The New Sequoia Has Issues — and Owners Are Starting to Notice

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The third-generation Toyota Sequoia is more modern than ever, but it also lost what used to define its reputation for reliability — the naturally aspirated V8. The big SUV now uses the i-FORCE MAX hybrid V6, a 10-speed automatic and the TNGA-F platform shared with the Land Cruiser, Lexus LX and other large Toyotas.

The most sensitive topic is the engine. The high-profile V35A recall over machining debris in the block has so far hit mostly the non-hybrid versions — the 2022–2024 Tundra and the Lexus LX 600 and GX 550. There is no official Sequoia recall on the hybrid V6 yet, but owners are uneasy: the engine’s core components are very close, isolated failure cases are already being discussed on forums, and NHTSA has logged a complaint about a seized engine. On top of that, some 2023–2024 Sequoia owners report a Hybrid System Malfunction warning, jerks and a loss of acceleration.

There is also a more concrete transmission issue. On some 2023–2024 Sequoia Hybrid units, shifting the selector to Neutral did not always release the internal clutches of the 10-speed gearbox immediately. As a result, on a flat surface the vehicle could creep forward at up to 6 km/h if the driver did not press the brake or set the parking brake. The fix is a software update for the transmission control unit.

A separate recall involves the infotainment display. On 2023–2025 Sequoia models the screen could darken, turn half-green or go completely green. The root cause turned out to be video signal interference rather than the hardware itself, so dealers handle the issue with a firmware update.

The mechanical small print is no kinder. On 2023–2024 Sequoia models the tow hitch cover could fall off — Toyota came up with a revised part and a bumper modification. On some 2023 cars the problem is more serious: due to a welding defect in the spare wheel carrier chain, one link could break and the spare could drop onto the road. That kind of fault is dangerous not only for the owner but for everyone else in traffic.

On paper the Sequoia still looks like a strong family SUV with serious towing chops. But its reputation now rests not on the old V8, but on how smoothly Toyota will bring the new hybrid drivetrain up to its usual level of trust.