1996 Toyota Sienna problems

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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.

1996 Toyota Sienna

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Common 1996 Toyota Sienna problems

The Toyota Sienna 1996 has been reported to have several common problems, including engine misfires and issues with the check engine light.

Engine misfires are a common issue in the Toyota Sienna 1996, which can be caused by worn spark plugs, a weak fuel injector, or a vacuum leak.

Another common problem in the Toyota Sienna 1996 is the check engine light coming on, which can indicate various issues with the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system.

If the check engine light is on and there is a noticeable performance issue, the vehicle may have automatically entered a "limp-mode" to prevent further damage.

The most common causes of a check engine light in the Toyota Sienna 1996 include a loose gas cap, a failing catalytic converter, fouled spark plugs or spark plug wires, a faulty oxygen sensor, and a faulty mass air flow sensor.

In summary, the Toyota Sienna 1996 has several common problems, including engine misfires and issues with the check engine light. These problems can impact fuel efficiency, performance, and even prevent the engine from running altogether. It's essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the vehicle's longevity.

1996 Toyota Sienna engine

What is the major problem of Toyota Sienna?

According to RepairPal, issues regarding the minivan's electric sliding doors are among the most common issues that Toyota Sienna owners encounter regardless of the model year. Most owners reported that the problem was caused by a frayed or damaged door cable.

What year was the best Toyota Sienna made?

2004 And 2005 Toyota Sienna

We will skip right over the first-generation model, as those were the best Sienna years.

How long do Sienna engines last?

We discussed that the Toyota Sienna lasts around 200,000 miles. Based on that number, it's safe to say anything around or over 150,000 miles is considered high mileage for this minivan. Once the Toyota Sienna reaches that number, it's very close to hitting a point where serious errors will make themselves known.

Is a Toyota Sienna a reliable vehicle?

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 is the major problem of Toyota Sienna?

According to RepairPal, issues regarding the minivan's electric sliding doors are among the most common issues that Toyota Sienna owners encounter regardless of the model year. Most owners reported that the problem was caused by a frayed or damaged door cable.

Is the Toyota Sienna a good car?

The Sienna rides comfortably, but handling is uninspiring and stopping distances are long. The infotainment touchscreen is easy to use, though some controls are a far reach away from the driver. The cavernous interior has ample storage cubbies, seven USB ports, and second-row sunshades.

What year was the best Toyota Sienna made?

2004 And 2005 Toyota Sienna

We will skip right over the first-generation model, as those were the best Sienna years.

How long do Sienna engines last?

We discussed that the Toyota Sienna lasts around 200,000 miles. Based on that number, it's safe to say anything around or over 150,000 miles is considered high mileage for this minivan. Once the Toyota Sienna reaches that number, it's very close to hitting a point where serious errors will make themselves known.

1996 Toyota Sienna car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Sienna problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Toyota Sienna vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Toyota Sienna complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Toyota Sienna.

2017-01-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-12-21
  • VIN: 5TDZA22C86S
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING CONTINUALLY WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSTIC CODES B0111 AND B 0116 OPEN INSIDE SQUIB AIRBAGS. REPLACE SIDE AIRBAG SQUIBS COST PARTS AND LABOR $677 PLUS TAX
2003-03-24

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-18
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE/DISENGAGED, WHILE DRIVING. *TS *JB
2000-01-31

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FMDU32X9TZ
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE ELECTRIC SLIDING DOOR ON THIS MINIVAN IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS FOR TWO REASONS. THE FIRST IS THAT IT TAKES A GREAT DEAL OF RESISTANCE BEFORE THE DOOR WILL REVERSE WHEN IT ENCOUNTERS AN OBJECT. THAT OBJECT, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HAS BEEN A CHILD GETTING IN OR OUT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL BRUISES, BUT THE REAL CONCERN IS THAT A SMALLER CHILD WOULD BE CRUSHED, OR THE NECK OR LIMB OF A LARGER CHILD WOULD BE EASILY BROKEN. I AM AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN AND CAN ATTEST TO THIS FACT. THE SECOND DANGER POINT IS THAT THE DOOR OPERATES FROM A KEYCHAIN REMOTE. IF THE REMOTE IS BUMPED, DROPPED, OR LIGHTLY PRESSED (AS WHEN IN A POCKET), THE DOOR WILL EITHER OPEN OR CLOSE. THIS OFTEN OCCURS WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHER PASSENGERS ARE IN THE DOORWAY, AND HAS ALREADY RESULTED IN SEVERAL CRUSH INJURIES. THIS IS A DEADLY COMBINATION OF DESIGN FLAWS (I.E. A HAIR-TRIGGER ON A GUILLOTINE) THAT MOST ASSUREDLY WILL CAUSE A DISASTER. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER AND WITH THEIR NATIONAL OFFICE, AND THEY BOTH TOLD ME THAT "THEY HAVEN'T HAD ANOTHER COMPLAINT SO I MUST BE WORRYING ABOUT NOTHING." THE DEALER, HOWEVER, WAS SURPRISED WHEN I DEMONSTRATED HOW MUCH FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO REVERSE THE DOOR. THIS PROBLEM MUST BE INVESTIGATED. IN THE MEANTIME, WE HAVE DEACTIVATED THIS DANGEROUS HAZARD. *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Toyota Sienna problems:

Most common problems? | Toyota Sienna Forum - siennachat.com
Most common problems? | Toyota Sienna Forum - siennachat.com
https://www.siennachat.com/threads/most-common-problems.6414/

Dec 18, 2012 ... What kind of common problems might have have with a 2004 Sienna? I'd like to know what kind of problems I might be getting myself into. Please ...

Common problem - screeching noise at startup... | Toyota Nation ...
Common problem - screeching noise at startup... | Toyota Nation ...
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/common-problem-screeching-noise-at-startup.322589/

Nov 25, 2009 ... Thanks! See less See more. 1996 Toyota Camry LE 2.2 - 139xxx 162xxx 2000 Toyota Sienna XLE 3.0 - 82xxx 104xxx ... Could anyone tell me what the ...

Specific Problems to Look for in 2007 or 2008 Siennas? | Toyota ...
Specific Problems to Look for in 2007 or 2008 Siennas? | Toyota ...
https://www.siennachat.com/threads/specific-problems-to-look-for-in-2007-or-2008-siennas.2790/

Nov 5, 2010 ... Toyota Sienna Forum - siennachat.com. in this ... So what common problems are there with the ... 96 LED rear storage light. Save Share. Like.

Common 2003 Toyota Sienna Problems: Q&A for Sienna CE ...
Common 2003 Toyota Sienna Problems: Q&A for Sienna CE ...
https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/8jwcf-toyota-sienna-ce-own-2003-toyota-sienna-check-engine.html

Jul 13, 2014 ... I own a 2003 Toyota Sienna with check engine light problem. The previous owner replaced the rear O2 sensor. Problem - Answered by a verified ...

Sienna V. Odyssey | Honda Odyssey Forum
Sienna V. Odyssey | Honda Odyssey Forum
https://www.odyclub.com/threads/sienna-v-odyssey.37014/

Jan 27, 2007 ... i can't answer your odyssey questions but i own a 2004 Toyota sienna XLE limited AWD and its treated my family well,51,000 miles of no problems ...

Other years of Toyota Sienna

toyota sienna 1997 photo
Sienna 1997
Toyota

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sienna 1998 photo
Sienna 1998
Toyota

315

3

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sienna 1999 photo
Sienna 1999
Toyota

218

3

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sienna 2000 photo
Sienna 2000
Toyota

381

1

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sienna 2001 photo
Sienna 2001
Toyota

190

2

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota sienna 2002 photo
Sienna 2002
Toyota

206

1

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1996 Toyota Sienna photo