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2001 Toyota Sequoia: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2001 Toyota Sequoia has 531 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, led by brakes and stability control[1][2][3]. It has one recall, and EPA rates it at 14 MPG combined[4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 531 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 20 mention a crash, none mention a fire, 16 mention injuries and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component. The counts are not adjusted for how many Sequoias were sold.
The table shows the component groups with the most complaints.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes[2] | 162 | 6 | 3 | 102,000 |
| Electronic stability control[3] | 124 | 2 | 2 | 135,000 |
| Structure[7] | 102 | 0 | 0 | 129,407 |
| Speed control[8] | 101 | 7 | 4 | 122,000 |
| Traction control system[9] | 54 | 1 | 1 | 125,000 |
| Steering[10] | 51 | 0 | 0 | 154,417 |
| Suspension[11] | 48 | 4 | 0 | 155,880 |
| Power train[12] | 35 | 0 | 0 | 89,000 |
Brakes. In the sample of 12 brake complaints we read, about half describe shaking or vibration when braking, and several describe pads and rotors being replaced again and again or early. This is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe and not how common it is[2].
Stability control. Most of the 12 complaints in our stability control sample describe warning lights for stability, ABS or traction control staying on[3]. In several of them the dealer pointed to a failed control computer, and owners call the repair expensive[3]. Traction control has its own 54 complaints[9].
Speed control. In a sample of 12 complaints, several involve stability control warning lights, sometimes with a loss of power[8]. Some describe engine hesitation or unexpected power changes[8]. This group has the most crashes (7) and the one death in the file[8].
Structure. In a sample of 12 complaints, about half describe frame rust or corrosion, in some cases called severe[7]. A few describe problems with the rear liftgate latch or glass[7]. The 102 structure complaints list no crashes or injuries[7].
Other groups. Steering has 51 complaints, suspension 48 and the power train 35[10][11][12]. The power train group has the lowest median mileage at failure, 89,000, with no crashes or injuries reported[12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists one recall for the 2001 Sequoia[6].
- Spare tire label (02V129). Dated May 1, 2002, covering 3,041 vehicles[4]. Certain 4x2 vehicles with an alloy wheel and tire upgrade did not get a label saying the spare tire is a temporary spare[4]. The upgrade added four larger tires on alloy wheels, and the original spare was not changed. The risk is that the vehicle can handle differently when the spare is fitted. The fix is a caution label and an insert for the owner's manual, and owner notification began July 15, 2002[4].
Fuel economy
EPA rates the Sequoia 2WD at 12 MPG city, 16 highway and 14 combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800[5]. The 4WD has the same ratings and the same cost[13]. Both are listed with the 4.7L 8-cylinder engine, Automatic 4-spd and regular fuel[5][13]. EPA's fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new[5].
Engine and size
EPA lists a 4.7L 8-cylinder engine with Automatic 4-spd[5][13].
Size numbers below are Canadian-market specifications for the 4WD SR5/LTD and can differ slightly from US models[14].
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 204 in |
| Width | 75 in |
| Height | 74 in |
| Wheelbase | 118 in |
| Curb weight | 5,269 lb |
All values come from[14].
How 2001 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 531 | 1 |
| 2002 | 666 | 6 |
| 2003 | 565 | 6 |
| 2004 | 380 | 6 |
| 2005 | 352 | 9 |
| 2006 | 202 | 8 |
| 2007 | 136 | 7 |
| 2008 | 67 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 | 8 |
| 2010 | 31 | 9 |
| 2011 | 17 | 6 |
| 2012 | 20 | 3 |
| 2013 | 12 | 2 |
| 2014 | 17 | 2 |
| 2015 | 9 | 2 |
| 2016 | 11 | 2 |
| 2017 | 7 | 2 |
| 2018 | 20 | 4 |
| 2019 | 7 | 5 |
| 2020 | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 39 | 5 |
| 2024 | 37 | 5 |
| 2025 | 11 | 2 |
| 2026 | 10 | 0 |
The 2001 model year has 531 complaints and 1 recall[6]. Two years have more complaints, 2002 with 666 and 2003 with 565[6]. Every year from 2002 to 2019 lists at least 2 recalls, so 2001 has fewer recalls than all of them[6]. Complaints then fall in later years. 2009 has 6 and 2010 has 31[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2001 Sequoia?
The file has 531 complaints, the third highest of the Sequoia model years listed[6], and brakes and stability control lead it[1][2][3]. The one recall is about a missing spare tire label and has a free remedy[4]. In the samples we read, owners also describe frame rust, so look under the vehicle before you buy[7]. Check that the stability, ABS and traction lights work as they should, and ask about past brake work[2][3]. EPA rates it at 14 MPG combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800[5], and because these reports are unverified, a pre-purchase inspection will tell you more than the numbers here.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota Sequoia?
- Brakes have the most complaints at 162, followed by electronic stability control at 124 and structure at 102[2][3][7]. These are unverified owner reports.
- Has the 2001 Toyota Sequoia been recalled?
- NHTSA lists one recall, 02V129, for a missing temporary spare tire label on certain 4x2 vehicles with an alloy wheel upgrade[4][6].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2001 Toyota Sequoia?
- EPA rates both 2WD and 4WD at 12 city, 16 highway and 14 combined MPG[5][13].
- How big is a 2001 Toyota Sequoia?
- Canadian-market specs for the 4WD SR5/LTD list 204 in long, 75 in wide, 74 in tall, a 118 in wheelbase and 5,269 lb curb weight[14].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 531 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Toyota Sequoia (20 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 16 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 162 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 124 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 135,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 02V129, filed May 1, 2002: Wheels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Sequoia 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Sequoia model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 102 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 129,407). NHTSA vehicle records
- 101 complaints name the speed control component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 122,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 54 complaints name the traction control system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 125,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 154,417). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the suspension component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 155,880). NHTSA vehicle records
- 35 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Sequoia 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEQUOIA 4DR SUV 4WD SR5/LTD: length 204 in, width 75 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 5,269 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov