS does function keeping the SUV steerable during panic stops. Traction and stability control issues were not tested by this driver. Search of internet based user groups shows this problem common in earlier year sequoia/tundra models. Costs of repairs range from $1600 for yaw sensors to $3700 for brake booster and actuators. Toyota USA is unresponsive unless repairs are undertaken and makes no warranty of cooperation should repairs prove ineffective or unnecessary. This appears to be an ongoing issue with this and other 2003 toyota sequoia sr5 and limited models.

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 5,000 miles · CA

Concern started with a vsc and traction control warning lights in instrument cluster coming on and off in an intermittent fashion without pattern or external cause. The warning lights would not remain on but instead would glow for a brief bit of time and then extinguish. The vehicle did exhibit a spontaneous deceleration on several occasions while operating at low speed (less than 20 MPH) and on level, smooth ground. The episodes were brief and normal brake operation return immediately once speed dropped to approximately 5 MPH. In the decades that I have operated this automobile, the warning lights went from lighting intermittently to being illuminated continuously; the spontaneous breaking has seemingly ceased since these lights have remained on. Dealership and factory were informed of this concern with each service visit. Dealership response was that they were unwilling or unable to diagnose an intermittent concern. Once the lights remained on, I was initially informed that they suspected a defective yaw sensor and more recently, malfunctioning brake booster components; warranty period had lapsed and no extension was offered. Attempts to correctly diagnose and repair this concern have dragged on for 10 years with dealership and factory position that repairs, be they diagnostic (the yaw sensor replacement) or definitive (booster and brake system), were not warranty issues despite their intermittent presentation during the warranty period. My periodic practical testing of the brakes demonstrates that the ABS system functions properly despite warning light indications to the contrary. Current dealership estimated cost to replace brake booster and actuators is $3800 with a 12 month warranty. Toyota USA's position is this is not a warranty issue as of april 2013.

Filed Apr 24, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 51,548 miles · GA

Vsc traction and ABS control warning lights stay lit. Lights would go on and off and now stay lit all the time so have no warning if ABS system is functional or has other issues. Lost the ability to turn traction control on/off. Took vehicle in for service at dealer, 3-26-07, and was informed it was a manufacturing defect with an internal component, yaw rate sensor. Reported to toyota and requested assistance in repairing as this appeared to be a manufacturing defect. Toyota denied claim. Have seen vehicles produced 1 month earlier are now under recall for similar issues the federal safety agency campaign # 10v176000. Dealer cost to repair at time was $1433. Have experienced braking oddities on occasions.

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 43,500 miles · PA · crash

Unintended acceleration, increased acceleration despite stepping on brake, , brakes did not stop car and crashed total loss.

Filed Mar 7, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 141,235 miles · AL

The toyota sequoia went nose down and started to make a grinding noise pulling hard to the right. Loss of power happened and I had no control. I tried to accelerate but it seemed like there was no response. It has done this three times. I feel like I will hit someone or someone will hit me!

Filed Mar 2, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 86,000 miles · CA

My wife was on freeway, driving our 2003 toyota sequoia limited 2wd, when vsc light lit up and a buzzer sounded. At the same time, her vehicle started to decelerate on its own, causing vehicles behind her to have to brake to keep from rear-ending her vehicle. This was accompanied by a horrific grinding and banging sound. My wife found a safer place to pull to the side of the freeway and stop the vehicle. A tow truck was called and vehicle was "flat-bed" towed to repair garage.

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · MI

Vsc, trac, brake lights.

Filed Feb 5, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 119,000 miles · PA

The vsc trac light has been on (showing it is off), along with the check engine light. Occasionally the brake light comes on too while driving. Today the ABS light came on. The only code that is coming up is for a weak o2 sensor.

Filed Feb 3, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 103,000 miles · CA

I was driving the truck when I heard a noise in the tires like they were falling down I had encounter this when I had the truck new . But it is stop and 10 years later it is doing it again I believe the dealer should fix it because I read a lot of people have this problem it can cause a accident .so I'm concern and would like to get it fix thanks .

Filed Oct 31, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 125,000 miles · OH

One day the vsc trac, vsc off, brake, ABS lights all came on the dash, shortly after this happened we received a recall notice in the mail stating this exact problem. So I made an appointment at our local toyota dealership for them to look at it and fix. The first time I dropped it off for the day they called after and said the machine to test the vehicle was down, and that it would be a day or two before it was repaired, well I needed my vehicle so I went a picked it up. About a month later I made another appointment and returned to the dealership where they finally tested my vehicle and proceeded to tell me that my vehicle did not fit the criteria for VIN identification. I really do not know how this is possible considering all the information stated on the recall is exactly what is wrong with my vehicle. After days of research I have learned that multiple sensors and ecu needs to be replaced costing in the range of $2000.00 plus dollars. Also I have read multiple consumer complaints just like this one. These lights are on the vehicle for a reason and toyota put the recall out for a reason so fix the problems!!!!

Filed Aug 23, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 105,000 miles · DC

My vsc off and vsc trac lights says on and my ABS light is also on as well.

Filed Aug 17, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 54,000 miles · WA

Vsc trac, vsc off, brake, ABS lights... All on, all at once. There is obviously a quality control issue with these that toyota does not want to be on the hook for. Many others went to the national highway safety program and filed a complaint. If they get enough of these they will go to the manufacturer and issue a recall.

Filed Jul 30, 2012 · Acceleration · 197,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. While parked, the contact noticed that the vsc warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH the when the vehicle began decelerate and shake abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 197,000.

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