Is the 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA reliable?

The 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA has 16 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Top problems: ENGINE (3 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA?

The 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA gets 15 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3200. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA is approximately $1,617/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Toyota SEQUOIA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA has 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 21. The most common issue is engine problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: flex fuel models of the toyota sequoia with 5.7 engines have an issue where the engine's computer thinks there is e85 fuel (or an alcohol concentration that is much higher than actual) in the system when there is normal 10% or less gasoline actually present. this can cause rough cold starts/idle, po. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

3 complaints

19%

• FLEX FUEL MODELS OF THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH 5.7 ENGINES HAVE AN ISSUE WHERE THE ENGINE'S COMPUTER THINKS THERE IS E85 FUEL (OR AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION THAT IS MUCH HIGHER THAN ACTUAL) IN THE SYSTEM WHEN THERE IS NORMAL 10% OR LESS GASOLINE ACTUALLY PRESENT. THIS CAN CAUSE ROUGH COLD STARTS/IDLE, PO
• I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE DASHBOARD SAFETY LIGHTS ( AIRBAG ASSY ) I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON: 1ST ATTEMPT.- 2/18/15 DIAGNOSTIC STARTER CRANKS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN SPUTTERS AFTER IT DOES START. EXCESSIVE FUEL SMELL. 2ND ATTEMPT.- 6/29/16 SAFETY LIG
• MY 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH THE 5.7 LITER ENGINE (ONLY 28,000 MILES) IS LEAKING OIL BY THE CAM TOWER (LEFT SIDE). THE OIL IS LANDING ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH CAN CATCH ON FIRE IF NOT REPAIR. NOT A SAFE SUV TO DRIVE ON LONG TRIPS.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“FLEX FUEL MODELS OF THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH 5.7 ENGINES HAVE AN ISSUE WHERE THE ENGINE'S COMPUTER THINKS THERE IS E85 FUEL (OR AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION THAT IS MUCH HIGHER THAN ACTUAL) IN THE SYSTEM WHEN THERE IS NORMAL 10% OR LESS GASOLINE ACTUALLY PRESENT. THIS CAN CAUSE ROUGH COLD STARTS/IDLE, PO”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS11/05/2017

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles accessorized with Southeast Toyota accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota or a Southeast Toyota dealer. The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that may crack and detach.

Risk: Lugnuts that crack and detach may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement lugnuts, free of charge. The recall began June 23, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17A.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$3,201

Per month

$267

Per mile

26.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,693/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Toyota SEQUOIA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,617

Full coverage / month

$135

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-3%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1617

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota SEQUOIA Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2013 SEQUOIA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 16 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: FLEX FUEL MODELS OF THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH 5.7 ENGINES HAVE AN ISSUE WHERE THE ENGINE'S COMPUTER THINKS THERE IS E85 FUEL (OR AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION THAT IS MUCH HIGHER THAN ACTUAL) IN THE SYSTEM WHEN THERE IS NORMAL 10% OR LESS GASOLINE ACTUALLY PRESENT. THIS CAN CAUSE ROUGH COLD STARTS/IDLE, PO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WE TOOK OUR 2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA TO OUR LOCAL PRIVATE GARAGE HERE IN MAINE AND DISCOVERED IT IS UNINSPECTABLE DUE TO A TOTALLY RUSTING FRAME. THEY DEEMED IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE OR BE ON THE ROAD. WE HAVE HAD PROBABLY CLOSE TO 15 TOYOTAS THROUGH THE YEARS AND ARE SO UPSET THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND IS NOT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY, AND MELTED WHICH CAUSED A CHEMICAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAY BRANDT TOYOTA LOCATED AT 2460 VETERAN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: THERE IS A PROBLEM WITHIN THE SHIFT LOCK. MY CHILDREN WERE IN OUR NEW 2013 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE CAR AND WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THEY MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK POSITION AND INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR ROLLED INTO THE STREET AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A PASSING CAR BEFORE M
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)