NHTSA has 565 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia[1]. Stability control and brakes are the two biggest complaint groups[2][3].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA reports, biggest first. These are unverified owner reports, and one report can name several parts.
- Electronic stability control. 158 complaints[2]. Owners describe stability and traction warning lights that come on and stay on. In the stories we read, the dealer often points to a control computer that needs replacing, and owners call the bill painful.
- Brakes. 146 complaints[3]. Owners describe pads and rotors wearing out earlier than they expected, noises from the wheels, and a low pedal. Some also say the anti-skid system kicked in at slow speed on dry roads.
- Structure. 98 complaints[6]. Owners describe plastic interior door handles that snapped, a tailgate latch that gave out, and rear window motors that quit after seals leaked.
- Speed control. 91 complaints[7]. In the stories we read, owners describe the truck surging when they touch the gas, or going dead for several seconds while they press the pedal.
- Electrical system. 66 complaints[8].
- Traction control system. 51 complaints[9].
- Air bags. 41 complaints[10].
- Suspension. 40 complaints[11].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2003 Sequoia is necessarily included.
- Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V741), October 2019. About 928,220 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death.[12]
- Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V883), December 2018. About 168,993 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Air Bags (15V285), May 2015. About 1,973,468 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended.[14]
- Air Bags (15V286), May 2015. About 1,069,055 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[15]
- Traction Control System (10V176), April 2010. About 50,000 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[16]
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint (05V225), May 2005. About 768,379 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, loss of steering, steering problems, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[17]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR RWD/AWD[19] | n/a | n/a | n/a | 3 | n/a |
How 2003 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 |
NHTSA's counts for the Sequoia show 565 complaints and 6 recalls for 2003[4]. Among the 26 model years listed, 24 have fewer complaints than 2003 and 1 have more[4]. The fewest complaints are for 2022 (1) and the most are for 2002 (666)[4]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2003 Sequoia?
The complaint file for this model year is sizable at 565 reports[1]. It leans toward warning lights and braking, which are the two biggest groups[2][3]. Brake and electrical complaints tend to come in at lower mileage than structure complaints, based on the median mileage at failure[3][8][6]. The recall count and the safety, fuel and spec details are in the sections above, so read those next to the complaints. Complaints are not adjusted for sales, so they say more about what owners reported than about how likely any one truck is to fail.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Sequoia?
- Electronic stability control and brakes are the biggest complaint groups on file[2][3]. Structure and speed control follow[6][7].
- How many complaints does the 2003 Toyota Sequoia have?
- NHTSA has 565 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. They are unverified reports.
- Does the 2003 Toyota Sequoia have recalls?
- Yes, the by-year fact lists 6 recalls[4]. See the Recalls section on this page for the full list.
- What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota Sequoia get?
- See the fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.
- Is the 2003 Toyota Sequoia reliable?
- The complaint record is mixed, with 565 reports on file[1]. Use the problems, recalls and by-year sections together to judge for yourself.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Toyota Sequoia
Compare all model years of the Toyota Sequoia
Other Toyota models from 2003
Similar cars from 2003: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 565 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia (16 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 21 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 158 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,625). NHTSA vehicle records
- 146 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,805). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Sequoia model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 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
- 98 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 130,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 91 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 66 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the traction control system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 121,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 40 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 107,433). 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
- Recall 10V176, filed April 30, 2010: Traction Control System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V225, filed May 17, 2005: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. 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. NHTSA vehicle records