2004 Toyota Sequoia: brake failure

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · CA

Description of the Safety Crash/Informed Incident: Vehicle Information: 2004 Toyota Sequoia (VIN: [XXX]) Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Police Agency: California Highway Patrol (Report #:[XXX]) Speed at Incident: Highway speeds (~65 MPH) Description of Defect/Failure: Structural mechanical failure leading to sudden, catastrophic wheel separation at highway speeds. Nine days prior to the incident, on [XXX], the vehicle underwent a comprehensive brake, rotor, and tire rotation service at a certified Toyota dealership (Toyota of Chula Vista, Work Order #[XXX]). While traveling on the interstate, the right rear passenger wheel assembly completely detached from the moving vehicle. As a result, the wheel flew off crossing several traffic lanes, traveling over a jersey wall on the freeway shoulder, landing into a nearby drainage ditch. The vehicle dropped onto the remaining brake/rotor assembly, generating extreme sparks, causing an immediate loss of braking pressure, and creating an imminent threat of a rollover or multi-vehicle fatal collision. Subsequent post-incident inspection on a maintenance lift revealed that all wheel studs on the right rear hub were completely sheared or stripped off. This indicates a severe technician failure to properly torque the wheel lug nuts to factory specifications during reassembly, or an un-diagnosed structural failure of the wheel mounting components following certified dealer service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 4, 2015 · Brakes · 152,000 miles · GA

My 2004 toyota sequoia experienced brake failure at 10 miles per hour. I was looking to make a turn at the light and my vehicle gave me a huge jerk and the brakes begin to give out. After the brake failure the vs and brakes light came on. I have seen a lot of people posting this problem with there vehicle. I am looking for help since my children drive my vehicle sometimes. Help!!! I brought this vehicle because of it's reputation. However, after seeing all the issues with this vehicle and toyota refusal to repair the problem, my family will be looking else where.

Filed Sep 16, 2014 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · NC

I purchased the vehicle used in 2008 with approximately 40,000 miles on it. Shortly after I got it, the brake light came on for what seemed like no noticeable reason. I had it checked out by the dealer and they said nothing was wrong. Throughout the time I've had the vehicle, the brake light continues to come on periodically. I've had it checked out a few times and they always say nothing is wrong. About two weeks ago I was stopping for a red light and all of a sudden the brake pedal went to the floor. I brought it in and they said there was air in the line, which they fixed. After that time my brake light came on several times, but I thought it was just the false alarms that I had always gotten. Then last night (9/15/2014) I had the problem once again with the pedal went to the floor when I was trying to stop for a light and the vehicle wouldn't stop until I lifted my foot off the brake and put it back on. Now the dealer says there is a leak in the master cylinder. One of my fears from all these years of the brake light coming on for no real reason was that one day it would come on for a valid reason and I wouldn't know because of all the previous false alarm lights. As we all know brakes failing can cause injuries or deaths.

Filed Apr 2, 2012 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the brakes failed the contact noticed a loud grinding noise. In addition, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle stability control warning light was illuminated as the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised the contact that the skid control computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 13, 2010 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact was driving 25 MPH when the traction control and emergency brake warning lights illuminated. Within seconds, the brakes failed. The dealer performed a diagnostic and advised that the skid control unit would need replacing. The skid control unit was reset at the dealer but did not remedy the issue. The contact stated there were numerous complaints online regarding the vehicle skid control unit and believed that the manufacturer should issue a recall for the failure to prevent serious injury. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2010 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · MI

My wife and I own a 2004 toyota sequoia. We bought it brand new back in 2004. Around 90,000 miles we had issues where the brakes failed. Pedal went to the floor board. Fluid was fine and pads were fine. Dealer said the front caliper pins were frozen. They fixed it. But now the brake lights keep coming on. Not sure why. Front and rear brakes are new. Worried about brakes failing again with my wife and kids in the car. My wife very worried as well. We owned a sienna in the past and now a sequoia. May not purchase a toyota again for safety concerns. With news today of toyota safety issues we decided to check the web and enter this complaint to help maybe get a recall to help make the vehicles safe and save lives. This is not good.

Filed Aug 4, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 55,659 miles · PA

*******2004 toyota sequoia ltd vsc computer failure, wheel lockup on left********* brake light, vsc and trac light all came on. I was driving approx. 20 MPH and the left front wheel locked up and the car pulled sharply to the left. The brake pedal went to the floor and I lost brake pedal effectiveness. I turned the car off and restarted it and all lights went out and brake feel and effectiveness appears ok. I took the car straight to the dealer for inspection. For the last 2 years the brake light would come on and stay on and when I turned off the car and restarted it the light would go off. For 2 years my local dealer in butler, pa could not get a failure code. When I took the car for diagnostics, the cause was the ECM part number 89541-oc062 at a cost of about $1377.00. They replaced it at the great dealership in langhorne,pa. I have 55,659 miles on this vehicle. Since the repair the brake warning light has come on one time and stayed on, when we restarted the car it went away. I will return to dealer to have this checked again next time it comes on. It seems to me that this lockup of the wheel and loss of braking effectiveness is a real big safety issue on these vehicles. Please get back to me to tell me if the federal safety agency is looking into this situation. Thank you!