Differential Unit Problems of Toyota 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.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

Our 2002 Toyota Sequoia has a completely rusted out frame, rear differential and other parts such as brake lines etc. While driving on the highway the rear differential exploded and the car would not drive any further. I put the car in park, turned off the car and the car kept rolling despite being in park. I applied the emergency brake to stop the car. The rear differential housing was completely rusted through and leaking fluid. We then discovered that in addition the frame of the car was completely rusted through. The car is no longer safe to drive because of the rusted frame and under carriage. Our dealership has been wonderful and rented me a car and will replace the frame but Toyota is saying that I am responsible for the differential replacement.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

The rear differential housing has rusted to the point that the lubricant leaked out. I understand talking to the dealership this a common problem along with the frame rusting. If I had not noticed the oil puddle on the ground I would have continued to drive this vehicle until the rear differential gears seized. Need I say more? if the rear end became inoperable this vehicle would go out of control.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

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.

2001 Toyota Sequoia has only 88,000 miles after ten years. Recently failed inspection due to rotted, rusted frame and rear differential casing. Mechanic was able to demonstrate frame failure by pressing finger through rusted metal. Vehicle now requires frame strength assessment to determine if it is salvageable. Vehicle has same frame as recalled Toyota tundra.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

My 2002 Sequoia has been maintained by the book yet the rust of the frame and the differential have left this vehicle as potentially dangerous to drive. I am told that the leak of transmission fluid is because the differential is almost rusted through. I know Toyota has had rust issues and my previous Toyota landcruiser had rust issues as well. Now that it has happened a second time I decided to investigate. Please update me.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for various repairs where they discovered that the rear differential was completely rusted which resulted to oil leakage. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact planned to notify the dealer and the manufacturer regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Rear differential rusted out. Lubricant leakage can lead to loss of control.

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.

"howling" noise from drive train on trip from northern California to southern California. At destination brand dealership determined front bearing is bad, and was advised next day by phone the differential needed overhaul and the repair cost would be $1,800 +, and not advisable to drive back home in northern California. The 2004 Toyota Sequoia vehicle only had 29,606 miles, 5 years 8 months old. Parts were not available/stocked at dealership. Was told those items rarely need replacing. Repairs made 4 days later. Service manager suggested pursuing Toyota for at least parts coverage. I paid his "discounted" bill for $1,342. 59 so I can return home. 3 nights of hotel bills. Old parts were not given to me upon request. To date Toyota has denied claim.

The 4 wheel drive differential actuator is bad and car will not engage in four wheel drive. The consumer stated the next day the 4-wheel drive light illuminated. Updated 02/13/09.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact noticed fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician stated that the rear differential housing and the rear frame was corroded and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

We pruchased this 2002 Toyota sequioa in 8/2001 we had the truck for about 6 mths and then the transmission went out the dealer replace the transmission. In 4/05 the right rear axle seal was leaking cause us to replace the seal. Now 12/05 the rear differential has locked up and the truck is no longer under warranty causing us to pay for repair out of pocket. We dealer has refused to cover the cost for any of the repairs.

When I was going up a hill / dirt road in 4wheel high, at the midway point up, the engine lost power, I had the accelerator to the floor and the brake light came on and would not go off. It felt like brakes were being applied automatically. I put the gearshift in park and neutral put gear in 4 low and 4 high with and without center differential locked and unlocked with no results, vehicle would not accelerate uphill. I then had to reverse down to a level area, which was very dangerous as there was no room to turn around, after reaching a more level area, I turn off engine for about 20 minutes and when I restarted I was able to go downhill and left early from my trip as I dont want to be in this kind of dangerous situation again. Also my air conditioner is putting out strong pungent smells. I tried to clear the air by putting lever in fresh air mode as suggested by your tech, but intermittently the smell.