Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 70/100 (GOOD)

2019 Toyota Sequoia Reliability Report

The 2019 Toyota Sequoia rates good for reliability, with low repair costs, but its six recalls, including steering and fuel system, need checking.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

6.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$642

Annual Fuel Cost

$4,000–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity75/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Middle of the pack for the Sequoia, with six recalls across steering, fuel system and air bags but only seven owner complaints.

Top Issues to Watch

SEAT BELTS (1)
SERVICE BRAKES (1)
SUSPENSION (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 12)

2019 is year 12 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.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 12 of the Second generation (XK60).

Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota Sequoia?

Reliability is good, and it sits close to the average for 2019 SUVs. Among the five scored Sequoia model years, this one lands in the middle. Independent repair-cost data puts model-wide yearly repairs at $642, against $784 for the class. The 2018 and 2020 models also rate good and about the same.

Owners filed 7 complaints, a low rate for the number sold, but 2 of them involved injuries. The data does not describe the symptoms, so ask the seller what has been fixed. Federal recall records list 6 recalls. Two are for steering, two for the gasoline fuel system, one for equipment and one for the electrical system, air bags.

Ask for proof that every recall was completed, steering and fuel system first. A VIN lookup will show any that are still open. The 2018 has 5 recalls and 20 complaints. The 2020 has 2 recalls and 4 complaints, so compare it too.

Compared to the 2020 Toyota Sequoia, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2018 Toyota Sequoia for an earlier comparison.

Pros

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

Cons

−Above-average recall count
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Moonroof glass shatters outward while driving at highway speed, with nothing... (2 complaints)

Compare 2019 Toyota Sequoia With

2019 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2019 Nissan Armada

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2019 Ford Expedition

Reliability: 53/100

Mixed

2019 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2019 Cadillac Escalade

Reliability: 66/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
SEAT BELTS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2019 Toyota Sequoia has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

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

2019 Toyota Sequoia Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Toyota Sequoia. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

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.

20V6820002020-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Toyota Sequoia? Check its history first

Seat belts problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Toyota Sequoia, and 6 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

2019 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 2019 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 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 2019 Toyota Sequoia.

Inspect the moonroof glass closely for chips, cracks, or stress marks before buying.
Ask the seller whether the moonroof glass has ever been replaced, and request the repair records.
Open the fuel filler door fully by hand and confirm it swings open without binding.
Check the gaps around the closed fuel door. Uneven spacing or a tilted, sunken door points to a bent hinge.
Fill the tank during the test drive to confirm the fuel door opens, stays open, and closes flush.

2019 Toyota Sequoia Common Problems by Component

7 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)SEAT BELTS (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)SUSPENSION (1)STEERING (1)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Moonroof glass shatters outward while driving at highway speed, with nothing striking it and no other damage to the roof. A separate complaint describes a bent fuel filler door hinge and pin. The door will not open fully, which blocks refueling, and it will not close properly. It sits crooked, tilted toward the bottom right and dipping inward, with uneven gaps around the edges. Only 2 complaints are on file, so neither problem shows a clear pattern, and the reports give no mileage.

2 complaints total

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2026-04-232 injuries

Third row seatbelts broke. They came undone from where they are bolted to the bottom of the car. My children were in their car seats anchored by the seatbelts when these broke when the vehicle was moving and they flew sideways. Looks like poor products were used to secure the seatbelt, there are signs of product disintegration and rust coloring on belt where they occurred.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2025-06-20

Parking brake requires continual adjustment. Brake becomes non functional when brakes are hot and then park on a hill. Examples would include pulling our boat and going to the boat ramp off the highway. Parking brakes loses any ability to hold the vehicle.

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2024-04-30

My 2019 Toyota Sequoia Platinum with air suspension is leaning to the left. The driver rear measured from the center of the tire hub to the bottom of the fender is 1and 1/8 inch lower than the passenger rear. There was a similar Toyota T-SB-0179-17 with a similar issue that was issued for 2013-2016 Toyota Sequoia Platinum vehicles with air suspension. Please look into this and potentially extend the previous TSB or issue a new one to solve this issue. Thank you.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2023-08-30

I took my 2019 Sequoia to Toyota of Knoxville for scheduled maintenance and was told the boots on my rack of my power steering has a leak and needs to be repaired for the cost of $2000. My Sequoia has 84,308 miles and I was told this was caused by "normal wear and tear." When I started looking into it I found a recall for 2008-2022 Sequoias with the exact same issue as mine (Toyota Recall 21TB10 or 21TA10) issued on November 22, 2021, but was told that despite my car having the same issue that it was not covered by the recall and I would have to pay for repairs to-of-pocket. Upon further research, the number one cause for leaks in power steering is age and use, again, my Sequoia is a 2019 with 84,308 miles, so neither would apply.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

2020-05-07

THIS COMMUNICATION IS IN REFERENCE TO A KNOWN FUEL PUMP PROBLEM FOR WHICH WE RECEIVED AN INTERIM NOTICE OF RECALL SOME TIME PRIOR TO 5/7/2020 (EXACT DATE UNKNOWN DUE TO COVID SHUT DOWN DELAYS). THERE IS STILL NO REMEDY/REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE TIER 2 SUPPORT HAS SUGGESTED THAT I REACH OUT THROUGH NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE IN EXPEDITING A SOLUTION THROUGH TOYOTA MANAGEMENT. THE REASON THIS IS SO CRITICAL IS THAT THIS VEHICLE IS PART OF AN EMERGENCY SERVICES FLEET OWNED BY DOWNSTREAM CASINO RESORT, AN ENTERPRISE OF THE QUAPAW NATION (TRIBAL). IT IS A SPECIALTY VEHICLE WHICH CARRIES LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL AND CANINE OFFICERS TO AND FROM MULTIPLE TRIBAL ENTERPRISES AND OTHER LOCATIONS AS REQUESTED BY OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. PERIODICALLY TRAVEL OCCURS AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED AND OVER LONG DISTANCES, UP TO 400 MILES. RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE IS CRITICAL TO THE LIVES OF THOSE IN IT, THOSE THEY SERVE, AS WELL AS THOSE THEY COULD POTENTIALLY BE TRAVELING TO ASSIST. IF THIS KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART FAILS DURING ONE OF THOSE PROCESSES IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. WE PURCHASED THESE VEHICLES NEW FROM A MANUFACTURER WE BELIEVED COULD SERVE THE RELIABILITY NEEDS OF OUR FLEET. WHILE WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE ALWAYS UNKNOWN POSSIBILITIES, WE ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT A REMEDY IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE, AND WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN A COMMITMENT FOR AN EXPEDITED REMEDY TO, WHAT FOR US, IS A CRITICAL CONCERN. AGAIN, AS SUGGESTED, BY TOYOTA CUSTOMER SUPPORT, WE ARE REQUESTING ASSISTANCE IN PUSHING FOR AN EXPEDITED REMEDY. THANK YOU, [XXX], RISK MANAGER, DOWNSTREAM CASINO RESORT - AN ENTERPRISE OF THE QUAPAW NATION [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

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(selected)	70/100	+1	Good	6	7
2018	69/100	—	Good	5	20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Toyota Sequoia reliable?

Yes, its reliability standing is good. It is close to average among 2019 SUVs and in the middle of five scored Sequoia years. Owners filed 7 complaints, and independent repair-cost data shows lower yearly repair costs than the class. Six recalls are on record, so confirm they were done.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Sequoia?

The data does not name a single dominant owner complaint, and it gives no symptoms for the 7 filings. Two involved injuries. The clearest pattern is in federal recall records: two steering recalls and two gasoline fuel system recalls, plus one equipment and one air bag electrical recall.

How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Sequoia have?

Federal recall records list 6 recalls. Steering has 2, the gasoline fuel system has 2, equipment has 1, and the electrical system, air bags has 1. The 2018 has 5 and the 2020 has 2. Check the VIN to see whether each recall was completed.

How much does it cost to maintain a 2019 Toyota Sequoia?

Independent repair-cost data estimates $642 a year across the model, compared with $784 for its class. That figure covers the Sequoia as a whole, not only 2019. It is a reasonable guide, but a used example's actual costs depend on its service history.

Is the 2019 Toyota Sequoia better than the 2018 or 2020?

Not clearly. All three rate good and about the same. The 2019 had 7 complaints and 6 recalls, versus 20 and 5 for 2018, and 4 and 2 for 2020. The 2020 has fewer recalls, but compare condition and recall records on each car.

Don’t buy a 2019 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 2019 Toyota Sequoia

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Toyota Sequoia does best on how many systems draw complaints (75/100) and worst on recall impact (65/100). 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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