NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 352 owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Sequoia. Most complaints involve electronic stability control (esc) (93) and vehicle speed control (85). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sequoia model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 530 |
| 2002 | 692 |
| 2003 | 684 |
| 2004 | 380 |
| 2005 | 352 |
| 2006 | 202 |
| 2007 | 136 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 31 |
| 2011 | 17 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
“OCCASIONALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET OR HYWAY, THE VSC TRAC SENSOR LIGHTS TURNING ON AND OFF AND HEARING GRINDING NOISE WHEN IT AUTO-ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SLOWS DOWN.”
“After several years of fighting problems with, after braking to a brief stop, the loss of power/abs grinding when accelerating and turning right, now the ABS is completely dysfunctional. Both TRC lights will turn on and usually the parking brake, and when braking at speeds less than 10mph the abs will activate and prevent bring the truck to a stop without pumping them, on dry pavement. When the ABS light turns on, then braking is possible, but all pressure is gone from brake booster and brakes sound like they're grinding, not like the sound of abs engaging. Very dangerous to drive in snow as front brakes work but drive axle doesn't disengage when the brake pedal is depressed. Regular mechanic won't engage with diagnosing issues as he feels the problem is partly computer malfunction and Toyota won't allow for used part mismatching. ABS/ECU is failed.”
“I tried to make apointments to local dealers they set up appointments and than don’t do nothing about it they said the don’t have any certified tech to do the job so I left with this mess not knowing when my ride is going to give. Out on me I got about 319000 miles Toyota should be proud and thank me for keeping my ride up to date I do my part to have it running good but they not doing there part to help me with these recalls please help me out.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sequoia 2WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Sequoia 4WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
11 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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.
Owners filed 352 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electronic stability control (esc) (93), vehicle speed control (85), service brakes (60). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Toyota Sequoia at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).