2021 Toyota Sequoia Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2021 Toyota Sequoia Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

Filter:

Community Reported

310 owners

On the 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia, the load-leveling rear air suspension on the Sequoia (Limited and Platinum trims) suffers from compressor burnout and air spring leaks. The compressor runs excessively to compensate for slow leaks in the air springs, eventually overheating and failing. The rear of the vehicle sags overnight or after extended parking.

Common Symptoms

Rear of vehicle sagging after parking overnight
Compressor running continuously
Suspension warning light on dashboard
Harsh ride quality over bumps
Uneven ride height side to side

How to Fix

Replace the air compressor and both rear air springs as a set. Many owners convert to conventional coil springs using a conversion kit, which eliminates the air suspension entirely and costs less long-term. Arnott and Strutmasters offer bolt-in conversion kits.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 310+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeStrutmasters rear coil spring conversion kit for Sequoia (Strutmasters #YT44R)
View on Amazon
TipIf converting to coil springs, disconnect the air suspension fuse to prevent compressor burnout warning lights.
NoteA failing compressor can draw excessive current and blow fuses - check the 40A suspension fuse if the system goes dead.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $2,500

Research This Issue

310+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence310 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2001-2022 Toyota Sequoia, the gas-charged struts that hold the rear liftgate open on the Sequoia lose pressure over time, causing the heavy rear hatch to fall on its own. This is a safety concern as the liftgate is large and heavy enough to injure someone if it drops unexpectedly. The struts typically begin to weaken after 5-7 years and fail completely within 8-10 years. Cold weather accelerates the failure as gas pressure drops with temperature. Both first-generation (2001-2007) and second-generation (2008-2022) models are affected.

Common Symptoms

Rear liftgate will not stay open on its own
Liftgate slowly drops when released
Liftgate falls quickly when opened — safety hazard
Need to prop liftgate open with a stick or arm
Liftgate harder to lift than when new

How to Fix

Replace both rear liftgate struts at the same time — they are sold in pairs for $30-$80. Installation takes 10-15 minutes with no tools required on most models (the struts pop on and off ball studs). OEM Toyota struts are available for $40-$60 each, and aftermarket options from Stabilus, StrongArm, or Sachs run $15-$30 each. Always replace both struts even if only one has failed — if one is weak, the other is close behind. This is one of the easiest DIY repairs on the Sequoia.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

TipThis is a 10-minute DIY repair. The struts pop off the ball studs with a flat-head screwdriver. Buy a pair from Amazon for $30-$50 and replace them yourself. No tools or jack needed.
UpgradeStrongArm liftgate struts — easy bolt-on replacement (StrongArm Liftgate Support Struts)
View on Amazon
UpgradeSachs OE-quality liftgate gas struts (Sachs Liftgate Gas Struts)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$30 - $120

Research This Issue

0+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

⚠️NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

Campaign #21V92000023/11/2021

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

Campaign #21E10300023/12/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #20V68200004/11/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #20V01200013/01/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may erroneously detect a fault during the vehicle start-up self check. If this occurs, the ECU may not deploy the airbags as intended, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Campaign #18V68500004/10/2018

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Sequoia problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 310+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Toyota Sequoia has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure, Rear Liftgate Strut Failure (Hatch Won't Stay Open). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Sequoia reliable?

The 2021-2021 Toyota Sequoia has 2 known issues documented across 310+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Sequoia problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Sequoia issues range from $30 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure, typically costs $400-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure?

The load-leveling rear air suspension on the Sequoia (Limited and Platinum trims) suffers from compressor burnout and air spring leaks. The compressor runs excessively to compensate for slow leaks in the air springs, eventually overheating and failing. The rear of the vehicle sag… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2022 Toyota Sequoia Rear Liftgate Strut Failure (Hatch Won't Stay Open)?

The gas-charged struts that hold the rear liftgate open on the Sequoia lose pressure over time, causing the heavy rear hatch to fall on its own. This is a safety concern as the liftgate is large and heavy enough to injure someone if it drops unexpectedly. The struts typically beg… Repairs typically run $30-$120. Severity: low.

2021 Toyota Sequoia Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia: Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2001-2022 Toyota Sequoia: Rear Liftgate Strut Failure (Hatch Won't Stay Open)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Sequoia problems?

Is the Toyota Sequoia reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Sequoia problems?

What is the 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure?

What is the 2001-2022 Toyota Sequoia Rear Liftgate Strut Failure (Hatch Won't Stay Open)?