Buyer's checklist: 1st gen Toyota Sequoia (2001–2007)

This checklist comes from a draft dossier that has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Rusted frameAll yearsGet the truck on a lift and look along the whole frame, the rear crossmember and the mounts near the rear axle for scale, flaking and holes.^1,2,3

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Stability control engaging for no reason2001–2003Watch for the VSC and TRAC lights, and feel for the brakes biting as you pull away from a stop.^4,5,6,7
Power rear window stops workingAll yearsRun the tailgate window down and up from the key and the dash switch.^6,8
Timing belt with no proof it was changedAll yearsAsk for the receipt for the last timing belt change, and whether the water pump was done with it.⁹

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 05V2250002002–2004Scratched front lower ball joints can wear, loosen and separate from the knuckle. They are replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11,12
Recall 07V0130002004–2007Front lower ball joints can wear early and, in extreme cases, separate. They are replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^12,13,14,15
Recall 10V1760002003A programming fault can make stability control act briefly when pulling away from a stop. The control unit is reflashed or replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^7,11
Recall 15V2860002002–2007The passenger front airbag inflator can rupture in a crash. The airbag is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{10,11,12,13,14,15}
Recall 15V2850002002–2007The passenger front airbag inflator can build too much pressure and rupture. The airbag is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{10,11,12,13,14,15}
Recall 16V0650002005–2006A wrongly programmed control unit can fire the curtain airbags unexpectedly. The unit is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^13,14
Recall 18V8830002002–2005The passenger airbag inflator can rupture when it deploys. The inflator or airbag is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11,12,13
Recall 19V7410002002–2007A replacement passenger airbag inflator can explode. The inflator or airbag is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{10,11,12,13,14,15}

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

The 1st gen as a wholeAll yearsAutotrader calls it the riskiest generation to buy, for its age and its rust, and says to have the underside inspected.¹
20022002CarComplaints.com rates the 2002 the worst Sequoia year, with the most complaints of any year, and transmission failure its top problem.^4,16