2008 Toyota SequoiaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 67 owner complaints about the 2008 Toyota Sequoia, most often about the structure. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-396 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.

2008 Toyota Sequoia

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 17, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Toyota Sequoia has problems

67 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure161
Vehicle speed control90
Power train72
Engine and engine cooling60
Seat belts50
Suspension51
Electrical system50
Seats30
Service brakes, hydraulic30
14 other systems231

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

8 recalls

2008 Toyota Sequoia recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

91%repaired · 2023 Q4

Steering: hydraulic power assist system

Recall 21V-920 · Nov 23, 2021 · 22,462 vehicles · 20,475 repaired

Risk. An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

24%repaired · 2017 Q4

Front assembly: seat heater/cooler

Recall 16V-396 · Jun 2, 2016 · 7,749 vehicles · 1,831 repaired

Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

27%repaired · 2016 Q2

Front assembly: seat heater/cooler

Recall 14V-743 · Nov 19, 2014 · 3,233 vehicles · 871 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

67%repaired · 2015 Q1

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Recall 12V-491 · Oct 10, 2012 · 2,519,424 vehicles · 1,687,785 repaired

Risk. If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 4 more recalls
–no report yet

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Recall 11V-148 · Mar 4, 2011 · 22,000 vehicles

Risk. FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

Recall 10V-017 · Jan 21, 2010 · 2,230,661 vehicles

Risk. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION,…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other Sequoia year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sequoia median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2008 Toyota Sequoia safety ratings

2008 Toyota Sequoia 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2008 Toyota Sequoia frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
  • Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Sequoia owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the independent mechanic for an oil change, the mechanic informed her husband that the chassis was severely rusted. The dealer and other unknown dealers were notified of the failure and informed the contact…
Complaint 11530450 · Jul 5, 2023 · 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, the independent mechanic discovered that the rear subframe was severely damaged due to rust and corrosion. The contact was advised that holes were present in the subframe, and the vehicle…
Complaint 11517022 · Apr 14, 2023 · 168,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an unknown repair, the dealer informed the contact that the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…
Complaint 11454160 · Feb 25, 2022 · 125,000 miles

Own a 2008 Sequoia?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.