2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid 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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Common 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid problems
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid has been reported to have several issues, primarily related to its electronic and hybrid systems. Here are some of the common problems based on complaints from owners:
- Braking Glitch: One owner has reported a braking glitch where the van tends to slide when the brakes are applied, which could potentially cause accidents. This issue may be related to the vehicle's regenerative braking system or electronic stability control.
- Uncontrolled Self-Propelling: Another safety concern raised by an owner is the vehicle's tendency to accelerate unexpectedly, especially when releasing the brake pedal. This issue has caused near-accidents and may be related to the hybrid system's power management or the vehicle's acceleration control system.
- Lack of Rear Bumper Protection: Some owners have pointed out that the 2021 Sienna lacks a proper rear bumper, which could result in more significant damage and higher repair costs in case of a rear-end collision. This design flaw may pose a risk, especially if parts are hard to come by.
- Power Liftgate Not Standard: Another issue raised by an owner is the lack of a power liftgate as a standard feature, which is surprising given the vehicle's price point. This omission may be inconvenient for some buyers, especially those with mobility issues or heavy cargo to load.
- Wheel Speed Sensor Issues: Some owners have reported problems with wheel speed sensors, which could affect the vehicle's stability control, anti-lock braking system, and traction control. These issues may be related to the vehicle's electronic control systems and could potentially lead to safety concerns.
- 12V Battery Issues: A few owners have reported issues with the 12V battery, including low voltage and difficulty starting the vehicle. These issues may be related to the vehicle's electrical system and could be caused by infrequent driving or a faulty battery.
- Key Fob Battery Issues: One owner has reported a problem with the key fob battery, which caused the vehicle to become totally disabled. This issue may be related to the vehicle's electronic access system and could be a concern for owners who frequently use the keyless start feature.
Is the Toyota Sienna hybrid reliable?
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid LE is a reliable minivan, but there are a few potential issues that you may experience after 58,000 miles. These include:Hybrid battery degradation: The hybrid battery in the Sienna is designed to last for the life of the vehicle, but it may start to degrade after 50,000 miles or so.
How long will Sienna hybrid battery last?
With proper usage and normal driving conditions, a hybrid car battery replacement should occur around every 150,000 miles or 15 years, whichever comes first.
What is the common issue with Toyota Sienna?
The most common defects include body/paint problems, brake problems, steering problems, exterior accessory problems, and engine problems. Overall, these models pose several issues, and it's best to stay away from them if you're looking to buy a used minivan.
How many miles does a Sienna hybrid go on a full tank?
648 miles
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid 2WD | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | Regular Gasoline |
| 36 MPG 36 36 combined city/highway city highway | |
| 2.8 gal/100mi | |
| 648 miles Total Range |
Is Toyota Sienna hybrid reliable?
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid LE is a reliable minivan, but there are a few potential issues that you may experience after 58,000 miles. These include:Hybrid battery degradation: The hybrid battery in the Sienna is designed to last for the life of the vehicle, but it may start to degrade after 50,000 miles or so.
How long will Sienna hybrid battery last?
With proper usage and normal driving conditions, a hybrid car battery replacement should occur around every 150,000 miles or 15 years, whichever comes first.
What is the common issue with Toyota Sienna?
The most common defects include body/paint problems, brake problems, steering problems, exterior accessory problems, and engine problems. Overall, these models pose several issues, and it's best to stay away from them if you're looking to buy a used minivan.
How fuel efficient is Toyota Sienna hybrid?
The EPA estimates that front-wheel drive versions of the Sienna Hybrid should deliver 36 mpg city as well as 36 mpg highway with all-wheel drive examples carrying ratings 1 mpg lower at 35 mpg. In our mix of city and highway driving, we managed 29 mpg with our all-wheel drive Platinum test vehicle.
2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Sienna hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- VIN: 5TDZRKEC9MS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 5TDERKEC8MS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- VIN: 5TDKSKFC4MS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- VIN: 5TDBRKEC9MS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing inaccurate fuel gauge readings. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the fuel gauge reading displayed that the fuel tank was empty; however, while the contact was attempting to refuel the vehicle at the gas station, she became aware that the fuel tank was not empty and that there was sufficient fuel in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the CarMax dealer, where it was driven and refueled several times; however, the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,300.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-24
- VIN: 5TDKRKEC8MS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal splashing sound inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was water coming from underneath the doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 0121-20 (Sloshing or Splashing Noise Caused by Water Inside Doors); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 5TDYSKFC5MS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that after pressing the rear lift gate button, the rear liftgate door failed to open, trapping the dog inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear liftgate door was later manually forced open by two good Samaritans and the dog was retrieved. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the failure was caused by a faulty passenger’s side liftgate strut bolt. The liftgate strut and bolt were replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-04
- VIN: 5TDBRKEC9MS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-12
- VIN: 5TDYSKFC7MS
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer True North, Tire Size: 235/35/R17, DOT Number: RN811KW1322. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the front driver's side tire sustained a blowout. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the sidewall of the tire had failed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the tire was taken to the local dealer regarding slight bulging on the sidewalls, but the contact was informed that the tires were safe for driving. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a three-second delay before the brakes would respond. Additionally, the brake pedal was difficult to depress, creating an extended stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who adjusted the brake stroke sensor and recalibrated the braking system; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to a second dealer who bled the brake lines, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,800. The VIN was not available.
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-12
- Components: VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that the passenger's side rearview mirror detached and the rear liftgate door inadvertently opened while parked in the garage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000. The VIN was unavailable.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 5TDKRKEC9MS
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,SEATS
- Summary: HEADLINER CUT TOO LARGE, DOESN'T HOLD REAR PASSENGER CLIMATE CONTROLS, CLIMATE CONTROLS FALL OUT AND HIT REAR PASSENGERS. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-13
- VIN: 5TDJRKEC2MS
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE 2021 SIENNA XLE PLUS AND ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE DID NOT INCLUDE A DIGITAL REAR VIEW MIRROR IN THIS TRIM LEVEL. THE NEW SIENNA IS A BRAND NEW MODEL WITH A MASSIVE DESIGN FLAW, A HUGE TV WITH ZERO VISIBILITY OUT THE REAR OF CAR. IT'S UNSAFE. MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT TEST DRIVE WITH THE TV DOWN TO SEE THE SAFETY ISSUE. WE DIDN'T REALIZE IT TILL KIDS PUT THE TV DOWN DAY LATER. SEEMS TO HAVE SADLY MADE IT THROUGH QUALITY CONTROL PROCESS AT TOYOTA. YOU CAN NOT SEE CARS RIGHT UP ON YOU AT STOP SIGNS, CARS APPROACHING ETC IT NEEDS A SAFETY RECALL AND A MODIFICATION.WE HAVE HAD CAR FOR 3 WEEKS.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-01
- VIN: 5TDJRKEC8MS
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I FOUND A BIG DESIGN FLAW IN OUR NEW MINIVAN. WHEN MY KIDS ARE USING THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM, THE SCREEN BLOCK THE DRIVER REAR MIRROR LINE OF SIGHT. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING AROUND IF I CAN'T HAVE BACK AND FORTH VISIBILITY FROM THE DRIVER SEAT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA DIDN'T MAKE THE DIGITAL REARVIEW MIRROR STANDARD IN ALL THE TRIMS EQUIPPED WITH REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. THE LACK OF REAR VISIBILITY FROM THE DRIVER CAN PUT AT RISK THE LIFE OF ALL THE PASSENGERS. I TRIED CONTACT THE DEALER AND TOYOTA DIRECTLY BUT I'M NOT GETTING A RESOLUTION. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW! TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL THE MINIVANS WITH REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND NO DIGITAL REARVIEW MIRROR.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-01
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA SIENNA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-17
- VIN: 5TDJRKECXMS
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 2021 SIENNA XLE WITH PLUS PACKAGE AND REAR ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE. WHEN REAR SCREEN DOWN (IN USE) THE ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN BLOCK THE WHOLE REAR MIRROR. WE UNABLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN BEHIND. TOYOTA SHOULD INSTALL DIGITAL REAR VIEW MIRROR IF CAR COME WITH RES. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WE EITHER WATCH NOT DRIVE OR DRIVE NOT WATCH WE CANNOT DO BOTH BECAUSE SAFETY ISSUE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-25
- VIN: 5TDJSKFC6MS
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THIRD BRAKE LIGHT CONDITION POOR VISABILITY TO OPERATOR ( REAR WINDOW) WHEN BRAKE IS ACTIVATED IN LOW OR DARK LIGHTING CONDITION(S) THERE IS REFLECTION OFF GLASS AND REAR DEFROST ELEMENT(S) WHICH CAUSE LIMITED REAR VISABILITY OUT OF REAR WINDOW GLASS.
2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 2, 2024. A second notice will be mailed once the remedy is available. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid problems:
Common Toyota Sienna Hybrid Problems: Battery, Repair & More
Jul 15, 2023 ... You're right, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid LE is a very reliable minivan. It has a predicted reliability score of 74 out of 100 from U.S., ...
Recurring issues with 2021 Sienna for 6+ months, seeking help ...
Feb 13, 2023 ... My wife and I bought a brand new 2021 Toyota Sienna in July 2021 and have had constant problems since September 2022 and are looking for ...
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May 22, 2023 ... We have an issue that has shown up a few times, but doesn't seem incredibly common, so I wanted to share our experience.
2022 toyota Sienna issues so far : r/ToyotaSienna
Dec 27, 2022 ... I've had my 2022 for a year now. Yes the 12 Volt battery is a known issue in cold climates. It's undersized for the Sienna (its a Camry/Rav4/ ...
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