Is the gen 3 Sequoia engine reliability that big of a concern?
I debated buying a used 2023 gen 3 limited with about 60k miles on it. I was surprised it had depreciated as far as it had. Test drove it and really loved it (except of course the storage but whatever).
Anyways, I ended up in a rabbit hole on the whole Toyota 3.4L engine recall and what that means for the Sequoia. It seems like logically, it should be plagued with the same issue since it has the 3.4 engine but with the hybrid component, assembled in the same plant. I'm not sure how it couldn't if it truly is leftover debris from the manufacturing process, but for every post, article, or notice I see about the recall I see just as many statements that the hybrid doesn't seem to be having the same issue. I've seen statements that Toyota didn't include the hybrid powertrain in the recall because in the event of engine failure, the battery power could allow the vehicle to get out of harms way, negating a safety issue. But I've also struggled to find any evidence that Sequoias are experiencing engine failures at any rate similar to the non hybrid Tundra, that was recalled. I've even gone as far as watching an hour long teardown video of a seized 3.4L engine.
For now, I've been pushed away from wanting a gen 3 (and no I don't want a gen 2) since it seems like if it truly has the same problem you get the worst of both worlds. Not only is the engine of your vehicle not reliable, but because it wasn't included in the safety recall you are absolutely hosed if something goes wrong. It makes sense why Gen 3 Sequoias with 60k+ miles are a fair bit cheaper, compared to typical depreciation for Toyota trucks.
This is where you, the people of reddit come in. What evidence have I not seen? Is the reliability issue blown out of proportion because people are just mad they got rid of the 5.7 and destroyed trunk space? Or is it absolutely an issue that Toyota is doing everything they can to silence? I look forward to going deeper down the rabbit hole.
Posted Feb 25, 2026, 5:36 AM UTC