VehicleVerdict

2012 Toyota Sequoia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia sits mid-pack among Sequoia years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 29, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (30% of the total).

33

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Sequoia years?

See all Sequoia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Toyota Sequoia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1030%
Brakes618%
Engine39%
Body & Structure39%
Fuel System39%
Speed Control26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Other13%
Steering13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%

Does the 2012 Toyota Sequoia have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21E103000SteeringDecember 23, 2021 · 151 units

Defect

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.

21V920000SteeringNovember 23, 2021 · 22,462 units

Defect

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.

13V123000OtherApril 9, 2013 · 7,525 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

13V014000SeatsJanuary 16, 2013 · 3,235 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD SPORADICALLY BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERWHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD PAY FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 28, 2013

MY VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKING DOWNHILL AT AROUND 60-65 MPH. THIS STARTED AT 15000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA DEALER SAID THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. TOYOTA DEALER AND CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE SAY THEY FEEL THE BRAKE WEAR IS NORMAL AND THEY SAID THE VEHICLE REQUIRES A BRAKE JOB.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 11, 2013

I BROUGHT MY SEQUOIA IN FOR A 10,000 MILE OIL CHANGE AND WHEN I PICKED IT UP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD COMPLETED SSC DOE UPDATE. SINCE THE UPDATE, MY VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN A THUMP SOUND. WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE AIR INJECTION…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 17, 2013

Toyota had a recall on fuel pumps in 2020 mine was not part of the recall even though mine went bad and had to be replaced in February 2020. Now with another fuel pump recall issued in January 2025 I am also told mine is not part if the recall however I am having issues related to the fuel pump…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 20, 2025

VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUSTING ONLY ON THE REAR HATCH SINCE 2019. IT'S RUSTING AROUND THE WIPER ASSEMBLY AND NEAR THE LATCH ASSEMBLY. WE HAD IT REPAIRED ONCE BUT IT'S WORSE NOW. I'VE NOTICED MANY OWNERS ON LINE COMPLAINING OF THIS

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 2, 2019

2012 Toyota Sequoia — common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota Sequoia reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sequoia: 33 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2012 Sequoia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints).

Does the 2012 Toyota Sequoia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Toyota Sequoia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Toyota Sequoia under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Sequoia years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sequoia years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among Sequoia years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.