2004 Toyota Sequoia transmission problems

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · MN

I own a 2004 Toyota Sequoia and have owned it since it was built by Toyota. In 2013 Toyota had a safety recall on the frame for that vehicle because in certain Northern states they are having issues with the frame rotting and braking. I brought my vehicle in May of 2013 and Carlson Toyota in Minnesota inspected. It said that it passed and they installed a corrosion kit. This vehicle has been meticulously cared for over the years and it still looks that way on the exterior and interior. I have always had this vehicle enrolled in a car wash club so it gets washed almost daily in the winter and has for its entire life. But the frame of this vehicle is to the point now where it shouldn't be driven. It is so dangerously, rotted and breaking apart. I had the vehicle in Florida for spring break and while I was driving it there it was making some weird clunking noises. So I took it to a repair shop and the frame repair shop said that the frame was beyond repair and probably should not be driven. But it was my only vehicle and I had no choice but to drive it back to Minnesota. Since then I've had several issues when taking off and stopping with loud clunking noises, but it is my daily vehicle and I believe that Toyota should do something to fix it or replace it.

Filed May 18, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 240,000 miles · TN

When turning left or right, and at low speeds, vts is turning on and causing the vehicle to lose power. This happens when pulling out in front of traffic and I cannot speed up until the vehicle is straight.

Filed Oct 20, 2016 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 155,400 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that the ABS, vsc, four wheel drive, and other brake system warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who contacted the dealer regarding the codes that appeared during the diagnostic test. The dealer was unsure of what the codes indicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,400. Updated 12/21/16*lj updated 06/25/18

Filed May 4, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 98,000 miles · NY

Brakes do not work correctly. There was a recall on the sequoia however, when I called toyota last month they had told me that I was unable to have the recall taken care of because my time had expired! How can that be possible if there is a defect in the sequoia? Sure enough I was driving and there was a problem stopping as had been noted in the recall. This is extremely dangerous and unfair! If I get into an accident toyota will be liable! What can I do about this???

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Steering, Transmission · 116,376 miles · CA

After pressing the 4wd and center differential button, the center differential froze and would not unlock. The dealer mechanic could not unlock the differential and had to replace the solenoid (switch) in order to resolve the problem. The dealer claims this is due to a maintenance issue ( such as lock and unlock the center differential a few times a year) but we disagree. There I no information about this in the owner's manual or maintenance instructions. This should not occur or if the solenoid is faulty, the center differential should not remain locked as this is causes a serious steering safety problem.

Filed Sep 30, 2013 · Transmission · FL · crash

Shift lever assembly may allow rollaway. I initially was wondering and second guessing myself but this is something that never happened to me with another vehicle so I did find it strange until I saw this recall. I do think the sequoia has the same problem as the sienna because twice this has happened to me once in my driveway and the second time was at a gas station. I had to jump in the vehicle because it started to roll back almost 2 mins after I got out of the vehicle and caused some damage to my door while I was trying to jump back into the vehicle before it caused major damage. I know the car mfg do not want to fix these problems because it costs them millions of dollars but I think people lives are worth much more. They need to own up before it costs them more.

Filed Jun 17, 2013 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · NY

The rear differential housing has rusted to the point that the lubricant leaked out. I understand talking to the dealership this a common problem along with the frame rusting. If I had not noticed the oil puddle on the ground I would have continued to drive this vehicle until the rear differential gears seized. Need I say more? If the rear end became inoperable this vehicle would go out of control.

Filed Sep 6, 2011 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 86,000 miles · CT

Vehicle will suddenly lose power at speed. Vsc light is on at this time. Grinding noise audible.

Filed Mar 16, 2011 · Brakes, Seat belts · MD

2004 toyota sequoia. Consumer states that toyota has inherent braking system defects and possible defect in the drive shaft *tgw the consumer stated at 16,117 the dealer found the front rotors were rusted and the brake pads were worn down requiring replacement of the front brake pads and resurfacing the front rotors. At 20, 230 miles, the brake warning light illuminated. The dealer found code c1247; skid control ecu had an internal failure. At 35,999 the brake warning light illuminated again. The dealer found codes c1247 ad c1223; ABS control system malfunction and intermittent failure of the booster assembly. The dealer also found the drive shaft yoke needed modification. Additionally, the front seat belts tightened to the point where the consumer was unable to move forward to look out the side view mirror.

Filed Nov 9, 2010 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 90,000 miles · FL

Problem with ecu unit, vsc trac and trac off light coming on in vehicle. The brakes were recently changed and it is now making a screeching noise. Something is not right. When I purchased this vehicle and took it to toyota for some other recall they told me that my ecu unit needed to be changed. The ecu unit is now on recall but they are restricting it to only 2003 model. I have a 2004 & it has the same problem the 2003 has. I feel sorry for all the money they had to pay out with other defects but I feel if there is a problem then they should own up to it and fix it. My vehicle is also losing power on turns and I think it is from this same issue based on the forums I have read. This can be dangerous especially when making turns in oncoming traffic. I would feel really bad for toyota if I were to get in an accident for something they can own up to and just repair in good faith. Very frustrated consumer.