Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2005 Toyota Sequoia — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2007 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is air bags problems (37 complaints). 7 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fire.
Open Safety Recalls (11)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V741000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V883000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.
NHTSA Campaign: 22E002000
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
Risk: A ball joint failure may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: DRiV will work with distributors to return unsold parts. Dealers will inspect and replace the ball joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact DRiV customer service at 1-877-489-6659 or at RECALL.SUPPORT@DRIV.COM.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V743000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V065000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
Risk: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V286000
Component: AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V285000
Component: AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V396000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V036000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
NHTSA Campaign: 07V013000
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND MINI VANS, DUE TO POSSIBLE IMPROPER FINISHING OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, SOME BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INCIDENTAL DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL LUBRICATION. THIS MAY CAUSE THE BALL JOINT TO WEAR AND LOOSEN PREMATURELY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION.
Risk: IN EXTREME CASES, IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 07E023000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 352)
Unknown Or Other →4 issues
Your vehicle's frame has developed severe rust that was temporarily covered with undercoating in 2018, but the coating flaked off within a year, exposing extensive corrosion beneath. Recently, you felt a pop while turning and discovered the passenger-side sway bar mount broke loose from the frame because the rust has eaten away so much metal that it cannot be safely repaired. Your dealership indicates the frame is too deteriorated to weld, which could compromise your vehicle's structural integrity and suspension safety.
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During an oil change, you were told that your Sequoia's frame and chassis have significant rust and could potentially break. You had the vehicle inspected at a Toyota dealership 2 years ago for a recall related to this issue, and they cleared it at that time. The concern is that rust may have worsened since then. Addressing frame rust typically involves professional inspection, rust treatment, and possible welding or frame reinforcement depending on the severity.
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Your vehicle's frame is showing rust, which can weaken the structural integrity of your car over time. This is a common issue in older vehicles, especially in areas with road salt exposure. You should have the frame inspected and treated to prevent further corrosion. A repair might involve cleaning the rusted areas, applying rust treatment or protective coating, or replacing severely damaged frame sections if necessary.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle is missing the required DOT compliance label that should be on the driver's side door. This label is typically needed for vehicle registration and legal operation in the US, which may be particularly important if you're trying to import this vehicle from Mexico.
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Structure →4 issues
Your 2005 Sequoia has severe rust holes in the frame on the driver's side rear, particularly where the drag link connects to the frame. A Toyota dealership determined the vehicle is unsafe and was unable to lift it for inspection. Toyota declined to help because their frame inspection and replacement program expired in January 2019, even though the previous owner claimed the frame had been inspected and coated by Toyota. Addressing this issue would likely require professional frame repair or replacement at an independent shop, since Toyota's warranty program is no longer available.
Parts you may need:
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After your vehicle had a protective chemical coating sprayed on the sub frame at the dealer, you noticed power steering fluid leaking from your car. When a mechanic inspected it, he found that the frame had rusted and was damaged so badly that it couldn't be repaired — rust was flaking off when touched with a screwdriver. This suggests the protective coating may not have adequately protected the frame from rust damage.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle's rear driver's side frame and suspension arms have corroded, which you discovered when you heard an abnormally loud noise while driving at 30 mph. Corrosion damage to the frame and suspension components can affect your vehicle's structural integrity and handling. The manufacturer indicated the warranty has expired, so any repairs would be at your own cost and typically involve replacing corroded frame sections and suspension components.
Parts you may need:
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Your car's frame has been damaged by weather exposure. This is a structural issue that should be inspected by a professional to assess whether rust, corrosion, or other weather-related damage affects the vehicle's integrity or safety.
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Air Bags →2 issues
Your Sequoia's airbags are subject to a recall by Toyota. This means Toyota has identified a potential issue with the airbag system and needs to inspect or repair it. You should contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible to have the recall service performed at no cost to you.
Parts you may need:
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Your airbag system is subject to a recall, but when you scheduled a repair appointment in October 2020, the dealer couldn't complete the work because the necessary parts were on backorder. Over the next 3.5 months, the dealership failed to proactively contact you about the repair status, forcing you to make multiple calls to track down information. You eventually discovered the parts had arrived only by texting the service department yourself. The repair will involve replacing the defective airbag components that Toyota has identified as needing correction.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →2 issues
While driving at 60-65 mph, your brake pedal went all the way to the floor and the brakes completely failed to slow the vehicle. You were able to stop using the parking brake. A mechanic diagnosed that the brake booster had failed and needed replacement, but the part is no longer manufactured. The fix would involve replacing the brake booster, though availability may be an issue for this older vehicle.
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Your brake warning light, VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), Trac Off, and ABS (anti-lock brake) lights are coming on intermittently while you're driving and won't turn off until you restart the engine. This appears to be a known issue affecting multiple owners. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the brake system sensors, ABS module, or electrical connections to identify which component is triggering the false warning.
Parts you may need:
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Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness →1 issue
Your Cosco Mightyfit LX car seat's shoulder harness strap keeps disconnecting from the rear buckle loop on its own—it's happened about 5 times. When you go to unbuckle your child, you find one strap has pulled free from the back of the seat. This is a serious safety concern because if you're in a crash, your child might not stay securely in the seat if the harness isn't properly connected. The fix would likely involve inspecting the harness attachment points and either reattaching or replacing the faulty strap connection hardware.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your truck's anti-lock braking system (ABS) has failed completely. When you brake at low speeds on dry pavement, the ABS engages unexpectedly and prevents the truck from stopping normally without pumping the brakes, and when the ABS warning light is on, the brake booster loses pressure and the brakes sound like they're grinding. In snow, your front brakes work but the rear axle doesn't respond properly when you press the brake pedal, making it dangerous to drive.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension →1 issue
Your vehicle's frame has deteriorated, causing the rear torque arm to fail and the rear axle to shift out of alignment. You may notice your car pulls into oncoming traffic when accelerating and pulls toward the roadside when braking. This suspension issue requires frame and torque arm inspection and likely replacement to restore proper axle alignment.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,air Bags,service Brakes →1 issue
Your Sequoia has multiple safety recalls affecting the suspension, airbags, and brakes, but local Toyota dealers have been unable to schedule service appointments because they lack certified technicians to perform the work. With 319,000 miles on your vehicle, these unresolved recalls leave you uncertain about your car's safety. Getting these recalls completed will likely require visiting a different dealership or Toyota service center that has the necessary certified technicians available.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your car's starter motor is located in a difficult-to-reach position inside the intake manifold, making it nearly impossible to replace yourself and requiring expensive professional service. The owner believes this design flaw warrants a manufacturer recall due to the impractical placement and high repair costs.
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Suspension →1 issue
While driving at 60 mph, your Sequoia's rear end suddenly dropped and started bouncing, and a suspension warning light came on. The dealer indicated the entire suspension system would need to be replaced. This happened at 100,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your 2005 Sequoia was part of a court-ordered recall requiring frame inspection and either repair or replacement due to rust and corrosion issues. You took your vehicle to multiple dealerships between 2018 and 2019 for inspection, but the work was never completed and the repair deadline expired. Photos from 2016 show holes in the frame from rust, but Toyota refused to authorize frame replacement even after failed inspections were documented.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your check engine light, VSC off light, and TRAC off light are all coming on, and your vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power). This appears to be caused by a defect in the air injection system, which includes the air pump, air switching valves, and related seals and connectors. The repair will likely involve inspecting and replacing faulty air injection components and their connections.
Parts you may need:
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