Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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. …
I was coming off the highway goi g down the off ramp at a rate of speed in line with the speed limit, and the vsc/abs/brake lights all came on. The truck started making a grinding noise and was difficult to control. I pulled over and checked underneath. Everything was fine and there was no sign of an issue. I turned the truck off and on, and all the lights cleared; however, the lights turn on again when the vehicle is cold. Once it warms up, and you turn the car on and off, the clear. No codes on the scanner. Forums say this happens regularly with this make, model and year, but no one is sure what it is. Everything from emissions, to the brake sensor to the yaw rate sensor.
ABS kicks in while driving. It happens at a moderate speeds. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD since I am in the car with my kids and it causes the car to unexpectedly brake. The VSC light come on and blinks, there is a loud grinding sound. This was reproduced by mechanic. SAFETY HAZARD
Toyota rust issue on my 2001 Toyota Sequoia v8 sr5. Used to transport friends and family and children, but no longer safe due to excessive rust and inability to control the vehicle when slowing at higher speeds. Vehicle veers to right and left uncontrollably. Today, I almost sideswiped another vehicle on the highway. I was going around 60 MPH and slowed to exit and almost lost control of my vehicle and ended up in a ditch. I took it to a mechanic and was told the vehicle is unsafe to lift due to excessive rust. Recommended to have the frame replaced, but that's well beyond the cost I'm willing to pay. Research tells me that this is a consistent problem for these vehicles and Toyota should do something about it -- if not pay to have new frames done or reimburse people for the many who have these issues. …
While I was traveling on the highway at 70 MPH, the right front brake locked up momentarily and lurched the vehicle, the vsc and traction control light started flashing and a warning buzzer went off. After looking into things, there are known issues with the 2001 and 2002 Toyota Sequoia that cause this exact thing to happen to plenty of other people. I understand that there has already been an evaluation done on this matter and it was ruled that the severity of the issue does not warrant a recall. Why there is no recall being issued on the multiple failure points in the vehicle's system and people are required to spend thousands of dollars in repairs for parts and labor when the manufacturer's design didn't last? I purchased this vehicle for my father to feel more safe in, and that is the last thing that he feels while driving it. …
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. …
Street driving, clear day and car dash board starts to alarm. Dashboard lights for vsc, antilock brakes goes haywire. Horrible grinding noise and vibration felt through the brake pedal, with loss of power, and pull to the right all simultaneously happening. Alarm bells all going off in the car. It is very loud noise for all occupants. Terrifying occurrence with loss of brakes and power. First event lasted approximately 20 seconds. Pulled over and the car seemed fine. This has been intermittent but occurred after car was warm and occurs more frequently when its is warmer outside as well. Now, 16 mos later, this happens all the time and Toyota dealer says there is nothing wrong with car and cannot diagnose the issue. It is a safety issue for sure. Will have to park the car now since they cannot figure out what is wrong with it.
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?
My 2001 Toyota Sequoia violently experienced a vsc trac error when driving next to a semi on the freeway. It almost pulled my car into the semi, and then off the road as the wheel jerked, brakes and engine response cut significantly. This highway issue happened last month, and just this week, the problem has become more frequent, occurring on neighborhood streets with absolutely no triggers. The steering wheel sometime shakes, and sometime pulls suddenly. It occurs sometimes during a slow turn, but is also happening just driving at 25 miles an hour down a straight road.....updated 11/13/15 updated 12/28/2015
While driving on flat, dry, level pavement at freeway speeds the vsc has been activating causing the steering wheel to jerk to the right. As the steering wheel pulls the vehicle to the right there is a chime, then the vsc and trac system shuts its self off and the "off" light stays illuminated until the engine is shut off. Upon restart, the vsc is on again and the cycle repeats. The check engine light is not on. There is no way to predict when the wheel will be jerked again. Seems very dangerous.
Steering complaints in other Sequoia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Toyota Sequoia?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Toyota Sequoia, 10% of the model year's 531 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Sequoia steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 155,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
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.