2004
New 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Toyota Sequoia Change Vehicle

The Sequoia is a rational but uninspired vehicle. It's roomy and quiet, the powertrain is refined and it has good brakes. The power-retracting rear window is a nice touch, too. But handling is ungainly and the ride quality is not very comfortable. Side- and curtain-airbags were made standard beginning with the 2007 model year.
Alerts
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2004
New 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Toyota Sequoia

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
NA
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags available, standard from 2008.
Road Test

The Sequoia is a rational but uninspired vehicle. It's roomy and quiet, the powertrain is refined and it has good brakes. The power-retracting rear window is a nice touch, too. But handling is ungainly and the ride quality is not very comfortable. Side- and curtain-airbags were made standard beginning with the 2007 model year.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 3 third
Drive Wheels
4WD , Rear
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 4-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 4.7-liter V8 (240 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Toyota Sequoia owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

“Computer and power system failed. Brakes can be hard to depress at times like going from manual to power”

Olivia W., CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“had to replace the defective computer control module for that”

Ray N., AZ (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“parking brake light comes on intermittently during travel.Dealer informs us it is due to ABS module failure.ABS non-functional while light is on during travel.Needs $800 module replacement to fix and restore normal function of ABS.Chronic problem”

Anonymous, OR (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“The ECU system failed after 10.5 years”

Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
Parking brake

“another designed-to-fail cable always stretches, rendering the parking brake of poor security. Cable must be much larger diameter which will stop this FAIL. Intentional design defficiency”

Jimmy M., TX (2004 Toyota Sequoia Unsure 4.7-L V8)
Master cylinder

“failed after 10.5 years”

Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Two sensors on Master cylinder, one sensor failed, Toyota wanted $900 to repair”

Harold J., NC (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“After more that 130,000 miles it was time for a brake job”

Anonymous, TX (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Right front calliper did not work all braking action was being done by the other wheels”

Steve H., AB (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
Rotors

“Excessive wear on rotors”

Anonymous, PA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“rotor exploded”

Gary C., PA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“Rotors were warped. Not sure how they get that way”

Joseph N., NJ (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“break pedal squeaks when pressed”

Carol N., KS (2004 Toyota Sequoia Unsure 4.7-L V8)
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Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

“rear latch is designed to break, has plastic ears designed to fail, replaced twice, now with China made all metal which should never fail. Also cable assembly-to-latch is under sized which guarantees failure. Window motors are also under sized all these things guarantee service departments large earnings. This is unacceptable!!!”

Jimmy M., TX (2004 Toyota Sequoia Unsure 4.7-L V8)

“Rear hatch latch rusted out”

Anonymous, MA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

“tailgate opener latch failed twice at a cost of $400 each time”

Anonymous, MN (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“Rear door latch handle broke and we couldn't open the hatch. Toyota took care of the problem”

Anonymous, CO (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Hardware in rear hatch had to be totally replaced because of corrosion. Hatch would not open”

Anonymous, ID (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“Handle broke and seems to be a common issue”

Anonymous, FL (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“Tail hatch level breaks every two years”

Anonymous, AB (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Rear hatch handle has broken several times”

Scott F., AZ (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)
Mirrors

“Excessive amount of blind spots the front & side mirrors don't cover”

Dana R., NE (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
Sunroof

“Sunroof motor and hardware have broken several times”

Scott F., AZ (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

“Rear seat plug work intermittently - dealer cannot find problem”

Anonymous, NC (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Gas gauge works intermittently”

Anonymous, UT (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

“side lights have condensation during weather changes. Dealer replaced twice under warranty however, this problem is a defect Toyota doesn't want to admit”

Anonymous, NC (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“LIGHTS ON VARIOUS SWITCHES HAVE BURNT OUT OVER TIME, UNSURE OF HOW TO REPLACE THEM, BESIDES BUYING A NEW SWITCH”

John D., NJ (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Seems that one side of the dash lights have gone out and it is not bulbs, but rather panel circuits”

Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Rear Hatchback will not lock”

Anonymous, TN (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)
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Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

“The right rear wheel bearing went bad which caused a slight vibration in the car and produced a noise similar to that of an engine in too low a gear for the vehicle's speed”

David L., OR (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
Shocks or struts

“Original shocks finally wore out. exceptional product and replace with Toyota parts”

Anonymous, VA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“The tires didn't turn at the same rate so my right front tire wore unevenly and the car pulled to the right. It seemed to happen after a repair from a factory recall to replace the front right lower ball joint”

David L., OR (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Failed, leaking”

Mark W., CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“Both rear wheel bearings required replacement”

Payne M., VA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

“Clear coat on hood gone. Had to have painted”

Anonymous, FL (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“Multiple spots (approximately 5" - 8" diameter) all over the SUV fading/chalking - has always been stored in garage - Toyota dealership not willing to fix it”

Dana R., NE (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Paint faded and chalky”

Anonymous, FL (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

“Toyota has an issue with paint fading and cracking on its older vehicles”

Jonathan M., AZ (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)
Load more

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

“CD player no longer plays a CD. CD in player will not eject”

Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“The antennae is motorized and prone to fail. Have replaced it 3 times thus far”

Francis C., GA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Power antenna doesn't work”

Anonymous, UT (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

“Had two oxygen sensors fail”

Anonymous, WY (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
Emission control devices (includes EGR)

“Catalytic converts stolen and replaced with aftermarket at half cost. Now check engine light for California emissions standards comes on periodically. VERY expensive to fix”

Anonymous, WY (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)
Fuel injection system

“Plugged up injectors”

Anonymous, SC (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

“The check engine light came on showing an issue with teh Catalyst. I researched the issue and it appears to be a common problem on Sequoias and Tundras around this model and above 80000. Just after the warranty run out. I was able to replace the e”

Anonymous, NC (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

“Was stolen, very expensive to replace”

Zachary P., CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

“Failed”

Mark W., CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)
Refrigerant leaks

“I have to add refrigerant at the beginning of every summer. Toyota dealer cannot find the leak”

Anonymous, NC (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

“Actually accelerator control. Jolts forward”

Olivia W., CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7-L V8)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Thermostat

“Recently my guage indicated my engine was running very hot. Actually the engine was fine there was a problem with the thermostat”

Anonymous, CA (2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7-L V8)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

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