2024 Toyota Sequoia: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

The power liftgate and pinch sensor system on my 2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum continues to malfunction intermittently and creates an ongoing safety concern. The liftgate frequently fails to close using the electronic controls and instead emits two warning beeps before becoming completely unresponsive, forcing the liftgate to be manually pushed shut. The pinch sensor system appears to falsely detect obstructions when none are present, causing unreliable and inconsistent operation of the rear liftgate. Because this is a powered safety-related system, the intermittent failure raises serious concerns regarding occupant safety, system reliability, and the ability to properly secure the rear hatch while the vehicle is in operation. This issue has persisted despite dealership involvement and does not appear to be an isolated incident. Multiple owners have reported similar failures involving the Sequoia liftgate and pinch sensor system. Toyota has not provided a permanent corrective action. For a vehicle at this price point, repeated failures of a powered liftgate safety system are unacceptable. The defect creates the potential for injury, improper liftgate closure, and unsafe vehicle operation. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for a broader defect pattern and determine whether a recall or manufacturer-required corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA #11740250

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated that the tow hitch detached from the vehicle while going through the car wash. The contact stated that the vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that the tow hitch could have detached while driving on the road and caused an accident. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,790.

NHTSA #11611007

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination, the contact became aware that the tow-hitch protective cover had become detached and was missing, potentially becoming a road safety hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 3,000.

NHTSA #11607302

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear trailer hitch cover detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the trailer hitch cover frequently detached, and the part would not be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 99.

NHTSA #11609706

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid. The contact stated that after his daughter had taken the vehicle to the car wash, the trailer hitch cover was destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

NHTSA #11605243

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving 25–45 MPH, the trailer hitch cover detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to retrieve the cover on the road and noticed that it was damaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,600.

NHTSA #11591202

The second row right seat belt receptacle wiring harness failed on my 2024 Toyota Sequoia. The two wires connecting the seat belt buckle sensor were severed cleanly. The wiring harness is routed through the seat fold/pivot mechanism with insufficient slack or protection. Normal use of the fold-flat seat function caused the harness to be pinched and abraded at the pivot point over time, eventually shearing the wires completely. The seat belt alarm activated continuously even when buckled, as the sensor could no longer detect buckle engagement. The dealer inspected the vehicle and attributed the damage to user fault, declining warranty coverage. Upon self-repair, the cause was clearly mechanical — the harness routing places the wires directly in the path of the seat pivot with no grommet or strain relief. This is a design defect that poses a safety risk, as a non-functioning seat belt sensor may give false readings about buckle status. The failed component is available for inspection.

NHTSA #11731505

After exiting the vehicle on 3/7/2025, I opened the rear passenger door (driver’s side) to get my son out of his carseat. I noticed the seatbelt was not attached at the base. In other words, the seatbelt mechanism was not attached to the vehicle. See photos. The black cover which conceals the bolt that holds the seatbelt to the vehicle was also detatched. On 3/10/25 we brought the vehicle to Mechanicsville Toyota and they have requested to keep it overnight. There were no warning lamps or other signs of failure. The seatbelt bolt was not torqued properly at the factory.

NHTSA #11647505

When driving down steep grade, (mountain pass) front brakes will begin to vibrate violently. Very scary when driving the vehicle. When you reach the bottom of the steep incline, the brakes begin to function normally again. I have had this happen on 3 different occasions. I informed the dealership of this but they didn't see anything abnormal when they inspected the brakes. The did not attempt to reproduce the problem as there are no extended steep grades nearby to drive down. There were no warning lamps displayed.

NHTSA #11719806

Brand new 2024 brakes squeaking. Cold starts, and now even when car has been running all day. When breaking the brakes squeak very loud. Called the dealer they said this is normal. Has not been inspected or reproduce the issue by the dealer. No warning lights appeared yet. We feel it might be a safety issue since it's a family suv brakes may fail.

NHTSA #11606435

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V640000 (STRUCTURE, TRAILER HITCHES); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #11639454

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid. The contact stated that upon driving and arriving at her destination, the contact became aware that the tow hitch protective cover was missing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V640000 (Structure, Trailer Hitches), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #11641637

According to Toyota the exact same engine that is in my vehicle has a recall on it. However, since my vehicle has also had a hybrid system installed my engine is not covered. Basically, because the hybrid system offers the engine power relief there saying that the engine is okay which is not true. The same engine is the same engine. The faults of the engine in non-hybrids is the same faults in the hybrid just undiscovered as of yet. A recall should be made in order to update the hybrid engines as well because they contain the at fault parts as the non-hybrid engines.

NHTSA #11744078

UNKNOWN. I have NOT had an incident. I own a 2024 Toyota Sequoia SUV that uses the same engine as the hundreds of thousands of Tundra trucks that Toyota has already recalled. They've recalled over 250,000 Tundras because they say "machining debris" may cause a problem that eventually destroys the engine's main bearing, resulting in loss of power. [XXX] My problem is, they are NOT recalling the hybrid models that use this exact same engine, to include both Tundras and Sequoias. It seems they do this because the hybrid model still MAY be able to safely exit the road if failure happens because the hybrid battery and motors can still move it. As an owner of a Sequoia, I am concerned that this problem may occur out of warranty, and that I will be stuck with an engine possessing a known defect. At a minimum, Toyota should extend the warranties on these vehicles to cover that known defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11739086

Component Affected: Exterior Lighting (Tail Lamps) / Electrical System. Description of Defect and Safety Hazard:The rear tail lamp assemblies on this 2024 Toyota Sequoia have suffered a major sealing and adhesive compromise, permitting road dirt and fine debris to bypass internal filters and permanently accumulate inside the housing. This is a progressive design defect identical to the one that triggered Toyota’s massive 443,000-unit rear-lighting safety recall (Recall 25TA14 / 25TB14) for platform-sharing Tundras.This constitutes an active safety hazard. The dense layer of road grime and permanent dust obscuring the interior lenses significantly degrades the lumen output, visibility, and daytime reflectivity of the brake lamps, turn signals, and rear running lights. This directly increases the risk of a rear-end collision, particularly in low-visibility or nighttime conditions. Furthermore, the persistent introduction of dirt and sand into an unsealed electronic housing risks premature circuit corrosion, electrical shorts, and complete illumination failure while the vehicle is in transit.Despite bringing the vehicle to two separate licensed dealerships (Daytona Toyota and Parks Toyota) within the original 3-year/36,000-mile factory bumper-to-bumper warranty window (current mileage: 35,821), Toyota and its regional distributor (Southeast Toyota) have refused to replace the defective assemblies, falsely categorizing a structural seal breach as normal environmental behavior.

NHTSA #11744929

The power liftgate on my 2024 Toyota Sequoia intermittently fails to close using the automatic function. When pressing the close button (either on the liftgate or key fob), the system beeps twice and does not initiate closing, requiring manual force to shut the liftgate. Additionally, the pinch sensor appears to malfunction, falsely detecting an obstruction when none is present. This creates an inconsistent and unreliable operation of the liftgate system. This issue presents a safety concern because the liftgate may not properly secure while driving, increasing the risk of it opening unexpectedly. Furthermore, the failure of the pinch sensor system raises concerns about potential injury, especially to children or passengers, if the sensor does not function correctly during operation. The issue occurs intermittently and has been difficult for the dealership to permanently resolve. This appears to be a broader defect rather than a one-time failure.

NHTSA #11728074

I am submitting this complaint to raise serious safety concerns regarding the towing capabilities of the 2024 Toyota Sequoia. Despite its advertised towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds, this vehicle is dangerously unstable when towing even modest travel trailers—particularly single axle models weighing around 4,500 pounds. During a recent vacation, I towed a properly loaded single axle travel trailer using my 2024 Sequoia. The trailer was equipped with: A weight distribution hitch Anti-sway bars Balanced tongue weight and cargo distribution Despite these precautions, the Sequoia was thrown around on the highway, requiring constant correction and resulting in a white-knuckle driving experience. My vacation was ruined, and my safety was put at risk. The trailer now sits unused in my driveway because I cannot safely tow it with this vehicle. The instability appears to stem from the Sequoia’s: Short wheelbase, which reduces towing control Soft suspension, tuned for comfort rather than trailer handling Hybrid drivetrain weight distribution, which may compromise rear-end stability These design choices make the Sequoia unsuitable for towing travel trailers, even well below its rated capacity. RV dealerships, including Camping World, routinely sell trailers to Sequoia owners based solely on the published tow rating. There is no warning or advisory provided about the vehicle’s real-world towing limitations. This practice is misleading and dangerous. I urge Toyota and the NHTSA to take the following steps: Issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) or formal advisory warning owners about towing instability with the Sequoia. Educate RV dealerships about the limitations of SUV towing dynamics, especially with single axle travel trailers. Investigate owner complaints and consider a broader safety review of the Sequoia’s towing performance. There are multiple online reports and forums where Sequoia owners share similar experiences. This is not an isolated incident—it is a sys

NHTSA #11679524

On three separate occasions we have lost braking power preventing instantaneous stopping, and control of the vehicle. They partially work when your foot is pushing on the pedal all the way to the floor. This occurs autonomously without warning and the following occur: Lose breaking power, inability to brake and stop at safe distances instantaneously and momentarily, Brake ABS alarm, Parking Support Brake Malfunction ("Visit Your Dealer"), Check Engine, Collision Assistance fails, and Traction Control fails. The first occurrence my spouse was driving the vehicle on a 65 MPH three lane highway that at the time was evening rush hour. She had to decrease her speed to 30 MPH in a 65 MPH speed zone in order to slow the vehicle enough at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of her, then continue at a safe distance as traffic ahead of her excelled. Had this happened traveling the speed limit, and had to stop abruptly, this could have either caused severe bodily injury and/or death to her and the vehicle behind and in front of her, and other adjacent lanes. The second occurrence after the dealer looked at it (as covered under warranty), we received the vehicle back. The next day the brakes went out and alarms appeared once again as she pulled out of the driveway. I pulled the vehicle in the driveway for her and couldn't stop and almost drove through my garage at only idling speed. The third occurrence was most recently after an oil change. I drove the vehicle around the block and again, the brakes went out and alarms appeared once again. We have owned this vehicle since May 10th and it has been at dealerships for repair for at least 35 days minimum. On the first occurence they had a regional tech/engineer inspect the vehicle. Nothing was found as problematic and a factory reset was performed - nothing replaced. The second occasion - same outcome... nothing fixed or replaced. The vehicle is in the shop again for the same problem.

NHTSA #11680252

The plastic panel underneath the driver’s seat has cracked and broken a SECOND time, despite being repaired at Toyota dealership. Toyota customer care was contacted and while they admitted this is a known issue and they are aware it is happening repeatedly, even after a few months after being replaced there is no fix in sight and they will not cover the repair. Size should not matter but I am a smaller person and not applying excess force when seated. I am worried about SAFETY as a secure seat that doesn’t move and break while buckled should be expected and required.

NHTSA #11737329

The fuel door does not stay open. It flaps around. This issue becomes problematic while attempting to refuel and insert the fuel nozzle while fighting with the fuel door. On numerous occasions, I was the wind forcing the fuel door closed while trying to insert the fuel nozzle and I depressed the trigger on accident, resulting in fuel spillage.

NHTSA #11638243

The rear hitch cover has been on recall for several months now. Toyota does not seem to have a remedy in place for it. And there has been no further communication regarding when a dealer can replace the component. The cover came off and was crushed while driving.

NHTSA #11641700

Trailer brake controller failure but i dont tow, 360 cameras stopped functioning and cameras all distorted. Lost the grid lines. Everything is grayed out. They calibrated in 10,26,2024 but same errors. Took it to toyota dealer they cannot fix. They will contact Toyota support.

NHTSA #11640332

Toyota advertises the vehicle MPG is between 19-22. I am only getting 12 mpg. My low gas fuel light comes on at 10 miles to empty. Engine makes a horrible noise after the vehicle has been driven for 10 to 20 minutes. It sounds like a rattling/old clunker vehicle sound. It sounds like the transmission or engine is going to blow up. Vehicle wobbles when driven over 75 miles per hour. It feels like it is swaying in the rear. I have reported these issues to Toyota on 5 occasions. The first 2 attempts, Toyota told me, could not duplicate/no recommendations at this time. A TSB was issued to fix the rattling sound, took the vehicle in a 3rd time and was told it fixed the rattling. It did not, took the vehicle in a fourth time and was told no recommendations at this time. Took it to another Toyota dealership, and they told me no recommendations at this time. I have had 3 certified mechanics not from Toyota listen to the sound and they have advised me that it is not normal. The mechanics said in order to pinpoint where the sound is coming from, the engine needs to be removed and inspected. But they believe it is an issue with the engine/transmission.

NHTSA #11676646

AWD System the following massage keep coming up "A malfunction in the All-wheel Drive system has been detected". I took the vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. at this moment nobody can find the problem for this issue.

NHTSA #11622799

The tow hitch cover came off at an unknown destination on the road. It was there when I left home and missing when I reached my destination that was about an hour away. This included some in-town and some highway driving. This occurred less than one month after I purchased the vehicle and I friend prompted me to submit this report, as they heard this is a common occurrence on the ‘23s and ‘24s and this is definitely a safety hazard, especially traveling at high rates of speed on the interstate, highway, and especially the toll roads I use that have speed limits of 75+ miles. (Texas). The dealership was not helpful, and it’s not something I want to file an insurance claim on to possibly increase the monthly premium.

NHTSA #11602268

It has happened 3 times, every time I have been driving and an alert with flash on the dash that there is an object in the road and it will brake check me, but there isn't anything infront of the vehicle. One time it happened getting off the highway and 2 other times it has happened when I was in a residential area. 2 out of 3 times, a vehicle behind me had to swerve to the shoulder of the road, so they didn't rear end me. Second issue, the hybrid system is not working. The vehicle was parked and when I went to put it in drive, the alert popped up and I had to turn the car off and restart. Third issue, the lane assistance. While driving in the middle lane and going around a 20 or 30 degree right turn, the vehicle pulled me into the left lane, almost side swiping the vehicle next to me.

NHTSA #11635172

I have a warning lamp turned on notification randomly every week. I took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and at this point nobody could find the problem.

NHTSA #11651247