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2004 Toyota Sequoia: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owner complaints about the 2004 Sequoia most often name the stability control and brake systems, and in a sample of complaints we read, owners also describe frame and liftgate rust on older trucks[1][2][3]. NHTSA lists 380 complaints and 6 recalls for this year, and every recall has a dealer fix, so checking that the work was done matters more than the totals[4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 380 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Sequoia[4]. Of those, 17 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 19 injuries, with no deaths reported[4]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the truck.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic stability control[1] | 98 | 1 | 0 | 87,600 |
| Brakes[2] | 93 | 3 | 0 | 83,000 |
| Structure[3] | 77 | 0 | 0 | 135,000 |
| Speed control[7] | 53 | 1 | 2 | 92,121 |
| Suspension[8] | 47 | 6 | 8 | 117,250 |
| Electrical system[9] | 34 | 0 | 0 | 73,615 |
| Traction control[10] | 31 | 0 | 0 | 80,000 |
Stability control and brake warning lights. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the VSC, TRAC, ABS or brake warning lights coming on and staying on, or going off only after the truck is turned off and restarted[1]. Several were told the skid control computer or a related sensor had to be replaced[1]. Brake complaints in the sample tell a similar story, along with repeat dealer visits where the cause could not be found[2]. A few owners describe the brakes grabbing hard or a wheel locking up while slowing[1][2].
Hesitation in turns. Some speed control complaints in the sample describe a short loss of power when turning or pulling out, which owners link to the stability control system[7]. Others describe a brake pedal that felt soft when the lights came on[7]. NHTSA also lists 31 traction control complaints[10]. One complaint can name more than one part, so these may overlap with the groups above.
Rust and the rear liftgate. Structure complaints have the highest median mileage of the groups in the table at 135,000, so they tend to show up on high-mileage trucks[3]. In the sample, owners describe rust on the frame, underbody or liftgate, and in a few cases a shop said the frame was unsafe or needed replacing[3]. Others describe the outside liftgate handle or latch breaking so the gate will not open[3].
Suspension. This group is smaller, but it has the most crashes (6) and injuries (8) of any listed group[8]. We did not read complaint texts for it, so we cannot say what those reports describe. Two recalls cover the front lower ball joints, listed below[11][12].
Recalls
The 2004 Sequoia is covered by six recalls, newest first[5]. Each one lists a free or dealer repair.
- Passenger air bag inflator, replaced parts (19V741). Some trucks already had their front air bag inflator replaced under an earlier recall with an inflator of the same design. Over time, heat and humidity can break down the propellant, and the inflator can explode, throwing sharp metal fragments that can seriously injure or kill. Dealers replace the inflator or air bag assembly[13].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V883). The front passenger air bag inflator can explode in a crash because its propellant degrades, with the same risk of metal fragments. Dealers replace the inflator or the air bag assembly with an alternate design, free of charge[14].
- Passenger air bag inflator, humid regions (15V286). This covers trucks first sold in, or registered at any time in, Florida, the Gulf Coast and several other listed states and US territories. The front passenger inflator can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin. Dealers replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge[15].
- Passenger air bag inflator (15V285). This names 2004 Sequoias built from August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004[16]. The inflator can build up too much pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys, with the same injury risk. It also covers replacement air bags installed after a crash. Dealers replace the front passenger air bag[16].
- Front lower ball joints (07V013). Poor finishing of the front lower ball joints can let their internal grease break down, so the joints wear and loosen early. Watch for heavier steering, less self-centering and front-end noise. In extreme cases the joint can separate from the knuckle and cause a loss of control. Dealers replace the front lower ball joints[11].
- Front lower ball joints (05V225). A manufacturing issue may have scratched the ball surface, leading to wear, looseness and heavier steering. The joint may separate and a crash could occur. Dealers replace the front lower ball joints free of charge[12].
Fuel economy
The 2004 Sequoia uses a 4.7L 8-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic and runs on regular fuel[6][17].
EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $4,800 for both versions[6][17]. That figure uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2004. Four-wheel drive costs you 1 MPG on the highway and nothing in the city or combined rating[6][17].
Safety ratings
NHTSA did not give the 2004 Sequoia a 5-Star Safety Rating[18]. That means there is no federal crash test score to compare. Separately, confirm that the air bag recall work listed above has been done[13][14][16][15].
Engine and size
Every 2004 Sequoia in the EPA data has a 4.7L 8-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic, in 2WD or 4WD form[6][17].
The measurements below are Canadian-market specifications for the 4WD SR5/LTD and can differ slightly from US models[19].
How 2004 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 531 | 1 |
| 2002 | 666 | 6 |
| 2003 | 565 | 6 |
| 2004 | 380 | 6 |
| 2005 | 352 | 9 |
| 2006 | 202 | 8 |
| 2007 | 136 | 7 |
| 2008 | 67 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 | 8 |
| 2010 | 31 | 9 |
| 2011 | 17 | 6 |
| 2012 | 20 | 3 |
| 2013 | 12 | 2 |
| 2014 | 17 | 2 |
| 2015 | 9 | 2 |
| 2016 | 11 | 2 |
| 2017 | 7 | 2 |
| 2018 | 20 | 4 |
| 2019 | 7 | 5 |
| 2020 | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 39 | 5 |
| 2024 | 37 | 5 |
| 2025 | 11 | 2 |
| 2026 | 10 | 0 |
NHTSA lists 380 complaints for 2004[5]. That is fewer than 2001 (531), 2002 (666) and 2003 (565), and more than any year from 2005 (352) onward[5]. Of the 26 Sequoia model years listed, it ranks fourth for complaints[5].
The 6 recalls for 2004 match 2002, 2003 and 2011[5]. The most recalls for any year are 9, for 2005 and 2010[5]. Later years such as 2013 to 2017 have 2 recalls each and complaint counts in the teens or lower[5]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, and older trucks have had more time to collect complaints.
Should you buy a used 2004 Sequoia?
The 2004 Sequoia has fewer complaints than the three years before it, but owners still report stability control and brake warning light problems, and in a sample of complaints owners describe frame and liftgate rust[1][2][3][5]. All six recalls have a listed dealer fix, so ask for proof that the air bag and ball joint work was done[13][14][16][15][11][12]. Before buying, have a mechanic check the frame and liftgate for rust, scan for VSC, TRAC, ABS and brake warning lights, and test the liftgate handle[1][3]. Expect about 14 MPG combined[6][17]. A well-kept truck with clean recall records can be a fair buy, while one with frame rust or warning lights on deserves a lower price or a pass.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Sequoia?
- The largest complaint groups are electronic stability control (98) and brakes (93), followed by structure (77)[1][2][3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe VSC, TRAC and brake warning lights, skid control computer replacement, and frame or liftgate rust[1][3].
- How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Sequoia have?
- Six[5]. Four cover the front passenger air bag inflator and two cover the front lower ball joints, and dealers replace the parts[13][14][16][15][11][12].
- What gas mileage does a 2004 Sequoia get?
- EPA rates it at 13 city, 17 highway and 14 combined MPG with 2WD, and 13, 16 and 14 with 4WD, on regular fuel[6][17].
- Is the 2004 Sequoia better than the 2003?
- It has fewer complaints on file, 380 versus 565, and the same number of recalls, 6 each[5]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
- Does the 2004 Sequoia have a safety rating?
- No. NHTSA did not give it a 5-Star Safety Rating[18].
Facts and sources
- 98 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,600). NHTSA vehicle records
- 93 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 77 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 135,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 380 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Toyota Sequoia (17 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Sequoia model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Sequoia 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 53 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,121). NHTSA vehicle records
- 47 complaints name the suspension component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 117,250). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,615). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the traction control system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 07V013, filed January 19, 2007: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V225, filed May 17, 2005: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V741, filed October 17, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V883, filed December 12, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V286, filed May 13, 2015: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V285, filed May 13, 2015: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Sequoia 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: not rated; rollover risk 0.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEQUOIA 4DR SUV 4WD SR5/LTD: length 204 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 5,269 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov