RoadVitals

2013 Toyota Sequoia Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
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Latest Feb 19, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Sequoia, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine323.1%
  • Body & structure215.4%
  • Driver assistance17.7%
  • Electrical17.7%
  • Other / unspecified17.7%
  • Powertrain (other)17.7%
  • Tires & wheels17.7%
  • Airbags17.7%
  • Visibility17.7%
  • Brakes17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH THE 5.7 LITER ENGINE (ONLY 28,000 MILES) IS LEAKING OIL BY THE CAM TOWER (LEFT SIDE). THE OIL IS LANDING ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH CAN CATCH ON FIRE IF NOT REPAIR. NOT A SAFE SUV TO DRIVE ON LONG TRIPS.

NHTSA ID 11220358 · filed Jun 15, 2019

I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE DASHBOARD SAFETY LIGHTS ( AIRBAG ASSY ) I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON: 1ST ATTEMPT.- 2/18/15 DIAGNOSTIC STARTER CRANKS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN SPUTTERS AFTER IT DOES START. EXCESSIVE FUEL SMELL. 2ND ATTEMPT.- 6/29/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC SHORT IN DRIVER'S SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSY. 3RD ATTEMPT.- 6/29/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC SHORT IN DRIVER'S SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSY. 4TH ATTEMPT.- 6/1/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTICS SOP ORDERED PART LIGHT IS ON GEST TO RETURN FOR REPAIR 7/2 5TH ATTEMPT.- 7/12-16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC SOP AIR BAG CENTER CENSOR ASSY PER CODE 1836. 6TH ATTEMPT.- 7/16/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC LOOSE FIN FIT CAUSING CODE 7TH ATTEMPT.- 7/29/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR BAG. DIAGNOSTIC CAUSE: B1863 FOUND SHORT TO B+ EVERY TIME WE MAKE A LONG DISTANCE TRIPS THE SAFETY LIGHTS FOR: TRAC OFF, CHECK ENGINE & 4LO COMES ON. WE CALLED THE SHOP AND THEY MENTION THAT WE NEED TO BRING THE TRUCK WITH THE LIGHTS ON SO THEY CAN LET THE TRUCK IN THE SHOP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS LIGHTS GET OFF AND ON WITHOUT REASON. I HAVE A VIDEOS FOR THIS PROBLEMS. 7TH ATTEMPT.- 12/1/17 SAFETY LIGHTS FOR TRAC OFF, CHECK ENGINE & 4LO. BY PHONE CONVERSATION: THEY CAN PULL ANY DATA. I DID NOT GET A DIAGNOSTIC OR REPAIRS. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS IN BEING DRIVE AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS FROM 5MPH TO 75MPH.

NHTSA ID 11052366 · filed Dec 4, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2013 Toyota Sequoia Limited (108,000 miles) Rear lift gate around latch was not designed correctly to allow moisture out. Our vehicle is in pristine shape other than the rear lift gate latch. By the time you notice it, it’s too late and unfixable. I’ve seen these get so bad from doing internet research some people hold the door down with straps because the structural integrity is gone and the lift gate can’t be latched and could fly open. The ironic thing about this is it’s obvious Toyota has a problem. Toyota charges $750 - $1000 for a new unpainted lift gate, however NO dealer in the United states can tell you when you’ll receive it because it’s on a nationwide backorder. We purchased this from a Non-Toyota dealer September 2022 and did not (or even think I had to look for it) notice this until spring 2023.

NHTSA ID 11553624 · filed Nov 5, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY, AND MELTED WHICH CAUSED A CHEMICAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAY BRANDT TOYOTA LOCATED AT 2460 VETERANS BLVD, KENNER, LA 70062. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE DEALER OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE, AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

NHTSA ID 11330209 · filed Jun 22, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITHIN THE SHIFT LOCK. MY CHILDREN WERE IN OUR NEW 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE CAR AND WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THEY MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK POSITION AND INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR ROLLED INTO THE STREET AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A PASSING CAR BEFORE MY 10 YEAR OLD PUSHED THE SHIFTER BACK INTO PARK, BRINGING THE CAR TO A LURCHING HALT. WITHOUT A KEY, OR A FOOT OR THE BREAK, OR PRESSING ANY BUTTON, THE TRANSMISSION WILL EITHER ENGAGE A DRIVE GEAR OR NEUTRAL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A BACKOVER OR ROLL-AWAY CRASH. TOYOTA OF PLANO SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL. FURTHER, THEY SAY IT IS NOT EVEN COVERED BY THE STANDARD WARRANTY OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA (CORPORATE) IS SAYING THE SAME THING, THAT IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM/ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10631648 · filed Sep 8, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE DASHBOARD SAFETY LIGHTS ( AIRBAG ASSY ) I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON: 1ST ATTEMPT.- 2/18/15 DIAGNOSTIC STARTER CRANKS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN SPUTTERS AFTER IT DOES START. EXCESSIVE FUEL SMELL. 2ND ATTEMPT.- 6/29/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC SHORT IN DRIVER'S SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSY. 3RD ATTEMPT.- 6/29/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC SHORT IN DRIVER'S SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSY. 4TH ATTEMPT.- 6/1/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTICS SOP ORDERED PART LIGHT IS ON GEST TO RETURN FOR REPAIR 7/2 5TH ATTEMPT.- 7/12-16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC SOP AIR BAG CENTER CENSOR ASSY PER CODE 1836. 6TH ATTEMPT.- 7/16/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR GAG. DIAGNOSTIC LOOSE FIN FIT CAUSING CODE 7TH ATTEMPT.- 7/29/16 SAFETY LIGHT FOR AIR BAG. DIAGNOSTIC CAUSE: B1863 FOUND SHORT TO B+ EVERY TIME WE MAKE A LONG DISTANCE TRIPS THE SAFETY LIGHTS FOR: TRAC OFF, CHECK ENGINE & 4LO COMES ON. WE CALLED THE SHOP AND THEY MENTION THAT WE NEED TO BRING THE TRUCK WITH THE LIGHTS ON SO THEY CAN LET THE TRUCK IN THE SHOP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS LIGHTS GET OFF AND ON WITHOUT REASON. I HAVE A VIDEOS FOR THIS PROBLEMS. 7TH ATTEMPT.- 12/1/17 SAFETY LIGHTS FOR TRAC OFF, CHECK ENGINE & 4LO. BY PHONE CONVERSATION: THEY CAN PULL ANY DATA. I DID NOT GET A DIAGNOSTIC OR REPAIRS. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS IN BEING DRIVE AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS FROM 5MPH TO 75MPH.

NHTSA ID 11052366 · filed Dec 4, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Due to a latent defect, Toyota's chrome lug nuts swell such that the lug wrench no longer fits the nuts. Owners confronted with flat tires are stranded on roadsides, potentially out of cell phone range, because they are unable to change the tire. I personally was stranded at midnight due to this defect. I alerted my Toyota dealership in Peoria, Illinois. They said they were aware of the issue on Sequoias and Sienas and that the could not keep enough lug nuts in stock. Toyota has provided no formal notice to owners of this latent defect and safety hazard. Both the Toyota dealership and Toyota care refused to provide without charge replacement lug nuts.

NHTSA ID 11447596 · filed Jan 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITHIN THE SHIFT LOCK. MY CHILDREN WERE IN OUR NEW 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE CAR AND WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THEY MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK POSITION AND INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR ROLLED INTO THE STREET AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A PASSING CAR BEFORE MY 10 YEAR OLD PUSHED THE SHIFTER BACK INTO PARK, BRINGING THE CAR TO A LURCHING HALT. WITHOUT A KEY, OR A FOOT OR THE BREAK, OR PRESSING ANY BUTTON, THE TRANSMISSION WILL EITHER ENGAGE A DRIVE GEAR OR NEUTRAL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A BACKOVER OR ROLL-AWAY CRASH. TOYOTA OF PLANO SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL. FURTHER, THEY SAY IT IS NOT EVEN COVERED BY THE STANDARD WARRANTY OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA (CORPORATE) IS SAYING THE SAME THING, THAT IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM/ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10631648 · filed Sep 8, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DEFECTIVE TIRES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, HE DISCOVERED THE ENTIRE FACTORY INSTALLED TIRE HAD BLOWN AND DISINTEGRATED. NO TIRE INFO WAS GIVEN. *JB

NHTSA ID 10704689 · filed Mar 3, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER 6 YEARS. REPAIR PART FOR AIRBAG SYSTEM $1627. WHY WOULD THIS PART BREAK? DOESN'T GET USED. JUST SIT'S IN THE CAR. SHOULD BE A FAULTY MANUFACTURED PART. NO ONE IN AREA HAS THE PART. SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING TOYOTA SHOULD BE COVERING.

NHTSA ID 11300698 · filed Jan 21, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SPEED WAS SLOWER THAN NORMAL. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING THE ROAD CLEARLY DURING HEAVY RAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE CALVERT TOYOTA (2333 S LOOP W, HOUSTON, TX 77054) WHERE THEY STATED THAT ALL OF THE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED THE SAME WAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ID 11150422 · filed Nov 9, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITHIN THE SHIFT LOCK. MY CHILDREN WERE IN OUR NEW 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE CAR AND WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THEY MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK POSITION AND INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR ROLLED INTO THE STREET AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A PASSING CAR BEFORE MY 10 YEAR OLD PUSHED THE SHIFTER BACK INTO PARK, BRINGING THE CAR TO A LURCHING HALT. WITHOUT A KEY, OR A FOOT OR THE BREAK, OR PRESSING ANY BUTTON, THE TRANSMISSION WILL EITHER ENGAGE A DRIVE GEAR OR NEUTRAL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A BACKOVER OR ROLL-AWAY CRASH. TOYOTA OF PLANO SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL. FURTHER, THEY SAY IT IS NOT EVEN COVERED BY THE STANDARD WARRANTY OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA (CORPORATE) IS SAYING THE SAME THING, THAT IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM/ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10631648 · filed Sep 8, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .