Known for its spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, the 2002 Toyota Sequoia is a popular choice in a full-size SUV. While you may not be able to find much negative with this popular model, it does, in fact, have a few open recalls.
How many recalls have there been for the 2002 Toyota Sequoia?
As of September 2020, there have been 8. Some of these include:
- Improperly sized spare tire
- Lower ball joint failure
- Amber side reflectors missing
- Master cylinder might leak
- Airbag inflators might explode
Thankfully, in this article, we’ll cover each of the above listed 2002 Sequoia recalls in detail, including how to get them taken care of.
Improperly Sized Spare Tire
NHTSA Recall ID: 02V129000
The first recall issued for the 2002 Toyota Sequoia was in May of 2002. when it was found that more than 3,041 vehicles may have been equipped with spare tires that do not have the proper labeling.
Specifically, this recall affects front-wheel-drive 2002 Sequoia models that were equipped with the upgraded alloy wheel package. On these vehicles, no label indicates the spare tire is for temporary use only.
As a result, drivers may drive on the spare tire for longer or farther distances than it is designed for, increasing the risk of a blowout or crash.
Toyota will issue an adhesive caution label to all potentially affected vehicles as well as an insert for the owner manual. These new labels will provide the precautionary information drivers need regarding the proper use of the spare tire.
Lower Ball Joint Failure
NHTSA Recall ID: 05V225000
In a second recall (issued in May of 2005), up to 768,379 vehicles may have a problem with the lower ball joint in the suspension.
With these vehicles, the surface of the ball joint may have been damaged during production. This, in turn, may result in excessive and premature wear and tear on the joints over time.
As a result, drivers may experience difficulty steering and higher levels of road noise coming from the suspension. If the lower ball joint completely separates from the knuckle, it could result in a loss of steering control and lead to a crash.
To remedy this issue, Toyota will replace the lower ball joints on the front suspension on all recalled vehicles.
Missing Amber Side Reflectors
NHTSA Recall ID: 06E049000
This recall (which affects up to 27,176 vehicles), was issued in May of 2006 and involved the exterior lighting system.
Specifically, it was found that some vehicles equipped with CK Motorsports combination headlights lacked amber side reflectors.
Without these reflectors, the vehicle will not be harder to see and may be more likely to get into a crash. Vehicles without amber side reflectors also fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards.
Toyota will replace all non-compliant headlights related to this recall at any licensed service center.
Master Cylinder Leak
NHTSA Recall ID: 07E023000
Another recall went out in March of 2007 after an issue was found with the brake and hydraulic systems.
Specifically, it was found that the seal on some master cylinder replacement parts could fail and cause a brake fluid leak. This particular recall only affects Sequoia models equipped with Cardone brand master cylinders, with up to 13,128 vehicles impacted.
Loss of brake fluid can dramatically impact the braking performance, making drivers more prone to getting into a crash.
It is worth noting that this recall is on a replacement part and does not affect original manufacturer equipment. This recall is being handled not by Toyota, but by the part manufacturer. Cardone will issue a refund on any recalled master cylinders.
Airbag Inflators May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V285000
The 2002 Toyota Sequoia was also part of a series of recalls that includes millions of Toyota vehicles, such as the Corolla and Tundra.
Specifically, two separate (but related) recalls were issued on the 2002 Sequoia in May of 2015. With these, it was discovered that vehicles equipped with Takata brand airbags may have a defective inflator.
The inflator, which is designed to use ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbag in a crash, may become unstable over time and eventually explode with violent force in the event of a crash.
Upon explosion, metal fragments may strike the drivers and/or passengers, resulting in severe injury or even death. At least 15 deaths in the United States (as well as 250 injuries) are thought to be related to this issue.
The first two recalls related to this problem were issued in May of 2015 and involved the passenger-side frontal airbag. In 2018, another recall was issued after it was found that some of the replacement airbag inflators used in the initial problem had the same issues as the original ones.
By October of 2019, however, another recall was issued on the driver-side frontal airbag for the same problem.
On affected vehicles, Toyota is offering to replace the front-driver inflator, front-passenger inflator, and the airbag assembly at no charge.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a 2002 Toyota Sequoia?
You can see if your Toyota is included in these recalls by heading to their website and entering the VIN. You can also call their customer service line at 1-888-270-9371 to schedule your free service appointment.
