Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 69/100 (GOOD)

2018 Toyota Sequoia Reliability Report

The 2018 Toyota Sequoia has a good reliability standing, but owners report false driver-assist warnings and sudden self-braking.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

18per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$642

Annual Fuel Cost

$4,000–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity64/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact68/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity79/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Weakest of the five scored Sequoia years, with recurring false driver-assist warnings and unexpected self-braking, though still rated good overall.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
FUEL SYSTEM (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 11)

2018 is year 11 of the Second generation (XK60).

Redesigned for the 2008 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
2nd generation Sequoia (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2008: Second generation (XK60) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 11 of the Second generation (XK60).

Should You Buy the 2018 Toyota Sequoia?

Good, with a caveat: this is the weakest of the five scored Sequoia years, and it sits close to average against other 2018 SUVs. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repair spending for the Sequoia at $642, under the $784 typical for its class. The 2019 rates about the same, with 7 owner complaints against 20 here.

The main complaint is the driver-assist system. Owners report false warnings from the blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, pre-collision, front camera and adaptive cruise, often within the first few hundred miles. Software updates often failed to stop them. The most serious reports describe the truck braking hard on its own, with a "Brake, obstacle ahead" message and nothing in front. That risks a rear-end crash. Federal recall records list five recalls, covering stability control, steering (two), the fuel system, and the electrical system and air bags.

Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed. Two owners describe long cranking or power loss and confusion over recall status. During a test drive, watch for driver-assist warnings, and ask about repeat dealer visits. A 2019 is worth comparing.

Compared to the 2019 Toyota Sequoia, which scored 1 points higher.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+$142 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize SUVs
+Low major repair risk (15%)
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Driver-assist warnings come on falsely and keep coming back (7 complaints)
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Several unrelated failures fall under this heading (3 complaints)

Compare 2018 Toyota Sequoia With

2018 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 68/100

Good

2018 Nissan Armada

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2018 Ford Expedition

Reliability: 52/100

Mixed

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2018 Lincoln Navigator

Reliability: 59/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2018 Toyota Sequoia. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Toyota Sequoia Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota Sequoia. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

18V1220002018-02-20

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles. Electrical interference within the power supply circuit may cause the vehicle's electronic stability control system to be deactivated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system can increase the risk of a crash in certain conditions.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0H. Note: This recall has been superseded by 18V-685. The software remedy for 18V-685 includes the updates to the software for this recall.

21E1030002021-12-23

STEERING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.

21V9200002021-11-23

STEERING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Toyota Sequoia? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Toyota Sequoia, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Toyota Sequoia NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 18.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota SequoiaRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$642

vs $784 avg for fullsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

15%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Sequoia

$642

Category Avg

$784

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

14–15 MPG

Running cost: $4,650–$4,950/yr

Fuel + repair

13 city / 17 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Sequoia 2WD 5.7L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	13	17	15	$4,000
Sequoia 4WD FFV 5.7L 8-cyl	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	13	17	14	$4,300
Sequoia 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	13	17	14	$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Toyota Sequoia.

Drive at least 30 minutes and watch for blind spot, rear cross traffic, pre-collision or front camera malfunction messages.
On an open road with nothing ahead, watch for a "Brake, obstacle ahead" message or the truck braking on its own.
Ask for service records showing repeated driver-assist software updates, sensor realignment or forward camera replacement.
Confirm the PCS OFF light shows only when the pre-collision system is switched off.
Check the sunroof glass for cracks, chips or signs that it was replaced.
Use the GPS, hands-free calling and audio during the drive and note any system reboots.
Start the engine cold several times and note any long cranking. Then check for hesitation or power loss under acceleration.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and get dealer paperwork showing all recall work was completed.

2018 Toyota Sequoia Common Problems by Component

20 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)FUEL SYSTEM (1)STEERING (1)LANE DEPARTURE (1)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)AIR BAGS (1)Other (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Driver-assist warnings come on falsely and keep coming back. Blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, pre-collision, front camera and adaptive cruise faults often appear within the first few hundred miles. Repeated software updates often fail to stop them. Dealer fixes reported include realigning a rear bumper sensor and replacing the forward cameras and sensors. The most serious reports involve the truck braking hard on its own, with a "Brake, obstacle ahead" message and no vehicle ahead. That creates a real risk of a rear-end crash. Some trucks went back to the dealer many times.

7 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Several unrelated failures fall under this heading. In one, the pre-collision system shows its PCS OFF light while switched on and fails to brake in a near collision. A dealer reportedly had no fix. Another report describes the sunroof shattering at highway speed. The audio and multimedia unit also reboots repeatedly during use, taking hands-free calling and GPS down with it and pulling the driver's attention off the road. With only three filings, none of these failures shows a clear pattern yet.

3 complaints total

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Long cranking before the engine starts and loss of power while driving are the symptoms described. Both filings are mostly about recall paperwork, not new kinds of failure. One owner reports fuel pump symptoms on a truck whose VIN is not covered by the recall they cite. The other says a dealer finished routine service, skipped the pending recall work and said no recall applied. Losing power in traffic raises crash risk, so open recall work on any used truck should be confirmed.

2 complaints total

FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2026-01-14

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove abnormally rough. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2024-06-04

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance at the local dealer, he was informed that the outer seals were leaking and full of fluid. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rack and pinion seals had failed. The outer seals were leaking and full of fluid. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21E103000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

2021-07-12

In the past few months the automatic braking feature was activated without any reason. No obstruction in front, no unusual weather or driving conditions. Fortunately nobody was close behind and no accident occurred. Today the blind spot and cross traffic indicators stopped working. I have not taken it into the dealer yet. I will do so soon.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

2019-05-16

SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. I WAS DOING 65 MPH IN THE CARPOOL LANE. NO APPARENT DEBRIS FROM SURROUNDING VEHICLES. FRONT CAR WAS FAR AWAY, SIDE VEHICLES DRIVING SLOWER AND NO TRUCKS. ALL THE EDGES OF THE REMAINING GLASS ARE FACING OUTWARD AS IF THERE WAS TOO MUCH PRESSURE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I HAD COMPLAINED EARLIER TO THE DEALER ABOUT A WIND WHISTLING NOISE WHICH THEY WERE UNABLE TO CONFIRM. 10:15 AM, 58 DEGREES, SPOTTED RAIN, 5-16-2019

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

2018-10-18

RENTED VEHICLE FROM HERTZ IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ON 10/14/18. WHEN I RETURNED VEHICLE ON 10/18/18, THE RENTAL CAR ASSOCIATE WROTE "SAFETY" ON THE WINDOW. WHEN I ASKED WHAT THE "SAFETY" WAS FOR, HE SAID, "... THIS VEHICLE IS UNDER RECALL AND SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN RENTED TO YOU." NHTSA #18V685 - AIR BAG MAY DISABLED DUE TO FAULTY PROGRAMMING. ADDITIONALLY, RECALL NUMBER 18V122000 RECALL DATE 02/20/2018 COMPONENT ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MAY BE RELEVANT.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2018-05-09

THE SEATS FROM 2 AND 3 ROW VIBRATES AND MAKES NOISE,SEAT BELTS GETS STUCK AND DOESN'T RETRACK BACK COMPLETELY INSIDE AND GET TWISTED EVERY SINGLE TIME.EVERY SINGLE TIME I HAVE TO PUT THE BELT INSIDE MANUALLY

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1 complaints)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

2018-04-25

RECEIVED TOYOTA RECALL NOTICE FOR MY VEHICLE; SPECIFICALLY BY VIN. CALLED A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WHO COULD NOT FIND THIS RECALL. CALLED TOYOTA WHO SAID IT WAS FIXED ON MY VEHICLE AT A TIME WHEN THEY DID NOT HAVE POSSESSION!! SO IS IT OK TO DRIVE??

Best & Worst Toyota Sequoia Years

Best Toyota Sequoia Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Toyota Sequoia Years to Avoid

No Toyota Sequoia years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 69 and 72 across 5 scored model years.

See full Toyota Sequoia years-to-avoid analysis

Toyota Sequoia Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Sequoia reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	69/100	Good
2019	70/100	Good
2020	72/100	Good
2021	72/100	Good
2022	72/100	Good

Toyota Sequoia Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2022	72/100	0	Good	2	1
2021	72/100	0	Good	2	4
2020	72/100	+2	Good	2	4
2019	70/100	+1	Good	6	7
2018(selected)	69/100	—	Good	5	20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Sequoia reliable?

Yes, it has a good reliability standing and is close to average among 2018 SUVs. Within the Sequoia line it is the weakest of five scored years. Independent repair-cost data shows lower yearly repair spending than its class, $642 against $784. The driver-assist system is the main weak spot.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Sequoia?

Electrical complaints lead, with 7 of 20 filings. They center on driver-assist warnings that come on falsely and return: blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, pre-collision, front camera and adaptive cruise. Two fuel-related complaints describe long cranking and power loss, both tied to recall paperwork.

Does the 2018 Toyota Sequoia brake by itself?

Some owners say it does. The most serious complaints describe the truck braking hard with a "Brake, obstacle ahead" message when no vehicle was ahead. That creates a rear-end crash risk. Dealer fixes reported include replacing the forward cameras and sensors, and some trucks returned many times.

Does the 2018 Toyota Sequoia have recalls?

Yes, federal recall records list five. They cover electronic stability control, steering (two recalls), the fuel system, and the electrical system and air bags. Confirm with the seller that all work was completed, since one owner says a dealer skipped pending recall work.

Is the 2018 Toyota Sequoia better than the 2019?

Not clearly. Both have a good standing and rate about the same. The 2019 has fewer owner complaints, 7 against 20, but more recalls, 6 against 5. A 2019 has had less time on the road to collect complaints, so compare both by recall and repair records.

Don’t buy a 2018 Toyota Sequoia without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Toyota Sequoia

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Toyota Sequoia does best on how many systems draw complaints (79/100) and worst on complaint severity (64/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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