Toyota Sequoia Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year Sequoia should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2012 Toyota Sequoia has the most documented problems with a problem score of 34 — driven primarily by 4 recalls, 20 complaints, and issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Q: What is the best year Sequoia to buy?

The 2016 Toyota Sequoia is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 0, meaning 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record.

Q: Which Sequoia has the fewest problems?

The 2016, 2018, 2020 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Toyota Sequoia model year (2012–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Toyota Sequoia Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2012

4 recalls · 20 complaints

1 reported injury

Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Problem score: 34

#2 WORST

2014

3 recalls · 17 complaints

Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Problem score: 26

#3 WORST

2013

3 recalls · 12 complaints

Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Problem score: 21

Best Toyota Sequoia Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2016

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#2 BEST

2018

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#3 BEST

2020

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

Found the right year? Verify that specific Sequoia with a free VIN report.

Toyota Sequoia — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Recalls	Complaints	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	0	0	Excellent
2020	0	0	0	Excellent
2019	0	6	6	Good
2018	0	0	0	Excellent
2017	3	0	9	Good
2016	0	0	0	Excellent
2015	3	0	9	Good
2014	3	17	26	Avoid
2013	3	12	21	Caution
2012	4	20	34	Avoid

Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.

Toyota Sequoia Shopping Guide by Era

2018–Present

Best: 2026

Recent Sequoia models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.

2013–2017

Best: 2016

Mid-decade Sequoia units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.

Pre-2013

Proceed with Caution

Older 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. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year Sequoia should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2012 Toyota Sequoia if possible. It has 4 recalls, 20 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The overall problem score is 34 — the highest in our dataset.

What is the best year Sequoia to buy?+

The 2016 Toyota Sequoia is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which Sequoia has the fewest problems?+

The 2016, 2018, 2020 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.

More Toyota Sequoia Research

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Toyota Sequoia.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Toyota Sequoia.

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 →