A valve spring in the engine failed causing one cylinder to fail as well. The failure fortunately happened at low speed and the engine didn't seize. This a known problem with Toyota V8s of this model year and was the reason for a recall of Lexus vehicles with the same engine. Had this happened at highway speed, the engine, we were told, could have experienced a total failure causing the engine to seize likely leading to a serious accident. The car is available for inspection at the moment, but this failure requires a total engine rebuild or an engine replacement which are both very costly and we may have to purchase a new car. The car has not been inspected by Toyota, police, insurance or anyone other than a car service center. There were no warning lights, messages or any symptoms prior to the failure. It was sudden with no warning at all. The car has been very well maintained over the years with regular maintenance done on a consistent schedule.
Toyota Sequoia engine failure problems
16 of the 3,065 owner complaints about the Toyota Sequoia describe engine failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 16
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical mileage
- 120,000
By model year
- 20083
- 20071
- 20053
- 20042
- 20031
- 20022
- 20014
Often reported together
Steering lock-up 3ABS 3Jerking 2Transmission failure 1Pulling 1Harsh shifting 1Grinding brakes 1Brake failure 1
What owners say
The rear liftgate on our 2008 toyota sequoia started acting up late may 2016. The liftgate lock actuator began getting stuck and very difficult to open. Now it cannot be opened by neither the power liftgate button nor manually with the handle. We can see that there is evidence of excessive rust on the actuator. It has seized and are now very concerned that in case of an emergency we will not be able to escape through the rear of the vehicle should all other exits are blocked. Not even the rear window is working and believe that there is a defect affecting the components inside the liftgate itself. Upon researching the matter we have discovered that there are several similar complaints from owners of the same vehicle. We feel this warrants an investigation into this safety-related defect to find out what is causing the excessive rust/corrosion and mechanical failure.
Exsessive rust causing seized bolts related to suspension. Cannot do proper alignment or change leaking shock without major parts being cut from frame.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. While driving 35 MPH, the traction control and vsc warning lights illuminated. Also, the front passenger side wheel seized and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the yaw sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
Driving down road and drivers side front end dropped; the vehicle just seized. The ball joint snapped and the tire buckled on the vehicle there was no brakes or steering. Fortunately I had just exited a major highway onto a straight secondary road when this occurred. I feel if this had happened on the highway I would have been in a major accident; which would have included multiple other vehicles as well..
Vehicle had new front shocks put on as front shocks were rusted and seized, after inspection of vehicle, technician told us frame of the car was severely rusted and had holes in it. He felt it was very unsafe as spare tire could fall off and SUV may not take impact from a crash correctly. We phoned toyota directly and we asked for a technician to come over to our dealer to view the SUV. We were told they could not do that, and we had to go to dealer and have dealer look at it. Dealer looked at it and took pictures and advised us that is in poor condition. They are sending that information over to toyota. Toyota should take this much more seriously as they have had recalls on other vehicles with this same issue. I do not feel safe at all in my car and I bought this new and paid a lot of money for this vehicle. There should be a recall on this issue as this is definitely a safety issue.
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 toyota sequoia. While driving 30 MPH, the steering seized without warning and the vehicle crashed into a tree. The driver sustained unknown injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 110,890.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sequoia. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact lost control of the vehicle, but no crash occurred. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v013000 (suspension), but did not confirm if the vehicle was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that while traveling 75 MPH, the brakes and steering wheel seized. The contact also mentioned that the traction control warning light illuminated. The failure was experienced multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the rotors and brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 09/18/14*lj the consumer stated the failure concerning the vehicle is identical to the failure described in the 2004-2005 model year vehicles. Updated 2/3/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sequoia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the traction light illuminated as the front passenger tire seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the ABS, logic, and control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Toyota Sequoia engine failure
Which Toyota Sequoia years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (4 complaints), 2005 (3 complaints) and 2008 (3 complaints).
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