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Today’s busy families count on the 2018 Toyota Sequoia for transportation. The automaker claims that newer SUV “rule every road trip,” but many owners are scared to death about taking this vehicle beyond the driveway. It suffers from a defective electronic stability control system, a faulty electrical system and trouble with the vehicle speed control.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Toyota Sequoia
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electronic Stability Control | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Electrical System:adas:blindspot:sensors | |
| Electrical System:adas:driver Monitoring:camera/sensor |
Problems with the Electronic Stability Control
Modern vehicles include this system that is supposed to improve stability, but the Sequoia doesn’t seem to function correctly.
Here is an NHTSA complaint addressing the problems. “The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sequoia. On several occasions, when the vehicle was started, the Adaptive Collision Warning Sensor illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and back on, and the vehicle would reset itself. The failure recurred several times, on several occasions, while driving various speeds with no other vehicles ahead. The Auto Braking feature independently activated and the ‘Brake Obstacle Ahead’ warning message illuminated. The vehicle would then suddenly brake independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the forward facing cameras and sensors were replaced. However, the failure recurred. The contact stated that several warning indicators illuminated at times, including the Blind Spot Monitoring System Malfunction, Adaptive Collision Sensor, Brake Obstacle Ahead Warning Indicator and Adaptive Cruise Control. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the bumper sensors and sideview mirrors where the forward collision sensors were housed needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was replaced with a similar vehicle. The contact stated that the replacement vehicle experienced similar failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to [dealer] where the contact was informed that the issue was due to a software failure, and that the engineers at Toyota were actively working on the software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 12.”
It turns out that there is a massive recall that related to the electronic stability control system. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V122000 states that the system can deactivate on its own and lead to an increased chance of an accident. The trouble stems from electrical interference in the power supply circuit that causes the system to deactivate. Without it, customers lose the ability to enjoy a stable ride, which further proves why this SUV is not meant for road trips at all. It might even struggle to take the kids to soccer practice.
Problems with the Electrical System
The last recall was caused by an electrical problem, but that’s not the only fault worth mentioning.
Here’s a comment from an Edmunds user. “I have leased the vehicle not too long ago. A week later I had to drive it to the shop due to multiple safety sensors repeated failures. Rear cross traffic, Blind spot, active cruise control, front collision radar, etc. At the moment dealer had to contact Toyota to figure out what is going on. I wish I could return it at this point in time…Toyota reliability is gone. First one, and definitely the last Toyota I will ever lease / own.”
It turns out there is yet another recall related to electrical problems. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V685000 states that nearly 170,000 vehicles might have a faulty air bag electronic control unit causing trouble with deployment. Basically, this SUV is only good for a road trip if owners don’t want to protect the occupants. Of course, there’s always the option to simply wrap the family in bubble wrap. This option might provide more protection.
Problems with the Vehicle Speed Control
With today’s modern systems, there is equipment that helps to regulate the speed at which the SUV travels. When these systems malfunction, anything can happen.
Another NHTSA review states, “At less than 500 miles, the safety sensors (Collision Prevention, Cruise Control Adaptable Speed, Rear Cross Traffic, Blind Spot Monitor) are failing repeatedly. Dealer has contacted Toyota for support. No ETA at present.”
The Sequoia appears to be allergic to safety. It doesn’t want to protect the passengers and there seem to be faults with every safety system imaginable, even the basic ones like air bags. While there is no communication related to the vehicle speed control, it’s clear that Toyota is simply trying to cover up its tracks at this point. After all, it doesn’t want to change the tagline to “rule every service center.”
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Toyota pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection |
| Date | Jul 12, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | In the past few months the automatic braking feature was activated without any reason. No obstruction in front, no unusual weather or driving conditions. Fortunately nobody was close behind and no accident occurred. Today the blind spot and cross traffic indicators stopped working. I have not taken it into the dealer yet. I will do so soon. |
| Category | Electrical System:adas:blindspot:sensors, Electrical System:adas:driver Monitoring:camera/sensor |
| Date | Jun 09, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The contact owns a 2018 toyota sequoia. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the lane departure and rear cross passing warning light illuminated and the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to inspect the vehicle however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Several months later, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the same local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that the rear bumper sensor was not properly aligned to the brackets on the bumper, causing the failure. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact was concerned that at some point the failure might recur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Oct 16, 2020 |
| State | NM |
| Description | I took my 2018 toyota sequoia (vin: [xxx]) on september 23, 2020 for the six-month toyotacare service to american toyota located at 5995 alameda blvd ne, albuquerque, nm 87113 with the assumption that the six-month toyotacare service will include fixing any pending safety recall. However, after the service, when I checked the paperwork, I found out that the pending safety recall (manufacturer recall: 20ta02, nhtsa recall: 20v012) was not fixed and it was claimed that there were no safety recalls associated with the vehicle (see the attached paperwork). I called the service department at the american toyota and the service representative didn't give me a reasonable reason so I demanded to talk a manager. The manager didn't know why the safety recall was not fixed so he promised to do some investigations and get back to me. Later, a senior manager from the american toyota called me and gave me the following reasons for not fixing the safety recall: - I specifically didn't ask for safety recall to be fixed - american toyota didn't have a certified technician available at that time to fix the safety recall - american toyota made false statement on the service paperwork that there was no safety recall associated with the vehicle when I talked to the senior service manager at american toyota, he promised to get the database and paperwork updated soon but as of today (three weeks later) I have not received a corrected paperwork from the american toyota. I see this a systematic issue at american toyota to falsely mark the service paperwork as no pending safety issue if the customer didn't ask for fixing a safety issue and/or if a certified technician is not available. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). *tr |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 19, 2019 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Audio multimedia (including handsfree driving devise and gps) without any reason and while they are in use rebooting and rebooting, and can cause distract the driver |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 16, 2019 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Sunroof exploded while driving on freeway. I was doing 65 mph in the carpool lane. No apparent debris from surrounding vehicles. Front car was far away, side vehicles driving slower and no trucks. All the edges of the remaining glass are facing outward as if there was too much pressure inside the vehicle. I had complained earlier to the dealer about a wind whistling noise which they were unable to confirm. 10:15 am, 58 degrees, spotted rain, 5-16-2019 |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 13, 2019 |
| State | SC |
| Description | Pre collision system(pcs) is not working. The two problems are 1. The pcs off light comes on dash when the pcs is on as evidenced by the photos. 2. The pcs system does not apply the brakes in a near collision. Car was taken into toyota of greenville and we were told that this was a problem with other toyotas but they did not have a solution. Now we are stuck with a car with a faulty safety feature. |
| Category | Air Bags, Electronic Stability Control |
| Date | Oct 19, 2018 |
| State | DC |
| Description | Rented vehicle from hertz in oklahoma city, ok on 10/14/18. When I returned vehicle on 10/18/18, the rental car associate wrote "safety" on the window. When I asked what the "safety" was for, he said, "... This vehicle is under recall and should have never been rented to you." nhtsa #18v685 - air bag may disabled due to faulty programming. Additionally, recall number 18v122000 recall date 02/20/2018 component electronic stability control may be relevant. |
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Jun 15, 2018 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | I am having a recurrent problem with my 2018 sequoia in that I am consistently getting warning lights and alarms going off for 'brake warning,' rear cross traffic alert, 'blind spot monitor malfunction' and 'front camera malfunction.' it has been in the shop 5 times and they keep saying there are computer gliches and keepnupdating the software over and over again. Toyota sent down a tech from denver to take a look at it and instead of repairing the problem, they have disarmed all of my alarms because what they said was that they were set too sensitive?! This is a huge safety issue as two of the times that the 'brake warning' flashes the truck starts to slow itself down. What if this happens when an 18-wheelerbis behind me? The brake lights don't come on to let them know that my vehicle is slowing down!! I am very scared of driving this vehicle and toyota says it's safe to drive? I'm at a loss as what to do now given that all of these software updates are being done and alarms are disabled I feel like I'm driving in a vehicle that is unsafe!! |
| Category | Seat Belts, Seats |
| Date | May 15, 2018 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The seats from 2 and 3 row vibrates and makes noise,seat belts gets stuck and doesn't retrack back completely inside and get twisted every single time. Every single time I have to put the belt inside manually |
| Category | Electronic Stability Control |
| Date | Apr 25, 2018 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Received toyota recall notice for my vehicle; specifically by vin. Called a local toyota dealer who could not find this recall. Called toyota who said it was fixed on my vehicle at a time when they did not have possession!! So is it ok to drive?? |
| Category | Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Mar 21, 2018 |
| State | OH |
| Description | Blind spot monitor malfunction. Rear traffic alert malfunction. Pre collision warning system malfunction. This has been happening since odometer reading of 312 miles. Told by toyota that a recall was issued and a software update would remedy this. Went today 3/21/18 to have update installed. Within 25 miles of leaving the dealership the warnings and malfunctions we're back on. The software update did not work. Car continues to have stability control malfunctions and sensor malfunctions related to collision warnings, blind spot, and rear traffic alert. |
| Category | Suspension, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 17, 2018 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Every time the vehicle is started and upon initially moving forward the first 50 feet, a loud clunk is heard and it can also be felt in the foot pedals and the steering wheel. This issue happens every time the car is started and the vehicle moves forward the first 50 feet or so. It does not occur any other time during the drive. I feels as if it's a front suspension issue. |
| Category | Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jan 30, 2018 |
| State | AL |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota sequoia. On several occasions, when the vehicle was started, the adaptive collision warning sensor illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and back on, and the vehicle would reset itself. The failure recurred several times. On several occasions, while driving various speeds with no other vehicles ahead, the auto braking feature independently activated and the "brake, obstacle ahead" warning message illuminated. The vehicle would then suddenly brake independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (hoover toyota, 2686 john hawkins pkwy, hoover, al 35244, (205) 978-2600) where the forward facing cameras and sensors were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that several warning indicators illuminated at times, including the blind spot monitoring system malfunction, adaptive collision sensor, brake obstacle ahead warning indicator, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the bumper sensors and sideview mirrors where the forward collision sensors were housed needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was replaced with a similar vehicle. The contact stated that the replacement vehicle experienced similar failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to hoover toyota where the contact was informed that the issue was due to a software failure, and that the engineers at toyota were actively working on the software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 12.*bf *tr |
| Category | Electrical System, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection |
| Date | Jan 02, 2018 |
| State | UT |
| Description | I purchased this vehicle new from mark miller toyota on fri dec 29th, left the dealership at 12:10pm with 39 miles on it. Ran a few errands and showed my friends, we went to leave after eating some food and at 45 miles in my odo I got 2 error messages. "blind spot monitor malfunction, visit your dealer" and "rear cross traffic alert malfunction, visit your dealer". I had only put 6 miles on this and I contacted the dealership right away at 6:47 pm and was told that the service dept wouldn't hang around for me to get there in 10 mins or less and that I could bring it in another day or to any dealership. Light has come on 2 more times since, the 3rd time total, I drove it to a different dealership(that's closer to me) but they had no one available to look at it. The service lady did see it but all she did was make an appt for me for wed jan 3rd to have it look at. I've talked to another gentleman through a forum and he had this same problem and sent me the name of his investigator at your offices. His name is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). *tr |
| Category | Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Nov 22, 2017 |
| State | AL |
| Description | The vehicle has a malfunction on the rear cross traffic, blind spot monitor and possible adaptive cruise control - at only 30 miles. |
| Category | Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Oct 16, 2017 |
| State | AL |
| Description | Issue: safety features failing at less than 500 miles problem statement: at less than 500 miles the safety sensors ( collision prevention, cruise control adaptable speed, rear cross traffic, blind spot monitor ) are failing repeatedly. Dealer has contacted toyota for support. No eta at present. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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Going through this exact same issue now. Was told the car needed a software update but no info supplied within receipt. Sensors still going off when I come to a stop with nothing in front of me. They stop when I begin to drive. Awfully scary
Going through this exact same issue now