Avoid: 2023, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022 (few owner reports)
22 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 24 model years, the Toyota Sequoia has 3,092 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 130 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electronic stability control (esc). 2002 drew the most complaints (692), 2022 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Toyota Sequoia vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $23,195–$66,999.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2011 | 17 |
| 2010 | 31 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2007 | 136 |
| 2005 | 352 |
| 2004 | 380 |
| 2003 | 684 |
| 2002 | 692 |
| 2001 | 530 |
Highest: 2002 (692 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (1).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the previous generation (approximately 2008-2022, referred to as Gen 2), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by extremely high praise for legendary reliability, durability, and practicality.
Catastrophic failure due to metal shavings left in engine block during manufacturing, leading to spun main bearings. Subject of a large, expanding recall.
Hybrid battery placement drastically reduces cargo volume, raises load floor, and results in poor third-row headroom (35.6 inches cited).
Box frames rust from the inside out, potentially leading to structural failure. The most critical item to inspect before purchase.
The 5.7L V8 is an interference engine requiring timing belt and water pump replacement every 90,000 miles; failure causes catastrophic engine damage.
Issues with engagement (blinking 4HI light), center differential warnings, and stiff/binding operation when engaged, indicating potential actuator or transfer case problems.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sequoia. Individual model years are broken down above.
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