Toyota Sequoia sr5 problems

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The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV manufactured by Toyota mainly for the North American market since 2000 for the 2001 model year, being derived from the Tundra pickup truck. It is the second largest SUV ever produced under the Toyota brand, after the Japan-exclusive, military-focused Mega Cruiser.

Previously manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana between 2000 and 2021, and then in Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas in San Antonio, Texas since 2022, the Sequoia is the first vehicle from a Japanese marque in the popular mainstream full-sized SUV class in North America, and initial planning done by first-generation Sequoia chief engineer Kaoru Hosokawa aimed the Sequoia directly at the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada, and other full-size SUVs.

Up until the 2021 model year, the Sequoia was slotted between the mid-size 4Runner and the premium Land Cruiser in the North American Toyota SUV lineup. With the discontinuation of North American sales of the Land Cruiser from the 2022 model year onward, the Sequoia became the flagship SUV in Toyota's North America lineup.

As of 2021, the Sequoia is sold in the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica. It is offered in left-hand drive only.

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Toyota Sequoia sr5 model years

toyota sequoia sr5 2003 photo
Sequoia sr5 2003
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Common Toyota Sequoia sr5 problems

The Toyota Sequoia SR5, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the issues that have been reported:

  • Driver's Side Power Window Master Switch Failure: Some second-generation Toyota Sequoias, including the SR5, have a driver's side power window master switch failure. Debris and moisture can get in and cause the switch to short circuit and melt. Toyota has addressed this issue by having its dealers either apply more lubricant to the switch or replace the switch circuit.
  • Premature Front Lower Ball Joint Wear: The front lower ball joint in some first-generation Sequoia SUVs, including the SR5, contains a design flaw that leads to premature ball joint wear. This can cause hard steering and even loss of vehicle control if the ball joint separates from the knuckle. Toyota issued a recall to fix this issue in early 2007.
  • Airbag Deflator Module Chemical Imbalance: In some first-gen Toyota Sequoia vehicles, including the SR5, the passenger front airbag inflator module doesn't have the right chemical balance and may create too much pressure that will cause the airbag to deploy improperly. Toyota issued a recall where all affected Sequoia vehicles will have the module replaced.
  • Unprompted Activation of the Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC): Sometimes the VSC in first-gen Sequoia SUVs, including the SR5, will activate unprompted, causing the brakes to engage and the car to shake and jerk to the side. Toyota recalled over 50,000 Sequoia SUVs to solve this problem in 2010.
  • Frame Rust: The frame in first-gen Sequoia SUVs, including the SR5, is not entirely rust-proof. It's designed in such a way that allows moisture to get in and cause severe rust on the frame and undercarriage. Toyota agreed to extend the rust perforation warranty and fix the undercarriage on some affected Sequoia vehicles for free.
  • Transmission Problems: Earlier models of the Sequoia, including the SR5, were reported to struggle with transmission issues. These issues are pretty expensive to fix, with repair costs as high as $3,500 because the transmission system has to be replaced or rebuilt.
  • Faulty Oxygen Sensor: Many reports of the 2001-2004 Toyota Sequoia models' defective oxygen sensors. As a result, the check engine light illuminates, which can be frustrating since it can mean many things.

These problems do not necessarily mean that the Toyota Sequoia SR5 is a bad car, but potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

Toyota Sequoia sr5

Do Toyota Sequoias have transmission problems?

Toyota announced Wednesday it is recalling nearly 280,000 Toyota Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX 600 vehicles because of a transmission problem that can result in cars rolling forward while in neutral.

Is the Toyota Sequoia a reliable car?

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

What is the best year for a used Toyota Sequoia?

Here are the Toyota Sequoia's most reliable years:

  • 2009 Toyota Sequoia.
  • 2010 Toyota Sequoia.
  • 2011 Toyota Sequoia.
  • 2012 Toyota Sequoia.
  • 2013 Toyota Sequoia.
  • 2014 Toyota Sequoia.
  • 2015 Toyota Sequoia.
  • 2016 Toyota Sequoia.

How long do Toyota Sequoia engines last?

300,000 miles

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.

Are you having problems with your Toyota Sequoia sr5?

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Toyota Sequoia sr5 photo