Toyota Sienna problems
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Toyota primarily for the North American market. It is named for the Italian city of Siena, in the region of Tuscany. It replaced the first generation Previa van in 1997 with a more conventional front-wheel drive layout and shares a heavily revised platform with the Camry. Both the Previa and original Sienna were smaller than the other minivans they competed against, but a redesign in 2003 (for the 2004 model year) increased the dimensions to match those of its competitors.
It was redesigned again in 2010 (for the 2011 model year). The third generation Sienna went on sale in the United States in February 2010 and is the first Sienna to ever receive a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A 2020 redesign (for the 2021 model year) saw the Sienna becoming a hybrid vehicle for its fourth generation. While previous generations of the Sienna were exported to select Asian and European markets, the fourth generation is the first to be produced outside of the United States as Chinese production commenced in July 2021 by two Toyota joint ventures. In China, it is also marketed as the Toyota Granvia.
Following the discontinuation of General Motors's all-wheel drive minivans in 2006, the Sienna was the only minivan in its class offered with AWD in North America until the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was introduced with an AWD option in 2020.
The Sienna is not available in Japan and Australia as it is not produced in a right-hand drive configuration, and the segment in these countries is already occupied by the Alphard/Vellfire and the HiAce/Granvia respectively.
As of the fourth generation, introduced in 2020, the Sienna is now built on Toyota's TNGA-K platform, which it shares with most of Toyota’s other large MPVs and crossovers.
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Toyota Sienna model years
Common Toyota Sienna problems
The Toyota Sienna is known for its solid reliability, earning a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating from RepairPal, placing it 8th out of 32 segment competitors. However, there are some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of.
One common problem is a loss of engine power, particularly in the 2007 model. Owners of this model have reported experiencing a loss of power when slowing down, sometimes accompanied by transmission problems like jerking and slipping. Unfortunately, the root cause of this issue remains undetermined.
Another common issue is cracking on the dashboard surface. This problem has been reported by owners of various Sienna models, including the 2006 model, where it was one of the most common problems reported.
Transmission failure is also a relatively common problem in older Siennas, with many reports of this issue occurring around 78,000 miles. The symptoms include the vehicle's RPM increasing without a corresponding increase in speed.
Power door issues are another safety concern for Sienna owners. The door's cable may become damaged, causing the power door to stop working. This issue poses a considerable safety risk, especially for rear passengers who may need to force the door open manually.
The 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011 Toyota Sienna models are best avoided due to multiple complaints from several owners and a history of significant manufacturing defects. These defects include body/paint problems, brake problems, steering problems, exterior accessory problems, and engine problems.
On the other hand, the 1998 to 2003 Toyota Sienna models are generally safer to buy used, as they recorded few problems. The first generation of the Sienna, which ran from 1998 to 2003, had few issues related to the engine, brakes, and body/paint.
In summary, while the Toyota Sienna is generally a reliable vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues, particularly in certain model years.
What are the bad years for Toyota Sienna?
In the case of the Sienna, the most complained about model year is 2004. But the worst out of all the Toyota Sienna models is the 2007 model because its issues are expensive to fix.
Is the Toyota Sienna a reliable car?
If you're hunting for a minivan, the Toyota Sienna is one of the best options. It provides decent reliability and low repair costs on average per year. The most commonly reported troubles aren't too severe, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket by purchasing one of the most reliable years.
What year did Toyota Sienna have transmission problems?
Most of the worst issues filed involve the airbag, seat belts, and automatic sliding doors. Engine and transmission problems are also prevalent in the 2007 Sienna, while the 2008 model suffers from minor electrical issues.
How long do Toyota Sienna transmissions last?
For many car owners, the transmission may last the entire life of the vehicle, considering it can be about 200,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. However, factors can impact this like neglecting regular service. Toyota recommends that vehicles change their fluid between 60, 000 to 100,000 miles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Sienna years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Sienna cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Sienna model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Sienna model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Sienna years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Sienna car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Sienna , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Sienna vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sienna model years
A total of 442 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sienna model years
There were a total of 79 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sienna model years
There were a total of 672 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Sienna model years
There were a total of 13 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 8721 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Sienna . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Sienna vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Sienna 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5TDYRKEC9PS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Car lunges forward 10ft or so intermittently when braking is applied. This is very dangerous given situations. Toyota dealer is given new car models under 36k miles a free fix, but they would charge high mileage cars a lot of money. I wish NHTSA demand Toyota provide free fix for this issue.
Toyota Sienna 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5TDYZ3DC1HS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the plastic fuel lines were damaged due to the expanded anti corrosion coating applied to the fuel lines during manufacturing of the vehicle. The contact was advised to replace both the metal fuel lines from the fuel tank to the engine bay and the damaged plastic fuel lines. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 84,416.
Toyota Sienna 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5TDXZ3DCXHS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: While trying to accelerate on an onramp to the highway, the transmission failed to enter into higher gear, and the check engine light came on. The 2017 Sienna currently sits at 112,951 miles. Leading up to this, we had noticed the van jolting when being put into drive or reverse, and acceleration was often sluggish, with a whirring sound. Inspection by the local Toyota dealership found that the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The serial number of the transmission starts with UA02, which wasn't part of any of the existing 2017 Sienna service bulletins.
Toyota Sienna 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5TDDK3DC7ES
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side sliding doors were locked and had failed to open automatically and manually. The contact stated that the motors of the doors were previously replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the doors could not be opened. The dealer determined that the Power Sliding Door Cable Sub-Assembly, the Sliding Door Center Hinge Assembly, the Fuel Filler Door Hinge and Pin, the Power Sliding Door Rear Lock Assembly, the Sliding Door Front Lock Assembly, and an unknown part had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer related the failure to Toyota Campaign Number: ZK1. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered because the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Toyota Sienna 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: 5TDZSKFCXMS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: At the begining of 2024, I received a recall letter from Toyota regarding the airbag malfunction. I was told to wait for a remedy by Q3 of 2024. I patiently waited and was very anxious driving my vehicle. I recently did talk to my local dealer during my maintenance and they stated that they do not have any information regarding that and that I should call Toyota. I tried calling Toyota and was instructed to wait as they still have not got a remedy and that if I was getting in any accidents Toyota will be fully responsible. I bought the car to drive for my safety an this is the level of safety that I am getting. Thus I am here looking for help on how I can get this matter resolved as driving knowing that airbag has failed on the passenger side is very unsafe.
Toyota Sienna 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: 5TDZRKEC0MS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: This problem has been happening for a while now, over one year. When I am braking there is a jolt of acceleration. This happens frequently, and I believe this is dangerous.
Toyota Sienna 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
- VIN: 5TDZSKFC0NS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: While braking at around 15 mph there is a sudden loss of braking force that causes the car to surge forward. This happens as the car switches from regenerative braking to pad braking. It has almost caused an accident a few times for me.
Toyota Sienna 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-02
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TDKRKEC4PS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Air bags did not deploy during a major crash took place on 9-25-2024 the vehicle was a total loss.
Toyota Sienna 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 5TDXRKEC3MS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My 2021 Toyota Sienna has had an open and unrepaired recall for airbags failing to deploy since the beginning of the year. I been unable to use my vehicle because of this. They have pushed approximate date of the fix being available into next year which is unacceptable. A safety concern like this should be dealt with promptly.
Toyota Sienna 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 5TDYZ3DC5HS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a hard shift and a high-pitched whining sound while the transmission was shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Toyota Sienna 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 5TDKRKECXNS
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When engaging the cruise control, the vehicle continued to accelerate even after I let off the button. During a trip with this vehicle on September 14, 2024, this vehicle did this twice. I have never driven another vehicle where this occurs. If this is supposed to be a "feature", it's unsafe and should not be legal. If it remains legal, there should at least be some kind of safety sticker.
Toyota Sienna 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 5TDDSKFC1MS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Unexpected sudden acceleration when braking at low speed
Toyota Sienna 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 5TDYRKECXMS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: When applying the brakes, at lower speeds around 20 MPH my Sienna lunges forward for a few seconds, increasing speeds. This is happening frequently in school zones due to the slow speeds. Dealer told me it was out of warranty (36k or 3 yrs) and i had to pay $250 for diagnostic plus $300 for a TSB solfware reset because the Fed didn't receive enough complaints from users to make Toyota do a recall on this Safety issue. This is a major safety issue myself and many other Sienna owners are dealing with.
Toyota Sienna 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 5TDESKFC2MS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: In certain conditions, like coasting downhill and lightly braking and then going to harder braking - there is an unintended lurch forward which requires immediate harder braking to stop the vehicle.
Toyota Sienna 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 5TDKRKECXMS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Car lurches forward a few feet while braking. Listed approximate start date but it happens intermittently.
Latest 5 recalls Toyota Sienna
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 154 recalls for different components of the Toyota Sienna.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Sienna 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-04-13
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Consequence: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
- Model: Toyota Sienna 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-04-13
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Consequence: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
- Model: Toyota Sienna 2022
- Report Received Date: 2021-11-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Sienna vehicles equipped with seating for eight passengers. An incorrect seat belt webbing guide may have been installed on the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies.
- Consequence: During seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, the incorrect webbing guide may damage the seat belt webbing, causing it to tear and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB08 and 21TA08.
- Model: Toyota Sienna 2018
- Report Received Date: 2020-11-04
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
- Model: Toyota Sienna 2017
- Report Received Date: 2020-11-04
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Latest negative Toyota Sienna car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Sienna car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2019
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the Safety Sense features! It sounds like they're a great value for the price. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is a particularly clever addition. It's also good to hear that the gas mileage is competitive with other vehicles. It sounds like you made a wise choice in selecting this vehicle. While you may not have been able to get the panoramic dual moonroof and leather seats you were hoping for, it's great that you were still able to get some excellent features at a price point that worked for you.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I've had the chance to test drive a variety of vans this year, including Honda, Kia, Ford, Toyota, and others. While I found the Honda to be peppier than some of the others, I personally found it to be too low to the ground for my needs. The sliding door design is also poor, as it can easily hit the curb and cause damage. On the other hand, the second row seats are more flexible than Toyota's. While Honda's reliability isn't as good as Toyota's, Kia's appointments are better than most vans, although it can be noisier than the others. Overall, I would consider buying a Kia, but it's best to buy a used one with around 6k miles on it, as they tend to depreciate quickly. In fact, all van models tend to depreciate quickly, except for Honda and Toyota, which keep their prices inflated due to marketing hype. Unfortunately, Ford doesn't have any V6 engines in their vans, so I wouldn't consider them. GM has given up on this market, unlike Kia and Toyota, who continue to innovate. While I have some likes and dislikes about the Sienna, I'm most likely to get the XLE Trim line. However, I find it frustrating that one has to buy the top of the line model packages in order to get many safety features, such as front and rear sonar parking and backing up safety packages. Toyota seems to have omitted the most useful safety features, despite adding many others. Other makers have more safety features at lower trim levels. Additionally, the dash could be better laid out and have more options for the driver to check out the engine mechanical and functionality of the vehicle. Lastly, the headlights could be brighter.All model trims should have the best safety features, including the best headlights, and all makers should prioritize this. While the second row seats could be easier to collapse, the van does have plenty of cargo space with the seats down. It would be great if the passenger seat had the same power functions as the driver seat, but unfortunately, it is very limited in this regard. Additionally, there are not many USB ports or charging outlets compared to some other models. Toyota's navigation package can be confusing as it changes with the trim line, and requiring a cell phone to use certain features is not ideal for everyone. The multimedia screen could also be more user-friendly. On the bright side, the van does have push button start, and thankfully, it does not have the Stop-Start feature. Overall, it is a nice-sized van.
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Vehicle year: 1998
I have owned my 98 Sienna for 10 years and I am thrilled with it. I drive it to and from work daily, covering a 40-mile round trip. I bought it with 60,000 miles on it and it has now clocked 158,000 miles and still counting. There have been a few minor issues such as exterior door handles breaking (which is common on these models), one interior door handle breaking, a rear intake gasket leak, and a power window switch. However, these were all fixed with routine maintenance. I recently had the rack and pinion replaced, but other than that, it has been smooth sailing. It is yet another dependable Toyota product and I am excited to see how many more miles I can get out of it.
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Vehicle year: 2010
At first, I wasn't keen on purchasing this van, but my wife convinced me due to the lower step entry for her mother. However, since then, I have grown to absolutely love this vehicle! Compared to the 2014 Acadia (ugh), this van feels nimble, peppy, and incredibly versatile. It also has great mileage, and everything we need for a vacation trip fits with room to spare. I especially appreciate the window pull-up screen shades for privacy. The only downsides are the lack of BLUETOOTH and USB connections, and the short tire valves that require an extension to add air. Additionally, there is no back up parking sonar, but we added an aftermarket system which has been somewhat useless. These are only minor annoyances, though. Overall, I think we're ready for a new Sienna, as long as it doesn't have a TURBO or stop/start. Those are two things that would prevent me from buying any new vehicle. Turbos don't last and are very expensive to fix, and stop/start is just plain stupid and annoying. Update>> Oct 2019. The van is still running like a champ with no issues.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I recently had a wreck in my 2012 Sienna. I attribute my safety to the heavy frame that didn't move or bend when I hit the car in front of me. I really appreciate that you can drive these for years with only regular maintenance needed. I will definitely continue to be a fan of Toyota Siennas!
Are you having problems with your Toyota Sienna?
Oswaldo Pagac 2025-08-21
Vehicle year: 1998
Hey there! If you're in the market for a mini-van, I'd recommend going for a Honda post-1999. Just a heads up, there have been some issues with engine oil sludge in Toyota Siennas from 1998 onwards, which was only recently acknowledged in 7/02. Plus, there have been reports of lots of warning lights leading to unnecessary expenses. Hope this helps!
Brown Quitzon 2025-08-16
Vehicle year: 2006
I have had my Sienna for 3 years now, but unfortunately, I have not had the best experience with it. I have encountered a few issues such as poor gas mileage, electrical problems, and some issues with the A/C and heat controls. Additionally, some of the power outlets and vents were not functioning properly. The leather on the seats has also shown some wear and tear from the seat belt, and the paint quality is not up to par. While I have experienced some discomfort during longer rides, I am curious to know if others have had similar experiences or if I just happened to get a lemon. Overall, I am hoping to find a solution to these issues and improve my experience with the Sienna.
Kristoffer Kunze 2025-08-10
Vehicle year: 2021
I recently traded my 2019 Odyssey EX-L for a Sienna Limited with the rear entertainment system, hoping to get AWD for our skiing trips in Vermont and seduced by the idea of 35 MPG. After a 1200-mile maiden voyage, I found that the Sienna has a lot of potential with its spacious interior, many safety features, and cool bridge console. The kids love the long-slide rear captains chairs, and the heated and cooled seats are a nice touch. However, there are some annoyances such as the standard nav on the Limited being useless compared to the easier and sharper maps feature through Apple CarPlay, and some safety features being annoyingly intrusive. The highway ride was a deal breaker for me as the road, wind, and engine noise were unbearable at a steady 75 MPH, and power was lacking. The engine drone and overall noise levels were not what I expected from a brand new $52,000 car. Plus, we only averaged 28 MPG. My Honda was quicker, much more comfortable, worlds quieter, and not much less fuel efficient. I wish I had heeded the advice in other reviews about engine noise. Highly recommend the Honda instead, MPG and AWD be darned. UPDATE at 5000 miles: I still don’t like the CVT, the engine noise under hard acceleration, or the road noise above 50 mph…BUT my last two fill-ups were 37.5 and 39 mpg. I DO like that.Kids seem to really enjoy the sliding seats and the rear entertainment screen, which is great to see. Personally, I appreciate the tech features. Although the seats can be uncomfortable after a couple of hours, I'm sure they'll become more comfortable over time. The car is slowly growing on me, but I still feel that it's overpriced. Looking back, I wish I had considered a Telluride. UPDATE at 20,000 miles (August 2022): Although the van showed a lot of promise in many ways, I found the constant droning and noisy engine to be too much for me. I ended up selling the van for almost what I paid for it and bought a VW Atlas instead (Kia dealers wanted $10k over MSRP; no way!). I'm really enjoying the way that the Atlas feels and drives, and have already driven 11,000 happy miles in it. The only downside is that my fuel economy has gone from 35 mpg to 20.
Nat Runolfsdottir 2025-08-08
Vehicle year: 2023
I was on the waiting list for a new Sienna to replace my 2008 Odyssey. I wanted a van with ample space and the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. I didn't want to pay more for less space and get a hybrid SUV. However, when I finally had a chance to test drive a Sienna, I was disappointed. Compared to my old Odyssey, it felt cramped inside and definitely not as roomy. I wouldn't want to take a road trip in it. I didn't think road noise would be an issue, but it was very noticeable on the highway, to the point of being aggravating. Additionally, there was a noticeable vibration that bothered my wife and daughter. Even the empty third row seats vibrated. After a 25-minute test drive, it was a relief to get out of the vehicle and stand on solid ground. All these issues were even more apparent when we got back in our 08 Odyssey and drove away. It was smooth, quiet, roomy, and relaxing. Needless to say, I promptly removed my name from the waiting list and bought a Honda. Although I'm giving up some MPG, it is well worth it. Compared to my 08 Odyssey, the new vehicle is smoother, quieter, and more comfortable, just as you would expect a new vehicle to be.
Alfred Lehner 2025-08-08
Vehicle year: 2008
I really like this van's design much better than the new one. However, we had to replace our AC line under warranty last summer, and this summer we found that three other lines also need replacement due to corrosion. Toyota and the dealers offered us a 50% shared cost for repairs, but we feel that this should not be happening. We are concerned about the cost of $1900.00 and whether this will be an annual expense to keep the air in our vehicle. Toyota Canada stated that this is not a common issue with the Sienna, and there is no recall or fix for this problem.