Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he became aware of a cranking sound and the vehicle suddenly started jerking and shaking. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, and the front wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the failure had gotten worse over time. The contact also stated that while searching online, he became aware that the failure was a common failure with similar vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently and that the vehicle went into a limp mode. The contact mentioned that each time the failure occurred, the vehicle was extremely slow to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V148000 (tires). For years, the dealer was unable to explain why the recall repair was not completed. The contact was also not able to determine when that recall would be performed. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
The vsc trac, vsc off, brake and ABS lights came on and are stay on until the engine is shut down. Sometimes the lights come on as soon as startup. Sometimes when idling. Suspension is very stiff, and steering seems affected as well as engine seems to lug when driving and the lights come on.
2001 Toyota Sequoia. When I shifted from reverse to drive the engine roared to a fully racing engine and accelerated forward. Hard braking could not slow the vehicle and it hit the back of a 2004 Honda Mini-van that was parked, doing extensive damage but causing no injuries.
After meeting with district parts and service operations manager steve carlson on 9/23/02. I''ve come to the conclusion that Toyota will not fix the problem I have with the smell coming from my 2001 Sequoia. First of all, I had to call the dealership at 10:30 in morning to make sure that the manager was going to be there. Second is that I got the run around about I should try a ''for fun and giggles'' by not running my recycling mode when driving with the A/C on. Third is that when the front windows are open I''m still getting the worst smell of exhaust coming from the rear. I understand his point about the balance of air with opening and closing of baffles in the rear and front of the vehicle. I want to make a note that the venting of this vehicle without the recycling on is the worst I''ve had in all the vehicles I''ve owned. …
Brought in car to have muffler checked out and my mechanic called me back after putting car on the lift. There were rust perforations the size of a football as well as openings along the whole frame. The mechanic told me it was unsafe to drive and that this was not normal wear for this vehicle. He was concerned that the drive train would fall through if we went over a big enough bump and cause an accident. The rust was abnormal and he said that it looked like it was rusting from the inside out of the frame. I called Toyota to file a claim and they had me bring it to the local Toyota dealer. They refused to send out a regional rep to look at it saying it was not under a recall of any kind. Now my car is unsafe and worthless. The Toyota corp. Customer service told me to sell it for parts.... Really??? They did nothing and offered no answers. …
We have a Toyota Sequoia, the problems are the 4 wheel drive is not operating all the time. It does not engage, when it does sometimes it does not stay in 4 wheel drive. One example is when my wife had six friends in the vehicle the 4 wheel drive did not stay engaged and the vehicle skid control made the engine loose power so she slid backwards down a hill. No one would ride in our 4 wheel drive again. The vehicle skid control activates at radom on dry pavement. The skid control makes the engine loose power while in traffic. There is also a hesitation in the engine when accelerating from a complete stop. Another problem is the braking system is anot adequate for the vehicle. The entire front brakes had to be replaced. The vehicle has been in for the same reairs at least five times and is still not working the way it should. We have all the documentation for service on our Sequoia. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. While driving approximately 5 MPH the contact heard a ticking noise in the engine. The contact stated that the failure had been on going since 2002 and it occurred daily. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who advised her that it was just a noisy lifter and nothing to be concerned about;however, the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken to several dealers and mechanics who were unable to diagnose the failure. During state inspection she was advised that the manifold casket was warped and that carbon monoxide was entering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer again who stated that the manifold casket needed to be replaced for $2,300. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. The approximate current mileage was 100,000.
My 2001 Toyota Sequoia had an issue with "check engine" light at approximately 77,000 miles. It pulled the p0155 code that indicated failure of oxygen sensor. Toyota had at least two technical service bulletins on the issue showing this problem as widely known. What is more, on tundra vehicles (that have the same engine)Toyota recognized the issue by extending the warranty on sensors and on that specific code up to 90000 miles. The repairs cost was almost $340, pulling the code (5 min) and replacing the sensor (15 min) was charged at 2 hrs of labor. Toyota customer service refused to cover repairs. Customer service case 2007-07250397.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the rear frame and exhaust were covered with rust, which caused the vehicle to fail state inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the contact was advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The manufacturer stated there were no related recalls to the failure and stated that the issue was not a manufacturing issue. The manufacturer provided the contact with case number: 1207170084 and offered no additional assistance. The failure and current mileage was 151,783.
Engine complaints in other Sequoia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Toyota Sequoia?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia, 4% of the model year's 531 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Sequoia engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.