NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Sequoia Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 1 recall, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A single recall campaign, focused on the power steering system, stands as the most significant safety concern for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia. This issue notwithstanding, the model presents a strong overall safety profile, reflected in its NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100. The vehicle also achieved a perfect 10/10 score for its integrated crash-avoidance technology.
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia ranks 64 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 64 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Sequoia?
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, placing it in the Strong band, a marginal decrease from the 2020 model year's 85/100. This decline reflects a specific recall that, while not unique to this model year, impacts its overall defect record. The 2021 Sequoia's Safety Index is composed of several factors. Its crash protection scores 56 out of 70, reflecting limited available crash-test data. Avoidance technology earns a perfect 10 out of 10, while the defect record contributes 18.25 out of 20. NHTSA crash-test coverage for the 2021 Sequoia is notably incomplete, with no published frontal or side impact star ratings. Its rollover performance, however, is a reasonable 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk. This result aligns with expectations for a large, body-on-frame SUV. The defect record, while nearly perfect, is marked by a single recall campaign concerning hydraulic power steering. This recall, which affected a broad range of model years, stands as the primary safety event on the 2021 Sequoia's record. The vehicle's perfect score in avoidance technology is based on the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, all of which are meaningful safety assets for consumers. The absence of comprehensive crash-test data limits a full assessment of its crash protection capabilities.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Sequoia perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia earns 4 out of 5 stars for rollover protection, with a measured rollover risk of 19 percent and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. NHTSA did not publish ratings for overall, frontal, or side crash protection; therefore, no conclusions can be drawn regarding those categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15850
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Sequoia have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is linked to one recall area: hydraulic power steering. Two related campaigns cover this concern. The first, issued in November, affects 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles due to a power steering gear fault. The second, issued in December, covers JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM21V920000
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Reported 2021-11-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Sequoia?
NHTSA has received 4 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia. Alleged problem areas include the Power Train, Fuel/Propulsion System, Structure, and Suspension, each cited once. Reporters allege 1 crash and 1 injury. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Sequoia?
Shoppers considering this 5-year-old Sequoia should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm whether the power steering recall remedy has been completed. An unresolved recall on a safety-critical steering component warrants verification before purchase. No other open campaigns are indicated in the data.
- The 2021 Sequoia carries one recall specifically tied to the hydraulic power steering gear, a safety-critical system, making VIN-level remedy verification an essential step for used-market buyers.
- This model year's Safety Index of 84/100 represents a one-point decline from the 2020 Sequoia's 85/100, both within the Strong band, with the defect record subscore of 18.25/20 reflecting the single steering recall.
- NHTSA awarded the 2021 Sequoia a 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating with a 19 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test, the only completed crash-test category for this model year.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this model year, earning the maximum avoidance-technology subscore of 10/10 within the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Sequoia places
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Sequoia safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Sequoia crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota Sequoia crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota Sequoia earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Sequoia have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Sequoia?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sequoia years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15850), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Sequoia 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 64 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.