2003 Toyota Sequoia Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 565 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia, 2% of the 565 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have had to replace the rear lock assembly and various other parts associated with it 4 times due to rusting. Due to the part rusting it will no longer latch the door closed. The door can either pop open and thus cause a issue! When it won't lock inorder to drive the car it has to be bungee corded shut. Which isn't safe either. We have spent almost $3000 on these repairs from 2005 until today. Researching the web has revealed this is an issue with the Sequoia system. Toyota doesn't feel it is a concern when their 1-800 number is called and the issue reported. …”
NHTSA complaint #10704493, filed 2015-04, 55,650 miles“Inside door handles have broken off on three of the doors. The only door that still works is the driver's side. I have to get out of the car and walk around opening everyone else's door so they can get out of the car. This is obviously not safe in the case of an accident, fire, etc where I might not be able to open all the doors in time. I am thoroughly disappointed by the design flaw that lead to this situation. Toyota wants over 200 per door to fix a problem that should never have happened. Anytime a passenger is trapped inside a car it can become a dangerous situation very quickly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10318754, filed 2010-03, 60,000 miles“All of a sudden the rear lift gate handle stopped working.. A plastic part broke. I repaired the lift gate by drilling it and inserting a nut and screw to hold it in place thus making it stronger. That worked for about a year. It just broke again.”
NHTSA complaint #10379535, filed 2011-01, 93,000 miles“The rear latch of the vehicle rotted out and the tailgate opened while on the highway, also the two front door handles cracked on the inside at separate times not allowing you to get out of the vehicle from the inside. The new handles and latch were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10200099, filed 2007-08, 84,000 miles“Rear latch mechanism on 2003 Sequoia with 48000 miles has rusted and will no longer keep lift gate closed, thus allowing exhaust into vehicle and presenting hazard of lift gate opening.”
NHTSA complaint #10150379, filed 2006-02, 48,761 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 11% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 30 | 5% |
| 2001 | 11 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia
165 complaintsBrakes
155 complaintsBody and structure
98 complaintsVehicle speed control
91 complaintsOther or unknown
80 complaintsElectrical system
66 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsSuspension
40 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology