2011 Toyota Sequoia: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2011 Toyota Sequoia
On the 2011 Toyota Sequoia, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, with 4 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 60,000 miles. Overall it scores 66 out of 100, high risk for a 2011.
High risk for a 2011 — 244th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. 21 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 15 named failure modes on the 2011 Toyota Sequoia, and the three most-reported carry 33% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other engine problem leads with 4 reports and about 0.1 per 1,000 vehicles.
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure follows with 2 reports, median 140,000 miles.
Premature brake pad or rotor wear follows with 1 report, median 15,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into body (5), engine (4) and brakes (3).
The mileage the reports cluster at
10 of the reports on the 2011 Toyota Sequoia came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 60,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 40% by 50,000 miles, 70% by 100,000 miles and 90% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 30% of the dated reports.
40% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 15. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 2 mention a crash. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.67, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure at $250–$1,500, premature brake pad or rotor wear at $300–$1,400 and parking brake failure at $250–$1,300. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
19% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 4 | 1 | — | 137k | — | 0.1 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 2 | 2 | — | 138k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 13k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 3k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 130k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 2k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 3k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 2 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.0 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2011 Toyota Sequoia draws about 0.5 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 76th percentile of complaint rates among 2011 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 43,197 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2011 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Premature brake pad or rotor wear
Purchased the vehicle new. Brake rotors severely warped at12,572 miles creating severe vibration/shaking throughout the vehicle when brakes applied. Problem is particularly severe when utilizing breaks on a downhill grade. The severe vibration created a significant safety hazard as it impairs break performance particularly when roads are wet or icy. Car was under warranty. Toyota's solution was to resurface/grind the rotors back to smooth. Unfortunately this process removes metal, and mass, from the brake rotors which exacerbates the problem. Less mass, less ability to dissipate heat. The same problem occurred again at 22,391 miles. Dealership refused to acknowledge the vibration. Returned to dealership at 24,564 miles. Dealership now acknowledged the problem as it was so severe it was impossible to ignore. Once the problem was acknowledged the dealership informed me I would have to pay to have the rotors resurfaced as the car was now out of warranty. Informed them I believe this is a warranty issue as it started during the warranty, but was informed they look at the rotor issues as individual occurrences. Rotors once again…
Recalls on the 2011 model year
NHTSA has issued 7 recall campaigns covering the 2011 Toyota Sequoia, affecting an estimated 45,290 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover steering:rack and pinion, seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler and visibility:power window devices and controls. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
151 vehicles 2021-12-23- 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.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
22,462 vehicles 2021-11-23- 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.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
7,749 vehicles 2016-06-02- Defect
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- Consequence
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
1,814,284 vehicles 2015-10-22- Defect
- Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
- Consequence
- If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
3,233 vehicles 2014-11-19- Defect
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
- Consequence
- Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
- Remedy
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
3,235 vehicles 2013-01-16- 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…
- 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.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
22,000 vehicles 2011-03-04- Defect
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 fj cruiser, land cruiser, tacoma, sequoia and tundra vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, "tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)." when factory-installed wheels and tires were replaced with toyota authorized accessory wheels and lt tires prior to first sale, the tire pressure monitoring systems were not re-calibrated correctly and therefore do not start illuminating the low tire pressure warning telltale at the required minimum activation pressure.
- Consequence
- Failure to warn of tire deflations is a non-compliance with fmvss 138 and could lead to tire failure increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- For the land cruiser, sequoia, tacoma and tundra vehicles, the dealer will re-calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system on affected vehicles and install an updated tire and loading information label at no charge. For the fj cruiser vehicles, the TPMS cannot be reset so the electronic control unit (ecu) for the TPMS will be replaced. Toyota is currently developing the remedy ecu. If an owner is not certain whether his or her vehicle is equipped with these accessories, please contact any toyota dealer for an inspection at no charge. The safety recall began on march 31…
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2011 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Where 2011 sits in the model line
High risk for a 2011 — 244th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 15 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2006 comes out best at 63 and 2015 worst at 79, with 2011 itself at 66.
If the model year is negotiable, 2006 and 2004 score lower than 2011 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2009–2011 generation specifically, 2011 is the strongest year at 66 and 2010 the weakest at 68.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2009-2011 generation, 2011 Toyota Sequoia scores best at 66 and 2010 Toyota Sequoia worst at 68.
The limits of complaint data
21 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 21 reports, 10 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 48% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Toyota Sequoia?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (4 reports, median 135,000 miles), liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure (2 reports, median 140,000 miles) and premature brake pad or rotor wear (1 report, median 15,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2011 Toyota Sequoia reliable?
It scores 66 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 244th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2011 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Toyota Sequoia is best?
Within the 2009–2011 generation, 2011 scores best at 66 out of 100 and 2010 worst at 68. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed