Toyota Sequoia Best and Worst Years (2010–2022)
Toyota Sequoia years to avoid are 2010, 2012, 2018, and 2019, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 100, 92, 83, and 75. The 2015 and 2016 model years score lowest (8 and 17) and are rated Best based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- Model years
- 13
- 2010–2022
- NHTSA complaints
- 160
- Recall campaigns
- 16
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 2
- Top problem area
- Engine
Sequoia Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Toyota Sequoia problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 9 | Engine | 15 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 42 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Engine | 15 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 92 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Brakes | 15 | — |
| 2013 | Good | 25 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 15 | — |
| 2014 | Caution | 50 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Structure & Body | 15 | — |
| 2015 | Best | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 15 | — |
| 2016 | Best | 17 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Brakes | 15 | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 58 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 14 | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 83 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 14 | — |
| 2019 | Avoid | 75 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Fuel System | 14.5 | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 33 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 14.5 | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 67 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Fuel System | 14.5 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering | 14.5 | — |
Sequoia years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Toyota Sequoia Index 100 · 31 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2010 Sequoia has the highest complaint index (100) of all model years and carries 9 recall campaigns. Engine problems dominate, making up 45% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 71,375 miles; owners describe engine fires and burning smells near the tailpipe and hood after towing or short trips. Structure & Body issues follow at 16% share, including a rear door latch that corroded and melted at 100,000 miles. Electrical System complaints account for 13%, including a report of unintended acceleration. Recalls cover the steering gear assembly, seat heaters, and a headlight switch.
2012 Toyota Sequoia Index 92 · 20 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2012 Sequoia has a complaint index of 92, the second-highest of any year, with brakes as the top problem area at 40% of complaints and a low median failure mileage of 12,500 miles. Owners describe warning lights and lockups tied to the traction/stability system, sudden loss of braking response, and electric door locks failing on all four doors. Engine complaints make up 25% of the total, including reports of oil leaks from the camshaft housing area, with failures near 65,000 miles. The year carries 3 recall campaigns, including the steering gear assembly recall.
2018 Toyota Sequoia Index 83 · 20 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2018 Sequoia has a complaint index of 83 and 4 recall campaigns. Electrical System issues lead at 35% of complaints with a very low median failure mileage of 459 miles, including lane departure and cross-traffic warning systems that would not turn off. Brakes follow at 25% share (median 2,669 miles), and Engine at 20% (median 239.5 miles). Recalls include a fuel pump replacement campaign and an airbag ECU software update affecting the air bag control unit.
2019 Toyota Sequoia Index 75 · 7 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2019 Sequoia has a complaint index of 75 with 5 recall campaigns, the most of any avoid year. Fuel System complaints are the top category at 29% share, including a fuel filler door hinge that bent and would not close properly. Owners also reported a power steering rack boot leak at 84,308 miles tied to a known recall issue, third-row seat belts detaching from their floor anchors while driving, and air suspension causing the vehicle to lean to one side. Recalls cover the steering gear assembly and two separate fuel pump campaigns.
Most common Toyota Sequoia problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine39 (24%)
- Electrical System27 (17%)
- Other27 (17%)
- Brakes26 (16%)
- Structure & Body24 (15%)
- Fuel System18 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (8%)
- Steering8 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (5%)
- Airbags7 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Toyota Sequoia should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010, 2012, 2018, and 2019 Toyota Sequoia model years rank worst, with complaint index scores of 100, 92, 83, and 75 respectively.
- What are the best Toyota Sequoia model years?
- The 2015 and 2016 Toyota Sequoia have the lowest complaint index scores (8 and 17) among the 13 model years with data, making them the top-rated years based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- Is the 2010 Toyota Sequoia reliable?
- The 2010 Sequoia has the highest complaint index (100) of all Sequoia model years and 9 recall campaigns, with Engine problems making up 45% of its complaints, so it ranks worst relative to other Sequoia years.
- Does the Toyota Sequoia have engine problems?
- Engine is the top problem area across all Sequoia years combined, accounting for 39 complaints and 24% of the total, with the 2010 and 2012 model years showing the heaviest engine-related complaint share.
- How many recalls does the Toyota Sequoia have?
- Across the 2010-2022 model years covered, the Toyota Sequoia has 16 recall campaigns total, with the 2010 model year alone accounting for 9 of them.