What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Sequoia?

NHTSA's largest complaint groups are electronic stability control with 93 complaints, brakes with 89, speed control with 85 and engine with 55. In a small sample of complaints, owners describe warning lights and idle or acceleration issues.

How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Sequoia have?

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year, including passenger air bag inflator recalls.

What MPG does a 2005 Toyota Sequoia get?

The EPA rates the 2WD at 14 city, 17 highway and 15 combined, and the 4WD at 13 city, 16 highway and 15 combined.

Is the 2005 Toyota Sequoia safe?

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 4-door RWD/AWD version as not rated, so there is no star score. Check that air bag recalls were completed.

Is 2005 a good year for the Toyota Sequoia?

It has fewer complaints than 2001 to 2004 but more than 2006 onward, and its 9 recalls tie for the most of any year.

2005 Toyota Sequoia Problems, Recalls and MPG

The 2005 Sequoia has 9 recalls on file, including passenger air bag inflator recalls, so confirm they were done before you buy^[1]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe stability control and brake warning lights^[2]^[3], and the EPA rates it at 15 MPG combined^[4].

352owner complaints^[5]

9recalls^[1]

15MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 352 owner complaints on file for this model year^[5]. Seven mention a crash, one mentions a fire, and the complaints report 21 injuries and 2 deaths^[5]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

The component groups with the most complaints:

Component group	Complaints
Electronic stability control^[2]	93
Brakes^[3]	89
Speed control^[6]	85
Engine^[7]	55
Air bags^[8]	40
Electrical system^[9]	34
Suspension^[10]	27
Structure^[11]	26

We read a small sample of complaint texts for four groups. In the stability control sample, owners describe stability and brake warning lights coming on, and some of those texts mention a dealer saying the skid control computer needed replacing at a high price^[2]. Brake complaints in our sample look similar. Owners describe ABS, stability and brake lights staying on or flashing, and some say the dealer could not find the cause^[3].

In the speed control sample, owners describe the vehicle surging or lurching forward, sudden unwanted acceleration, and high idle while in gear^[6]. In the engine sample, owners describe a very high idle after a cold start that takes minutes to settle, and some describe a rotten egg smell from the exhaust^[7]. These are themes in small samples, not a measure of how often the problems happen.

Air bag complaints are fewer at 40, but they carry 20 of the reported injuries^[8].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year^[1]. Newest first:

Passenger air bag inflator (19V741). This is a repeat recall for vehicles that already had inflators replaced under an earlier recall with the same design. The inflator can explode as its propellant breaks down over time, which can throw metal fragments at occupants and cause serious injury or death. Dealers replace the inflator or air bag parts. Toyota says it will notify owners^[12].
Passenger air bag inflator (18V883). The same kind of inflator explosion risk, covering inflators fitted as original or replacement equipment. Dealers replace the inflator with an alternate one, free of charge^[13].
Seat heaters (16V396). Covers aftermarket accessory seat heaters with copper strand elements. The wiring can be damaged when the cushion is compressed and short circuit, which raises fire risk. Dealers disconnect the heaters and refund the purchase price^[14].
Side curtain air bags (16V065). The air bag control module may be programmed wrongly, so the side curtain air bags can deploy without a crash. That raises the risk of injury. Dealers replace the module with one that has improved programming^[15].
Passenger air bag inflator (15V285). The inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys, sending metal fragments at occupants. Dealers replace the front passenger air bag^[16].
Passenger air bag inflator (15V286). The same rupture risk, for vehicles sold or registered in Florida, along the Gulf Coast and in other regions the recall lists. Dealers replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge^[17].
Seat heaters (14V743). The seat heater wiring can be damaged by cushion compression and short, which raises the risk of the seat burning. Dealers disconnect the heaters and refund the purchase price^[18].
Tire load labels (10V036). Vehicles were sold without the required load capacity labels, so a driver could overload the vehicle and raise crash risk. Dealers mail the corrected label or install it^[19].
Front lower ball joints (07V013). The lower ball joint can wear and loosen early because of improper finishing. Symptoms include heavier steering and front suspension noise. In extreme cases the joint can separate and cause a loss of control. Dealers replace the lower ball joints^[20].

None of these recalls says its remedy is unavailable. Ask for proof that each one was completed on the truck you are considering.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists two versions, both with a 4.7L 8-cylinder engine, a 5-speed automatic and regular fuel^[4]^[21].

Sequoia 2WD: 14 city, 17 highway and 15 combined MPG^[4].
Sequoia 4WD: 13 city, 16 highway and 15 combined MPG^[21].

The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,450 for both, using its current fuel price assumptions rather than prices from when the truck was new^[4]^[21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 4-door RWD/AWD version as not rated^[22]. That means there is no star score to compare.

Engine and size

The EPA entries list a 4.7L 8-cylinder engine^[4]^[21]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the 4WD SR5/LTD variant, converted to US units, and can differ slightly from US models^[23].

Measure	Value
Length^[23]	204 in
Width^[23]	79 in
Height^[23]	74 in
Wheelbase^[23]	118 in
Curb weight^[23]	5,269 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sequoia model year. The 2005 is highlighted^[1].

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

Among Sequoia model years, 2005 has 352 complaints^[1]. That is fewer than 2001 (531), 2002 (666), 2003 (565) and 2004 (380), and more than 2006 (202), 2007 (136) and every later year^[1].

Its 9 recalls tie 2010 for the most of any model year listed^[1]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so read them as a rough guide within the same model only^[1].

Should you buy a used 2005 Sequoia?

The recall list is the first thing to check. Several recalls involve passenger air bag inflators that can rupture or explode, so confirm with the VIN that every open recall was done^[12]^[13]^[16]^[17]. In a small sample of complaints, owners describe stability control and brake warning lights, sometimes tied to an expensive computer replacement, so ask about any warning lights and the repair history^[2]^[3]. Fuel economy is 15 MPG combined for both versions, so budget for fuel^[4]^[21]. We have no data on engine output, towing or oil capacity, so check those elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Sequoia?: NHTSA's largest complaint groups are electronic stability control with 93 complaints, brakes with 89, speed control with 85 and engine with 55^[2]^[3]^[6]^[7]. In a small sample of complaints, owners describe warning lights and idle or acceleration issues^[2]^[6]^[7].
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Sequoia have?: NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year, including passenger air bag inflator recalls^[1]^[12]^[13]^[16]^[17].
What MPG does a 2005 Toyota Sequoia get?: The EPA rates the 2WD at 14 city, 17 highway and 15 combined, and the 4WD at 13 city, 16 highway and 15 combined^[4]^[21].
Is the 2005 Toyota Sequoia safe?: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 4-door RWD/AWD version as not rated, so there is no star score^[22]. Check that air bag recalls were completed^[12]^[16].
Is 2005 a good year for the Toyota Sequoia?: It has fewer complaints than 2001 to 2004 but more than 2006 onward, and its 9 recalls tie for the most of any year^[1].

Facts and sources

Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Sequoia model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
93 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,140). NHTSA vehicle records
89 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 99,040). NHTSA vehicle records
EPA rating for Sequoia 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA has 352 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Toyota Sequoia (7 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 21 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
85 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,075). NHTSA vehicle records
55 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,500). NHTSA vehicle records
40 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 20 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
34 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
27 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,894). NHTSA vehicle records
26 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 142,500). NHTSA vehicle records
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 16V396, filed June 2, 2016: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V065, filed February 5, 2016: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V285, filed May 13, 2015: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V286, filed May 13, 2015: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V743, filed November 19, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V036, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 07V013, filed January 19, 2007: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Sequoia 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: not rated. 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

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2005 Toyota Sequoia: problems, recalls and fuel economy