Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2006 Toyota SequoiaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 202 owner complaints for the 2006 Toyota Sequoia. Most complaints involve air bags (46) and structure (45). The EPA rates it 14–15 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
14–15mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
10campaigns
Latest Jan 2022
Owner complaints
202
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

10 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

Seats: seat heater

Free remedy

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.

SeatsReported Jun 2, 2016NHTSA 16V396000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

202 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2006 – Jan 2025
  1. Air bags46
  2. Structure45
  3. Electronic stability control (esc)36
  4. Vehicle speed control21
  5. Service brakes21
  6. Electrical system17
  7. Suspension14
  8. Power train13
  9. Engine11

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
7
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

46 reports4 crashes
“2006 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE'S IMPACT DID NOT REQUIRE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS UNSATISFIED WITH THIS RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A NEWLY REPAIRED VEHICLE AND TO BE COMPENSATED FOR FUTURE ACCIDENTS THAT MAY AFFECT THE DRIVER.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2022Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11485635

Structure

45 reports
“This Toyota has several large rust holes directly on the frame. i hit a pot hole and more structure damage was revealed on the frame from rust. The truck drives rough now. The vehicle only has 150,000 miles. The rust holes are so severe that they're directly under my suspension. I feel very unsafe driving this vehicle. Their was once a recall for the frame. It doesn't seem that it was satisfied. I'm very worried about this issue. Toyota should have to replace frame or make it safe to drive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2025Suspension, Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11639427

Electronic stability control (esc)

36 reports
“I ALMOST KILL MYSELF, THE TRACK OFF GOES WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR SLIDE TO THE RIGHT AFTER THAT ALL LIGHTS ON THE CAR WENT ON AND THE CODE READER DO NOT WORK SAYS I CAN'T READ THE CODES NO CODES ON THE COMPUTER”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 16, 2020Unknown or other, Electronic stability control (esc), Service brakesODI 11318279
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 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 5-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 Oct 28, 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 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141715$4,300592
Sequoia 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131614$4,600635
  • Sequoia 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    14 city · 17 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Sequoia 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    13 city · 16 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 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 2006 Toyota Sequoia as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 1902
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

2006 Sequoia questions

How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Sequoia have?

10 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 2006 Toyota Sequoia problems?

Owners filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (46), structure (45), electronic stability control (esc) (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 Toyota Sequoia get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Toyota Sequoia at 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026