NHTSA & EPA data · updated November 2, 2026

2012 Toyota Sequoia recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia and 20 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (6), electrical system (5), electronic stability control (esc) (4). EPA-rated fuel economy is 14–16 mpg combined, depending on configuration.

The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 Sequoia model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (14). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 4

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Steering · hydraulic power assist systemNHTSA #21E103000 · 12/23/2021

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. 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, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.

Steering · hydraulic power assist systemNHTSA #21V920000 · 11/23/2021

Problem: 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.

Equipment · other · labelsNHTSA #13V123000 · 04/09/2013

Problem: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactiveNHTSA #13V014000 · 01/16/2013

Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Service brakes6
Electrical system5
Electronic stability control (esc)4
Structure3
Fuel/propulsion system3
Engine3
Vehicle speed control2
Steering1

By the numbers

20owner complaints filed
0involved a crash
0involved a fire
1injuries reported

Recent owner reports

07/01/2025 · Structure

I am filing a formal complaint regarding a known paint defect on my 2012 Toyota Sequoia, painted in Blizzard Pearl (paint code 070). The paint is peeling and delaminating from multiple areas of the vehicle, including the roof, hood, and rear panels, down to the primer and in some cases bare metal. This is not a cosmetic or age-related issue — it is the result of a manufacturing…

04/11/2025 · Fuel/propulsion system

Toyota had a recall on fuel pumps in 2020 mine was not part of the recall even though mine went bad and had to be replaced in February 2020. Now with another fuel pump recall issued in January 2025 I am also told mine is not part if the recall however I am having issues related to the fuel pump once again causing my engine to stall. Can someone please look into this as I feel…

09/29/2022 · Structure

The rear door latch for the lift gate malfunctioned and wouldn’t release. The power motor for the lift gate continued to work, trying to lift the rear gate. The result was bending the left gate hinge and hinge mounting area. The gate latch was corroded, but is supposed to be protected from the elements! The lift gate had to be taken apart from the inside with a number of parts…

Safety ratings

2012 Toyota Sequoia SUV 4WD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crashNot rated
Side crashNot rated
Rollover★★★★★

2012 Toyota Sequoia SUV 2WD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crashNot rated
Side crashNot rated
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Toyota Sequoia.

Sequoia 2WD

Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 4.6 L

14city
20hwy
16combined

Regular

Sequoia 2WD

Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.7 L

13city
18hwy
15combined

Regular

Sequoia 4WD

Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 4.6 L

13city
18hwy
15combined

Regular

Sequoia 4WD

Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.7 L

13city
17hwy
14combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Toyota Sequoia year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Sequoia have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia, most recently for steering · hydraulic power assist system (12/23/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Sequoia?

Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (6), electrical system (5), electronic stability control (esc) (4).

Is the 2012 Toyota Sequoia safe?

NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia.

Is the 2012 a good year for the Toyota Sequoia?

The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 Sequoia model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (14). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Sequoia get?

EPA ratings for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia range from 14 to 16 mpg combined, depending on configuration.

Own a 2012 Toyota Sequoia in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SEQUOIA, Sequoia.

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