2015 Toyota Sequoia problems

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The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV manufactured by Toyota mainly for the North American market since 2000 for the 2001 model year, being derived from the Tundra pickup truck. It is the second largest SUV ever produced under the Toyota brand, after the Japan-exclusive, military-focused Mega Cruiser.

Previously manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana between 2000 and 2021, and then in Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas in San Antonio, Texas since 2022, the Sequoia is the first vehicle from a Japanese marque in the popular mainstream full-sized SUV class in North America, and initial planning done by first-generation Sequoia chief engineer Kaoru Hosokawa aimed the Sequoia directly at the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada, and other full-size SUVs.

Up until the 2021 model year, the Sequoia was slotted between the mid-size 4Runner and the premium Land Cruiser in the North American Toyota SUV lineup. With the discontinuation of North American sales of the Land Cruiser from the 2022 model year onward, the Sequoia became the flagship SUV in Toyota's North America lineup.

As of 2021, the Sequoia is sold in the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica. It is offered in left-hand drive only.

2015 Toyota Sequoia

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Common 2015 Toyota Sequoia problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2015 Toyota Sequoia, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Rust Issues: Owners have complained about the SUV's susceptibility to rust, particularly in the frame. The large metal frame of the Sequoia is prone to rust and corrosion, leading to rapid deterioration.
  2. Transmission Problems: Earlier models of the Sequoia have been known to experience transmission issues. Repairing the transmission system can be costly, with repair costs potentially reaching up to $3,500 for replacement or rebuilding.
  3. Faulty Oxygen Sensor: Reports indicate that the 2001-2004 Toyota Sequoia models may have defective oxygen sensors. This can trigger the check engine light, indicating potential issues that need attention.

These problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the 2015 Toyota Sequoia have faced. It's essential for potential buyers to be aware of these issues to make informed decisions when considering purchasing this vehicle.

2015 Toyota Sequoia engine

Is the 2015 Toyota Sequoia a good car?

With seating for eight, plenty of versatility and user-friendly features, the 2015 Toyota Sequoia is a good choice among traditional full-size SUVs. If your needs are less extreme, though, a large, three-row crossover will likely serve you better.

Do Toyota Sequoias have transmission problems?

Toyota announced Wednesday it is recalling nearly 280,000 Toyota Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX 600 vehicles because of a transmission problem that can result in cars rolling forward while in neutral.

What is the problem with Toyota Sequoia?

The Toyota Sequoia seems to have been plagued by several issues in its early years. The most common include brake, body/paint, steering, engine, and suspension failure—these present safety issues. You don't want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you're looking for.

What are the best years to buy a Toyota Sequoia?

Pretty much any model from its second generation is considered a solid choice, but these are the five most reliable Toyota Sequoia model years.

  • 2015. Darthart/Getty Images. The 2015 Toyota Sequoia is one of the best models of its entire run. ...
  • 2013. Bloomberg/Getty Images. ...
  • 2016. RL GNZLZ. ...
  • 2011. RL GNZLZ. ...
  • 2020. Bull-Doser.

Is the 2015 Toyota Sequoia a good car?

With seating for eight, plenty of versatility and user-friendly features, the 2015 Toyota Sequoia is a good choice among traditional full-size SUVs. If your needs are less extreme, though, a large, three-row crossover will likely serve you better.

What is the problem with Toyota Sequoia?

The Toyota Sequoia seems to have been plagued by several issues in its early years. The most common include brake, body/paint, steering, engine, and suspension failure—these present safety issues. You don't want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you're looking for.

Is Toyota Sequoia a reliable car?

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100.

Do Toyota Sequoias have transmission problems?

Toyota announced Wednesday it is recalling nearly 280,000 Toyota Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX 600 vehicles because of a transmission problem that can result in cars rolling forward while in neutral.

2015 Toyota Sequoia car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Sequoia problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Tires problems
  • Visibility/wiper problems
  • Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Toyota Sequoia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2015 Toyota Sequoia complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Toyota Sequoia.

2022-07-01

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-06-18
  • VIN: 5TDJY5G18FS
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: My wife was driving Interstate 81 from Tennessee to West Virginia at 70 mph when her right front tire blew out. Two months prior to this we were driving approximately 40 mph on a back road and the left front tire blew out. These are Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season 275/55 R20, purchased approximately in August 2020, with approximately 40,000 miles.
2019-12-17

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-12-14
  • VIN: 5TDJW5G18FS
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: WE PARKED OUR CAR IN OUR GARAGE AT ABOUT 11:30 AM. I WENT TO THE GARAGE AROUND 4PM TO GET MY WALLET AND THE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. THERE WAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF GLASS IN THE CAR, AND MORE GLASS ON TOP. THE GLASS WAS CRACKED AND BOWED UPWARDS, LIKE IT HAD EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE. THERE WERE NO CRACKS IN THE GLASS PRIOR TO THIS, NOR WAS THE TEMPERATURE BELOW FREEZING THAT DAY. NOTHING COULD HAVE FALLEN ON THE ROOF IN THE GARAGE. I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THAT MUCH DAMAGE TO THAT TYPE OF TEMPERED GLASS AND US NOT REALIZE IT. IT'S LIKE IT JUST BLEW UP FROM THE INSIDE, IVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT.
2019-09-18

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
  • VIN: 5TDDW5G10FS
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT INDICATOR FLASHED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT ENGAGED. CRYSTAL TOYOTA (220 US-22, GREENBROOK, NJ 08812, (732) 968-1000) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
2018-04-03

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-04-02
  • VIN: 5TDYY5G16FS
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CLEAR AND SUNNY DAY ON A HIGHWAY WITH FEW SURROUNDING VEHICLES, WHAT SEEMED LIKE EXPLOSION WAS FELT AND HEARD. A QUICK ASSESSMENT WAS MADE TO DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS NO ROAD DEBRIS, THE TIRES DID NOT BLOW OUT, AND THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH ANY SURROUNDING CARS. WHILE THE DRIVER SOUGHT A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER, THE PASSENGER LOOKED AROUND THE VEHICLE TO FIND ALL WINDOWS IN TACT AND SLIGHTLY OPENED THE MOON SHADE, TO DISCOVER THAT THE SUNROOF WAS CRACKED. AFTER PULLING OVER, THE SUNROOF WAS INSPECTED FROM THE EXTERIOR AND THE GLASS WAS NOTICEABLY BOWED OUTWARD, SUGGESTING AN EXPLOSION VS. AN ARTICLE HITTING THE GLASS TO CAUSE THE BREAK. NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF SUNROOF EXPLOSIONS HAVE BEEN FOUND ONLINE.
2017-10-09

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-10-08
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: TOYOTA COMPLAINT, DANGEROUS COMPUTER PROGRAM, CAN CAUSE DEATH. TOYOTA PROGRAMS THE CAR COMPUTER TO POST A "MAINTENANCE REQUIRED" SIGN TO POP UP ON THE DASH. IT HAS A "RED TRIANGLE" ALSO TO GET YOUR ATTENTION. THE SIGN STAYS ON CONSTANTLY UNTIL YOU TAKE YOUR VEHICLE INTO TOYOTA TO BE SERVICED. THIS SIGN IS VERY VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT SEE YOUR SPEED THAT IS HIDDEN BY THE SIGN WHEN YOU TRY TO SET YOUR CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE RUN OFF THE ROAD SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRYING TO ADJUST MY CRUISE CONTROL AND COULD NOT SEE IT BECAUSE OF THE MAINTENANCE SIGN. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SIGN AND TOYOTA SHOULD REMOVE IT FROM THE COMPUTER PROGRAM. I HOPE SOMEONE FILES A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST TOYOTA TO FORCE TOYOTA TO REMOVE THE MAINTENANCE REMINDER SIGN FROM THE COMPUTER. [XXX], [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
2016-04-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-04-04
  • VIN: 5TDJY5G12FS
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WIRING HARNESS WAS CHEWED ON BY RODENT. TOYOTA WILL NOT PAY FOR FIXING BRAND NEW VEHICLE. FOUND SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE AFTER TOYOTA HAS MOVED TO "PLANT-BASED" MATERIALS FOR WIRING HARNESSES. HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES.
2015-04-11

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-04-08
  • VIN: 5TDJY5G17FS
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: MY WIFE FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM WITH OUR BRAND NEW TOYOTA SEQUOIA WHILE DRIVING. THE SLIP INDICATOR ICON AND THE SRS WARNING LIGHT ICON STAYS ON. SHE CALLED ME AT WORK AND I TOLD HER THAT SHE MIGHT HAVE PRESSED THE VSC BUTTON THAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY I USED THE CAR AND DROVE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL FOR ABOUT 8 MILES AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY OF THE LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD. THE DAY AFTER WHEN I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE WE NOTICED THE SAME ICONS SHE WAS TELLING ME IN ADDITION TO THE BLINKING PASSENGER SEATBELT ICON EVEN IF SHE WAS WEARING HER SEATBELT ON. ALSO IT SHOWS THAT HER PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF ONCE YOU RESTART THE CAR AND THEN IT WOULD GO BACK WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE ALSO INSTANCES WHERE IT OCCUR THE MOMENT YOU START THE CAR. WE EVEN BROUGHT THE CAR TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED BUT I FORGOT NOT TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, AND WHEN I DID THE ICONS WASN'T LIT. WE TOLD THE SERVICE STAFF THAT'LL GO BACK THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE IT CHECK. WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A GLITCH AND WE DROVE IN THE HIGHWAY FOR 60MILES BACK AND FORTH AND SAW NO ICONS UNTIL WE'RE ABOUT TO REACH HOME THAT WE SAW THE FAMILIAR ICONS ONCE AGAIN. WE'RE BRINGING THE CAR TO TOYOTA SERVICE TOMORROW TO HAVE IT CHECKED. *TR

2015 Toyota Sequoia recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2015 Toyota Sequoia.

2021-12-23
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
  • Consequence: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
2021-11-23
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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 leak.
  • Consequence: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
2017-05-11
  • Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
  • Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
  • Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles accessorized with Southeast Toyota accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota or a Southeast Toyota dealer. The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that may crack and detach.
  • Consequence: Lugnuts that crack and detach may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement lugnuts, free of charge. The recall began June 23, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17A.

Negative 2015 Toyota Sequoia car reviews

  1. Greyson King 2024-11-22

    We recently purchased a 2011 Toyota Sequoia. Unfortunately, we have found that many of the most important functions of the navigation system, radio, media system, etc. are inaccessible while the car is in motion. We understand that this may be a safety feature, but it has made it difficult for us to use the car as we had hoped. We believe that it is important for car makers to prioritize both safety and usability. Despite this issue, we still appreciate the many great features of the car. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  2. Carson Wuckert 2024-10-25

    We're sorry to hear about the issues you've had with the sonar sensors on your Sequoia. As a long-time Toyota customer, we understand your frustration and disappointment. We want to assure you that we take all customer concerns seriously and strive to provide the best possible service. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience throughout this process. We're glad to hear that the issue was eventually resolved and hope that you can enjoy your Sequoia with peace of mind. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further concerns.Toyota's take? You should always abide by state driving laws if you don't feel safe, and you should never rely solely on your sensors. Thank you, Toyota! Although I could have paid less and not gotten sensors, I appreciate the added safety features. I have always been a loyal Toyota customer and I hope to continue driving their cars. However, I am disappointed with this experience and I hope Toyota can address this issue in the future.

  3. Eugene Kutch 2024-08-13

    Ok - I started with a much longer review, but ran out of space. If you are looking for a car that will make you feel slightly cool and powerful and take you out of the 'mini-van world', then this may be the right vehicle for you. However, if you are like me and value aesthetics, performance, and amenities, you may be disappointed with this over-priced vehicle for the masses.

  4. Kayley Hane 2024-05-13

    I recently traded in my 2014 Toyota Sequoia with only 7000 miles for a 2014 Suburban. Although I know that trading it in one year was not a financially wise decision, I am much happier with the Suburban. The Sequoia is easy to handle and turns and parks like a much smaller car, but unfortunately, it hurts my shoulders on long drives, has a lot of blind spots, doesn't offer much headroom, and has a small gas tank. Additionally, the Sequoia gets worse gas mileage than the Suburban. Overall, most of my complaints are about the comfort, and this car may work fine for a shorter driver but not for tall drivers.

  5. Carroll McGlynn 2024-03-17

    The extra foot between the bumpers, compared to the 4-runner, was too much for me. Although the interior was largely a step down from previous year's, the v-8 had a lot of power and delivered great acceleration. However, road noise was high.

Positive 2015 Toyota Sequoia car reviews

  1. Hollis Gerhold 2024-11-16

    When looking for a dealership, it's important to do your research. You may be surprised to find that some dealerships charge thousands more than they should. If a dealership claims to be charging only invoice and making only a small profit, be wary - this is often a tactic used to gain your trust. In my experience owning several 4Runners, a Tundra, and 2 Sequoias, I have found them to be incredibly reliable. I personally wouldn't recommend spending money on an extended warranty, as they can often be a rip-off and unnecessary. Unfortunately, when you bring your car in for service, it's common for mechanics to try and sell you on additional repairs. It's important to be aware of this and not let them pressure you into spending more money than you need to.

  2. Evert Abbott 2024-10-24

    You have made an excellent choice with your vehicle! It's great to hear that it has been so reliable for you.

  3. Jared Hoppe 2024-09-14

    This car is amazing! As a mom of two boys who play basketball and travel for baseball, it's the first vehicle that can carry all of their equipment and still have room to spare. The luxury of the Platinum level will spoil you and your family, making small weekend trips to the baseball field and long vacation runs to the beach a breeze and more enjoyable for everyone!

  4. Darrell Morissette 2024-07-28

    I absolutely love this truck! It's a real beast, with a 0-60 mph time of about 6.6 seconds. How many SUVs this size can really move that fast? I've owned many trucks, from small SUVs to my last truck, a 2003 GMC Yukon. But the Sequoia is the best truck I've ever owned. It's so responsive and has an excellent turning radius at low speed for its size. And the brakes are unbelievable! My old Yukon's brakes were terrible, so this is a huge improvement. This SUV is perfect for my needs, which include storage space for my job, as well as towing trailers and my boat. The front seats are very comfortable, and all my passengers love the captain chairs in the back. People never fight for shotgun because of the nice seats in the back. Can you believe it's already been 4 years since I purchased this truck? The Sequoia has been nothing short of remarkable since I've owned it. I got into a bad accident a year ago when an older gentleman slammed into me while I was stopped at a red light. The driver side exterior was badly damaged and the side mirrors were taken out, but thankfully I wasn't hurt at all. So, A plus for safety in that department! The truck runs like new. The only issue I had was a computer software problem involving Sequoias and Tundras. When it got colder than 30 degrees, the truck didn't want to start. I took it to the dealership twice, and finally had the issue resolved. Besides that, there have been no maintenance costs! I've owned GMC and Ford trucks in the past, and something would break every 3 or 4 months. It's so nice to own a truck that runs fine after 4 years of ownership.

  5. Finn McDermott 2024-05-29

    Hi there! We really appreciate the value you bring to our team.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2015 Toyota Sequoia problems:

2015 Toyota Sequoia Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2015 Toyota Sequoia Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/sequoia/2015/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2015 Toyota Sequoia? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Sequoia buying tips, good years, avoiding rust, under $10k | Toyota ...
Sequoia buying tips, good years, avoiding rust, under $10k | Toyota ...
https://www.tundras.com/threads/sequoia-buying-tips-good-years-avoiding-rust-under-10k.51911/

Aug 26, 2019 ... Thinking about buying a used Sequoia for a extra vehicle. What should I be looking for? What years are good, bad, rust , well known issues, ...

2015 Toyota Sequoia Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
2015 Toyota Sequoia Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/toyota/sequoia/2015

2015 Toyota Sequoia vehicles have 2 known recalls. The most common recall is: Power Steering Gear Leaks Oil Leading To Loss Of Steering Assist. Power Steering ...

Here Are The Toyota Sequoia Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Here Are The Toyota Sequoia Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/toyota-sequoia-years-to-avoid/

Apr 3, 2023 ... The most common include brake, body/paint, steering, engine, and suspension failure—these present safety issues. FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU ...

2015 Toyota Sequoia Reliability - Consumer Reports
2015 Toyota Sequoia Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/sequoia/2015/reliability/

An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Read Recall Details.

Other years of Toyota Sequoia

toyota sequoia 2016 photo
Sequoia 2016
Toyota

10

3

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2017 photo
Sequoia 2017
Toyota

7

3

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2018 photo
Sequoia 2018
Toyota

18

5

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2019 photo
Sequoia 2019
Toyota

4

6

16

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2020 photo
Sequoia 2020
Toyota

2

2

13

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2021 photo
Sequoia 2021
Toyota

4

2

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2015 Toyota Sequoia photo