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2002 Toyota Sequoia: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2002 Sequoia has 666 owner complaints at NHTSA, the most of any Sequoia model year, led by stability control and brake reports[1][2][3]. It is also covered by four recalls for the front passenger air bag inflator, so check that the work has been done[4][5][6][7].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 666 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Sequoia[8]. Of those, 22 mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 29 report injuries, with no deaths reported[8]. These are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic stability control | 196 | 3 | 9 | 128,000 |
| Brakes | 184 | 4 | 5 | 105,500 |
| Speed control | 135 | 4 | 6 | 125,400 |
| Structure | 95 | 0 | 0 | 118,500 |
| Steering | 78 | 6 | 13 | 136,000 |
| Traction control | 69 | 1 | 0 | 117,464 |
| Power train | 56 | 2 | 1 | 100,027 |
| Suspension | 50 | 6 | 4 | 130,000 |
Sources for the table:[2][3][10][11][12][13][14][15].
Stability control warnings. This is the largest group, with 196 complaints[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the stability control, ABS and traction warning lights coming on, flickering or staying lit, sometimes with those systems no longer working[2]. Several owners say a dealer or mechanic blamed the skid control computer and suggested replacing it at the owner's expense[2]. A couple of owners say the trouble shows up in cold or wet weather and goes away once the truck warms up[2].
Brakes. Brakes come next with 184 complaints, including 4 crashes and 1 fire[3]. Owners in our sample describe shaking, pulsing or grinding when they brake, often traced to the front rotors[3]. Some say the vibration came back after the rotors or pads were replaced or upgraded[3]. A few also say the stability control kicked in on its own and applied the brakes or held back power[3].
Speed control and traction control. Speed control has 135 complaints and traction control has 69[10][13]. In the speed control texts we read, owners again describe the same warning lights coming on while driving[10]. A couple of owners say the system kept the truck from accelerating when they needed it, for example in a turn[10].
Rust and door handles. The structure group has 95 complaints and no reported crashes or injuries[11]. Owners in our sample describe rust on the frame, underbody or rear axle, and inside door handles that break so the door has to be opened from outside through the window[11].
Steering and suspension. Steering has fewer complaints (78) but the highest injury count of any group listed, 13[12][2][3][10][11][13][14][15]. Steering and suspension each have 6 crash reports[12][15]. We did not read sample texts for these groups, so we cannot say what owners describe.
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls for the 2002 Sequoia[1]. Four of them deal with the front passenger air bag. Ask the seller or a Toyota dealer to confirm that each one has been done on the truck you are looking at.
- Replacement passenger air bag inflator (19V741). Some trucks already had an air bag inflator replaced under an earlier recall, but the new part was of the same design[4]. After years of heat and humidity, the inflator can explode and throw sharp metal pieces at people in the cabin, which can cause serious injury or death[4]. Dealers replace the inflator or air bag part again, and the recall began November 20, 2019[4].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V883). The inflator in the passenger front air bag can explode in a crash because its propellant breaks down[5]. Metal fragments can hit the driver or passengers[5]. Dealers install an alternate inflator or a new air bag assembly free of charge, starting January 23, 2019[5]. This recall also covers trucks that had their air bag replaced before[5].
- Passenger air bag inflator, other states (15V285). The passenger front air bag inflator can build too much pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys[6]. Metal fragments can strike people inside[6]. Dealers replace the passenger air bag, and the recall began July 13, 2015[6]. It covers original air bags and replacement ones[6].
- Passenger air bag inflator, listed regions (15V286). This covers the same kind of passenger inflator rupture risk for trucks first sold in, or at any time registered in, Florida, the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and some US territories[7]. Dealers replace the passenger front air bag free of charge[7]. Trucks in other states are handled under 15V285[7].
- Front lower ball joints (05V225). A manufacturing issue could leave scratches on the front lower ball joints[16]. Over time the joint can wear and loosen, making steering heavier, and it can separate from the knuckle, which can cause loss of steering control and a crash[16]. Dealers replace the front lower ball joints free of charge[16].
- Spare tire label (02V129). Some two-wheel-drive trucks got an alloy wheel and larger tire upgrade at two processing centers, but kept the original spare without a label saying it is for temporary use[17]. The truck can handle differently with that spare on[17]. Owners receive a caution label and an insert for the owner's manual[17].
Fuel economy
The EPA ratings below are for the 4.7L 8-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic, running on regular gas[9][18].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sequoia 2WD (rear-wheel drive) | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Sequoia 4WD | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
Sources for the table:[9][18].
The two versions are almost the same. The four-wheel-drive model loses 1 mpg on the highway[9][18]. The annual cost is the EPA estimate at its current fuel price assumptions, not what gas cost in 2002.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2002 Sequoia 3 stars for rollover resistance[19]. That is the only NHTSA star rating in our data for this model year, so we cannot report frontal or side crash results.
Engine and size
The EPA lists one engine for the 2002 Sequoia, a 4.7L 8-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic[9][18].
The measurements below are Canadian-market specifications for the 4WD SR5/LTD, converted from metric, and US models can differ slightly[20].
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 204 in |
| Width | 75 in |
| Height | 74 in |
| Wheelbase | 118 in |
| Curb weight | 5,269 lb |
Source for the table:[20].
How 2002 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 |
Of all 26 Sequoia model years on file, from 2001 to 2026, the 2002 has the most owner complaints, at 666[1]. The next highest are 2003 with 565 and 2001 with 531[1]. Counts drop to 380 for 2004 and 352 for 2005, and no year from 2008 onward passes 67[1].
The 2002 has 6 recalls[1]. That is fewer than 2005 and 2010 (9 each), 2006, 2008 and 2009 (8 each) and 2007 (7)[1].
Keep in mind that these counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.
Should you buy a used 2002 Sequoia?
The 2002 Sequoia has more owner complaints on file than any other Sequoia year, and the largest groups are stability control, brakes and speed control[1][2][3][10]. If you are looking at one, check that the stability control, ABS and traction warning lights go out after start-up, and pay attention to any shaking when braking. Have a mechanic look underneath for rust, since owners in our sample describe it[11]. Confirm with a Toyota dealer that the four passenger air bag recalls and the ball joint recall have been done, since each one has a dealer remedy listed[4][5][6][7][16]. Fuel costs are high, with a combined rating of 14 mpg for both versions[9][18].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Sequoia?
- The largest complaint groups at NHTSA are electronic stability control (196), brakes (184) and speed control (135)[2][3][10]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe stability control and ABS warning lights and vibration when braking[2][3].
- Is the 2002 Toyota Sequoia part of the air bag recall?
- Yes. Four recalls cover its front passenger air bag inflator, which can rupture or explode in a crash: 15V285, 15V286, 18V883 and 19V741[4][5][6][7]. Dealers replace the inflator or air bag[4][5][6][7].
- What gas mileage does a 2002 Sequoia get?
- EPA rates it at 13 city, 17 highway and 14 combined mpg with 2WD, and 13 city, 16 highway and 14 combined with 4WD[9][18].
- Is the 2002 the worst year for the Toyota Sequoia?
- By complaint count, yes. It has 666 complaints, the most of any Sequoia model year on file[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
- How many complaints does the 2002 Sequoia have?
- NHTSA has 666 owner complaints, with 22 mentioning a crash and 29 reporting injuries[8].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Sequoia model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 196 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 128,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 184 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 105,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 19V741, filed October 17, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V883, filed December 12, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V285, filed May 13, 2015: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V286, filed May 13, 2015: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 666 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Toyota Sequoia (22 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 29 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Sequoia 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 135 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 125,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 95 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 118,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 78 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 13 injuries, median mileage at failure 136,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 69 complaints name the traction control system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 117,464). NHTSA vehicle records
- 56 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,027). NHTSA vehicle records
- 50 complaints name the suspension component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 130,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 05V225, filed May 17, 2005: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 02V129, filed May 1, 2002: Wheels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Sequoia 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 0.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 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