2003 Toyota Sequoia Sr5 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2003 Toyota Sequoia Sr5 sits mid-pack among Sequoia Sr5 years: 177 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 177, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 46% of all reports (81 of 177), far ahead of speed control at 29.
177
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
What are the most common 2003 Toyota Sequoia Sr5 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 81 | 46% | new |
| Speed Control | 29 | 16% | new |
| Brakes | 28 | 16% | new |
| Body & Structure | 9 | 5% | new |
| Engine | 5 | 3% | new |
| Transmission | 5 | 3% | new |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% | new |
| Airbags | 4 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | new |
| Other | 2 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CHECK ENGINE, VSC OFF, AND THE VSC TRAC LIGHTS CAME ON AND THEY WON'T TURN OFF. TOOK IT IN TO TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE THE FOLLOWING DATE AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE ECU AND SKID ECU COMPUTER BOARD AND THAT IT MAY FIX IT? IS THERE A RECALL…”
“THE ABS ACTUATOR ON MY 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA SR5 CAUGHT FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING HOME. THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE WAS WHEN I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND SWITCHED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND WAS TEMPORARILY UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE BRAKE PEDAL ALSO SHUDDERED BEFORE I REGAINED ACCELERATION. ONE MILE…”
“THE ABS ACTUATOR ON MY 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA SR5 CAUGHT FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING HOME. THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE WAS WHEN I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND SWITCHED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND WAS TEMPORARILY UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE BRAKE PEDAL ALSO SHUDDERED BEFORE I REGAINED ACCELERATION. ONE MILE…”
“TAKATA RECALL NEVER INFORMED MY FAMILY ABOUT THE RECALLS FOR THE FRAME ON TOYOTA SEQUIOAS. THEREFORE FOR MORE INVESTIGATION DURING REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE NOT LONG AGO I SAW HOLES IN MY FRAME AND WAS VERY BAD AND HAD MY WORRIED ABOUT MY VEHICLE. I WAS UNABLE TO TAKE PHOTOS AT THE TIME BUT AM WILLING…”
“2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WILL UNEXPECTEDLY LOOSE POWER WHEN TURNING AND THEN ACCELERATION RACES UP AFTER A LONG PAUSE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT ONCE PER MONTH SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN 2003 AND HAS SEVERAL TIMES RESULTED IN NEAR-MISS CRASHES FROM APPROACHING TRAFFIC AS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE OUT…”
2003 Toyota Sequoia Sr5 — common questions
Is the 2003 Toyota Sequoia Sr5 reliable?
It is close to typical for the Sequoia Sr5: 177 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2003 Sequoia Sr5 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (81 complaints), speed control (29 complaints), brakes (28 complaints).
Does the 2003 Toyota Sequoia Sr5 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia Sr5.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.