NHTSA vehicle safety data

2001 Toyota Sequoia Recalls & Complaints

The 2001 Toyota Sequoia has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 530 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Toyota dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2001 Toyota Sequoia. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2001 Toyota Sequoia owner complaints

Owners have filed 530 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Toyota Sequoia, describing incidents dated January 1, 2001 to April 8, 2025.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 167 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 130 complaints
Structure 101 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 101 complaints
Traction Control System 54 complaints
Steering 51 complaints

Of the 530 complaints on file, 20 report a crash; across all 530 complaints, owners report 16 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11653472 · Filed April 8, 2025
Took my toyota in for repair at they deemed it not safe to drive
ODI #11638521 · Filed January 25, 2025
I own a 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5, which I purchased new in Colorado and moved to Virginia in 2004. I received a Toyota Limited Service Campaign Program notice in 2013 about excessive corrosion on the frame. Alexandria Toyota inspected the vehicle and applied a Corrosion-Resistant Compound to the…
ODI #11594461 · Filed June 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he became aware of a cranking sound and the vehicle suddenly started jerking and shaking. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, and the front wheel speed…

Read all 530 complaints

Owner-reported

2001 Toyota Sequoia mileage at failure

417 of the 530 complaints on file for the 2001 Toyota Sequoia give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Service Brakes	Median 110,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–150,000 miles	Based on 135 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	Median 135,000 miles	Middle half 100,000–160,000 miles	Based on 122 complaints
Structure	Median 130,000 miles	Middle half 90,000–160,000 miles	Based on 72 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 125,000 miles	Middle half 95,000–160,000 miles	Based on 95 complaints
Traction Control System	Median 125,000 miles	Middle half 100,000–150,000 miles	Based on 51 complaints
Steering	Median 155,000 miles	Middle half 125,000–175,000 miles	Based on 41 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2001 Toyota Sequoia in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE16-006: Yaw rate sensor malfunction
Closed December 20, 2016

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

MASTER CYLINDER LEAK

NHTSA #07E023000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 29, 2007 · CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Potentially affected: 13,128 vehicles

Owners notified April 2, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Safety consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E049000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2006 · CK MOTORSPORT, INC.

Potentially affected: 27,176 vehicles

Owners notified July 1, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA/ALLOY WHEEL UPGRADE

NHTSA #02V129000 · Wheels · NHTSA notice

Reported May 1, 2002 · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS

Potentially affected: 3,041 vehicles

Owners notified July 15, 2002 · Vehicles built through May 20, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ALLOY WHEEL TIRE UPGRADE (OPTIONS WM4, WM8, ZL1-ZL4, DH4, OR DH5) INSTALLED BY THE PROCESSING CENTERS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA OR COMMERCE, GEORGIA, A LABEL IDENTIFYING THE SPARE TIRE AS A TEMPORARY USE SPARE TIRE WAS NOT INSTALLED. THE UPGRADE INCLUDES 4 LARGER SIZE TIRES WITH ALLOY WHEELS. THE ORIGINAL SPARE TIRE/STEEL WHEEL IS NOT PART OF THE UPGRADE AND WAS NOT CHANGED.

Safety consequence

DIFFERENT OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CAN BE EXPERIENCED WHEN THE SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND AN INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2001 Toyota Sequoia. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

530 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Toyota Sequoia.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11653472

Incident: April 8, 2025 · Filed: April 8, 2025

Took my toyota in for repair at they deemed it not safe to drive

Structure; Service Brakes

ODI #11638521

Incident: November 26, 2024 · Filed: January 25, 2025

I own a 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5, which I purchased new in Colorado and moved to Virginia in 2004. I received a Toyota Limited Service Campaign Program notice in 2013 about excessive corrosion on the frame. Alexandria Toyota inspected the vehicle and applied a Corrosion-Resistant Compound to the frame. They also replaced the spare tire carrier assembly due to rusting. Over the years, I've had mechanics mention the rust on the frame but Toyota never issued a recall on the 2001 Sequoia. In November 2024, the following dashboard lights remained on while driving: Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) OFF, VSC TRAC and Brake Lights. I took it to Steven’s Auto Clinic in Alexandria. They found low brake fluid levels were causing the brake system failure. The brake pipes are leaking due to heavy rust. In addition, rust was destroying the under carriage. The brake system and frame would require extensive maintenance. They warned me NOT to drive the car. They refilled the brake fluid to allow me to take the car home. Reading the Complaints under Structure on the NHTSA website, dozens of customers over the years mention serious rusting on the frame of their 2001 Sequoias. I believe Toyota had a recall to replace the frame on the Tundra but never included the 2001 Sequoia even though it was built on the Tundra frame. I now have a vehicle I can’t drive, due to safety concerns, and I can’t sell, except for parts. The Sequoia should have been included in the Tundra recall. Toyota needs to be held accountable. I can provide any paperwork for my 2001 Sequoia including the Limited Service Campaign Program notice and the repair order from Stephen’s Auto Clinic if necessary. I can also provide the vehicle for inspection.

Engine

ODI #11594461

Incident: December 22, 2022 · Filed: June 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he became aware of a cranking sound and the vehicle suddenly started jerking and shaking. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, and the front wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the failure had gotten worse over time. The contact also stated that while searching online, he became aware that the failure was a common failure with similar vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000.

Structure

ODI #11579250

Incident: January 23, 2023 · Filed: March 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for a diagnostic test; however, the dealer declined to perform the diagnostic test, stating that the sub frame was unstable, and an unknown recall campaign had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated the dealer informed him there was a recall for the sub frame, however, the recall had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Service Brakes

ODI #11574187

Incident: February 27, 2024 · Filed: February 27, 2024

No accident. Just frame issues. If you can. Can I please get a voucher for frame repair. I really like this SUV. Thank you!

Power Train; Structure

ODI #11564516

Incident: January 7, 2024 · Filed: January 9, 2024

Rear axle is rusted to the point where differential fluid is leaking out of the body. There is extreme rust in general which has led to the failure of multiple components such as the oil pressure sending unit. Check engine light is on. This hasn't been verified by a shop or agency, only by me. These issues were discovered shortly after purchase this year.

Steering; Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes

ODI #11537179

Incident: August 7, 2023 · Filed: August 8, 2023

While driving my 2001 Sequoia SR5 with only 74,750 miles on freeways at speeds between 55 and 65 mph, the SUV's braking system activates unexpectedly and without cause. The VSC check engine lighting and warning sound illuminate. My SUV veered to the right, the steering wheel vibrated, and it went into a skid when the brakes were abruptly engaged, causing it to skid. My SUV abruptly decelerated as if it had lost power. This situation was hazardous for other vehicles who could not tell if they were applying the brakes due to the absence of visible brake lights to prevent a collision. Fortunately, I responded defensively and avoided collisions with other vehicles and roadside obstacles. This issue is a safety concern; if it occurs at the wrong moment, a tragedy can be avoided. I've seen more than a hundred complaints from other proprietors and a completed NHTSA investigation. Sequoia models from 2001 and subsequent years were recalled for the same issue. Before a life is lost, Toyota must address this issue in all model years.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11528881

Incident: June 26, 2023 · Filed: June 26, 2023

No incident. Frame is getting a little rusted. Can you please send me a voucher for a recall.

Suspension

ODI #11502148

Incident: January 13, 2023 · Filed: January 17, 2023

Complete failure and separation of the lower ball joint. Caused the wheel to fall off, damaging the front fender and jamming the front door making the door stuck closed. Fortunate we did not crash into anything and kill anyone. A very close call.

Suspension

ODI #11491922

Incident: July 7, 2021 · Filed: November 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the front driver’s side wheel bearing fracture causing the tire to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the front wheel bearing was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Other Toyota Sequoia model years

Check your 2001 Toyota Sequoia VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Toyota Sequoia at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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