Wrench.Pro

2023 Toyota Sequoia Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “V35A-FTS engine seizure and recall exclusion.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Toyota Sequoia.

Reported to NHTSA

V35A-FTS engine seizure and recall exclusion

ENGINE, POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-18 → 2026-07-21

“The motor in our 2023 Toyota Sequoia with around 32,000 miles failed and left me stranded on the side of a two lane highway in the middle of the night. Toyota only wants to replace the engine block and will not extend the warranty on the motor after it is repaired. This is the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747652
“Around 63,xxx miles the force max 3.5 l twin turbo v6 hybrid displayed P0521 engine oil pressure switch and P0524 oil pressure to low 2 miles from my house. Sent to toyota on 1 June, engine blown. It has been 19 days and Toyota still hasn't made a decision on "good will"…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745282

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear trailer hitch cover separation while driving

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01-05 → 2024-07-30

“Rear plastic hitch cover piece flew off at interstate speed endangering other drivers on the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563784
“Upon purchasing my 2023 Toyota Sequoia, I noticed that the rear hitch cover had a tendency to come loose while driving and eventually fall off. I promptly addressed this issue with the dealership, and they replaced it with a new one. However, the problem persisted, and the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605406

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake controller programming and wiring faults

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10-12 → 2024-11-26

“The ECU in my Sequoia is incorrectly programmed when towing a trailer. I have a 6,000# dual axle electric brake travel trailer that I use my Sequoia to tow with. I set up the trailer specifications in the vehicle computer per the Toyota owner's manual and set the trailer gain…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624149
“Vehicle comes with factory installed trailer towing equipment. 1. When a trailer is hooked up and headlights are turned on no signal is sent through the seven blade connector to turn on the running lights on the trailer. 2. When the trailer is connected no signal is sent through…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619504

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front brake squeal and vibration per TSB

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08-19 → 2026-01-29

“This is related to Toyota service bulletins T-SB-0043-24 and T-SB-0022-25. My brakes started squealing shortly after I purchased the vehicle. I reported this to my toyota dealership. They told me about the service bulletins, but said the parts are on back order. I have been…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714320
“T-SB-0043-24. In this safety bulletin it is noted that front brakes squeak. Loudly I might state. Happens always in the morning when backing out of covered garage. The bulletin says to verify then replace. Can get no help from Dealership or from Toyota USA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609415

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver and passenger seat plastic cracking with sharp edges

SEATS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05-27 → 2025-11-21

“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while attempting to utilize the controls on the side of the driver’s seat, there was a crack in the hard plastic, and in the process, the contact sustained a minor cut on the left hand. The contact stated that…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663232
“The car seat platic keeps breaking and ripping. It has sharp edges. Dealer says its a know issue. Already replaced once and broke again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700751

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cup holder water intrusion into electronic control modules

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 NHTSA complaint · 2025-11-17 → 2025-11-17

“Electronic control module failed due to the cup holder failing. It is available for inspection. Safety was put at risk because the vehicle randomly slammed itself on the brakes, when in drive the vehicle was moving backwards then abruptly braking and moving forward. The problem…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699849

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

OEM roof rail front mounting separation from roof

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-04-16 → 2026-04-16

“The factory (OEM) roof rails on my 2023 Toyota Sequoia have become loose at the front and are popping up, no longer sitting flush or appearing securely attached to the roof. This issue occurs during normal driving and is visible without removing any trim or components”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731556

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

No occupant deaths in FARS 2010–2024 crashes are on record for this year and model. That is the census answer for the window, and it says nothing more than that.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →