Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2010 Toyota Sequoia — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Feb 2020 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is engine and engine cooling problems (6 complaints). 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
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: 15V689000
Component: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Risk: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
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: 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: 13V014000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
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: 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 30)
Electrical System →3 issues
You discovered a significant mileage discrepancy with your 2010 Toyota Sequoia after purchase. The odometer showed 90,586 miles when you bought it, but Carfax records indicated the vehicle actually had 260,000 miles. This suggests the odometer may have been tampered with or rolled back. You'll likely need to work with your state's motor vehicle department and potentially consult a lawyer, as this is considered odometer fraud.
Parts you may need:
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After turning off your Sequoia, the dashboard lights stayed on even though other systems (dome lights, radio, heater) turned off normally. When you tried to restart and shut down the engine, it wouldn't stop running—it kept going even after you pulled the key out. You'll need to have the ignition switch and electrical system checked, as the engine not shutting off is a serious issue.
Parts you may need:
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While driving, you hear clicking sounds from the driver side vents and under the steering wheel, followed by the radio shutting off — this has happened multiple times. Most recently, the clicking was accompanied by the radio, phone chargers, air conditioning, and dashboard lights all going off for several minutes before everything came back on. The dealer has been unable to identify the cause despite multiple visits and video evidence. This intermittent electrical failure may require diagnosis of the vehicle's electrical system, potentially involving the battery, alternator, or wiring connections.
Parts you may need:
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Structure →3 issues
Your car's passenger side door wouldn't unlock using the key fob, even though the parent had it in hand and tried to open the door. The door only unlocked after manually rolling down the back window and releasing the lock from inside the vehicle. This prevented quick access to the vehicle when needed in an urgent situation.
Parts you may need:
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Your rear door latch has corroded and melted away, preventing you from opening the rear door. This happened at 100,000 miles on your 2010 Toyota Sequoia. The dealer confirmed the door latch needs to be replaced to restore normal door operation.
Parts you may need:
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Your rear hatch door lock appears to have water damage and is sticking increasingly often, requiring multiple attempts to open manually. The lock sounds like it's unlocking but the latch stays stuck tight, and sometimes won't open at all even after 10 minutes of trying. Both the interior button and key fob work inconsistently—they beep twice and stop without fully releasing the latch. Lubricating the lock mechanism provides temporary relief but the sticking returns. Fixing this will likely involve replacing or professionally servicing the rear hatch latch assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →2 issues
While driving on the highway, a valve spring in your engine broke, causing your vehicle to shake and requiring you to slow down. The owner notes this issue has been reported by other Toyota owners with the same engine at similar mileage (around 117,000 miles). Fixing this will require removing the engine cylinder head to access and replace the broken valve spring.
Parts you may need:
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While towing a 6,000 lb trailer within the vehicle's factory weight limits, excessive heat from the exhaust melted your rear bumper cover near the exhaust tip. The bumper was original factory equipment and shouldn't be damaged by normal towing use, creating a potential fire hazard.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
While driving at 60 mph, your vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and continued speeding up to over 95 mph even when you pressed the brake pedal. You had to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. After restarting, the engine revved very high on its own. The dealer was unable to determine the cause at the time of inspection. This issue may involve the throttle control system or cruise control components that need diagnostic testing and possible replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel System, Gasoline,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
While stopped in traffic with your foot on the brake, your engine suddenly raced to 1200-1500 RPM and the car lurched forward; you were able to stop safely with extra brake pressure. When you tried to accelerate on the highway, the gas pedal became unresponsive and you had to coast to the shoulder. The check engine light came on, but turning the engine off and restarting it restored normal idle and accelerator function. The problem recurred a few hours after the dealership returned your car, and this time they found fault codes and replaced the throttle body, though you suspect an electronic or software issue may be the root cause.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,electrical System →1 issue
Your vehicle accelerated uncontrollably in both reverse and drive despite applying the brakes with full force, causing the tires to spin as the car tried to reach maximum speed. Later that night while parked and unoccupied, your vehicle attempted to start itself repeatedly, with the headlights, interior lights, radio, and speakers cycling on and off for 5-7 minutes until the battery completely drained. This issue likely involves a malfunction in the throttle control system or electrical system that's causing unwanted acceleration and spontaneous starter engagement, which may require diagnostic testing and replacement of faulty sensors or electrical components.
Parts you may need:
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Steering →1 issue
Your power steering rack assembly began shaking violently while driving. An inspection revealed that steering fluid was leaking from the passenger side of the steering rack. This loss of fluid reduces your steering system's ability to function properly and safely.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension →1 issue
Your rear wheels may be sitting at an unusual angle, with the rear subframe and suspension showing extensive rust damage. This was noticed while driving at normal highway speeds (35 MPH) with no warning lights appearing on your dashboard. The rust on these suspension components could affect alignment and handling, and the dealer may need to inspect and potentially replace the affected rusted parts.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
Your engine is leaking oil from both sides of the cam tower due to failed sealant, which the dealership says needs engine removal to fix properly. The repair estimate is over $4,000 (mostly labor), though the parts themselves cost only about $170, making it expensive for most owners to repair promptly. The fix involves replacing the failed sealant and requires removing the entire engine to access the cam tower seals.
Parts you may need:
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Engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
When you accelerate hard, a strong ammonia or rotten egg smell enters your cabin through the vents even when they're set to recirculation or outside air. The odor is potent enough to burn your eyes for a few seconds and cause nausea, which distracts you while driving. This issue has been reported by multiple Sequoia owners with no known fix from Toyota. The problem likely involves a faulty catalytic converter or sulfur-based fuel reaction in the exhaust system that needs to be inspected and possibly replaced.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →1 issue
Your airbag warning light came on your dashboard. Your vehicle was part of a Toyota recall (13V014000) for airbags and seats, but the dealer couldn't get the necessary parts for an extended period, even after Toyota was notified of the delay. The repair was finally completed in April 2015 at 114,252 miles. The fix likely involved replacing airbag components or related sensors as specified in the recall.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your parking brake won't hold the vehicle in place, even on a slight slope. The dealer adjusted it to its maximum setting, but it still doesn't work properly. The dealership claimed the brake is only designed to assist (not fully hold) on inclines, though you believe this explanation is incorrect. Fixing this will likely require parking brake cable adjustment, replacement of brake components, or diagnosis of the parking brake mechanism.
Parts you may need:
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Electronic Stability Control (esc),traction Control System →1 issue
Your traction control system is activating unexpectedly during normal acceleration on dry, clean pavement with no slippery conditions present. When you press the gas pedal, the traction control engages and severely limits acceleration, which could be dangerous when merging into traffic—but the issue stops when you release the pedal and goes away after restarting the vehicle. The problem likely involves a sensor malfunction or electronic control module issue that will need diagnostic testing and possible replacement of the traction control system components.
Parts you may need:
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Engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
Your check engine light came on, and a dealer recommended replacing the air injection pump and air switching valve. The dealer couldn't confirm these parts were actually faulty but suggested replacing them as a preventive measure based on the warning light. Your vehicle was out of warranty at 103,000 miles, so you had to pay for the repair yourself. The fix involved replacing the air injection system components.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your liftgate's outside handle has a sticky, tar-like material covering the electronic release switch, and the rubber boot protecting the switch has melted. This makes it very difficult to open the rear liftgate, and the sticky residue is hard to clean off your hands. Fixing this will likely require replacing the liftgate handle assembly or the electronic switch component.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Toyota Sequoia years: