The most-documented Toyota Sequoia problems are recalls: sticking accelerator pedals on 2008–2010 trucks (10V017), overheating power window switches (12V491, 15V689), 2018–2019 airbag ECU software (18V685), 2018–2020 fuel pumps (20V012, 20V682), a power steering gear leak (21V920), and software and hardware recalls on the 2023-on Sequoia Hybrid.
CarWhere lists 9 documented Sequoia issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.
Sequoia generations at a glance
Toyota Sequoia generations and the known issues listed for each
Accelerator pedal can stick partly pressed (10V017) (2008–2010)
Safety recall
Generation:
XK60 (2008–2022)
Years:
2008–2010
Powertrain:
All
In the January 2010 sticky-pedal recall, Toyota found that the friction lever in the accelerator pedal sensor could become smooth and, with condensation on a cold pedal, become hard to press, slow to return or stuck partly depressed. 2008–2010 Sequoias were among 2.23 million Toyota vehicles recalled; dealers fitted a reinforcement bar to the pedal free of charge.
Symptoms
Accelerator pedal stiff, slow to return or sticking
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Power window master switch can overheat and melt (12V491, 15V689) (2008–2011)
Safety recall
Generation:
XK60 (2008–2022)
Years:
2008–2011
Powertrain:
All
Inconsistent lubrication in the driver’s power window master switch can let it overheat and melt, creating a fire risk. Recall 12V491 covered 2007–2009 Sequoias and 15V689 covered 2009–2011 trucks, each as part of a multi-model Toyota campaign. Dealers inspect the switch and apply special grease, or replace a damaged switch or circuit board, free of charge.
Symptoms
Sticky or intermittent window switch
Burning smell or heat at the driver’s door switch
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Airbag ECU may not deploy airbags after a false fault (18V685) (2018–2019)
Safety recall
Generation:
XK60 (2008–2022)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All
The airbag ECU on 2018–2019 Sequoias may wrongly detect a fault during its start-up self-check and then fail to deploy the airbags in a crash. Dealers update the ECU software free of charge. This recall superseded 18V122, which covered 2018 Sequoias whose stability control could switch off from electrical interference.
Symptoms
Airbag warning light at start-up
VSC or traction warning lights (18V122)
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank can fail and stall the engine while driving. Recall 20V012 included 2018–2019 Sequoias, and expansion 20V682 listed 2019–2020 Sequoias among about 1.5 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Dealers replace the pump with an improved one free of charge; unit counts cover all models.
Symptoms
Rough running or hesitation
Check-engine light
Engine stalls or will not start
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Power steering gear can leak and lose assist (21V920) (2008–2022)
Safety recall
Generation:
XK60 (2008–2022)
Years:
2008–2022
Powertrain:
All
Some power steering gear assemblies fitted to 2008–2022 Sequoias and 2007–2021 Tundras may have been manufactured incorrectly and leak oil, which can cause a sudden loss of power steering assist. Dealers inspect and replace the gear as needed, free of charge. The recall involves only 22,462 vehicles across both models.
Symptoms
Power steering fluid leak or low fluid
Heavy steering at low speed
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Look for steering fluid wetness at the steering gear
On 2023–2024 Sequoia Hybrids, as well as 2022–2024 Tundra, Tundra Hybrid and Lexus LX600, the vehicle may move unexpectedly when in Neutral without the brakes applied. Dealers update the transmission control ECU software free of charge. The 280,663-vehicle count spans all included models.
Symptoms
Vehicle creeps while the shifter is in Neutral
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Tow hitch cover can detach from the bumper (24V640) (2023–2024)
Safety recall
Generation:
XK80 (2023–present)
Years:
2023–2024
Powertrain:
All
The tow hitch cover on the rear bumper of 2023–2024 Sequoia Hybrids may come loose and fall off, becoming a road hazard. Dealers replace the cover and modify the rear bumper free of charge.
Symptoms
Loose or missing tow hitch cover
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Rearview camera image may not display (25V657) (2023–2025)
Safety recall
Generation:
XK80 (2023–present)
Years:
2023–2025
Powertrain:
All
A multimedia software error on 2023–2025 Sequoia Hybrids, and 2022–2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid, may stop the rearview image from appearing in reverse, failing FMVSS 111. Dealers update the multimedia display software free of charge.
Symptoms
Blank or frozen screen when shifting into reverse
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Passenger-side tires may have inner sidewall damage (24V767) (2024)
Safety recall
Generation:
XK80 (2023–present)
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All
Some 2024 Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks may have inner sidewall damage on the passenger-side front and rear tires, which can cause a sudden loss of tire pressure. Dealers inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge.
Symptoms
Low-tire-pressure warning
Bulge or damage on the inner sidewall
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Toyota build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Most documented Sequoia problems are recalls: the 2008–2010 sticky accelerator pedal (10V017), power window switches (12V491, 15V689), 2018–2019 airbag ECU software (18V685), 2018–2020 fuel pumps (20V012, 20V682), a steering gear leak (21V920) and several 2023-on Sequoia Hybrid recalls.
Is the 2023+ Sequoia in the i-FORCE MAX engine debris recall?
No. The NHTSA recalls for V35A machining debris that can damage main bearings (24V381, 25V767 and 26V320) list Tundra, Lexus LX and Lexus GX models, not the Sequoia. The 2023-on Sequoia’s recalls cover Neutral creep, the rearview camera, a tow hitch cover and tires.
Which Sequoia years have the most recalls?
The 2018–2019 trucks appear in the airbag ECU recall 18V685, the stability control recall 18V122 and the fuel pump recalls, and the 2023–2024 Sequoia Hybrid appears in 24V125, 24V640, 25V657 and, for 2024, 24V767.
Does the Sequoia have power steering problems?
Recall 21V920 covers some 2008–2022 Sequoias and 2007–2021 Tundras whose power steering gear may have been built incorrectly and leak oil, risking loss of assist. Only 22,462 vehicles across both models are included, so check the specific VIN.
How do I check a used Sequoia for open recalls?
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and ask a Toyota dealer for the repair orders. On 2018–2020 trucks, check the VIN against both fuel pump recalls, 20V012 and 20V682.
Sources
Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor North America or any Toyota distributor. Toyota, TRD, i-FORCE MAX, Hybrid Synergy Drive and the model names are trademarks of their owners.