TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Toyota Sequoia brakes problems
moderate 48 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 48 brakes complaints filed for the 2005 Toyota Sequoia, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Toyota Sequoia we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 48.
Owners have filed 48 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. The following recommendations are intended to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) front brake pads and discs. Always refer to the model specific Repair manual and TIS publications for specific repair instructions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Sequoia's brake system is plagued by a defect centered on the VSC/ABS skid control ECU that owners across the country report with striking consistency. The computer fails, causing brake, VSC, traction control, and ABS warning lights to flash on and off—usually resetting when the engine is shut off, only to return unpredictably. The real danger: when these lights activate, the braking system itself becomes compromised. Owners describe brakes that fail entirely, pedals that go to the floor, sliding through intersections unable to stop, and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Some report multiple near-collisions; at least one owner refused to drive the vehicle again, fearing it was a "death trap."
The repair path is grueling. Dealers replace the skid control ECU for $1,000–$2,300, often claiming it's a "99% fix." Weeks or months later, the warning lights and brake failures return. Dealers then blame the master cylinder, brake booster, or ABS actuator—each repair adding another $1,000. Multiple owners report spending $3,000–$4,000 with no permanent resolution. Some dealership technicians admit this is a known, recurring problem, yet Toyota has not issued a recall for the 2005 model despite recalling the same defect on 2003 Sequoias and updating the part design for later years. Owners consistently note diagnostic codes C1223 and C1247 appearing when the computer fails.
Same Toyota Sequoia brakes reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
VSC/ABS Skid Control ECU Failure
The skid control electronic control unit (ECU) fails, triggering brake, VSC (vehicle stability control), ABS, and traction control warning lights. Owners report the computer gives false signals to the braking system. Dealers diagnose the need for ECU replacement, typically a $1,000–$2,300+ repair. Multiple owners state the same light and problem recur within weeks or months after replacement, suggesting either a defective replacement part or an unresolved root cause.
When: Failure mileage ranges from 6,802 to 242,000 miles; some occur intermittently over years, others suddenly.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake, VSC, traction control, and ABS warning lights illuminate intermittently or persistently; Warning lights may reset when vehicle is turned off, then reappear; Brakes fail to respond or respond sluggishly when depressed; Brake pedal travels to floor with no stopping power; Grinding or screeching noise from ABS during braking attempts; Loss of vehicle control, inability to steer or brake; ABS engages unexpectedly on clean, dry pavement at normal speeds; Vehicle slides through stop signs or intersections when attempting to brake
Codes mentioned: C1223, C1247, C1310
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replace the skid control ECU (or ABS computer) at $1,000–$2,300. Multiple owners report the problem persists after replacement. One owner was quoted $2,400 for ECU replacement and found the repair did not resolve the issue. One mechanic noted a TSB exists but no recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued a TSB and replaced the part with a new design on future models. One owner notes Toyota recalled the same problem on 2003 Sequoia models but not on 2005. Owners report Toyota dealerships have stated this is a 'common problem' but have not issued a recall for the 2005 model year. Toyota denied assistance on at least one repair claim.
Brake Booster Failure
The brake booster fails, resulting in loss of brake assist. The brake pedal becomes stiff or travels fully to the floor with minimal stopping power. Owners report needing to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. One dealer technician stated the brake booster typically fails at around 70,000 miles on this model year. One part was reported as no longer being manufactured.
When: Reported at 69,000–242,000 miles; one dealer noted typical failure around 70,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes very hard to depress or travels completely to the floor; Loss of braking power; vehicle does not slow or stop; Brake light illuminates; Grinding noise when brakes applied; Must use parking brake to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost not consistently stated; one owner cited $1,000. One part was reported as no longer being manufactured, preventing repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Master Cylinder Failure
The master cylinder fails, reducing or eliminating brake pressure and stopping power. One owner reports being told the master cylinder was at fault after VSC skid control computer replacement did not fix the problem, resulting in a separate ~$1,000 repair that also did not resolve the underlying issue.
When: Not specified in narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of braking power; Soft or spongy brake pedal; Brake light on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Approximately $1,000 replacement cost reported by one owner. Replacement did not resolve the recurring warning lights and brake issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
ABS Hydraulic Assembly and Actuator Failure
The ABS hydraulic assembly or ABS/traction control actuator fails, causing unpredictable brake engagement and loss of vehicle control. Owners report the ABS engages without warning, sometimes making loud grinding or buzzing noises, and brakes lock or fail to respond. One owner reports the dealer identified failure in the 'ABS and traction control actuator' as the cause of warning lights and improper brake function.
When: Not consistently specified; one failure noted at 133,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages unexpectedly, making loud grinding or buzzing mechanical noise; Brakes lock up suddenly; Vehicle slides or cannot stop when braking; All ABS, brake, and VSC warning lights illuminate; Loss of braking response or delayed response
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports the dealer identified the 'ABS and traction control actuator' as the problem but repair cost and outcome not stated. Another owner reports wheel speed sensors, stroke sensors, and hydraulic assembly were diagnosed as needing replacement, but the brake failure recurred after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Intermittent Warning Light Malfunction (Unknown Root Cause)
Brake, VSC, and ABS warning lights illuminate and extinguish intermittently for months or years without any detected brake system failure. Owners bring vehicles to dealerships multiple times; technicians inspect but can find no stored diagnostic codes or identifiable failures. Lights reset when vehicle is shut off, then reappear unpredictably. This pattern persists despite inspection and is not definitively resolved, leaving owners uncertain whether an actual brake system defect exists.
When: Occurs intermittently over months to years; some reported at 30,000–96,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light comes on and off for no apparent reason; VSC and traction control lights illuminate and extinguish intermittently; All three (brake, VSC, ABS) lights come on together, then reset when engine is turned off; Lights reappear the next time vehicle is driven; No consistent braking failure observed by owner when lights are on; Dealership unable to detect stored fault codes or identify a specific problem
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have recommended replacing the skid control computer without definitive proof the light malfunction indicates a real brake system defect. One owner refused to spend $1,000 on a recommendation. Some owners spent upwards of $4,000 on various part replacements without resolving the intermittent lights.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One Toyota dealership representative allegedly admitted this is a known problem but stated that insufficient complaints have prevented a recall. No official manufacturer acknowledgment in narratives.
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Brake light comes on when driving, reset when turn engine off. Braking system & pad checked out to be fine. Need to replace skid control computer cost approx. $1200.00 should be covered under the warranty but the dealer say no. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Toyota sequoia. The brake lights, check engine light, and vcs track light illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately nine times. The dealer replaced the brake booster the first time, checked the emissions and cleared the codes the second time, cleared the code the third time, replaced the fuel filter neck the…
Had brakes trouble with your 2005 Toyota Sequoia?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 Toyota Sequoia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 48 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 43,000 and 115,850 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 115,850. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Sequoia.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.