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Which Years Of Used Toyota Sequoias Are Most Reliable?


in Reliability

Read on to learn more about the Toyota Sequoia’s most reliable years, what makes them that way, the worst issues with the vehicle, and any other critical information.

Red Toyota Sequoia

Toyota is a reliable brand, and one of its most popular vehicles is the Toyota Sequoia. This full-sized SUV is a powerhouse. It’s the second-largest SUV produced by the company and will fit plenty of people and cargo. If you’re interested in this car, you might wonder - what is the Toyota Sequoia’s most reliable year?

Reliability matters when investing in a used Toyota Sequoia. Read on to learn more about the Toyota Sequoia’s most reliable years, what makes them that way, the worst issues with the vehicle, and any other critical information. The more you know, the easier it will be to determine if the Sequoia is right for you.

Most Reliable Years For The Sequoia 

The Toyota Sequoia has been in production since 2000. Not all years are created equal, and some will break down on you often and require expensive repairs. Luckily, we’ve picked out the most reliable choices for the Toyota Sequoia. 

Here are the Toyota Sequoia’s most reliable years:

  • 2009 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2010 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2012 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2013 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2014 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2015 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2016 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2017 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2018 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2019 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2020 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2021 Toyota Sequoia 

There is a clear shift in reliability after the 2007 model.

The Toyota Sequoia struggled in the first generation, producing less reliability for consumers. Once the second generation hit, there was an immediate improvement. Through additions like improved ride comfort, customers complained less and less about the reliability of the vehicle. Anything newer than 2009 is a safe bet. 

Of course, the best years for the Toyota Sequoia don’t dictate the overall reliability of the model. If you want a Toyota vehicle, it’s helpful to dictate where this vehicle stands compared to others.


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Are Toyota Sequoias Generally Reliable?

Not only are Toyota Sequoias generally reliable, but they are also one of the most reliable options in the Toyota lineup. According to withclutch.com, the Toyota Sequoia scores 83.55 in overall reliability, making it a very reliable choice. It’s one of the highest scores in the Toyota brand, competing with the Yaris, Highlander, and Prius.

Let’s take a look at another site. According to repairpal.com, the Toyota Sequoia scores a 3.55 in reliability. This number puts it above average for vehicles in its category, putting it at 5th out of 14 for full-size SUVs. 

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The annual repair cost for the Toyota Sequoia is $642, putting it at an average point for repair costs. However, it’s critical to note that when issues do arise, there is a higher chance they will be severe than in smaller models, standing at 15%.

Toyota Sequoia owners also report bringing their vehicle in for repairs about .4 times a year, which is right on average for full-size SUVs. They are an excellent choice if you want a durable SUV.


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Which Sequoia Years Are The Least Reliable?

If you want to save money by going with a used Toyota Sequoia, you deserve to get the most bang for your buck. The more reliable a vehicle, the less expensive annual repairs are. We talked about the best years for reliability - now, let’s dive into the worst.

Here are the least reliable years Sequoias years:

  • 2001 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2008 Toyota Sequoia

These are more likely to fall apart and let you down.

There were some perks to the earlier years of the Toyota Sequoia, these are the least reliable used options. Customers reported issues with items like the brakes, manifold gasket, and more that required expensive and timely repairs. Go with the Toyota Sequoia’s most reliable year, not the worst.

Although you might be able to buy these earlier models for a lower price, it won’t be worth it in the long run. These used older models are more likely to break down on you and cost more than anticipated.

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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Toyota Sequoia?

Every vehicle has specific issues that come up more often than others, and the Toyota Sequoia is no different. Three faults come up more often than others in this vehicle.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are the most common issues with the Toyota Sequoia: 

  • Oxygen sensor failure
  • Cracked/leaking exhaust manifold
  • Lower ball joint issue

These might warrant expensive repairs for your SUV.

The ball joint issue seems to be the most common trouble with the Toyota Sequoia, and there were even recalls for models from 2001-2008. If you do purchase one of the less reliable years, the automaker should do a free repair under the recall.

Although there are some issues with the Sequoia, it’s an excellent choice overall. Is it worth the investment?

What Reddit Says About the Best Year of the Toyota Sequoia:

The burly Toyota Sequoia has long been a staple in the full-size SUV market. But does its reliability match its imposing presence? We’ve dug through Reddit to unearth candid opinions from actual Sequoia owners. Let’s take a look.

On the feasibility of getting 2nd-gen Sequoias:

Comment
byu/DatacomGuy from discussion
intoyotasequoia

Here’s a solid advice:

Comment
byu/hamiltonian1981 from discussion
intoyotasequoia

Another vote for second generation models:

Comment
byu/emaiksiaime from discussion
intoyotasequoia

But there are also many fans of 1st-gen Sequoias:

Comment
by from discussion
intoyotasequoia

Overall, owners have very good experiences in terms of the Sequoias reliability. However, many also prefer the second generation models.

THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA YEARS TO AVOID

The Sequoia isn’t a perfect vehicle despite Toyota’s longtime reputation for quality reliability. Therefore, it’s good to know which Toyota Sequoia years to avoid in order to make the best decision.

Is The Toyota Sequoia Worth It?

There are plenty of reliable options for the Toyota Sequoia. Although repairs are more likely to be severe and there are some faults with the system, the Toyota Sequoia is worth it.

It’s tricky to find reliable full-size SUVs, and the Toyota Sequoia makes the list. However, it’s critical to purchase used models made more recently than 2009 if you want to get the most bang for your buck.

Toyota is a worthy brand, and the Sequoia doesn’t disappoint. It’s worth it and very reliable.

Final Thoughts

Although there are some common issues in all models of the Toyota Sequoia, it is overall an excellent and reliable choice from Toyota. If you want a used model, stick with options later than 2009 to get maximum reliability out of your vehicle. Otherwise, you will face expensive repairs and recall issues.

We hope this information was helpful! Although the Sequoia is reliable in general, many years are not. It’s critical to get the best model for your money, one that won’t break down on you and warrant frequent expensive repairs. The Sequoia is an excellent choice if you’re hunting for a full-size SUV.

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