Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Toyota Sequoia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I tried to make apointments to local dealers they set up appointments and than don't do nothing about it they said the don't have any certified tech to do the job so I left with this mess not knowing when my ride is going to give. Out on me I got about 319000 miles Toyota should be proud and thank me for keeping my ride up to date I do my part to have it running good but they not doing there part to help me with these recalls please help me out.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH the rear of the vehicle lowered and the rear of the vehicle started to bounce, and the suspension warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the suspension system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Frame deterioration has rendered the rear torque arm incapable resulting in dynamic misalignment of the rear axle. Under acceleration the vehicle veers into oncoming traffic and under deceleration it veers towards the road ditch as the axle shifts about beneath the vehicle.
2005 Sequoia class action, court ordered frame inspection & either repair or frame replacement. Never received notice of class action. Received letter stating vehicle needed to be inspected. Took to Victory Toyota, Canton, MI on Jan 5, 2018. Was told passed inspection & frame needed seal coating, did not have product. Vehicle was taken in multiple times, never completed the process. On May 6, 2019 the vehicle was taken to this dealership, a rental vehicle was provided and they did nothing and on May 21, 2019, noted the vehicle didn't pass inspection & the campaign had expired! Per service history report from another dealership, on May 21, (the 15th day they had they had vehicle in their possession), they noted the frame did not pass inspection, also noted the repair timeline expired and they did nothing; however, they were paid to do the job they never did. …
On 11-08-16 during a pennsylvania state inspection for my 2005 Toyota Sequoia I was informed it would not pass because of frame rot. The dealer stated it went into service the end of January 2005. How could this be for an 11yr youcng Toyota? The frame has rusted in several areas, the rust hole was rusted through from the inside. This vehicle was my choice for my wife and kids due to the reputation and longevity of Toyota's vehicles. This is a major issue that needs to be resolved, as it is a major safety concern that could potentially be fatal if unchecked. What should me my future actions to this matter?- also , when in stop and go traffic, every light on the dash will go on, vsc,trac,ABS, losing braking power and acceleration. No accident to date because of it's infrequence, but also a major concern!
Tl contact owns a 2005 Toyota Sequoia. While parked, the vehicle caught fire. A fire and police report were both filed. The manufacturer would only reimburse the contact for half the cost of the vehicle, stating that they could not determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 20,000. According to the police report, the fire May have started in the engine compartment. Prior to the fire, the tires were wearing unevenly, the driver side mirror was loose and the rear glass did not open. Updated 04/23/08
I own a 2005 Toyota Sequoia with excessive frame rust. I called Toyota about a possible recall and was told there was no recall for that issue on that particular vehicle. I was told they would document the issue and was given a case number. I was surprised to see several of the same issues on this site when they seemed surprised by my call. I have noticed surface rust for years but during last safety inspection was notified there was a hole in the frame.
Va. State inspection failed due to left front sway bar link broken and steering rack leaking and caused bushings to come apart due to corrosion from rusting out frame. Previous work done on 04/02/17 revealed issue but no one informed us of any related recalls.
I am reporting about 2005 Toyota Sequoia. You are likely aware of the recall of the ball joint for the front wheels. This was official as of January/February 2007. I was informed about this when I took my car in service in November 2007, and then in December I received a postcard. Anyway, my car's all four tires had uneven tread wear, with marked wearing our of the outer half to the extent it is practically smooth with no tread left. As you know the ball joint defect is a common cause for this. I have discussed this issue with Toyota dealer and subsequently Toyota customer service, without any help. I am concerned that this May lead to pre-mature tire wear and on road tire rupture with crash. I believe, Toyota should be made responsible for reimbursing for the tire replacements. At least they should be providing a prorated cost adjustment.
The rear air bag leveling system fails while driving at all speeds. The vehicle bottoms out sending the rear end skipping across the road in both directions. I have taken the vehicle to the Toyota dealer 3 times. The second time I took it to the dealer they replaced the air release valves in the system and that did not fix the problem. Toyota does not seem to know why this is happening and has been unable to fix the problem. I have read of this happening to other Sequoia owners and in those cases the dealer was unable to fix the issue. This problem inhibits breaking and vehicle control at low and high speeds. The air bag leveling system needs to be recalled. I am unable to find a solution and am not able to drive the vehicle.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
On certain trucks and Mini vans, due to possible improper finishing of the front suspension lower ball joint, some ball joints May experience an incidental deterioration of the internal lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints. The recall began on February 28, 2007. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA investigations
Lower ball joint failure
In a letter dated January 18, 2007, Toyota notified NHTSA of a safety defect in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 Toyota tundra and my 2004 through 2007 Toyota sequoia vehicles produced between September 15, 2003 and November 17, 2006 (NHTSA recall no. 07v-013).
Suspension complaints in other Sequoia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2005 Toyota Sequoia?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Toyota Sequoia, 8% of the model year's 352 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Sequoia suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-013 (lower ball joint, Jan 19, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Sequoia suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.