2012 TOYOTA Sequoia Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

I HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE THAT TOYOTA IS NOT COVERING UNDER WARRANTY AND I THINK IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. I HAVE HAD 3 DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAIL AND THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR SAFELY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THIS IS NOT SAFE. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD AND I DON'T THINK THIS KIND OF SAFETY PART SHOULD BE THAT PRONE TO FAIL.

Jul 20, 2017

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED ON ALL 4 DOORS. TWO WERE REPLACED BY TOYOTA UNDER WARRANTY. THEY MADE ME PAY TO REPLACE ONE AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE OTHER. NOW THE DRIVERS DOOR LOCK HAS FAILED AGAIN. THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN USING THE FOB. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING THE FOB OR ANY OTHER LOCK / UNLOCK SWITCH IN THE CAR. THIS MEANS THE CAR CANNOT BE OPENED USING THE FOB AT ALL. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND TOYOTA WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE THEM.

Jul 15, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING ON THE VEHICLE WAS CHEWED DUE TO RODENTS. THE SIDE AIR BAGS WERE ALSO CHEWED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING CONTAINED SOY PRODUCTS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ *CN

Jan 12, 2017

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 THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

Feb 28, 2014

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

I am filing a formal complaint regarding a known paint defect on my 2012 Toyota Sequoia, painted in Blizzard Pearl (paint code 070). The paint is peeling and delaminating from multiple areas of the vehicle, including the roof, hood, and rear panels, down to the primer and in some cases bare metal. This is not a cosmetic or age-related issue — it is the result of a manufacturing defect that Toyota has already acknowledged in multiple models and years through Customer Support Program ZKG. This issue affects vehicles painted in Blizzard Pearl and Super White, due to poor adhesion between the basecoat and primer. It is a systemic defect that poses a long-term corrosion and safety concern, particularly as bare metal becomes exposed and vulnerable to rust. Toyota refuses to take responsibility, citing expiration of the CSP in December 2022. However, this defect is not time-sensitive—it emerges gradually and unpredictably over the life of the vehicle. It is unfair to place the burden of repair on consumers when the issue is clearly the result of poor materials and workmanship. I have contacted Toyota and provided photographic evidence. They acknowledged the vehicle is affected by the exact problem covered by the CSP, but declined to offer assistance because the program has technically ended. This is unacceptable, as the issue is part of a known national defect, not an isolated case. There are thousands of documented complaints for this exact same issue on forums, social media, and Toyota owner sites. I am requesting that Toyota: •Acknowledge this as an ongoing manufacturing defect regardless of warranty expiration, •Provide goodwill repair coverage or reimbursement for repainting, •Prevent further corrosion that could compromise vehicle safety and resale value. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be formally documented and investigated, with the hope that Toyota will be held accountable and other owners will not be left to absorb the

Jul 01, 2025

The rear door latch for the lift gate malfunctioned and wouldn’t release. The power motor for the lift gate continued to work, trying to lift the rear gate. The result was bending the left gate hinge and hinge mounting area. The gate latch was corroded, but is supposed to be protected from the elements! The lift gate had to be taken apart from the inside with a number of parts having to be damaged/destroyed to open it as there was no other way to release the rear door latch (no manual release). The dealer didn’t have the rear door latch in initially in stock when I needed it because they’ve never replaced one for corrosion until now. The damage occurred after I left the dealership, but before I could get the part ordered and scheduled back in the dealership. Toyota has provided $400 of “goodwill” for what turned out to be a $1,400 repair for an item that shouldn’t ever need to be replaced!

Sep 29, 2022

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

Mar 10, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

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. THE BRAKING SHAKES THE WHOLE VEHICLE SO VIOLENTLY I AM AFRAID I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Oct 15, 2014

I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA & HAVE HAD ABOUT 7 INSTANCES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST WHERE TRAC OFF TRAC VSC AND SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT ALL COME ON WHILE CAR LOCKS UP AND BEEPING NOISE ALL WHILE DRIVING. HAVE FOUND SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THE SAME SITUATION. APPARENTLY TOYOTA RECALLED THE 2003 MODELS FOR THE APPARENT SAME REASON BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2002'S ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS. WOULD BE HORRIBLE IF SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE TOYOTA TAKES THIS SERIOUSLY. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/TOYOTA/SEQUOIA/2002/BRAKES/SERVICE_BRAKES.SHTML. *TR

Aug 17, 2014

VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKING DOWNHILL AT AROUND 60-65 MPH. THIS STARTED AT 5000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA DEALER SAID THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THEY SAID THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS AS A "GOODWILL" GESTURE AS BRAKES ARE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. NOW AT 16K MILES AND 6 MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE IS SHAKING VIOLENTLY DOWNHILL WHEN BRAKING. TOYOTA DEALER AND CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE SAY THEY FEEL THE BRAKE WEAR IS NORMAL AND THEY SAID THE VEHICLE REQUIRES A BRAKE JOB. HOW WOULD THE BRAKES FAIL TWICE AND THE VEHICLE ISN'T EVEN A YEAR OLD YET? THE BRAKING SHAKES THE WHOLE VEHICLE SO VIOLENTLY I AM AFRAID I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Jul 30, 2013

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 once again causing my engine to stall. Can someone please look into this as I feel my car should be part of that recall for another failing fuel pump. I do have receipt of repair in 2020 by First Class HALT I can provide if needed. My engine is stalling, not cycling fuel properly and has left me stranded. Then other times fires up normally.

Apr 11, 2025

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

Lower ball joint on drivers side sheared off.

Apr 06, 2022

ENGINE

1 complaint

TOYOTA HAS DEVELOPED WHAT IS BECOMING AN INFAMOUS OIL LEAK ON THEIR 5.7 V8 ENGINES THAT IS COMING FROM THE CAMSHAFT TOWER (CAMSHAFT HOUSING SUB ASSEMBLY). APPARENTLY IN PRODUCTION THEY USE A SILICONE WHERE THIS ATTACHES TO THE HEAD AND IN MANY CASES THEY DID NOT GET ENOUGH SILICONE. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ME THAT MANY, MANY OF THESE HAVE THIS ISSUE AND THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FAIRLY NEW THAT TOYOTA WILL STAND BEHIND IT IN LIMITED CASES. MY VEHICLE HAS 150,000 MILES ON IT SO THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO STAND BEHIND IT AND CLAIMED TO NOT BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS AND ALL OF THEM STATED THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS MINE HAS STARTED TO LEAK, IT DOES SO ON TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND HAS A STRONG BURNING SMELL EACH TIME I DRIVE EVEN IF ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE. THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE A FIRE. WHILE I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY OF THESE CAUSING A FIRE IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE TO THE POINT THAT I FOUND A LAW FIRM THAT WAS LOOKING TO DO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE OF IT. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF NEEDED BUT THEY CAN BE SEEN ALL OVER THE INTERNET.

Jan 11, 2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN SPEED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

Jan 26, 2016

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

AS I WAS DRIVING, THE ANTI-SLIP BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY THE BRAKE LIGHT. THE CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND I WAS ON A STRAIGHT CITY STREET SO THERE WAS NO REASON FOR IT TO LIGHT UP. SINCE IT WAS CONCERNING THE BRAKING SYSTEM, I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AS SOON AS I WAS ABLE. THE BRAKES SEEMED TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. MY OWNERS MANUAL GAVE ME STEPS TO RESET IT, NONE OF WHICH WORKED. AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FINALLY FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE ANTI-SKID BRAKE ECU. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE DRIVEN BUT I WOULDN'T HAVE THE ANTI-SKID TECHNOLOGY IF I WERE TO EVER NEED TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES OR IF I WERE IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE IS 3 YEARS OLD AND HAD LESS THAN 60 K MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. IT'S A $3000 REPAIR. WHEN I LOOKED INTO IT, THERE ARE REPORTS ONLINE DATING BACK TO 2008 FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. I'M SURE THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO CANNOT AFFORD THIS TYPE OF REPAIR AND INSTEAD CHOOSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE ADVANCED SAFETY TECHNOLOGY. I THINK THERE TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU *TR

Sep 15, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COMES ON. I DO NOT NOW WHAT CAUSES IT NOR CAN I MAKE IT HAPPEN IT IS A RANDOM OCCURRENCE. *TR

Oct 15, 2014

VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

ON MY 2012 TOYOTA SEQUOIA MY 2YR OLD CHILD HAPPEN TO PULL UP THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH WHILE MY 6 YR OLD WAS TALKING TO ME WHEN I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE WINDOW. I GRABBED THE WINDOW TO GET IT TO STOP BUT THE WINDOW WOULDN'T STOP AND I COULDN'T OVER POWER THE WINDOW MOTOR. MY WIFE IN THE DRIVERS SEAT WITH THE VEHICLE MOTOR RUNNING STARTED PUSHING DOWN ON THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH. WITH THE 2YR OLD PULLING UP ON THE SWITCH AT THE SAME TIME THE DRIVER SWITCH DOESN'T OVERRIDE THE REAR SWITCH. AFTER A BRIEF PANIC OF YELLING AND SCREAMING AS MY 6 YR OLDS WAS HEAD GETTING SMASHED THE 2YR OLD LET GO OF THE SWITCH AND THEN THE DRIVERS SWITCH COULD BE OPERATED TO LOWER THE WINDOW. I FEEL THE WINDOW MOTOR SHOULD HAVE LOWER FORCE PRESSURE AND THE MASTER DRIVERS SWITCH SHOULD BE ABLE TO OVERRIDE ALL OTHER SWITCHES WHILE IN USE. THE WINDOW CAUSED A MINOR INJURY BUT COULD OF BEEN FATAL IF IT HAD BEEN HIS NECK AREA. I FIND THIS AS A DESIGN FLAW AND ALWAYS ASSUMED THERE WAS A SAFETY REVERSE MOTOR ON THE REAR WINDOW AS THE FRONTS HAS SUCH A FEATURE. *TR

Sep 19, 2014

Injuries: 1

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 PUMPS THAT WERE AFFECTED FROM THE DOE UPDATE. TOYOTA WILL NOT GIVE ME ANY DOCUMENTATION ON THE RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE THAT AFFECTS THE EMISSION CONTROL EJECTOR TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE GOING INTO FAIL SAFE MODE. TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES ARE TELLING ME THAT THE NOISE IS NORMAL AND IS SUPPOSE TO BE THERE. THIS NOISE WAS NOT PRESENT BEFORE THE UPDATE AND I DO NOT FEEL THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE WHEN IT IS EXTREMELY SECRETIVE ABOUT THE RECALL OR THE UPDATE THAT IS BEING PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE MAKES NOISES THAT DO NOT SOUND RIGHT. I DID NOT PURCHASE THE CAR MAKING ALL OF THIS NOISE AND I WANT THE VEHICLE TO PERFORM AND FUNCTION AS IT DID WHEN I PURCHASED IT. *TR

Nov 14, 2013

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

VSC LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME, AND SO IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HAVE SPENT $$$$ OF DOLLARS REPLACING OXYGEN SENSORS, MUFFLERS, HOSES, ETC. JUST HAD THE FRAME REPLACED UNDER RECALL, BUT TOO MANY OTHER PARTS ROTTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL FOR ADDITIONAL COSTS. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT WHEN I BRAKE THE WHEEL VIBRATES TOO MUCH AND MAKE CONTROLLING THE CAR DIFFICULT. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO THE VSC CONTROL. NOT TO MENTION THE CAR STABILITY LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF EVERYTIME I ACCELERATE (TAKING THE SUV IN FOR THAT VOLUNTARY RECALL AS WELL). FIX THIS VSC/ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM. *TR

Sep 20, 2013

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2012 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD IDLE/ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS, ERRATIC PROBLEMS WITH EXCESSIVE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING, RACING, SURGING, AND FLUCTUATION OF ENGINE RPM'S, MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP SAFELY. WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS A NEW VEHICLE AND IT NEEDED TIME,??ONE THOUSAND MILES,?? FOR THE ENGINE TO BREAK IN. THEIR INITIAL SOLUTION TO MY VEHICLE'??S PROBLEM DID NOT RECTIFY ITSELF. I HAVE HAD TO RETURN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES FOR REPAIR. THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE CONFIRMED MY CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE BUT IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THAT IT IS A DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE, THAT'S THE WAY THEY ACT, AND THAT IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH FUEL-CUTTING OR TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. HE FURTHER STATED THAT HE FORWARDS HIS REPORT TO TOYOTA ENGINEERS AND IF THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THAT THEY WILL RE-WRITE AND UPDATE THE SOFTWARE FOR THE VEHICLE. OBLIVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE...PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Nov 12, 2012

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4.8/5.0

43 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 TOYOTA Sequoia have?

The 2012 TOYOTA Sequoia currently has 20 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 TOYOTA Sequoia?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 TOYOTA Sequoia are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 TOYOTA Sequoia problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 TOYOTA Sequoia comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.