Check a VIN

2004 Toyota Sequoia driver assistance complaints

Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 124, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Toyota Sequoia driver assistance problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 20, 2016 · Driver assistance · 54,000 miles · MD

I have to add my voice to the crowd. The vsc trac, vsc off, and ABS brake warning lights come on intermittently. Loses power. Toyota wants $1500+ to replace a computer and they don't guarantee a fix. This problem occurs while on the road and sometimes after just starting it up in the driveway. It's a known issue that toyota should fix..

Filed Jul 13, 2016 · Driver assistance · 159,200 miles · SC

Vsc trac, vsc off and check engine lights come on and will not go off. Have had this happen before years ago. Searched and this is a common problem that needs to be addressed. Lights came as vehicle was in motion.

Filed Jul 5, 2016 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 153,000 miles · AZ

Abs and trac lights came on while driving approx. 65 MPH. Alarm tone started, and car slowed with a pulsating braking action. After a short time alarm stopped and braking action stopped. Very scary...afraid to drive now.

Filed May 12, 2016 · Driver assistance, Lights · 161,000 miles · TX

Vsc track sensor and engine check lights came on while driving at 40 MPH in the city. I have noticed in the past two months that when I slow to make a turn the breaks lock up and grind, but not always. The safety break is also on. I have read that when the vsc lights do come on that you cannot go over 50 miles an hour or when on the highway the car will slow down to 50 and cannot go any faster. I'm afraid of this happening when traveling on the highway.

Filed Apr 30, 2016 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 155,600 miles · FL

I am the original owner of this vehicle, it currently has 155,600 miles on it. I have been very happy with toyota and this vehicle until my recent incidents involving inability to stop while at slow speeds, followed by a loud noise and shaking and three lights illuminate when this occurs: brake, vsc, and trac control. After reading the many reports, I realize that this is quite common and am upset that toyota has done nothing about it! I had my car towed to the dealer after the first incident as it was so frightening that I would not drive it. The sensors were no longer on and toyota told me there was nothing wrong (my front brakes and rotors were replaced by them a few months prior). It happened again a few weeks later, this time I turned the car off and back on and got the lights to go off, then I drove it directly to my mechanic. He found three error codes associated with the ABS system. He said it's expensive to replace so he reset the system and we decided to see if that works. Now, a week or so after the reset, it happened to me again in traffic. After reading all of the other very similar reports, I no longer feel safe to drive my car! Please make toyota be responsible for their negligence to their customer's safety! I found reports on this dating back to 2004 and I know there was a recall done on the 2003 models.

Filed Mar 1, 2016 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 120,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that the traction light remained illuminated and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The traction control, brake, and check engine lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the software for the brake control module needed to be updated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and gave the contact a reference. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Nov 2, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 160,000 miles · MD

Abs/ trac/skid light come on at different speeds and brakes jerk you back and forth on road. If someone were next to you, you would hit them. Suv make ABS grinding sound when this happens. The truck acts like it is in nutural, wont move. If you turn SUV on off a few times,its start acting normal again. My teen age daughter was jurked of road into grass 2times this mth. Bought SUV new.

Filed May 21, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 158,000 miles · AR

I bought my car used two weeks ago from an individual. I noticed on my way home that the seatbelt light would come on and then go back off while I was driving, even though I was wearing my seatbelt. A few days later, as I was pulling into my daughter's driveway, the brake light came on. I turned the car off, and the next time I started up, the light didn't come on. It came on again several days later while my husband was driving the car. The next light to come on was my fuel light. The gauge said my car was on empty, and I knew I had at least half a tank of gas. I began to grow concerned with the vehicle, so I took it to my toyota dealer yesterday. They told me I needed a new seatbelt clip and a fuel sensor, which are "minor", but that I also needed a new master cylinder, brake pads and rotors, and several other brake-related issues, plus there is a problem with the skid control - all to the tune of $5,900. I decided to get a second opinion, but in the meantime, in researching this particular vehicle, I saw many people have posted comments regarding the skid control/brake system on 2002-2004 sequoias. Apparently a recall was issued for the model year 2003, but nothing has been done to help owners of 2004 models, and I am wondering why.

Filed Mar 10, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 85,000 miles · AR

Upon leaving my driveway multiple times car starts beeping and lights flashing and finally corrects itself. In 2010 I had "yaw rate sensor" replaced at a cost of $511.00. Then the brake light on the dash continued to come on. I finally took it in to the toyota dealer and they told me I needed the "skid control ecu" replaced at a cost of $907.00 plus tax. I refused this because they assured me the brakes are still working fine. There have been numerous complaints to toyota on this model and similar model sequoias. Tsb's have been issued but no recalls. Please help us get this problem addressed with toyota.

Filed Feb 25, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 82,000 miles · TX

I have a '04 sequoia 4wd ltd, my vsc trac, vsc off and ABS lights come on and stay on, they never go off. The visit to a dealer ended with them stating that they could not read any codes, so the vsc computer needs to be replaced, about $1,500.00 total. The car is not experiencing any problems, but, the lights stay on.....sequoia has 83k miles. Anyone offer any advice or help to solve the problems?

Filed Jan 15, 2015 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 98,000 miles · WI

Sequoia vsc trac sensor lights turning on and off. This problem affects toyota sequoia from 2003 - 2005. There is a recall for 2003 model but not 2004. Other drivers report a loss of power (total loss of power - the vehicle shut off) while the car in driving. Here is the recall for the 2003 model: recall id # 68549 - electronic stability control plus recall date: apr 30, 2010 model affected: 2003 toyota sequoia summary: toyota is recalling certain model year 2003 sequoia passenger vehicles manufactured from april 1, 2002 through april 17, 2003. The center position of the steering angle sensor (sas) may not be stored correctly due to improper logic of the skid control ecu programming. The vehicle stability control (vsc) system could activate at low speed for a few seconds during acceleration from a stopped position. Consequences: should this occur, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: toyota will notify owners and dealers will re-flash the ecu. If the re-flash cannot be completed on a particular vehicle, the ecu will be replaced with a new one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Potential units affected: 50000.

Filed Oct 6, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 130,000 miles · VA

At apparently random times the ((!)) light indicating a problem with the brakes will turn on. Sometimes without warning the brakes will lock up at low speeds for a split second locking up the wheels. A little research showed that the 2003 of the same make and model had a recall (10v176000) that describes my problem in detail. I think this recall should be extended to 2004 model. I post on a forum got a lot of action with people having the same issue. This is very dangerous and since I regularly tow 5000lbs I would hate for this to occur then. The replacement part is available only from toyota and at a serious price tag.

Filed Aug 22, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 165,000 miles · CA

Sequoia vsc trac sensor lights turning on and off and hearing grinding noise when it auto-engage and disengage. This problem affects toyota sequoia from 2003 - 2005. They a recall for 2003 model but not 1004 and 2005. Other driver report a loss of power (total loss of power - the vehicle shut off) while the car in driving. Here is the recall for the 2003 model: recall id # 68549 - electronic stability control plus recall date: apr 30, 2010 model affected: 2003 toyota sequoia summary: toyota is recalling certain model year 2003 sequoia passenger vehicles manufactured from april 1, 2002 through april 17, 2003. The center position of the steering angle sensor (sas) may not be stored correctly due to improper logic of the skid control ecu programming. The vehicle stability control (vsc) system could activate at low speed for a few seconds during acceleration from a stopped position. Consequences: should this occur, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: toyota will notify owners and dealers will re-flash the ecu. If the re-flash cannot be completed on a particular vehicle, the ecu will be replaced with a new one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Potential units affected: 50000.

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Driver assistance, Suspension · 204,255 miles · MI

Vsc trac light and trac off lights on. Also service engine light on. Won't shut off. Brake light also comes on and then off for no reason. I see on complaint list this is issue for many years but toyota refuses to recall vehicles. Maybe not enough injuries or deaths or law suits yet. Not a good way toyota treats customers. Toyota should recall and fix vehicles that have built in - designed in defects. Very disappointing. Also a couple years ago the front ball joint broke...luckily driving slowly and not on the highway.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 156,000 miles · NJ

Date and mileage above are approximate. While accelerating on an up inclined entrance ramp to the ben franklin bridge in philadelphia, the engine lost speed and the vehicle quickly slowed. No one was behind me so there was minimal danger. The behavior was similar to snow/ice skid control whereby the engine decouples and the accelerator pedal becomes useless. After about 5 seconds power returned. On 6/24/2014 (mileage 165,400) my brake light came on. I coincidentally had an 5,000 mile service appointment today (6/24/2014) and the diagnosis was a code c1247 - ABS ecu (computer) is failing. The mechanic explained that the ecu had failing circuits, or failing solder connections. A little internet research suggested that the unit might simply have logic problems. The mechanic advised that when the brake light is on, all skid control and ABS functionality is gone. As the light was on for a short period of time, and is now off I am going to see how the vehicle performs and if safety is effected.

Filed Jun 11, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 93,243 miles · VA

Yes, we just purchased this used 04 sequoia from a private party seller and everything was fine the first month we drove it then the vsc light and the trac off light came on. Now the check engine light is on and we had it tested at autozone for free. The testing showed a bad o2 sensor. The car still drives fine its just the lights are on. Its really irritating. I googled it and read a bunch of customer complaints about this same issue. I read that the 03 sequoias were recalled for these issues.

Filed May 12, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 206,178 miles · TX

Vsc, traction control light, and check engine light activated and is now staying illuminated. Slight loss of power and hesitation during acceleration.

Filed May 12, 2014 · Driver assistance · 160,000 miles · FL

Recently the traction control lights have come on and I am told the ecu needs replacing. Also at the same time the check engine light came on. I am being told by dealer that ecu will need to be replaced that it is a common problem with the vehicle and he repaired many.

Filed Apr 6, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 48,000 miles · MO

We purchased our sequoia in july of 2004. On dec. 20, 2006 the vsc off and vsc trac lights came on. We took the car in to our toyota dealer on jan. 3, 2007 (48,127 mi) to have them take a look at it. We were told the lights were on because of a charcoal canister that needed replacing. We replaced the canister on aug. 8, 2007 (58,184 mi.) at a cost of approx. $425. We believe this cost should have been covered under the emission system's warranty but the dealer said 'no' and we reluctantly paid it. On a trip to ca, the oil pressure gauge quit working. We went to a toyota dealer in victorville, ca on dec.3, 2007 (66,587 mi.) we were told the oil pressure was fine but the 'combo meter' needed replacing at an estimated cost of $900. We declined the service. At some point after that, the vsc off and vsc trac lights came back on. On april 1, 2009 (87,456 mi.) we took the car in to the toyota dealer to have them check on the lights. We were told the 'skid control ecu' needed replacing at an estimated cost of $1400. We declined the service. The lights are still on to this day at 165,977 miles. In dec. 2011, after a snowy day, we were traveling about 25 MPH when the car broke traction and sent us spinning 180* out-of-control. If it wasn't for a snow berm we would have rolled down a hill into a pond. This vehicle is unsafe!! I'm sure we have paid dearly for the stability control feature in this car but it has been inoperable for most of time we've owned it. This is definitely a manufacturer's defect that should be recalled and made right. We don't believe we should have to bear the cost of fixing this problem ourselves.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 100,000 miles · CA

This appears to be exceptionally common. The vsc trac, vsc off and ABS and parking brake lights come on, the brakes are degraded and the front end vibrates as the brakes appear to be pulsing. This has happened at least 10 times over the years. At first we thought it was the emergency brake and we had the tightened, since it seemed that there might be something loose and it was engaging as we drove. That wasn't it, obviously and it continues to occur. With such a heavy, large car, we have nearly rear-ended others, but got lucky. Each time the car pulls to one side sharply and you have to stop and restart the car to get all the lights to turn off and come back to normal. I have had the brakes done and redone several times and this still occurs.. On each occasion we could get out of it, but its only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Toyota has obviously ignored this..I have download the complaints and there are >500 on this very topic. As I read through all these, the similarity between them is beyond coincidence and it appears that nothing actually fixes this. As of right now, I cannot let my family drive this car. I am bringing it into to the dealer (with copies of all these complaints) and see what comes of it. My hopes are not high. The recall in 2003 seems like they tried to address this (not clear if it was same issue). My concern really is that someone has to get killed. The issue with that logic is that dead people don't fill out complaints and if there was a death, it appears that the error/diagnostic codes do not register and get saved for retrieval (from reading all these complaints). Serious crashes would be investigated, codes would be looked at and nothing would come up. Case closed. What would happen, toyota, if all accidents got re-investigated? How much would that cost? Ask the gm ceo how much their investigation is costing.

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 124,965 miles · MD

The skid control light flashes at randomly at low speeds causing the vehicle not to accelerate; and at times during a left turn;took vehicle to toyota dealer I was informed that skid computer was identifying a skidding condition during wet conditions, but the surface was dry. This defect can cause an accident from the rear or oncoming traffic. Other 2004 models have reported similar problems with ESC, trac control and ABS.

Filed Feb 15, 2014 · Driver assistance · 95,000 miles · MD

The vehicle skid control light would flash and the vehicle would not accelerate sometimes during left turns and in slow traffic, pausing a few seconds before accelerating again. This action seems to be hazardous possibly causing an accident. Reported this problem to toyota dealer. Their response was the vehicle skid control computer sensed wet conditions therefore adjusting for skidding. As I told the dealer, this problem happen mostly on dry pavement and at slow speeds.

Filed Oct 28, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 113,000 miles · OK

2004 toyota sequoia sr5 with 4wd with about 113,000 miles. We started out on our first road trip saturday and were having no issues until we stopped to get gas an hour and a half into the trip. After getting gas we got back on the highway. Once we sped up to about 70mph the vcs light started blinking and the vehicle started slowing down on its own from 70 to about 45. We would try to accelerate the car with the gas peddle while this was happening, but it didn't help. Once the speed dropped to about 45 the gas peddle would respond and we could speed back up to about 70 or 80. Then the cycle would start all over again. Over the course of a 13 hour road trip this happened off and on about half of the trip. While the car slows down on its own, pressing the gas peddle either doesn't do anything or at times it just revs the RPM's without increasing speed. We tried several different things to get this problem to stop. We disconnected the battery to try to reset the computer but that did not work. We also tried to put it into 4wd and take it out and it seemed that sometimes helped and at other times it didn't. Sometimes the light will flicker and doesn't seem to really affect the acceleration as much. Other times it will really act up and we have to put on the hazard lights and finally get off the highway to try something out of desperation. All of this happens on dry, smooth highways. It has happened multiple days in a row. It only seems to act up when we are going above 55 or 60 MPH.

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · FL

Vsc off, vsc trac lights go on and off all the time. Along with the check engine lights.

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 85,000 miles · FL

While decelerating towards an intersection that I had to stop at vsc dash indicator light, brake light, & trac light all came on. Then, as I pressed the brake pedal I heard deep crunching noises from the braking system (sounded like front end). There was also loud "clanking" noises, as if something was banging around the inside of the rim or brake rotor. All the noises were also physically felt on my braking foot at the same time they sounded. My foot was being dropped and pushed noticeably by the brake pedal. I almost rear-ended the car in front of me because the braking power from fluctuating independently from strong to almost none within a matter of a few seconds. The same dash warning lights have been continuing to turn on for the last 5 or 6 weeks (sometimes all of them, sometimes one at a time), but the physical braking issue happened to me again today 9-11-13. I was on a back street so I tried to video it with my phone but couldn't get the camera set to video in time; and it stopped after occurring at three different braking attempts. The car fluctuated its way to a stop with the same crunching noises (no clanking) this time. The pressure fully changed on the brake pedal as the issue took place and I had little control of exactly when braking would happen. Have you seen the amount of times this is happening? Are you reading these threads? I'm concerned to take my kids in the car. I'm concerned in letting my less experienced 18 year old drive it as usual. I went to the dealer and they were clueless and said that was part if the way the car kept me safe on wet roads. Neither incident occur on wet roads. I've been driving for 25 years; I did not have control of the braking in my vehicle two times in last 6 weeks due to a vehicle system going haywire! Driving this vehicle is a hazard! Please do something before someone gets hurt or killed because of this!

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 151,000 miles · CT

Driving to a stop when vsc lights, ABS, check engine light,trac off dashboard indicator lights turned on. When brakes were applied, experienced a jumping. Already had brakes replaced, tires rotated and alignment done. Contacted auto service technician and was told after a diagnostic was performed that issue is due to a faulty computer system with the ABS system how the computer reads the car performance. Was told that only a toyota dealer would have to replace the entire computer system which is costly. The warning lights go on and off randomly as if the computer system is malfunctioning.

Filed Sep 5, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 48,000 miles · NY

The problem with my SUV, is the vsc trac and brake light come on and goes away and I can smell something on the two back brakes burning. I lost a previous truck before. It flipped over can't say if this caused it to flip. I hope toyota can recall these SUV's and fix it. My local shop can't get a code on this fault.

Filed Aug 25, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · TX

Vsc off light on trac off light is on.

Filed Aug 24, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 105,000 miles · AZ

Cornering at about 65 or so on highway. Sensors went off, terrible grinding noise, shaky steering.

Filed Aug 17, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 111,063 miles · NJ

Vsc, vsc trac off, and brake light indicators come on and off at will. Toyota service center said that there is a skid control ecu malfunction. Fixing costs~$1100. Just noticed that this issue has been reported a lot on online forums and on this website.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2004 Toyota Sequoia?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history