general problems of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia - part 1

They should not have towed my car.

I was driving my 2002 Toyota Sequoia on the freeway at approximately 65 mph on the [xxx] when suddenly the vehicle made a beeping noise and the vsc light and trac light came on. The vehicle suddenly lost control in the wheels and tires and suddenly decelerated out-of-nowhere. Due to the sudden, abrupt movement and loss of control, the vehicle nearly flipped over. It was an extremely dangerous, possibly life-threatening situation. Thankfully, I was attentive and alert and had both hands on the wheel and was able to get the vehicle in control. This happened before two times and this would be the third time. I have taken the vehicle to several different auto repair shops and they have been unable to pin point and fix the problem. Because this issue continues to happen and puts me into dangerous situations repeatedly, I firmly believe that this is a bigger malfunctioning/defect problem that Toyota needs to address and fix. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The frame and attached components of the 2002 Sequoia are rusting at alarming rates. Seemingly surface quickly turned into structurally penetrating rust (I. E. Holes in the frame rails). Additionally rocker panels and wheel arches show signs of significant penetrating rust. Pieces of rusted metal were found under the car on my driveway recently.

Frame of vehicle is rusting. Never reserved any recall notifications. Called Toyota supervisor said not covered missed deadline. Now have to pay $2000 + for undercoating. Toyota should pay for it they are refusing. I am not the only one not being g notified.

The frame of the vehicle has severe rust and now has holes in the frame, making it unsafe to drive and possibly causing an accident. Meticulous care has been taken of this vehicle and it is never taken off road or abused. I’ve had several other vehicles and have never had this frame rust safety issue.

The frame is rusting out in the key places needs to be replaced or remedied for future vehicles.

While driving around 50 mph, the traction control and vsc warning lights illuminated and the brakes started locking up, which made me seem like the traction control kicked in. The front wheels started seizing and the vehicle started jerking in middle of the highway. I had to pull over and have a cousin pick up my parents that were riding in the car and had to restart the vehicle. I was able to drive it home with the problem happening again right as I was taking my exit to my home.

I just bought my Jeep yesterday 2/29/2020 and I drove it off the lot and it feels like it's about fall apart, so I checked underneath the car and the sub frame is rusted so bad it can't even go on a mechanical lift because I tried to get an oil change and they couldn't do it and I can't even get brakes on it because it's to rusted. . . I have 4 children is this is not safe I really don't know what to do.

Traction control system warning lights, came on while driving about 25 mph in sunny weather in deerpark texas. Two dash lights came on connected to traction failure? I have not ever seen these lights on before. I see the 2003 models were recalled for ths problem. What about my 2002 Toyota Sequoia?.

An individual in oklahoma is trying to sell this vehicle with a rolled back odometer. I'm not sure if they are knowingly doing it but they are selling it as having 130000 miles when the last reported was 283000.

The traction control stays off and sometimes while driving it starts flashing and beeping and I hear a grinding noise and I can't use my breaks until it stops making the sound and stops blinking.

I took the car to the dealer to get a wheel alignment and they said the car was unsafe to drive due to a hole in the frame of the car, caused by the vehicle prematurely rusting.

Every time I drive my 2002 Toyota Sequoia within 10min on average the trac off/vsc warning sounds come on and the car violently shakes and the brakes seem to lock up. It usually starts at speeds from 25 to 40mph and sometimes even on the highway at 65mph, very dangerous and scary. I have to stop the vehicle and shut it off and restart it for the signs to go off and for the traction control to stop. This doesn't resolve the issue since it just starts again when I start the car back up and drive. Its gotten to the point where its not safe to drive the vehicle especially at long distances. The vehicles cruise control was off going straight on a smooth city streets or highway while in motion.

Frame rust. My mechanics will not lift the truck because of extensive frame rust.

Slip indicator light come on from a stop and no acceleration until light goes off truck just rolls like it is in neutral this happen at any and every stop in traffic.

While driving at any speeds 65mph on freeway to around town at 30-40 mph the vsc trac and also vsc off light comes on and the car pulls to the right and acts like it is braking. This has happened multiple times at any speed. We have just missed cars from the pull to the right. Very scary because it just happens no warning.

Frame rust on the main areas where appointed from Toyota reason for not taking the truck to the dealer is because there wer no recalls for the vintage but overall the the frame is my major concern. Heavy spots on the frme.

Vsc and trac off lights go on and a horrible grinding noise pulls the car to the right. Not safe my wife and children. Please help.

"takata recall", a month ago the vsc/trac light came up. After opening and closing the gas cap, it went away. Then came the grinding sound at the passenger side of the vehicle when slowing down to make a turn and also, a flapping sound (like a flat tire) when moving on the highway.

I have a 2002 Sequoia and the dealership has been doing the repairs since I purchased it in 2003. I took in the recall for the ball joints and even before I received it I had an issue. When turning right, mostly in curves there is a loud grinding in the frontend and has been doing this since I purchased the car . They told me that here was not a problem but I am still having this problem and now the trac has to stabilize my car, this has happen while traveling no turns. The trac light is on and off constantly for whatever reason they can not explain it to me. This is getting dangerous for me I have spent money on this car lately but this is a very large repair and need to know what can be done to get this fixed I was also told that there is not an issue with my airbag as well that my car was not affected. I need help with this, this is my only transportation and this is getting dangerous.

This vehicle was built with a tundra frame. Toyota recalled the rusty faulty unsafe frames. We just discovered that the Sequoia we purchased in September 2014 has a faulty frame with larger than 10mm rust holes and no longer safe to drive putting me out $10,000. We did not see any recall on the frame at time of purchase because Toyota did not advise of previous recalls when I spoke to them. When I looked thru the recalls on the NHTSA site, I also did not see this recall. Toyota is refusing to replace a faulty frame stating it is outside the coverate period. The previous owner did not replace the frame. It is unacceptable that Toyota will not replace this frame. It is a known safety issue and I'm pleased that the frame did not rupture and cause an accident, injury or death. However, the issue still persists. I own a vehicle that is unsafe to drive with the manufacturer admitting issue but now refusing to correct the safety issue. The issue was found when the engine was making a terrible noise and we had the vehicle towed to the local car repair shop. The repair shop advised us of the tundra frame and recall. I did open a case with Toyota which 1510140859 and they refused stating the issue is now mine because I purchased a used vehicle. I just want the frame replaced so the vehicle is safe to drive. This vehicle is known to run to 400,000 miles and consumer should not risk injury or death when there are holes in recall policy and used car purchases have no coverage when manufactures build faulty vehicles. This vehicle still has book value of 7000 and I put in more funds to ensure it gets to 400,000 miles.

After purchasing my 2002 Toyota Sequoia with only 64k miles I have since learned about a rust issue with the frame. With me not being the original owner and not having my name updated in Toyota's system so I did not receive a recall notice or service champagne as they call it. I have emailed Toyota corp and have received a call back as well as calling them direct at 1-800-331-4331. I am being told that due to the service campagne ending Jul 2014 that I will have to pay out of pocket for any testing or repairs. This vehicle was originally purchased in NJ and then went on to utah so it's seen its share of snow and salt. There is a considerable amount of rust all over the frame and I am concerned about its safety and drivability. I could understand if this was damage caused by the owner however this is an issue of quality from Toyota however they are not willing to correct the issue anymore. As I diehard Toyota owner I am very disappointed in the way I am being treated and feel for the safety of myself and my family.

Horrible squealing noise at start up. Engine almost has a burst of roar for a few seconds then dies down and belt quiets after a few minutes.

I drive a 2002 Sequoia and have had about 8 instances where the trac off, trc vsc, and slip indicator lights all come on while the truck feels like it locks up and a beeping alarm sounds and a pulling to the right with a grinding noise . This morning the slip indicator lights stayed on with the grinding noise seems like a few seconds longer than yesterday . I was about to pull off of the road when the other two lights came on and the car drove normal when the lights are on . When you turn the engine off and restart the lights go off. However the error occurs on a daily basis now . The roads I travel are mainly higway and have been dry . I have noticed that there are many complaints for the same issue and that Toyota did issue a recall for the 2003 model year . . This is a very dangerous issue and needs correction . One would think that the recall should extend to all years .

I have a 2002 Toyota Sequoia & have had about 10 instances since the beginning of August 2014 where the trac off, trac vsc, and slip indicator lights all come on while the truck feels like it locks up and a beeping noise occurs all while driving. Today August 21, 2014 while making a u-turn my truck failed to accelerate for a few seconds (I really had to push hard on the gas to get it to go). I have found several instances of the same or similar situations on various sites. Apparently Toyota recalled the 2003 models for the electronic stability control but did not include the 2002's although there are several complaints on multiple other years including the 2002. It would be horrible if someone is injured or killed before Toyota takes this seriously.

First incident: on the freeway car all of a sudden made a beeping sound (similar to no seat belt sound) vehicle lost power almost like it downshifted. Vsc, trac off lights all came on and the car wouldn't brake! I had to consistantly pump on the break and pull the emergency brake to slow it down. Brakes were grinding and and it felt as if it was trying to lock but yet skipping (clunk, clunk, cluck). Pulled off to the side, turned off engine, and then resumed. I had to pull over 5 seperate times due to the same issue. Luckily I allowed myself a huge space in between myself and other cars. If not, there would had been a for sure accident. Car continues with the same problems. I've done a whole lot of researching in regards to this vehicle and it seems that it's a ecu issue. I am aware that Toyota has recalled all 2003 model Sequoia's on up but not 2002 on under. This is a huge safety cocern of mine and even if I purchased a new ecu there is not guarantee that it's been addressed or fixed for this model. According to the Toyota rep. I just got off the phone with 30 minutes ago. Please help! and thank you in advance.

Traction system intermittently turns on with no pattern-wet or dry surface, speed, turning. Have had all oxygen sensors replaced, check engine light resolved but traction still engages, seizes the engine. Evap. System fixed, tires, wheel bearings checked, thermostat fixed. Still traction is kicking on. Extremely dangerous for me and my three young children. I am afraid to drive, even around town. Toyota what are you going to do about this and all the other similar complaints on 2002 Sequoias. Do you need a fatality on record prior to acting? how am I supposed to get to work to pay for repairs? how will my children get to school and daycare? please help.

I have a tremendous amount of frame rust on my 2002 Sequoia. I have been issued a service campaign from Toyota and have been proactively called upon by a local dealer to provide the service. After reading on the NHTSA web site and other forums about structural issues and the way Toyota is handling this issue I want to be proactive in my complaint. Spraying or frame replacement is the only option I have been provided to date. This issue appears to be widespread and caused by Toyota's manufacturing processes. That being the case, it appears that Toyota is not stepping up to buy back those vehicles that require this drastic measure. They should buy back the effected Sequoias much like they did regarding the exact issue with their tundra trucks a few years ago. The Sequoia and the tundra share the same frame, so why wouldn't the buy back effect both vehicles given safety implications.

The skid control light and warning alarm comes on while driving for no reason, car pulls to the right, unable to come to a stop with brake, car shakes, very unsafe!!! once the warning alarm goes off the vsc and trac control lights come on. From what I have been able to locate on the internet this is a common problem that was recalled for the 2003 model. Toyota needs to recall for the 2002 model also.

My 2002 Toyota Sequoias under carriage has excessive rust. I have a family with 4 kids and is very dangerous to drive and can lead to catastrophic failure,I need help immediately and this is a known problem with these cars.

Trac off, vsc trac lights came on as the rear wheel locked up for a sec . Loss of power , vehicle pulled hard to the right almost causing collision with 18 wheeler on highway.

While driving the vehicle, an alarm started going off and skid control light on dash was flashing and then motor lost rpm, the vehicle shook as if all the tire where flat, this happened for about 30 seconds, while I tried to get out of traffic and off the road, then the vsc lights came on in the dash, then the vehicle smoothed out and ran normal! after looking at all the forum online for this problem, it apparently is a huge problem with these vehicles and after calling Toyota about this they claim that this problem does not exist, as all the forum we read said that Toyota would not except responsibility for this safety problem! therefor we filed a case to Toyota, hoping they could help us out! because this happens on the road it is hard to have it identified by a mechanic and a computer! we cannot with this economy in anyway afford the extreme high price of Toyotas service work , I feel my family could be in great danger!.

Traveling home at normal speed the vsc/trac lights came on and the vehicle began vibrating and making a grinding noise. After stopping on the side of the road, I turned the vehicle off and on to possibly reset the vsc/trac. It seemed to work briefly but it started to do it again. We attempted to take the vehicle to the store and the problem started again. We noted audible alerts and the vsc/trac lights illuminating, grinding from what seemed to be the passenger side front tire. He had to pull off to the side of the road; however, found it difficult to control the vehicle. The speed was estimated at 35-40 mph, dry conditions with no obvious road conditions or issues. This problem had been noted several time randomly over the past two years, but has seemingly been resolved by turning the vehicle off and back on. This was the first time that the issue has persisted, and the increased difficulty in steering.

In 2002, I complained of rust rapidly accumulating on the vehicle. I was told by the dealer that rustproofing came on the vehicle and they would reach out to Toyota directly to get an exclamation. They inform me that Toyota confirmed that statement the rustproofing was provided. In 2013, I received what was called the �limited service campaign� stating that the incorrect rustproofing was applied to the vehicle for cold weather states that use salt in the winter. At that time was severe corrosion in the body that was separating from the frame. I wrote a letter to Toyota ceo and the us office intercepted the letter to communicate with me. I requested the replacement of my vehicle from Toyota. In 2017, I wrote a letter to the ceo's office in japan and the matter was sent back down to the same office in the us. There is severe corrosion all over the body rust breaking through corroding all components. Toyota then requested all records related to repairs associated with vehicle. I was sent a denial to my request for another vehicle with a suggestion to communicate to national center for dispute settlement but was not return the document copy highlighting the determination of damage as a result. I'm very dissatisfied and concerned with the way this was handled because I informed Toyota during the first-year ownership of the problem, told 11 years later that I was correct, and then treated as if I'm trying to get something out of the company after I have been a customer of Toyota for over 25 years. Every component exposed to the air outside of the replaced frame rotting away and has caused significant repair bills in damage. The file(s) that I'm going to upload does not include all repair bills because of the file size limitation by your site. I'm available for discussion and will submit additional records if requested.

Noticed problem with vehicle traction when driving at low speed in wet or snowy weather. Problem with acceleration and traction when accelerating. Heard a ratcheting sound and no traction when trying to accelerate from a stopped position on a wet road. After some research it sounds very similar to earlier recall with NHTSA campaign 10v17600 for Toyota Sequoia vehicles manufactured between April 1, 2002 through April 17, 2003. Called Toyota service line on 11/9/2010 and they informed us that this recall doesn't apply to our vehicle since our vehicle was apparently manufactured on 3/8/2002 (a few weeks earlier than the recall covers). We live in a very dry climate with very little to no precipitation but noticed it again after rainfall. Filed a case# 1312100831 on 12/10/13 with Toyota with no response. Please help!.