Is the 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA reliable?

The 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (8 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA?

The 2018 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 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA is approximately $1,758/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.

2018 Toyota SEQUOIA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA has 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 21. The most common issue is electrical problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: 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.. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

8 complaints

22%

• 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.
• THE VEHICLE HAS A MALFUNCTION ON THE REAR CROSS TRAFFIC, BLIND SPOT MONITOR AND POSSIBLE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL - AT ONLY 30 MILES.
• 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 DEA

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

“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.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Toyota SEQUOIA

Based on 29 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 750 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+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 8 reports

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 (5)

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM23/11/2021

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 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 2018 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

$1,758

Full coverage / month

$147

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+5%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1758

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 2018 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 36 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE VEHICLE HAS A MALFUNCTION ON THE REAR CROSS TRAFFIC, BLIND SPOT MONITOR AND POSSIBLE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL - AT ONLY 30 MILES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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 DEA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)