The secondary injection pump has failed. It started with a loud winding noise anytime it was started at a cold start. The noise would last a few minutes. Then everything was fine. Then the entire thing went out and my check engine light came on along with all traction control has gone out. The vehicle will not accelerate at a normal speed and it is very dangerous while driving, especially…
2005 Toyota Sequoia engine problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 engine complaints filed for the 2005 Toyota Sequoia, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Toyota Sequoia we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 33.
Owners have filed 33 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Sequoia engine complaints cluster around several distinct failure modes. Secondary air injection system failures are by far the most prevalent—owners describe loud vacuum or winding noises on cold start, followed by complete loss of power and check engine/VSC lights. Multiple narratives cite vehicles unable to exceed 20–50 mph or climb inclines with the accelerator fully floored. Replacement costs run $3,000–$4,845. Toyota extended a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for this defect on 2008–2010 Sequoia models but excluded the 2005, despite owners noting shared powertrains.
Excessive cold-start idle (1500+ rpm lasting 4–5 minutes) is the second major pattern. Owners report vehicles creeping forward without accelerator input and difficulty engaging gears until fully warmed. On icy surfaces, the high idle creates control hazards. Dealerships claim emission regulations prevent adjustment.
Check engine lights combined with VSC/traction control lights recur frequently, often with limp-mode activation (dramatic power loss). Dealer repairs—computer replacement, fuel system service—frequently fail to resolve the issue. Some owners report the problem reappearing within weeks or years.
Rotten-egg smell from the exhaust occurs during acceleration or low-speed driving and is severe enough to irritate eyes. Toyota acknowledged earlier Sequoia models (2003–2005) had the same catalytic converter issue but declined repair pending a recall.
Additional issues include engine knocking/grinding, piston compression loss, throttle body/pedal failures, yaw rate sensor malfunction, excessive engine/fan noise, and exhaust fumes entering the cabin through rear windows.
Same Toyota Sequoia engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Secondary Air Injection System Failure
Secondary air injection pump and/or air injection switching valve fails, causing check engine light, loss of engine power, and limp mode. Owners report loud vacuum/winding noise on cold start, followed by complete system failure. Vehicle cannot accelerate adequately—some report max speeds of 20–50 mph even with accelerator fully depressed. Replacement requires entire system or valve assembly replacement since Toyota no longer manufactures individual components.
When: 80,000–130,000 miles; some failures reported as early as 99,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Loud vacuum or winding noise on cold start; Severe loss of engine power and acceleration; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power output); VSC and traction control lights illuminate; Unable to maintain highway speeds or accelerate uphill
Codes mentioned: P1442, P1445
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of secondary air injection pump, air switching valves, skid control computer, or entire valve assembly. Costs reported $3,000–$4,845. One owner quoted $4,000 for repair when truck value near $7,000. Dealerships report part no longer available; entire system replacement necessary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued warranty enhancement (10 years/150,000 miles) for 2008–2010 Sequoia and 2007–2010 Tundra models but excluded 2005–2007 Sequoia despite shared powertrain. Owners report Toyota acknowledged defect but declined coverage for 2005 model year.
Excessive Cold-Start Idle Speed
Engine idles at abnormally high RPM (1500+ rpm) on cold start and remains elevated for 4–5 minutes before normalizing. Idle speed does not decrease adequately when gears are engaged. Heater operation causes further idle rise. Owners report vehicle can crawl forward at idle without accelerator input and experience gear-engagement difficulties if they do not wait full warm-up period. Dealership claims emission regulations prevent idle adjustment.
When: Cold start condition; persists until engine warms, typically 4–5 minutes
Symptoms owners cite: High idle speed (1500+ rpm) on cold start; Extended warm-up period (4–5 minutes) before normal idle achieved; Vehicle creeps forward without accelerator input; Difficulty engaging gears without full warm-up; Sensation of transmission slip or slippage when gears engaged too soon; Loss of vehicle control on icy/slippery surfaces due to excess torque
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership states idle cannot be adjusted due to emission requirements. No repair performed in reported cases.
Check Engine Light with VSC/Traction Control Intermittent Illumination and Limp Mode
Check engine light, VSC, and traction control lights illuminate repeatedly, often during normal driving. In many cases, vehicle enters limp mode (dramatically reduced power) even when engine itself is mechanically sound. Owners report lights extinguish temporarily then reappear. Multiple visits to dealership do not resolve issue. Cause difficult to diagnose; dealerships have replaced computers, drained fuel, and performed other repairs without lasting resolution. One owner reports service manager advised waiting for complete breakdown before further diagnosis.
When: Intermittent; some recurring within days or weeks of dealer repair; failures reported 62,000–128,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine, VSC, and traction control lights illuminate; Engine enters limp mode (dramatic power reduction); Lights may extinguish briefly then reappear; Rough idle/rough driving feel; Difficulty diagnosing root cause
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacements include engine control unit, computer, fuel system service, and other components without consistent success. One customer reported $2,600 cost; another paid for computer replacement with problem recurring two years later at same cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One narrative mentions class action lawsuit regarding engine control unit; Toyota declined to repair due to inconclusive diagnostic test despite suspicion of ECU failure.
Sudden Loss of Engine Power/Acceleration During Driving
Vehicle suddenly loses ability to accelerate or maintain speed while driving. Owners report vehicle decelerates from 55 mph to 20 mph, or fails to accelerate uphill (e.g., at 30 mph attempting uphill climb). Acceleration loss occurs even with pedal fully floored. Check engine, VSC, and traction control lights typically illuminate. Condition is intermittent in some cases; others persistent until repaired. Safety risk on highways and mountains cited by owners.
When: Intermittent or persistent; failures reported 62,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden inability to accelerate or maintain speed; Vehicle decelerates without brake input; Failure to climb inclines even with full throttle; Check engine and VSC lights illuminate simultaneously; VSC warning light accompanied by power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Secondary air injection system failure or engine control unit malfunction typically underlying cause (see related failure modes). Repairs associated with secondary air pump or ECU replacement.
Engine Knock/Ticking Noise
Engine produces loud knocking, ticking, or grinding noise unrelated to secondary air injection system. Dealership unable to diagnose cause in at least one case. One dealer recommended full engine replacement ($9,800 for parts and labor) at only 52,000 miles. Owner reports online research suggests other owners with same symptom received engine replacement from Toyota.
When: 52,000 miles reported in one narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Loud engine knock or ticking noise; Grinding noise during warm-up
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted full engine replacement at $9,800 parts and labor. No resolution documented in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota executive office denied assistance; owner reports Toyota replaced engines for other owners with same issue.
Piston Failure (Reduced Compression/Power)
Engine compression test indicates piston not operating at full capacity, typically piston #3. Compression loss causes rough idle, rough driving feel, and check engine light. Dealership recommended full head removal and teardown diagnostic ($1,724 labor plus unknown parts cost). Carbon cleaning attempted first without success.
When: Mileage at failure not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle and rough driving feel; Check engine light illumination; VSC and traction control lights on; Low compression on one piston
Repairs/costs cited: Carbon cleaning attempted without success. Head removal and inspection quoted at $862 labor to remove and $862 to reinstall, plus unknown repair cost for root cause. Service technician reported having seen three similar cases averaging $3,000 each.
Brake Pedal/Throttle Control Electrical Faults
Multiple electrical control issues reported: brake light constantly on/off, throttle body failure, throttle pedal position switch failure, and brake booster/master cylinder failure. One owner at 120,000 miles had replaced throttle body, throttle pedal position switch, brake booster, master cylinder, and skid control ECU.
When: Multiple failures by 120,000 miles in one vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light on and off; Loss of throttle response; Brake pedal malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Individual component replacements: throttle body, throttle pedal position switch, brake booster, master cylinder, skid control ECU.
Yaw Rate Sensor Defect
Yaw rate sensor malfunction causes VSC traction control to engage unexpectedly, which abruptly slows vehicle and reduces engine power. Engine may shut off when VSC engages.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: VSC traction control engages unexpectedly; Sudden vehicle deceleration without brake input; Engine power loss when VSC activates; Potential engine shutdown
Catalytic Converter Sulfur Rotten-Egg Smell
Vehicle cabin fills with strong rotten-egg (sulfur) smell from exhaust, particularly during acceleration or when speed drops below 50 mph. Smell reported severe enough to burn eyes and nose. Dealership cannot duplicate issue or states unable to repair pending recall.
When: Occurs during acceleration or low-speed driving; failures reported as early as 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong rotten-egg/sulfur smell from exhaust; Smell enters cabin via ventilation; Symptom worsens on acceleration; Eyes and nose irritation reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota acknowledged problem and stated earlier model years (2003–2005) had same issue but stated unable to repair pending catalytic converter recall.
Engine Noise Excessive (Fan and General)
Engine runs abnormally loud, particularly radiator fan noise on initial acceleration. Owner reports sound insulation not missing. Recall performed on fan did not reduce noise. Noise worsens in hot weather when fan runs faster. Owner's 2002 Sequoia (80,000 miles) never exhibited same noise level.
When: Apparent from early mileage; worsens in hot weather
Symptoms owners cite: Excessively loud engine/fan noise; Radiator fan noise especially loud on acceleration; Noise worse in hot weather
Repairs/costs cited: Recall performed on radiator fan without resolution reported.
Engine Stalling Intermittently
Engine stops running intermittently during normal driving. Electronic stability control light illuminates. Engine dies without relation to road surface condition (not on slippery road). Owner cites hazard if stalling occurs while driving.
When: Intermittent during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops unexpectedly; Electronic stability control light illuminates; Stalling not related to driving conditions
Exhaust Fume Intrusion into Cabin
Exhaust fumes enter vehicle cabin through open rear window due to exhaust not extending beyond rear bumper. Described as ongoing issue since purchase.
When: Ongoing since 2005 purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust odor in cabin when rear window open; Fumes visible/noticeable
Blower Motor Foam Debris Failure
Foam component (worth approximately $0.10) dislodges from blower motor and jams in blower motor valve, creating loud squealing noise. Problem reoccurred after previous repair.
When: First repair 2014; same problem recurred
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squealing noise from blower motor; Reduced or no blower function
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $2,000 in 2014. Same problem reoccurred later.
Starter Placement Design Issue
Starter replacement is exceptionally difficult and costly due to placement inside intake manifold. Owner states self-repair is impossible and design is defective.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Starter failure requires replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Starter placement inside intake manifold makes replacement labor-intensive and expensive. Owner states self-repair not feasible.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Very excessive fast idle speed in my 2005 sequoia. I too owned a previous sequoia (2000) model and there is no comparison. It can take anywhere from 4 or more minutes to warm up the engine before there is any noticeable change in its idle. In fact, I can idle out of my subdivision without hitting the accelerator. This should not be. You can also hear an increase in its idle if you turn on…
The yaw rate sensor is defective. This causes the vsc trac to engage and slows the vehicle right away, also causes power failure in the aspect of when it engages engine slows and can ever shut off. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota sequoia. The contact stated that the check engine, trc-off, and vsc-off lights illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle went into limp mode during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Toyota Sequoia?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Toyota Sequoia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 62,000 and 128,000 miles, with the median around 112,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 62,000; a quarter make it past 128,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Sequoia.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.