Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Toyota Sequoia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
On multiple occasions, my 2001 Toyota Sequoia has shown random activation of the vehicle stability control system at highway speeds on dry, smooth pavement. Each incident the same thing happens: the activation of a brief audible warning beep, the vsc indicator light flashes along with the slippery surface light (two squiggly lines) and the vehicle suddenly begins randomly applying hard ABS braking to the right front wheel, accompanied with a loud grinding noise that sounds like it coming from the braking system. The brakes feel as if they are pulsating during each of these incidents, it is almost impossible to control the vehicle. It jerks and swerves from side to side and shakes violently. The only way to regain control is to reduce the speed and pull to the side of the road as quickly and safely as possible. The lights stay on until the vehicle is cut off. …
While driving our 01 Sequoia sr5 with only 85,000 miles on side streets and highways at speeds ranging from 5mph to 70 MPH, the SUV's braking system suddenly engages for no reason while the veh. Is in motion. The vsc, check engine lights come on along with the alerting sound. When the brakes engage, the veh. Veers to the right, the steering wheel vibrates and the veh. Goes into a skid due to the brakes being suddenly engaged. The veh. Also decelerates suddenly as if it has lost power. This is dangerous for other drivers who can't tell if you are braking because there are no brake lights to be seen to prevent a collision. Thankfully we have been able to react defensively and avoid collisions with other veh.'s. And roadside objects. We have seen several suggestions as to the fix for this problem like the yaw rate sensor being replaced. …
Last year my car while traveling at a speed of 50 MPH just collapsed. My ball joints fell completely off. My the grace of god I wasn't killed because I was on the interstate. I have since had it repaired but not by a Toyota dealer. At the time as now, all my lights were lit vsc trac, ABS etc. I have had this problem throughout having this Toyota and it has been very costly. Now as we speak my car is at a dealer and I can only imagine they will tell me it's the faulty computer chip. I will also have them check for rust since I'm hearing of all these cases of rust. My car has been in tip top shape due to my husbands knowledge of cars. However, some of these reports appear to be incidents beyond our control. I'm lucky to be alive. I guess if I had been killed Toyota would still be denying their product is faulty. …
My complaint stems from the vehicle stability control (vsc) issue that commonly plagues the 2001-2001 Toyota Sequoia. As many others have filed complaints over this vsc issue, mine is no different. My Sequoia, a 4x4 sr5 with 160K miles, works flawlessly other than the vsc lights being constantly illuminated while driving. The results of the malfunction, possibly from the yaw rate sensor, present a momentarily loss of power and random unexplained steering events. The only way to temporary clear the vsc lights and the effects of the malfunction is to completely stop the vehicle, turn off the ignition and restart the vehicle. I fear a loss of control of the vehicle while my wife and kids are driving at highway speeds. I would like to see Toyota issue a formal recall or pay for a new yaw rate sensor and the consumer pays the labor. …
Vehicle had experienced intermittent stability/traction control trouble lights in cold weather. While driving in sub freezing weather on wet heavily salted nearly clear (possible slight slush from snow dusting) interstate along a straight smooth slight upgrade stretch, the vehicle without diver action (steering, braking, or acceleration) experienced a rear end swerve to the right and inability to control. Result was leaving the right side of the roadway down a 25-30 foot embankment (no guardrail) and a vehicle roll (one time, ending up wheels down, still running). Travel was at or below that of traffic. No other vehicles experienced difficulty on the same stretch of road. It is believed that a sudden random actuation of the stability/traction control system initiated the event. This appears to be a generic issue with the Toyota system spanning several models and years.
Unexpected acceleration on a 2001 Toyota Sequoia registered to a mother of 4. Incident occurred on i85 at mile-marker 104 in broad daylight with clear, dry conditions. With recent revelations about Toyota hidden safety around unexpected acceleration, this is the only explanation that makes sense with regards this fatal accident. Updated 03/14/10 according to the police report, the right front tire of the vehicle ran off the roadway to the right onto the rumble strip. The driver over corrected and swerved to the left, losing control of the vehicle and crossing all three lanes of travel. The vehicle ran off the road to the left, striking a plastic construction barrell. The vehicle began overturning in the median and struck the median guardrail cable. Updated 06/17/10. Update 9/19/2011
This was the first incident: as I was driving then suddenly the truck started to beep and moves back and forth and made a braking sound. And I went into the side and hit a small post and the seat belt tighten. Now my back has been hurting me since. And some lights were on. The vsc trac and trac off lights were on. Then after that one I have been driving very careful but it will still do the same thing. The beep starts and the swirling back and forth. But I have been driving slower too so I don't get out of control. This is very scary. After the I turn off the truck the lights are not on. But the thing is that it just happens. I have no I idea when or what time. I hope I can get help on fixing this problem. Thank you
Driving 45mph on straight road the vehicle vsc engaged pulling hard to the right and decelerating quickly. I pulled over, called dealership and was told to drive it the 2 miles to dealership. Within 100' of dealership I crossed intersection and car suddenly decelerated, engaged the assistance again and I was almost struck by truck that swerved and almost hit pedestrian. Dealer said it was a yaw steering sensor. Part was unobtainable or possible within 8 weeks, and no after market parts available. Mechanic recommended vehicle not be driven. Toyota declared part obsolete. I researched and found this was already at the NHTSA attention but that they closed the investigation. How is this acceptable?
At highway speed going down hill fully loaded at night in sierra with temps in low 30s and no snow in the area where the incident happened, my 01 toy Sequoia pulled to the left within seconds both trac off/vsc trac lights came on. All of my mud and snow tires have good tread. Luckily, I had both hands firmly on the steering wheel when it happened. Able to get home safely at normal highway speed. These lights are still on until to date (1/17/16) because I have not taken in to toy dealerships; guess many third parties don't want to mess around with this issue. Many complaints have been posted in regards to vsc issue. Toy need to recall this model now.
Acceleration complaints in other Sequoia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2001 Toyota Sequoia?
NHTSA has 101 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia, 19% of the model year's 531 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Sequoia acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2001 Toyota Sequoia, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Sequoia acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.