2021 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.

2021 Toyota Sequoia

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Common 2021 Toyota Sequoia problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota Sequoia 2021, several common problems have been reported:

  1. Brakes Issues: Owners have raised concerns about brake problems in the Toyota Sequoia. This includes complaints about brake performance, potential failures, or issues related to the braking system. Brake problems can significantly impact the safety and drivability of the vehicle, making it a crucial area for attention and potential maintenance.
  2. Electrical Problems: Another common complaint among Toyota Sequoia owners is related to electrical issues. These problems may involve issues with the vehicle's electrical system, such as malfunctions in the wiring, fuses, lights, or other electrical components. Electrical problems can lead to various issues, including safety concerns and operational disruptions.
  3. Exterior Concerns: Owners have reported complaints regarding the exterior of the Toyota Sequoia. These complaints may include issues with the vehicle's body, paint, exterior lights, or other external features. Exterior problems can affect the aesthetics, functionality, and overall condition of the vehicle, requiring attention and potential repairs.
  4. Engine Troubles: Engine-related problems have also been highlighted by Toyota Sequoia owners. These complaints may involve issues with the engine performance, reliability, or specific components within the engine system. Engine problems can impact the vehicle's power, efficiency, and overall driving experience, necessitating thorough inspection and potential repairs.
  5. Interior Challenges: Complaints have been raised about interior issues in the Toyota Sequoia. These concerns may encompass problems with the vehicle's interior features, comfort, controls, or other interior components. Interior problems can affect the overall driving experience, passenger comfort, and the vehicle's overall appeal, requiring attention and potential maintenance.
  6. Transmission Failures: Owners have expressed concerns about transmission failures in the Toyota Sequoia. Transmission issues can lead to significant drivability problems, affecting gear shifting, acceleration, and overall performance. Addressing transmission failures promptly is crucial to ensure the vehicle's safe operation and longevity.
  7. VSC/Traction Control Engages: Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's VSC/traction control system engaging for no reason. This can impact the vehicle's stability and handling, potentially leading to safety concerns while driving. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintain safe driving conditions.

These common problems reported by Toyota Sequoia owners highlight various areas of concern that may impact the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall ownership experience. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections can help address these issues and ensure the Toyota Sequoia operates smoothly and reliably.

2021 Toyota Sequoia engine

Is the 2021 Sequoia a good car?

With three rows of seats and a suite of standard driver-assistance technology, the Sequoia is relevant only to families who want a large SUV with Toyota's reputation for reliability. Inside, there's an impressive amount of space for all passengers, but the material quality and overall refinement are disappointing.

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 best year for 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 Toyota Sequoia a reliable vehicle?

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

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.

How long will a Toyota Sequoia engine last?

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles. These used SUVs for sale near you are built to withstand off-road driving, and built with resilient components.

Do Toyota Sequoias rust?

A common problem with the Toyota Sequoia is its susceptibility to rust.

2021 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:

  • Power train problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Structure problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Toyota Sequoia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2021 Toyota Sequoia complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Toyota Sequoia.

2024-07-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-30
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 5TDEY5B12MS
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while parked and the driver door was opened, he observed a beeping noise and the vehicle began reversing inadvertently. The contact dove into the driver's seat and attempted to move the gear shift but it was already in park (P). The contact was not sure if the brake was depressed at that time. The vehicle continued to reverse and collided with a creek bed. The contact sustained left hip and left knee injuries along with other cuts and scrapes. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and then to a body shop the next day. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,236.
2024-06-22

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-19
  • VIN: 5TDGY5B11MS
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: The gas tank on my vehicle started leaking. It has a crack in the tank. I have not been in an accident nor have I hit anything to cause damage to my vehicle. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 6 hours in my work parking lot when I was notified that the tank was leaking.
2024-06-10

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-08
  • VIN: 5TDHY5B11MS
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: While I was driving on the freeway, my family and I heard a loud bang. I pulled over to check and discovered that our sunroof had exploded. We went to a Toyota dealership to have it examined, but the staff claimed it was caused by a rock. We opened the sunshade to check, but no rock was found inside. It was clearly an issue with the sunroof itself. Despite this, we received no help and were simply dismissed.
2022-04-19

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-02-11
  • VIN: 5TDEY5B17MS
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: My cars suspension (driver side shock) has been making creaking, grinding, and/or knocking noise when traversing over mild bumps or road defects at slow speeds. The sound can be replicate by bouncing the car up and down. I am concerned my suspension components will fail under prematurely or under extreme stress. Noted, I brought my car to Toyota for inspection on 2/11/22 and they were not able to replicate the sound. Subsequently I found this related TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10181779-9999.pdf. Additionally noted, I have a TRD pro model with a similar setup as far as suspension. I believe the known defect in the 2019-2020 TRD pros (4Runners) applies here. Lastly, there is such a small population or TRD Pro Sequoias (only manufactured for 3 years 2020-2022) I’m concerned it’s not enough to create demand for a TSB.

2021 Toyota Sequoia recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 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.

Negative 2021 Toyota Sequoia car reviews

  1. Zackary Harber 2024-09-03

    I recently rented a Sequoia for a week and found it to be an average vehicle in terms of quality, power, handling, and overall build. The interior was similar to what you would find in any entry-level sport utility vehicle. However, I did find the ride to be a bit unbalanced and not as compliant as some comparable models such as the Tahoe, Denali, Explorer, or Expedition. In my opinion, it felt more like driving a 3/4 ton pickup truck than a comfortable SUV. Overall, I would not personally consider purchasing this vehicle.

  2. Muhammad Volkman 2024-07-22

    When this version of the Sequoia was released, George W. Bush was President (2007). It seems like Toyota is ready for a change. Although I loved my 2006 Sequoia, I think this generation is not as visually appealing. The dashboard and tech features are outdated, and the plastic interior could use an upgrade. I believe Toyota has the potential to do better and I look forward to seeing what they come up with next!

  3. Peyton Gutkowski 2024-07-13

    This car may require frequent trips to the gas station. Additionally, it may not provide the smoothest ride as it can be quite loud and jerky when shifting gears. When starting from a stop, it may also feel sluggish. However, we understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to cars, so we encourage you to test drive it and see if it's the right fit for you!

  4. Trace Wiegand 2024-03-19

    I recently purchased a 2019 Sequoia Limited, but unfortunately, I have found the leather seats to be quite uncomfortable. Additionally, I was surprised to find that there is no gas cap lever located next to the driver's seat, which seems like an outdated feature. Instead, I have to manually open the gas cap from the outside, which is not very convenient. Another issue I have encountered is difficulty syncing my mobile phone with Entune, as the integration is not very smooth. Lastly, I was disappointed to find that there is no armrest by the front seats. Overall, I feel that Toyota may have cut corners to save money when designing this SUV, and I am not entirely satisfied with my purchase.

  5. Riley Lindgren 2024-03-01

    This car has a very poor gas mileage, averaging only 11 MPG's despite my efforts to drive conservatively. I have owned trucks and SUV's before and have never experienced such low fuel efficiency. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this car to anyone who is concerned about fuel consumption.

Positive 2021 Toyota Sequoia car reviews

  1. Jocelyn Fay 2024-11-28

    I have a 2021 Sequoia TRD Pro, and it's fantastic for passengers' comfort. Even though the design may seem old-fashioned, the Luna Rock colour on the TRD Pro model makes it a stunning beast!

  2. Gardner Kessler 2024-10-26

    After buying my Sequoia, I had to drive about a hundred miles. The first things I noticed when leaving my neighborhood were the swaying of the vehicle going side to side when making a turn with a drainage ditch. I have two turns that this effect happens on. The front end dives left or right pretty deep on any turn, but more so with drainage ditches. I also noticed how the crosswind gusts push on either side of the Sequoia, causing a swaying effect. So, you probably figured it out by now, I replaced the weak original sway bars with the Toyota TRD sway bars (front and back). I am very happy with the results. There is less sway, and I'm able to make turns faster. I also noticed the passenger sun visor drooping. Yes, I am very happy with my Sequoia now that I upgraded the sway bars. The 8-month update: My wife is the main driver, and she says, 'We are never going to get rid of this car' (SUV). She feels safe. The turning radius on this Sequoia is surprisingly small. The engine power is quick. Road noise, for the most part, is quiet. You can't hide the imperfection of the road. So, as I write this, I am also in agreement with my wife. We like this monster. The one thing I want to change is the height. The Sequoia appears to be too low.

  3. Hollis Kuhn 2024-10-09

    The Sequoia is exactly what I wanted and I love it.

  4. Kale Schaden 2024-09-17

    My 2018 Sequioa has been flawless, even after driving it for almost 5,000 miles. Its gas mileage is even better than my previous 2013 model. While I did experience a problem with the door hinge on my 2013 Sequioa after 80,000 miles, I believe Toyota should consider manufacturing a heavy-duty hinge. The 2018 model boasts impressive design, handling, performance, and quality. In contrast, I have owned six Chevy Suburbans that fell apart after only 50,000 miles. Despite the Suburban's poor performance, I still only get 17 MPG while driving it, and approximately 18 MPG on the highway. Although I did manage to get over 20 MPG on one tank of gas while driving on the highway, I believe it was due to the wind pushing me. Overall, I absolutely love my truck.

  5. Dexter Schroeder 2024-05-07

    I really love my new Sequoia, but the only downside was the long wait!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Toyota Sequoia problems:

Toyota Sequoia Common Problems to Look For Before Buying One ...
Toyota Sequoia Common Problems to Look For Before Buying One ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KPhrPQXvdk

Jan 3, 2024 ... A Toyota Specialist shares common problems to look for before buying a 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia. We return to a format we haven't done in ...

2021 Toyota Sequoia Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2021 Toyota Sequoia Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/sequoia/2021/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2021 Toyota Sequoia? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

2021 Toyota Sequoia Platinum - YouTube
2021 Toyota Sequoia Platinum - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3JTYw7ytPA

Mar 31, 2021 ... ... 19:18 · Go to channel · Toyota Sequoia Common Problems to Look For Before Buying One. The Car Care Nut•87K views · 29:30 · Go to channel ...

2023 Toyota Sequoia - Such a Disappointment : r/toyotasequoia
2023 Toyota Sequoia - Such a Disappointment : r/toyotasequoia
https://www.reddit.com/r/toyotasequoia/comments/wjravy/2023_toyota_sequoia_such_a_disappointment/

Aug 9, 2022 ... In addition to the interior changes that are not family friendly, we have had multiple issues with the car...the trim on the drivers seat ...

Battle: 2023 Toyota Sequoia vs Previous Generation! - YouTube
Battle: 2023 Toyota Sequoia vs Previous Generation! - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5tPyWL1bDM

Feb 7, 2023 ... Who wins? This is a 2023 Sequoia Platinum vs 2021 Sequoia ... This is a 2023 Sequoia Platinum vs 2021 Sequoia ... Toyota Sequoia Common Problems to ...

Other years of Toyota Sequoia

toyota sequoia 2022 photo
Sequoia 2022
Toyota

1

2

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2023 photo
Sequoia 2023
Toyota

14

0

13

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2001 photo
Sequoia 2001
Toyota

528

3

29

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2002 photo
Sequoia 2002
Toyota

689

8

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2003 photo
Sequoia 2003
Toyota

681

7

29

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sequoia 2004 photo
Sequoia 2004
Toyota

375

9

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2021 Toyota Sequoia photo