Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2004 Toyota SequoiaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 380 owner complaints for the 2004 Toyota Sequoia. Most complaints involve electronic stability control (esc) (98) and structure (77). The EPA rates it 14 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
14mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
9campaigns
Latest Jan 2022
Owner complaints
380
Top: electronic stability control (esc)
Fuel cost / yr
$4,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: lower ball joint

Free remedy

Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints for 2004-2007 Toyota Sequoia and 2004-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles, MOOG part number K80521, K80522, NAPA part number NCP2601633, NCP2601634, ACDelco part number 45D2344, and 45D2345. The ball joint housing may have inadequate hardness, causing premature failure.

SuspensionReported Jan 14, 2022NHTSA 22E002000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Oct 17, 2019NHTSA 19V741000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.

Air bagsReported Dec 12, 2018NHTSA 18V883000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

380 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2004 – Sep 2026
  1. Electronic stability control (esc)98
  2. Structure77
  3. Vehicle speed control53
  4. Service brakes50
  5. Suspension47
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic39
  7. Electrical system34
  8. Traction control system31
  9. Air bags24

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sequoia model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2001530
2002692
2003684
2004380
2005352
2006202
2007136
200867
20096
201031
201117
201220
201312
201417
20159
201611
20177
201820
20197
20204
20214
20221
Crashes reported
17
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electronic stability control (esc)

98 reports1 crash1 fire
“TRAC OFF LIGHT AND VAC TRAC LIGHTS ON ALL THE TIME! GRINDING NOISE WHEN BRAKES APPLIED AT RANDOM TIMES. CAUSE FOR CONCERN! HAVE HAD EVERYTHING REPLACED THAT COULD CAUSE THIS OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS AND STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2020Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11365155

Structure

77 reports
“The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. There was an abnormal rattling sound detected in the front area. The vehicle was shaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the frame was completely rusty and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to have the frame checked, and it was determined there was minor rust detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Crestmont Toyota Parts · Crestmont Toyota Service, 730 NJ-23 N, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444, who determined there was rust detected but was not repaired. The contact wrote a letter to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 12, 2026StructureODI 11737255

Vehicle speed control

53 reports1 crash
“FUEL GAUGE NOT MEASURING FUEL PROPERLY. AFTER A FULL TANK, GAUGE INDICATES EMPTY TANK AFTER FEW DAYS. SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING AND ENGINE LOSES POWER FOR A WHILE WHILE THE GAUGE GOES TO 100 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY AND GOES BACK TO ZERO AND RESTORES POWER TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 145,000 MILES ON IT. ALSO RUST ON THE BODY FRAME .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2019Structure, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11286584
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
4.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sequoia 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131714$4,450635
Sequoia 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131614$4,450635
  • Sequoia 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • Sequoia 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    13 city · 16 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Toyota Sequoia as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1298
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2004 Sequoia questions

How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Sequoia have?

9 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2004 Toyota Sequoia problems?

Owners filed 380 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electronic stability control (esc) (98), structure (77), vehicle speed control (53). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2004 Toyota Sequoia get?

The EPA rates the 2004 Toyota Sequoia at 14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026