NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Sequoia. Most complaints involve engine (3) and structure (2). The EPA rates it 14–15 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles accessorized with Southeast Toyota accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota or a Southeast Toyota dealer. The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that may crack and detach.
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 |
“MY 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH THE 5.7 LITER ENGINE (ONLY 28,000 MILES) IS LEAKING OIL BY THE CAM TOWER (LEFT SIDE). THE OIL IS LANDING ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH CAN CATCH ON FIRE IF NOT REPAIR. NOT A SAFE SUV TO DRIVE ON LONG TRIPS.”
“2013 Toyota Sequoia Limited (108,000 miles) Rear lift gate around latch was not designed correctly to allow moisture out. Our vehicle is in pristine shape other than the rear lift gate latch. By the time you notice it, it’s too late and unfixable. I’ve seen these get so bad from doing internet research some people hold the door down with straps because the structural integrity is gone and the lift gate can’t be latched and could fly open. The ironic thing about this is it’s obvious Toyota has a problem. Toyota charges $750 - $1000 for a new unpainted lift gate, however NO dealer in the United states can tell you when you’ll receive it because it’s on a nationwide backorder. We purchased this from a Non-Toyota dealer September 2022 and did not (or even think I had to look for it) notice this until spring 2023.”
“Due to a latent defect, Toyota's chrome lug nuts swell such that the lug wrench no longer fits the nuts. Owners confronted with flat tires are stranded on roadsides, potentially out of cell phone range, because they are unable to change the tire. I personally was stranded at midnight due to this defect. I alerted my Toyota dealership in Peoria, Illinois. They said they were aware of the issue on Sequoias and Sienas and that the could not keep enough lug nuts in stock. Toyota has provided no formal notice to owners of this latent defect and safety hazard. Both the Toyota dealership and Toyota care refused to provide without charge replacement lug nuts.”
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 (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,300 | 596 |
| Sequoia 4WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 609 |
| Sequoia 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 611 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 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 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), structure (2), wheels (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Toyota Sequoia at 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).