Is the 2016 Toyota SEQUOIA reliable?

The 2016 Toyota SEQUOIA has 14 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Top problems: BRAKES (4 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (2 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 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 2016 Toyota SEQUOIA?

The 2016 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 2016 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 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.

2016 Toyota SEQUOIA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Toyota SEQUOIA has 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 21. The most common issue is brakes problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: when steering greater than 40 mph then brake, steering wheel began to shake. took it to dealer, and rotors had to be resurfaced due to the fact that they were warped. vehicle had 24,975 miles when taken to dealer. as with seats, driver seat had some separation on stitching and was discolored. took t. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

4 complaints

29%

• WHEN STEERING GREATER THAN 40 MPH THEN BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. TOOK IT TO DEALER, AND ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WERE WARPED. VEHICLE HAD 24,975 MILES WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER. AS WITH SEATS, DRIVER SEAT HAD SOME SEPARATION ON STITCHING AND WAS DISCOLORED. TOOK T
• CPSC: I PURCHASED, NEW A 2016 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. AT 18,000 MILES THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. TOYOTA UNDER WARRANTY REPLACED THEM. AT 28,000 MILES THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AGAIN. WHEN BRAKING THE WARPED ROTORS VIOLENTLY SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE CAR. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED
• NEEDED ROTORS AND BRAKES REPLACED AT 15,000 MILES AND THEN AGAIN AT ALMOST 30,000. TOLD DUE TO ROTORS OVERHEATING. TOLD BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT DEALERSHIP THAT WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN, BUT DID NOT OFFER A SOLUTION, EXCEPT TO NOT TAILGATE CARS. AS ROTORS WARP THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN YOU BRAKE GO

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

“WHEN STEERING GREATER THAN 40 MPH THEN BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. TOOK IT TO DEALER, AND ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WERE WARPED. VEHICLE HAD 24,975 MILES WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER. AS WITH SEATS, DRIVER SEAT HAD SOME SEPARATION ON STITCHING AND WAS DISCOLORED. TOOK T”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Toyota SEQUOIA

Based on 11 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

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 2016 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)

$2,824/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 2016 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 2016 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 14 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: WHEN STEERING GREATER THAN 40 MPH THEN BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. TOOK IT TO DEALER, AND ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WERE WARPED. VEHICLE HAD 24,975 MILES WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER. AS WITH SEATS, DRIVER SEAT HAD SOME SEPARATION ON STITCHING AND WAS DISCOLORED. TOOK T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER ADJUSTED THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL FUNCTIONS. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WITH AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER WAS UNCERTAIN HOW THE FAILURE OCCURED. THE VEHIC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA SEQUOIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER ADJUSTED THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL FUNCTIONS. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WITH AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER WAS UNCERTAIN HOW THE FAILURE OCCURED. THE VEHIC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TAKATA RECALL. THIS VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL / VEHICLE WHEN AT 55MPH OR HIGHER. I'VE BEEN NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS ISSUE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THIS IS NORMAL. I SPENT ALMOST $65,000.00 ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE VIBRATIONS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS UNCOM
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)