Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 10% | 3,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 36% | 40,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2013 | 1 | 8% | 15,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 30% | 58,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 18% | 13,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 17% | 72,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 9% | 41,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% | 82,000 miles |
| 2006 | 30 | 15% | 86,000 miles |
| 2005 | 91 | 26% | 97,000 miles |
| 2004 | 100 | 26% | 82,000 miles |
| 2003 | 155 | 27% | 78,000 miles |
| 2002 | 192 | 29% | 109,000 miles |
| 2001 | 170 | 32% | 110,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
When steering greater than 40 MPH then brake, steering wheel began to shake. Took it to dealer, and rotors had to be resurfaced due to the fact that they were warped. Vehicle had 24,975 miles when taken to dealer. As with seats, driver seat had some separation on stitching and was discolored. Took to dealer and they replaced driver side seat bottom.
Vehicle has 40K miles tires are worn tread 2/32 already, and front rotors had to be completely replaced. Back at 25K miles, front rotors had to be resurfaced, and now at 40K miles, new rotors and pads had to be placed.
As I was driving, the anti-slip brake light came on, followed immediately by the brake light. The conditions were dry and I was on a straight city street so there was no reason for it to light up. Since it was concerning the braking system, I pulled into a parking lot as soon as I was able. The brakes seemed to be working properly. My owners manual gave me steps to reset it, none of which worked. At the dealership, they finally figured out it was the anti-skid brake ECU. I was told it could be driven but I wouldn't have the anti-skid technology if I were to ever need to slam on my brakes or if I were in slippery conditions. The vehicle is 3 years old and had less than 60 k miles on it at the time. It's a $3000 repair. When I looked into it, there are reports online dating back to 2008 for this type of failure. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Sequoia. While driving at approximately 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle accelerated without warning. While driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle decreased in speed. The contact pulled over and turned the ignition to the off position. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Purchased the vehicle new. Brake rotors severely warped at12,572 miles creating severe vibration/shaking throughout the vehicle when brakes applied. Problem is particularly severe when utilizing breaks on a downhill grade. The severe vibration created a significant safety hazard as it impairs break performance particularly when roads are wet or icy. Car was under warranty. Toyota's solution was to resurface/grind the rotors back to smooth. Unfortunately this process removes metal, and mass, from the brake rotors which exacerbates the problem. Less mass, less ability to dissipate heat. The same problem occurred again at 22,391 miles. Dealership refused to acknowledge the vibration. Returned to dealership at 24,564 miles. Dealership now acknowledged the problem as it was so severe it was impossible to ignore. …
On [redacted] while driving our 2011 Toyota Sequoia 4x4 Limited (5.7 iforce non flex fuel) my wife was preparing to stop at a traffic light. Completely unexpected and with no warning, the vehicle started bucking, the engine began making a knocking noise and numerous dashboard lights started flashing. It immediately stalled while attempting to stop, thus, causing a very dangerous situation, losing total control of the brakes and steering, nearly causing a collision with the vehicle in front of her. The vehicle had to be towed from the middle of the road, while in heavy traffic. Eventually it was diagnosed (at my mechanics shop) and determined to be a broken valve spring in cylinder #7. …
Tony Divino Toyota, a Toyota Motor Company dealership, sold me this vehicle sight unseen knowing I would immediately be towing a boat trailer 350 miles at highway speeds through construction zones on I-80 with children and our dog onboard. I was told it had passed a "160 point inspection" and was "in great condition". However, when delivered to me the dealership knew it was not road worthy and in fact illegal to drive on public roads due to missing a third brake light, bad rear brakes were bad, the transmission had failed, the battery had failed, the shocks/struts had failed, and a live shotgun shell was rolling around under the drivers seat. Both Toyota Motor Corporation and the dealership refused to address or correct these vehicle defects which could have resulted in a disastrous crash with injury/death to myself and children. …
I had my brakes checked out at a shop in mountain home arkansas, mountain motors hwy 5 n.. Asking that they bleed and inspect as necessary ,and check torques. After an hour and twenty minutes I was told that the bleeder on one caliper broke off! They did not replace the bleeder, they said it would be OK! The brakes failed completely less than 1000 later! We were lucky, the pedal went to the floor in a small town in wisconsin. We were moving slow and I coasted into a parking lot! The vehicle had to be towed and $750.00 later we continued our trip. There is no regulatory agency in arkansas,and the repair shop is ignoring me! Can you help? I have reciepts.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Sequoia years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (192), 2001 (170), 2003 (155), 2004 (100) and 2005 (91) model years. Brake complaints make up 29% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Toyota Sequoia brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Toyota Sequoia model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota Sequoia brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 22% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (52 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (33).
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.