Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2021 Toyota SequoiaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia. Most complaints involve power train (1) and fuel/propulsion system (1). The EPA rates it 14–15 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
14–15mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Dec 2021
Owner complaints
4
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Steering: hydraulic power assist system

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Dec 23, 2021NHTSA 21E103000

Steering: hydraulic power assist system

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Nov 23, 2021NHTSA 21V920000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2022 – Jul 2024
  1. Power train1
  2. Fuel/propulsion system1
  3. Structure1
  4. Suspension1

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
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

1 report1 crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while parked and the driver door was opened, he observed a beeping noise and the vehicle began reversing inadvertently. The contact dove into the driver's seat and attempted to move the gear shift but it was already in park (P). The contact was not sure if the brake was depressed at that time. The vehicle continued to reverse and collided with a creek bed. The contact sustained left hip and left knee injuries along with other cuts and scrapes. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and then to a body shop the next day. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,236.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2024Power trainCrash reportedODI 11604021

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report
“The gas tank on my vehicle started leaking. It has a crack in the tank. I have not been in an accident nor have I hit anything to cause damage to my vehicle. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 6 hours in my work parking lot when I was notified that the tank was leaking.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2024Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11595901

Structure

1 report
“While I was driving on the freeway, my family and I heard a loud bang. I pulled over to check and discovered that our sunroof had exploded. We went to a Toyota dealership to have it examined, but the staff claimed it was caused by a rock. We opened the sunshade to check, but no rock was found inside. It was clearly an issue with the sunroof itself. Despite this, we received no help and were simply dismissed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2024StructureODI 11593459
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-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 27, 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 (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131715$4,300608
Sequoia 4WD
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
131714$4,600618
  • Sequoia 2WD
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Sequoia 4WD
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 15850Vehicle 15828
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

2021 Sequoia questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Sequoia have?

2 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.

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Sequoia problems?

Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1), fuel/propulsion system (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Toyota Sequoia get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Sequoia at 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026