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Toyota SequoiaModel year report

2006 Toyota Sequoia Problems

Complaints
202filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
89,000miles, 126 complaints with mileage
Recalls
8campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
15 mpgcombined, 4.7L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 17 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Toyota Sequoia (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2006 Sequoia most often describe unexpected stability-control and traction-control activation that cuts power for a few seconds, sometimes along with brake and warning lights, plus extensive frame and tailgate rust on higher-mileage trucks. Airbag-inflator recall notices and rear hatch or tailgate latch and window failures are also common themes in the sampled complaints.

  1. Electronic stability control

    Traction/stability control cuts power unexpectedly

    • 45 complaints (22%)
    • median 86,000 mi at 8.8 yrs old (43 state mileage)
    • filed 2008–2021

    Owners describe the VSC, TRAC OFF, check-engine and brake warning lights coming on together, often from a stop, over a bump, or in a slow turn, while the vehicle briefly loses acceleration or brakes on its own. Several say the condition appeared on dry, level pavement and cleared after restarting the engine; dealers sometimes found no stored codes or could not duplicate it, and in some cases replaced the air pump, mass airflow sensor, yaw rate sensor or brake booster and skid control ECU. Reported across a wide range, from about 34,000 to 185,000 miles, with many in the 50,000-130,000 mile range.

    What to check: Drive the truck from a stop and over small bumps at low speed and watch for the VSC/TRAC lights or a momentary loss of power. Ask whether the yaw rate sensor, wheel speed sensors or air pump have been replaced and whether any stored codes were read.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Vsc trac on/off brake indicator lights appear while driving in the 35-45mph range. If you attempt to stop the vehicle (firm or light brake pressure), there is a loud grinding noise, as if it is activating the ABS, which takes a little longer to come to a complete stop. It would've been nice if Toyota created a vsc trac on/off switch (at this rate, I may have to create my own). …”

    NHTSA complaint #11015854, filed 2017-08, 185,000 miles

    “The vsc trac light, the vsc off light and the brake lights all come on.... It caused my brakes to actually fail. I can turn the vehicle off and restart and this seems to reset it. This happens without warning and at various times. It happens quite frequently and especially during the warm summer months. It is extremely dangerous and would happily have it fixed if someone could tell what the exact fix is?”

    NHTSA complaint #11099914, filed 2018-06, 137,000 miles
  2. Body and structure

    Frame rust and perforation

    • 40 complaints (20%)
    • median 126,000 mi at 11.0 yrs old (21 state mileage)
    • filed 2010–2025

    Complaints describe rusted-through sections of the frame, sometimes found during inspection or state safety checks, with holes near the rear hitch or front frame and components separating from the frame. Owners report being told by dealers or independent shops that the frame was severely rusted, and several mention a Toyota warranty enhancement or service campaign for frame corrosion that they say did not cover their vehicle or had expired. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 200,000 miles, often on vehicles used in areas with road salt.

    What to check: Have the frame inspected underneath, especially around the rear hitch, body mount and suspension attachment points, and ask whether any frame corrosion campaign or warranty enhancement was applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The undercarriage is rusting badly to the point that I have found items that have rusted off the frame lying in my driveway after the car is parked. The inside of the rear hatch is rusted out beyond use. Car is well maintained and always in covered parking. Parts of the frame can be pulled off due ot the rust flaking and parts can be pulled off that should be bolted the car.”

    NHTSA complaint #10899487, filed 2016-08, 145,000 miles

    “My Toyota Sequoia is a 2006 4x4 and has excessive frame rust at the weld seems and all over the rear axle housing and suspension components. I recently learned that Toyota has started to recall and replace these frames that are rusting from the inside out. I am worried about this rust at the frame weld and that snow and road salt and ice melter are causing my frame to rust from the inside out. My Sequoia was originally licensed in kansas and they use heavy road salt. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10491915, filed 2013-01, 64,000 miles
  3. Body and structure

    Rear tailgate and hatch rust, latch failure

    • 13 complaints (6%)
    • median 90,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • filed 2008–2019

    Owners report the rear hatch or tailgate failing to open, broken plastic latch levers, and corrosion inside the tailgate that damaged the window regulator and latch assembly. Some say the latch was replaced and failed again, and one owner notes the spare tire could not be reached with the hatch stuck shut. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 170,000 miles, often after several years of use.

    What to check: Open and close the rear hatch and window several times and look for rust or water staining inside the tailgate and around the latch; ask whether the latch or handle has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Concerning 2006 Toyota Sequoia - the rear tailgate latch lever broke. There is no interior tailgate release button. Dealership replaced it at our cost because they said it was no longer under warranty. Original and replacement lever is made of plastic with all the stress on a small piece of plastic. My own research has shown that many people have had this problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10346143, filed 2010-07, 50,000 miles

    “I have replaced the latch on my lift gate 3 times now. The latch keeps breaking. This is ridiculous. I don't see a recall for it but I think there should be a recall for it. I can't access my spare tire if I have a flat or something. This needs to be addressed asap.”

    NHTSA complaint #11185512, filed 2019-03, 168,888 miles
  4. Brakes

    Brake fade or ABS engagement after sitting

    • 26 complaints (13%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 8.8 yrs old (23 state mileage)
    • filed 2008–2021

    Complaints describe brakes that feel unresponsive after the vehicle has been parked, especially in damp or cold conditions, or ABS and traction control engaging without a loss of grip and making a grinding noise. Owners report codes pointing to the ABS system and repairs such as a brake booster and skid control ECU. Reported from about 32,000 to 130,000 miles, sometimes after the vehicle has been at rest in moist weather.

    What to check: Test the brakes after the truck has sat overnight, including a slow stop in reverse, and ask whether the brake booster or ABS components have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving at low speeds the vehicle experienced a momentary loss of power and a grinding/vibrating of the brakes while in motion. The trac off and vsc trac warning lights came on along with the brake light. The warning lights and vibrating of the brakes could only be reset by turning the ignition off and restarting the vehicle. It happened twice in the last 12 hours.”

    NHTSA complaint #10610871, filed 2014-07, 125,100 miles

    “Brake warning light comes on periodicaly. Vsc light shows on and off. Brakes are unresponsive at times. All three lights come on and off. Traction control is activated without warning. Took to dealership today and had to pay $2,000 for a new brake booster and skid control ecu. I have seen the same problem with many other toyotas. It is a safety issue and should be part of a recall campaign.”

    NHTSA complaint #10425804, filed 2011-09, 60,000 miles
  5. Air bags

    Front passenger airbag inflator recall

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe receiving recall notices for the front passenger airbag inflator and waiting long periods for parts, in one case being advised not to use the front passenger seat in the meantime. Another complaint describes airbags not deploying in a collision, and one owner asked whether the repair could be done outside the U.S. where the vehicle was kept. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 55,000 to 250,000 miles, generally after recall notices were mailed.

    Recall 19V741000Recall 16V065000Recall 15V285000Recall 15V2860002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for proof that the passenger-side airbag inflator recall was completed and check the vehicle identification number with a dealer for any open recalls before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Received notice of recall for front passenger airbag in may 2015; Toyota has still not resolved the problem and recommended no use of front passenger seat because of safety. It is now ~8 months later and no resolve. Also, tailgate wipers, window and wiper fluid system not operational (since 2008) despite all good fuses in 4 compartments.”

    NHTSA complaint #10819237, filed 2016-01, 70,000 miles

    “The consumer owns a 2006 Toyota Sequoia. While driving 15 MPH, the consumer slid on black ice, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a metal barrier dividing the road. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The consumer sustained neck and left arm injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the consumer's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 250,000. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11270187, filed 2019-10, 250,000 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on frame rust and the tailgate is the most important step for this model year, and it is worth confirming that the passenger airbag recall was completed. A test drive from a stop and over bumps will show whether the stability-control system behaves normally.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 202 consumer complaints for the 2006 Toyota Sequoia. 126 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 89,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 217 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (6), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (6), Engine cooling (5), Tires (5), Steering (4), Seats (3), Wheels (3), Fuel system (2), Seat belts (2), Equipment (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “Takata recall the takata recall website lists, among other vehicles, 2006 Toyota sequoias. I have one of these. However, when I put my VIN into the online system, it indicates no recalls. I need specific assurance that I do not need to address this recall, please, since there may be a disconnect between the online recall-checking services and the takata-related website. Thanks.”

NHTSA complaint #11045251, filed 2017-11, 67,000 miles

Body and structure: “Won't pass a state inspection due to frame rot. Not covered under Toyota recall. I've owned five Toyota's which lasted 200,000+ miles each. Here at 82,000 miles already holes in frame is just pathetic. Now I just got a perfectly good Sequoia mechanically and cosmetically but just sitting because I can't afford a $10,000 frame replacement.”

NHTSA complaint #10561654, filed 2014-01, 82,000 miles

Electronic stability control: “I almost kill myself, the track off goes when I was driving and my car slide to the right after that all lights on the car went on and the code reader do not work says I can't read the codes no codes on the computer”

NHTSA complaint #11318279, filed 2020-03, 110,000 miles

Brakes: “Power brakes quit working while driving. Approx 8 times, when coming to a stop or backing out of a parking space, the power brakes go out. Sometimes, codes appear on the dash and sometimes they don't. I usually have to restart the car to get it to work again. I have taken it in to the dealership twice and they can't find anything wrong.”

NHTSA complaint #10379259, filed 2011-01, 109,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

18% of the 126 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 137,000 miles.

2%0–105%10–2511%25–5019%50–7517%75–10027%100–15019%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (126 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 89,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’07’10’13’1635’19’22’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2006 Toyota Sequoia version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Sequoia 2WD4.7L 8-cyl5-speed automatic141715$4,450
Sequoia 4WD4.7L 8-cyl5-speed automatic131614$4,800

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 8 recalls for the 2006 Toyota Sequoia → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 217 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 217 bulletins →

Other model years of the Toyota Sequoia

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2019722,3005—15—Not enough data
2018202,6844—15—Falling
2017731,0002—15—Not enough data
20161133,5002—15—Not enough data
2015921,5002—15—Not enough data
20141739,3002—15—Rising
20131232,5002—15—Not enough data
20122027,5003—16—Falling
20111760,0006—16—Falling
20103162,5009—16Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Falling
20096117,8208—15—Not enough data
20086760,0008—15Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Falling
200713673,0007—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200620289,0008—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200535287,0009—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200438095,0006—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200356584,0006—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
2002666111,5006—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
2001531119,2631—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Toyota Sequoia model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Sequoia?

Owners of the 2006 Sequoia most often describe unexpected stability-control and traction-control activation that cuts power for a few seconds, sometimes along with brake and warning lights, plus extensive frame and tailgate rust on higher-mileage trucks. The issues reported most often: Traction/stability control cuts power unexpectedly; Frame rust and perforation; Rear tailgate and hatch rust, latch failure.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Toyota Sequoia have?

NHTSA recorded 202 consumer complaints for the 2006 Toyota Sequoia as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2006 Toyota Sequoia is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 46 complaints (23% of the total), followed by body and structure with 45.

Has the 2006 Toyota Sequoia been recalled?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Toyota Sequoia get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Toyota Sequoia (Sequoia 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 14 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Toyota Sequoia reported?

Among the 126 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 89,000 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 137,000 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.