Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2008 Toyota Sequoia — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2016 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is structure problems (9 complaints). 4 complaints involved crashes.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 21V920000
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21E103000
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V396000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V743000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
NHTSA Campaign: 11V148000
Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
Risk: FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 12V491000
Component: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Risk: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V036000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V035000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V017000
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
Risk: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 65)
Structure →5 issues
Your mechanic discovered severe rust and corrosion on your rear subframe during routine service, with actual holes forming in the metal. You were told the vehicle is unsafe to drive in this condition. The dealer and Toyota were notified, but your vehicle is no longer covered under the extended warranty for this damage.
Parts you may need:
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During a frame replacement covered by a Toyota class action lawsuit, the service center discovered rust on your rear sub-frame and warned that the rear wheels could eventually separate from the vehicle. The rust damage wasn't covered under the class action suit, so Toyota is asking you to pay the full $2,550 repair cost out of pocket. Fixing this will likely involve removing the rusted sub-frame and replacing it with a new one.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle's chassis has developed severe rust, which was discovered during a routine oil change at an independent mechanic. When you contacted Toyota dealerships about repairs, they informed you that Toyota Campaign Number ZH7—which would have covered this rust issue—has expired and is no longer available. Toyota confirmed the rust problem exists but cannot repair it under the expired campaign.
Parts you may need:
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Your Sequoia's sub-frame (the structural component that supports major parts of the vehicle) was found to be heavily corroded during a dealer visit at around 125,000 miles. The corrosion could potentially affect the structural integrity and safety of your vehicle. Addressing this typically involves inspecting the sub-frame for damage, treating corrosion, and potentially replacing severely corroded sections.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle is part of a recall due to excessive rust forming in the frame, a problem that typically occurs in snowy states that use road salt like Michigan where your car was originally registered. Toyota has acknowledged your vehicle is affected by this recall, but they're refusing to perform the repair now that you've relocated to California, insisting you'd need to drive your car 3,000 miles back to Michigan to have the work done. The frame rust repair will likely involve inspection of affected areas, cleaning, and application of rust protection or replacement of corroded frame components.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is turning off unexpectedly, and your traction control slip indicator light is flashing on your dashboard. This suggests a problem with your stability and traction control systems, which help keep your car stable during acceleration and slippery conditions. You'll need diagnostic testing to identify the underlying issue, which could involve the VSC module, wheel speed sensors, or related electrical connections.
Parts you may need:
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Your Toyota Sequoia's frame has rusted, particularly in the area where the alignment adjusters are located. This rust has prevented a wheel alignment from being performed, which makes your vehicle unsafe to drive. Fixing this issue will likely require frame repair or replacement and realignment of your wheels.
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Suspension,unknown Or Other →1 issue
While driving slowly out of a parking lot, your wife heard a loud noise and the vehicle started shaking violently. The driver's side rear suspension airbag broke through the lower control arm and ended up under the rear tire, and the frame appears to have cracks. This happened at low speed, but could have caused a serious accident if it occurred on the highway. The vehicle may have qualified for a Toyota frame replacement program due to rust and frame issues, but you were not aware of it.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
A valve spring inside your engine failed without any warning, causing one cylinder to stop working. While this happened at low speed and didn't cause the engine to seize, this is a known issue with Toyota V8 engines from this model year that previously triggered a recall on similar Lexus vehicles. The problem would require either a complete engine rebuild or a full engine replacement, both of which are expensive repairs.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,exterior Lighting,service Brakes →1 issue
Your vehicle was sold with multiple serious safety defects including a missing third brake light, failed rear brakes, a failed transmission, a dead battery, and failed shocks/struts. You were told the car passed inspection and was in great condition, but it wasn't roadworthy or legal to drive when delivered. Both the dealership and Toyota refused to fix these problems. Repairs would likely involve replacing the brake light assembly, brake pads and rotors, transmission fluid and internal transmission parts, battery, and suspension components.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
A repair shop in Arkansas broke a brake caliper bleeder valve during service and told you it would be fine without replacement. Less than 1,000 miles later, your brakes failed completely—the pedal went to the floor—and you had to coast into a parking lot to stop safely. You had to have the vehicle towed and paid $750 for repairs. Fixing this issue will require replacing the broken bleeder valve and likely re-bleeding the entire brake system to restore proper brake function.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
Your vehicle can shift out of Park without the engine running or the key in the ignition, creating a serious safety hazard. In one incident, a child pulled the gear shift and the vehicle rolled into a garage; in another, the vehicle rolled when accidentally knocked out of gear, injuring the owner. This defect allows the vehicle to move unexpectedly, and repair will likely involve inspection and repair of the transmission shift lock mechanism or related safety systems.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your accelerator pedal became stuck to the floorboard while driving at 10 mph, causing your vehicle to suddenly accelerate to a high speed. You had to press the brake pedal with extreme force to bring the vehicle to a stop. This happened even though your vehicle had been repaired previously under a Toyota recall for this same issue, meaning that repair didn't fix the problem permanently.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension →1 issue
Your rear suspension and cross frame have developed severe rust and crumbling, which could fail at any time and cause loss of vehicle control. The frame itself has a rust-through area that will be replaced under warranty, but the suspension damage is not covered. You should have the rear suspension inspected immediately and likely replaced to ensure safe operation.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →1 issue
You purchased a 2008 Toyota Sequoia from a dealer that showed 143,000 miles at the time of sale. After receiving the vehicle's title, you discovered the actual mileage was 248,000 miles — a discrepancy of 105,000 miles. This indicates the odometer reading was manipulated before you bought the vehicle. You'll need to contact the dealer and your state's consumer protection agency to address this odometer fraud.
Parts you may need:
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Seat Belts →1 issue
Your seat belts have multiple problems: the driver's seat belt sometimes won't retract all the way, the middle row seat belt retracts slowly or doesn't retract at all, and another seat belt is very hard to pull out when you need to buckle it. These issues make it inconvenient and potentially unsafe to use your seat belts properly. The seat belt mechanisms may need cleaning, lubrication, or replacement of internal components.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your car jerks when you accelerate after stopping at a red light, and it also jerks when you accelerate while making a left turn—it feels like the engine isn't responding properly. This could be caused by transmission issues, fuel delivery problems, or engine timing concerns that need diagnostic testing.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your car started shaking and the engine shut off while you were driving. When you took it to the Toyota dealer, they found that a valve spring had broken in half and a spark plug had melted. The repair will likely involve replacing the broken valve spring and spark plug, and possibly inspecting other engine components for damage.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,structure →1 issue
Your rear window fell down unexpectedly while driving on the highway, causing items to fall out and forcing you to slow down abruptly. When you tried to raise the window using the power button or by hand, it wouldn't move. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a rusty window regulator. While Toyota offers an extended rust warranty, the company told you it only covers the undercarriage and not interior window components like the regulator.
Parts you may need:
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Structure,seats,unknown Or Other →1 issue
The back cover panels on your middle row seats are broken and missing, exposing the metal support bars underneath—which could be a safety concern, especially for passengers with longer legs. Additionally, your radio and CD player make a loud, strange noise when you try to use them, even while driving.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Toyota Sequoia years: