Three problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia based on all problems reported for the 2003 Sequoia.
While driving down a familiar road leaving a car wash going no faster then 45 mph, the rear end started making a grinding noise when we would take off. We took it too our mechanic and he said it was the rear end differential, he changed the fluid in it to see if that would help but it did nothing, if anything it made it worse. But he did say that there were metal shavings on the plug which would indicate a gear going out. He told us not to drive it till we get it fix because if it were to completely go out it would cause an accident.
Rear differential rotted to the point of leaking. I have seen many reports of this online, Toyota tundras as well, which have the same differential and frame, are under recall.
Traction control light comes on intermittently $1,500 repair per dealer. The transmission differential light flashes on the dash, we found out the seal, relay and actuator are all bad $1,500 repair I found numerous cases of this on the internet. Toyota refuses to help stating the mileage.