2008 Toyota Sequoia: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Toyota Sequoia has 65 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag *current generation (2023+):.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

65
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
4
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Toyota Sequoia vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

structure
16
vehicle speed control
8
power train
7
service brakes
6
engine and engine cooling
6

Recalls affecting the 2008 Sequoia

steering:hydraulic power assist system

Campaign 21V920000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil

steering:hydraulic power assist system

Campaign 21E103000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and

seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler

Campaign 16V396000

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacom

seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler

Campaign 14V743000

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, C

What owners say across generations

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. Owner

  • *Current Generation (2023+):
  • Engine Failure (Machining Debris)* — Catastrophic failure due to metal shavings left in engine block during manufacturing, leading to spun main bearings. Subject of a large, expanding recall. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Severely Compromised Cargo/Third-Row Space* — Hybrid battery placement drastically reduces cargo volume, raises load floor, and results in poor third-row headroom (35.6 inches cited). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical/Software Glitches* — Isolated report of multiple simultaneous warning lights (brake malfunction, check engine) causing driveability concerns, potentially related to a defective regulator ring. Frequency: isolated.
  • Persistent "Glitter" in Oil* — Metal shavings observed in oil during changes even at 27,000 miles, indicating ongoing wear or contamination related to the manufacturing defect. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sequoia.

Typical used price

Used Sequoia listings typically run $36,825–$78,482 across 2003 to 2026 model years.

Other Sequoia model years