A lot of 2nd gen Sequoias spend their lives pulling a camper or a boat, and that is exactly the case Toyota's "special operating conditions" were written for. Under normal use the 5.7L V8 Sequoia barely needs anything beyond oil, filters and a tire rotation until 100,000 miles. Under towing, Toyota's own schedule adds differential, transfer case and transmission fluid changes that most owners never hear about. This checklist lays out both, straight from Toyota's guides.
Where this comes from. The intervals are from Toyota's 2020 Sequoia Warranty and Maintenance Guide, cross-checked with the 2013 guide. The 2013 guide also lists greasing the propeller shaft at the 15k-type visits; the 2020 guide lists re-torquing its bolts. Fluid specs are in our Sequoia fluid capacities guide.
The Schedule at a Glance
Every visit includes a tire rotation, a fluid level check, wiper inspection, a floor mat check and a visual brake check.
| MILES / MONTHS | REPLACE OR SERVICE | MAJOR INSPECTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| 5k / 6 mo | Rotate tires | Fluids, wipers, brakes (visual) |
| 10k / 12 mo | Oil and filter | |
| 15k / 18 mo | Re-torque propeller shaft bolts | Full under-truck list, including cabin air filter |
| 20k / 24 mo | Oil and filter | |
| 30k / 36 mo | Oil and filter, engine and cabin air filters, propeller shaft re-torque | Full list plus brake thickness and runout, fuel system, transfer case oil |
| 45k / 54 mo | Propeller shaft re-torque | Full under-truck list |
| 60k / 72 mo | Same as 30k | Full list plus drive belts (first check) |
| 75k / 90 mo | Propeller shaft re-torque | Full list plus drive belts |
| 90k / 108 mo | Same as 30k | Full list plus drive belts |
| 100k / 120 mo | Oil and filter, engine coolant (first change) | |
| 105k / 126 mo | Propeller shaft re-torque | Full list plus drive belts |
| 120k / 144 mo | Same as 30k, plus spark plugs | Full list plus drive belts |
Oil continues every 10,000 (40k, 50k, 70k and so on). Coolant after 100,000 is every 50,000 miles or 60 months. Drive belts are inspected every 15,000 from 60,000.
Oil Interval
The Sequoia's guides say it is certified for 0W-20 and the interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months if 0W-20 is used. With 5W-20 it is 5,000 miles, and Toyota wants you back on 0W-20 at the next change. Under any special operating condition below, change it every 5,000 miles regardless of the oil. The 5.7L takes 8.5 qt with the filter.
The Full Under-Truck List
The 15k-type visits inspect ball joints and dust covers, brake lines and hoses, the cabin air filter, CV boots, engine coolant, exhaust pipes and mountings, front and rear diff oil, the radiator and condenser, the steering gear, and the steering linkage and boots. The 30k-type visits replace the cabin filter and add the transmission cooler hoses, a transmission leak check, brake thickness and runout, the fuel lines and vapor hoses, the fuel cap gasket and the transfer case oil.
Special Operating Conditions
Only if most of your driving is under the condition.
| CONDITION | 5k / 10k-TYPE VISITS | 15k, 45k, 75k, 105k | 30k AND 90k | 60k AND 120k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towing, roof carrier or heavy loads | Oil every 5k; re-torque propeller shaft; tighten chassis and body nuts and bolts | Oil; replace front diff oil (4WD); tighten nuts and bolts | Replace front and rear diff oil and transfer case oil | Replace automatic transmission fluid, front and rear diff oil, transfer case oil |
| Dirt or dusty roads | Oil every 5k; inspect ball joints, CV boots, engine air filter, steering linkage; re-torque propeller shaft; tighten nuts and bolts | Inspect engine air filter; oil; tighten nuts and bolts | Replace transfer case oil (4WD) | Replace transfer case oil (4WD) |
| Trips under 5 miles below 32°F | Oil every 5k | Oil | ||
| Long idling or low-speed driving | Oil every 5k | Oil |
The propeller shaft items include driving on salted roads.
For a Sequoia that tows, that works out to: oil every 5,000; front diff every 15,000; rear diff and transfer case every 30,000; ATF at 60,000 and 120,000. The rear diff holds only 1.64 qt and the transfer case 1.43 qt, so these are cheap services; the transfer case takes 75W-90 GL-5, not the Tundra's LF oil.
Parts and Tools for Sequoia Service
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Toyota 0W-20 motor oil, 4 qt | Oil changes (three jugs cover 8.5 qt) | Shop on Amazon |
| Oil filter, 2nd gen Sequoia 5.7L | Oil changes | Shop on Amazon |
| Engine air filter, 2nd gen Sequoia | The 30k engine air filter change | Shop on Amazon |
| Cabin air filter, 2nd gen Sequoia | The 30k cabin filter change | Shop on Amazon |
| DENSO SK20HR11 iridium spark plugs | The 120k plug change | Shop on Amazon |
| Toyota Super Long Life Coolant, 50/50 premix | The 100k coolant change | Shop on Amazon |
| Genuine Toyota ATF WS, 1 qt | Transmission service on the towing schedule | Shop on Amazon |
| Fluid pump for quart bottles | Diffs and transfer case | Shop on Amazon |
| 1/2" drive click torque wrench, 10-150 ft-lb | Propeller shaft bolts and 97 ft-lb lug nuts | Shop on Amazon |
| 3-ton jack stands (pair) | Supporting the truck for under-truck work | Shop on Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the oil in a Sequoia?
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20, per Toyota's 2nd gen Sequoia maintenance guides. Every 5,000 miles if you tow, drive mostly on dusty roads, make short trips in freezing weather, or idle a lot.
When does the Sequoia need spark plugs?
At 120,000 miles or 144 months on the 5.7L V8, with DENSO SK20HR11 iridium plugs.
What is done at the Sequoia 60,000 mile service?
Oil and filter, engine and cabin air filters, tire rotation, re-torquing the propeller shaft, the first drive belt inspection, and a full inspection. If you tow, Toyota also changes the ATF, both diffs and the transfer case.
When should the Sequoia coolant be changed?
First at 100,000 miles or 120 months, then every 50,000 miles or 60 months, with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant.
Does towing really change the Sequoia's maintenance?
Yes. Toyota's schedule for towing adds oil changes every 5,000, front diff oil every 15,000, rear diff and transfer case oil every 30,000, and transmission fluid at 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
Related Guides
Keep reading
Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity by Year (2008–2026)
2023+ Sequoia (i-FORCE MAX hybrid, 437 hp): Toyota lists towing of up to 9,520 lb. 2015 to 2022 (5.7L V8): 7,000 to 7,400 lb, with a GCWR of 13,400 to 13,600 lb. 2008 (before the SAE J2807 ratings): 5,600 to 7,800 lb with the 4.7L V8 and 7,800 to 10,000 lb with the 5.7L V8, depending on the tow package. The unbraked limit is 1,000 lb on every Sequoia manual that lists one. Your door-jamb label has your truck's exact rating.
Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV (2026)
Tundra up to 12,000 lb (2022+ gas, 2WD Double Cab, no SR Package; 11,450 lb hybrid). Sequoia up to 9,520 lb (2023+). Tacoma up to 6,500 lb (2024+; 6,800 lb on a 2016 to 2023 2WD V6 Access Cab). 4Runner 6,000 lb (2025+; 5,000 lb for 2010 to 2024). Land Cruiser 250 6,000 lb (2025+, GCWR 12,725 to 12,945 lb). These are maximums: many configurations are rated lower, so use the door-jamb label for your truck.
Toyota Sequoia Fluid Capacities & Types (2nd Gen, 2008–2022)
2nd gen Sequoia 5.7L V8 (3UR-FE): engine oil 8.5 qt (8.0 L) of 0W-20 with filter, coolant 13.1 qt (14.1 qt with towing package) Toyota SLLC, Toyota ATF WS 11.7 qt, transfer case 1.43 qt of 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil, front diff 2.17 qt and rear diff 1.64 qt of Toyota LT 75W-85 GL-5. Spark plugs DENSO SK20HR11. From Toyota's 2020 Sequoia owner's manual.
Biggest Tires on a Stock Toyota Tundra & Sequoia: Fitment Guide
2nd gen Tundra (2007–2021): factory tires are about 32″; 285/70R18 (33.7″) is the consensus max on stock suspension, 295/70R18 (34.3″) with a 2–3″ level and small trimming, and 35x12.50 needs a level plus cab mount or plastic trimming. 3rd gen Tundra (2022+): factory about 32.5″; 33–34″ fits stock (285/70R18 or 295/70R18 on many trims), 35x12.50R20 on 20x9 wheels with a 2″ level "without major rubbing," 37s need a 3″+ lift and trimming. 2nd gen Sequoia: 33s fit stock, 34″ fits on some trucks, 35s need about 2″ of lift and still touch the UCA at full lock. Compiled from manufacturer fitment guides and owner builds, labeled below.