2003 Toyota Sequoia: brake failure

Filed Sep 30, 2022 · Body · VA

Undercarriage frame found to be badly rusted, by a AAA Driver who came to my roadside assistance following a brake failure due to rusted and leaky brake lines.

Filed Jun 30, 2022 · Body, Steering · NJ

Abnormal rust all over underside of vehicle including frame, structural components, brake lines, steering components … etc. FRAME and steering/suspension components rusting out. Rear differential rusting out. Cab mounts rusting out. Spare tire hardware rusting out. Transmission cooler lines about to burst from corrosion. Rear tow assembly rusting out. Entire underside is rotting out. Known issue which has plagued hundreds of owners, but Toyota has not recalled this model year. Extremely dangerous; one brake line has already gone out resulting in a loss of braking. Toyota applied an undercoating circa 2013 but they just sprayed over an already rusted frame and other components without proper preparation which actually accelerated the corrosion and rot. Deceptive and unethical business practices. Vehicle cost over $50,000 new in 2003 and only has just over 120,000 miles on it. This should NOT be happening. Please help. Please investigate.

Filed Aug 21, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 215,000 miles · AZ

Vsc, check engine, brake lights keep coming on. No traction control when button pushed. Driving highway speed traction control beeps when not even appropriate. Have had several times trying to brake, no brakes light comes on almost crashed due to no brakes! I have researched recall my VIN# not listed. This is ridiculous! Unsafe! Toyota needs to recall more vehicles. Not a happy toyota consumer!

Filed Sep 9, 2015 · Brakes · 112,000 miles · CA

The federal safety agency's conclusion that the sas ecu failure associated with toyota sequoias built from 2002-2003 under the federal safety agency investigation # 10v176000 is seriously flawed. While typically the sudden failure to accelerate or fail to brake associated with this issue is only annoying, it can be catastrophic under the right circumstances. For instance we had it happen in a parking lot when beginning to accelerate and then noticing a car pulling out quickly in our path. Our brakes failed, the traction and brake warning lights lit, and we barely missed the car as it noticed us coming at it and quickly got out of the way. What if the car hadn't noticed in time to pull away quickly and avoid our uncontrollable car? What if it were a child running out between cars? What if it were to happen during our low speed accelerating and braking when we drop our kids off at school and other kids are walking among the cars now and then? The conclusion that it is not a serious safety issue due to the speeds involved in most incidents reported is simply ignorant or recklessly risk tolerant. Does someone actually have to die before this is a serious safety issue? We will try to get the dealer to make this repair but since their are "no active recalls" listed on toyota's website for this or on the federal safety agency's, I can only hope they will fix it.

Filed Aug 8, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 120,015 miles · OR

I have had my rotors and brake pads changed a few times due to a conspicuous issue with my vehicle. At braking times during any slight "hard" stop, coming from either highway or street speeds the vehicle starts to vibrate on the front end. Tires seem to be wobbly and shake quite a bit. Nearly had a few accidents due to this phenomena. Have taken my vehicle in for servicing at reputable repair shops and have had rotors "cut" and new brake pads installed frequently. Have even had to buy new tires, even though not needed, based on dealer recommendation. Seems there is an issue with these toyota vehicles after having done some research and spoken to a few other sequoia owners. Catastrophic brake failure is a possibility on these vehicles. Will it take an injury or even a death to finally have someone delve into this issue?

Filed Jan 15, 2014 · Body · 140,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the brakes failed to respond as the vsc and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was advised that the entire underbody carriage was rusted, resulting in diminished braking capability. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 118,200 miles · AZ

While driving, brake light illuminates - has been happening for past month. On 10/19/13, trying to stop at a light and when stepped on brakes, the ABS light, tcs light, and brake lights all illuminated and the brakes failed - started pulsating. Pavement was dry and did not step on brakes hard or fast - just slowing down for light. Had to pull over to side to avoid hitting car. Took to dealer said was ABS computer and not in recall. Extended warranty does not cover ABS computer. Service was not performed. Looking to replace computer cheaper. Dealer service check in lady said this is an issue with our year/make, yet there is no recall for failing brakes??

Filed Sep 6, 2010 · Body · 141,000 miles · IL

My 2003 toyota sequoia vehicle has experienced severe corrosion of the frame, resulting in under-body mount spare tire separation and rear brake failure. The affected vehicle was purchased in .

Filed Sep 15, 2009 · Driver assistance · 151,128 miles · CA

Sept 09 - vcs & trac lights would come on randomly for last 6 months. Finally yesterday they failed completely. Lights came on, brakes starting vibrating, throttle control was impaired. Dealer recommended replacing vs computer. This is the second time vs system has had a problem. In 07 the dealer replaced the yaw sensor ass. When this happened vcs and trac lights came on, loss of braking and accelerating control. Fortunately when they failed speed was low there fore it was easy to come to a stop. I have requested old part returned to me.

Filed Jul 5, 2007 · Brakes · VA

2003 toyota sequoia with 64000 miles. Vsc/abd lights came on and did come off. The brakes failed on one occasion and quickly came back, but made metal grinding noise. Car was brought to dealer, and was out of warranty. I wa s being told o replace the computer system. They said since there was a tsb, that they might be able to cover 1/2 the cost. There should be a recall on this problem.

Filed Sep 11, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · CA · crash · 4 injuries

When we first bought the vehicle the trac system lights kept coming on and the brakes felt mushy; we took it in to toyota and they replaced the computer system which seemed to rectify the problem. Then about 9 mo to a year later the lights kept coming on again and the brakes failed twice, toyota stated they would replace the brake system fluid and the master cylinder at our cost because we had taken it elsewhere and they felt that it had contaminated brake fluid, which our mechanic stated in writing was not. Although we tried numerous times to have toyota fix it under warranty; we got the vehicle repaired through our own mechanic and then shortly later the brakes failed resulting in a crash on the freeway. When it was decided that the seq would be repaired via ins there was a code that showed up on the computer system that showed that brakes indeed did fail; however when taking it to toyota the same code did not show up. The vehicle did well, however we live by a dirt road and when traveling down the road or going around a corner quickly the trac system lights go on and now the vehicle acts like it won't go when the trac system is on and you slow down or start up again--at present the system is turned off; it has really never worked correctly.

Filed Feb 14, 2006 · Brakes · 31,000 miles · CO

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 MPH and slowing to a stop, the antilock brakes failed causing the check engine and vsc traction light to illuminate. This occurred while attempting to apply brake pressure during normal braking on normal and snow covered roads. The vehicle has been to the dealership four times for inspection due to the antilock brakes. Upon inspections, the dealership reset the computer to make the lights go off. The manufacturer was notified, however no repairs were made. Updated 3/9/2006 -