A valve spring in the engine failed causing one cylinder to fail as well. The failure fortunately happened at low speed and the engine didn't seize. This a known problem with Toyota V8s of this model year and was the reason for a recall of Lexus vehicles with the same engine. Had this happened at highway speed, the engine, we were told, could have experienced a total failure causing the engine to …
2008 Toyota Sequoia engine problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
AT 66,000 MILES MY SEQUOIA HAD ENGINE PROBLEM, ( THAT'S WHAT TOYOTA PEOPLE SAID ) I TOOK MY TRUCK FOR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGE IF I SEE THE LIGHT IS ON FOR MAINTENANCE. FRIDAY SEPT 16, 2011 I TOOK IT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE AND BRAKE PADS DONE, WED THE 21 OF SEPT, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND IT JUST STOP! I WAS DEVASTATED BECAUSE, THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HAVE CAUSED IT, PLEASE HELP! *TR
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Toyota Sequoia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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