Toyota Sequoia Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Sequoia model year (2001–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Sequoia Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 597 complaints
44 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Problem score: 703
1 recall · 448 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Problem score: 469
6 recalls · 425 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Problem score: 451
Best Toyota Sequoia Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 3 complaints
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 3
0 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 5
Found the right year? Verify that specific Sequoia with a free VIN report.
Toyota Sequoia — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 3 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 3 | — | — | 9 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 18 | — | — | 21 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 10 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 0 | 10 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 18 | — | — | 18 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 0 | 5 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 2 | 7 | — | — | 13 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 3 | 10 | — | — | 19 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 4 | 24 | — | — | 36 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 2 | 52 | 2 | — | 62 | Excellent |
| 2007 | 5 | 96 | 1 | — | 113 | Good |
| 2006 | 6 | 139 | 3 | — | 163 | Good |
| 2005 | 7 | 251 | — | 2 | 282 | Caution |
| 2004 | 6 | 301 | 25 | — | 369 | Caution |
| 2003 | 6 | 425 | 4 | — | 451 | Caution |
| 2002 | 6 | 597 | 44 | — | 703 | Avoid |
| 2001 | 1 | 448 | 9 | — | 469 | Avoid |
All 26 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota Sequoia Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Sequoia models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Sequoia units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Sequoia models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Sequoia should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2002 Toyota Sequoia if possible. It has 6 recalls, 597 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 703 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Sequoia to buy?+
The 2017 Toyota Sequoia is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which Sequoia has the fewest problems?+
The 2017, 2021, 2013 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota Sequoia Research
Check a Specific Toyota Sequoia VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →