Common problems

Toyota Sequoia Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 5 Toyota Sequoia model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated July 2026

Owner complaints
36

5 model years

Top recurring issue
Unknown Or Other

3 affected years

Crash reports
1

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
0

4 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Toyota Sequoia problem categories

#1

Unknown Or Other

6complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.

#2

Fuel Propulsion System

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.

#3

Steering

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2022.

#4

Suspension

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2021.

#5

Power Train

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2020.

#6

Electrical System

7complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#7

Fuel System, Gasoline

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#8

Lane Departure

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#9

Seat Belts

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2019.

#10

Service Brakes

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2019.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Toyota Sequoia model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2018 Toyota Sequoia, particularly involving the vehicle's safety sensors and warning systems. Common symptoms include malfunctioning blind spot monitors, rear cross traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision warning systems. These issues often manifest at low mileages, with several complaints noting problems as early as 30 to 500 miles. There are safety implications, as some owners describe the vehicle's auto-braking feature activating unexpectedly, which could potentially lead to hazardous situations if it occurs in traffic. Buyers should be aware that despite software updates and repairs, these problems frequently recur, and resolution may be ongoing.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Sequoia report several issues under the unknown or other category. One complaint involves the sunroof unexpectedly exploding from the inside while driving at highway speeds, which could pose a safety risk. Another issue frequently mentioned is the audio multimedia system, including hands-free and GPS functions, repeatedly rebooting without reason, potentially distracting the driver. Additionally, the pre-collision system (PCS) is reported to malfunction, with the PCS off light illuminating incorrectly and the system failing to apply brakes in near-collision scenarios. The mileage at which these issues occur is not specified, but the safety implications, particularly with the PCS and sunroof, may be notable for potential buyers.

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2020 Toyota Sequoia report issues related to the power train, with one complaint describing a failure to accelerate at highway speeds and a subsequent loss of motive power and stalling, occurring around 41,000 miles. Another complaint involves an incident where the vehicle was left in gear and rolled backwards, resulting in an injury when the owner attempted to re-enter the moving vehicle. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including the risk of vehicle stalling and unintended vehicle movement. Used car buyers should be aware of these symptoms, especially around the reported mileage, as they may indicate underlying issues with the power train system.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Sequoia report issues with the fuel filler door and moonroof. Complaints frequently mention the fuel filler door hinge and pin being bent, leading to difficulties in opening, closing, and fueling the vehicle, with uneven spacing noted around the door. Another issue reported involves the moonroof, with one owner describing an incident where the moonroof glass exploded outward while driving at highway speeds, though no external impact was involved. These issues appear to arise without specific mileage patterns, and there are no reports of crashes or injuries associated with these complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly concerning the fuel filler door's functionality and the integrity of the moonroof.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Sequoia report issues with the fuel pump, including symptoms such as extended crank times and a loss of power. These symptoms are similar to those described in a specific recall, though some owners note their vehicles are not included despite experiencing identical issues. Complaints also highlight service-related problems, where a recall fix was not performed during scheduled maintenance due to unclear communication and service documentation errors. These issues typically arise without a specific mileage range mentioned, but the safety implications include potential power loss while driving. This information is useful for potential buyers to consider when assessing the maintenance history and recall status of a used 2018 Toyota Sequoia.

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Toyota Sequoia

When problems are reported to begin

  • Power train failures40,000–41,000 miles on the 2020 model-year record
  • Power steering leaks80,000–90,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures30–500 miles on the 2018 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Verify completion of steering recall repair
  • Inspect steering components for wear or damage
  • Check availability of replacement parts for known recalls
  • Inspect for any signs of fuel leakage under the vehicle, especially around the gas tank.
  • Check the sunroof for any cracks or signs of stress that could lead to breakage.
  • Test the suspension by bouncing the vehicle to listen for creaking or knocking noises, especially on the driver's side.
  • Verify that the vehicle does not move when in park, and ensure the gear shift functions correctly.
  • Inspect power train for acceleration issues at highway speeds

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Toyota Sequoia data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Toyota Sequoia research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Toyota Sequoia research FAQ

What is the most common Toyota Sequoia problem?

Unknown Or Other is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 3 years with 6 complaints represented.

Which Toyota Sequoia year has the most reported problems?

The 2018 has the largest unknown or other count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Toyota Sequoia has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Toyota Sequoia you are considering.