Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Toyota Sequoia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Took 2004 Sequoia to kings Toyota for the airbag recall as well as diagnostic eval of vsc ABS lights issue. Received a phone call that the tech could not determine the electrical problem unless we paid an additional $360 for more time to diagnose and that the frame was rusted through with large holes. Wondered if we wanted to pursue the electrical issue with the larger safety issue with the frame. Original issue occurred with lights coming on (had happened several times previously) followed by the power windows ceasing to work, several hours later the wipers and window seemed sluggish and the car lost all power. Had to jump the car several times to get off the road and then when jumping no longer worked, we had to push the vehicle into a church parking lot. After being told by mr. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the vehicle stability control, traction, and ABS warning indicators illuminated. The warning indicators illuminated at various times. During one occurrence, the vehicle emitted a grinding noise from underneath the hood and began to shake and the electrical system shut down. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and it operated normally. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that this was a common issue with the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the computer needed to be replaced; however, that would not guarantee to remedy the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the entire instrument panel warning console illuminated and the brakes shook. The vehicle was diagnosed, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. While starting the vehicle she noticed that brake, vsc and traction warning lights were illuminated on the dash board. There was also a grinding noise when applying brakes. A local repair mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the ECU module was failing. The ECU module was cleaned and the warning lights were no longer illuminated. A couple of weeks after the ECU module was cleaned the brake light was illuminated. The dealer stated that the ball joints and brakes were failing and repaired them. While driving in reverse two weeks ago, she noticed a loud squeaking noise coming from the brakes and the brake light was illuminated. The dealer inspected the vehicle and determined that the ECU module needed to be replaced and the cost of repairs would be $2,000. No recent repairs have been made. …
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 don t want to be in this kind of dangerous situation again. Also my air conditioner is putting out strong pungent smells. …
Car frequently refuses to start. Had to have aaa come out and jump start it. Roseville Toyota said they could not find the trouble. This happened again the very next day, took it to maita Toyota. Maita said the manufacturer's battery was defective (had a hole in it) and they replaced the battery. Worked fine for a few weeks, now having more incidents of the same "refusing to start" problem. Car is still refusing to start once or twice a week. The only difference now is that the dash lights come on when I try to start it, the door makes the chiming sound when opened when the key is in. (before the battery replacement it was completely dead -- no lights, no door chime, nothing). Maita has diligently been trying to locate the trouble, they cannot thus far. The service advisor told me next time I need to not have it charged, but to tow it in directly in its state of "refusal to start".
I have a 2004 Toyota Sequoia VIN number [redacted]. On 6/15/10 I experienced loss of vehicle control related to the vehicle stabilization and braking system computer. Three lights lit up on the dash (vsc, trac, and brake) and then upon braking there was a grab release sensation that I was unable to control. I was driving approximately 30 MPH when this occurred. I was forced to pull over and shut the vehicle down to reset the computer. This has happened 5 times in the last year, but none as severe as on 6/15/10. Other experiences were at lower speeds. I have reported the incident to Toyota ( conf# [redacted]) but am dissatisfied that this is not a recall. This is a true safety concern for me as I have a newborn child that rides in this car often.
One already on file for another Sequoia 2004. When slowing down to make a turn, our vehicle has on a number of occasions lost power. There is a second or two where the accelerator fails to provide any response and then it recovers. Once when I was making a turn in front of oncoming traffic I thought I thought I would be hit before the vehicle recovered. I have asked the service people about this problem but they say they cannot do anything if they can't duplicate. However, one service man said he had heard of similar complaints from other customers. It seems to me that it's just a matter of time before this results in an accident for someone.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the brakes failed the contact noticed a loud grinding noise. In addition, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle stability control warning light was illuminated as the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised the contact that the skid control computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The drivers side rear sliding door stuck in the open position due to the electrical system. There was no way to close the door once opened. The wife had to drive to dealership with door stuck wide open in the dark. This was not safe for various reasons... I read where other vehicles had the same problems but do not see a recall yet by Toyota. We will have the dealer break the cable and render the doors electrical system useless for that door. This really causes issues for a person with a disability and a special needs child. Hopefully Toyota will step up and recall these vehicles and correct this problem.
Electrical complaints in other Sequoia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Toyota Sequoia?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Toyota Sequoia, 9% of the model year's 380 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Toyota Sequoia electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Toyota Sequoia, though it has 6 recalls 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 2004 Toyota Sequoia electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 11% 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.