2003 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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Common 2003 Toyota Sienna problems
The 2003 Toyota Sienna, a popular minivan, has had its share of common problems reported by owners. These issues are primarily related to engine, transmission, and interior components.
- Cracking dashboard: A common complaint among Sienna owners is the dashboard's tendency to crack. This issue is not only unsightly but can also cost thousands of dollars to fix by replacing the dashboard entirely.
- Transmission failure: Older Toyota Siennas, including the 2003 model, are relatively prone to transmission failure at around 78,000 miles. This problem is characterized by an increase in RPM without a corresponding increase in speed. A potential fix for this issue is to replace the transmission system, which can cost over $3,000.
- Power door issues: The 2003 Sienna may experience power door failures, which can pose a significant safety risk. This problem may be caused by damaged door cables.
- Oil sludge in engines: A class-action engine-sludge suit was settled in 2007, which covered an estimated 2.5-million Toyota and Lexus vehicles made between 1997 and 2002. The 2003 Sienna, being part of the first generation, was affected by this issue. The lawsuit resulted in Toyota agreeing to repair 'sludged-up' engines for up to eight years from the time of the settlement.
- Melting dashboards: Toyota dashboards have been known to melt under the heat of the sun, leading to the extrusion of a strange, goo-like substance. This issue has resulted in lawsuits and a warranty extension by Toyota to cover the replacement of the affected dashboards.
These common problems should be taken into consideration when purchasing a used 2003 Toyota Sienna. It is important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consider any potential repair costs associated with these issues.
Is 2003 Toyota Sienna reliable?
With the Sienna, Toyota has placed an emphasis on safety, quality and performance. Furthermore, this minivan has an excellent reputation for reliability, strong predicted resale value and a smooth powertrain.
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.
How many miles can a 2003 Toyota Sienna 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.
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.
Is 2003 Toyota Sienna reliable?
With the Sienna, Toyota has placed an emphasis on safety, quality and performance. Furthermore, this minivan has an excellent reputation for reliability, strong predicted resale value and a smooth powertrain.
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.
How many miles can a 2003 Toyota Sienna 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.
What engine is in a 2003 Toyota Sienna?
Used 2003 Toyota Sienna - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 3.0 L |
| Cylinders | V6 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 210 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
2003 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:
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Toyota Sienna vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Toyota Sienna
The NHTSA has received 115 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Sienna. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Toyota Sienna vehicles.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4T3ZF19C13U
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A plug-in battery charger failed. You may inspect it. It got hot and smoked, and I suppose was a fire hazard. The problem has not been confirmed nor inspected. There were no symptoms of the problem before the failure. - - - - I used the automotive charger to charge a battery after a light had been on overnight, discharging the battery. I removed the battery from the vehicle because the terminals might have been corroded. When I first put the charger on the battery it indicated full and did not start to recharge it, so I used jumper cables to charge the discharged battery from a good battery in my car and left the charger at 10 amps on the good battery at the same time so that battery would not become discharged. I left it to sit, figuring it would take several hours at that setting, and after about 5 minutes I saw smoke. Both 12v wires were hot and insulation burned or melted off. There is damage to the car where the wires rested on the painted plastic bumper and a plastic bit near the battery, and of course the charger is useless. I wrote to the manufacturer on March 28 to make them aware, and ask how to avoid it in the future, and ask if it can be repaired. I have not heard back. - - - - The user manual for this product is at http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/60000-60999/60653.pdf The current year model of this product is at https://www.harborfreight.com/10250a-12v-manual-charger-with-engine-start-60581.html - - - - The charger is sold by Harbor Freight Tools under the Cen-Tech brand.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVED IN CAR BEING AIRBORNE AND ROLLING OVER. CAR WAS TOTALED. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAR WENT THROUGH 50 FOOT OF CORNFIELD AND LANDED ON THE ROOF. WINDOWS WERE ALL COLLAPSED DOOR RIPPED OFF ITS HINGES. I HAVE PICTURES ON MY PHONE I CAN PRINT AND GET TO YOU.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C83U
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: MVA - OTHER PARTY REAR-ENDED US AT 35-40 MILES/HR. WHILE WE WERE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BACKS BROKE. OUR VEHICLE WAS TOTALED , OTHER VEHICLE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . APPEARED TO BE MINIMAL DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLE. PICTURES OF BOTH VEHICLES AVAILABLE
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-03
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY CABLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V160000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE RECALL PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-07
- VIN: 4T3ZF19C73U
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE TOYOTA SIENNA'S GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN AND REMAINS INTERMITTENTLY STICKY. IT TAKES SOME FOOT STOMPING TO DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WHEN I QUESTIONED THEM A FEW YEARS AGO. *TR
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-12
- VIN: 4T3ZF13CX3U
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR WINDOW AT DRIVER SIDE STARTED TO LOOSE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. AT THE BEGINNING, IT MADE NOISE WHEN OPEN THE REAR WINDOW. SO WE KEPT IT CLOSED ALL THE TIME. BUT GRADUALLY, IT IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. NOW EVEN WITH THE WINDOW CLOSED, THE WINDOW STILL SHAKES AND MAKES NOISES, SOUNDS LIKE THE WINDOW GLASS WILL DROP AT TIME. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C43U
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 3/13/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT FIND ANYTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD BACK TO THE DEALER. UPDATED 04/09/2013 *JS
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-18
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C83U
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WAS LOCKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE WHEELS WOULD SEIZE AT TIMES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR A DIAGNOSIS, HOWEVER THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,618.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-31
- VIN: 5TDZA23C14S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: JULY 31, 2009 THIS WAS THE STATE OF THE CAR: DRIVER SIDE DOOR MAKES A POPPING NOISE. AUTOMATIC PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IS NOT SMOOTH WHEN OPENING. FEB 2, 2012: THE DRIVER SIDE POPPING NOISE HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE. THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR NO LONGER WORKS. *KB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-02
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C83U
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR STARTED MAKING LOUD CLICKING SOUNDS WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING DOORS BACK IN MAY OF LAST YEAR. THEN ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE FULLY AND WOULD ONLY OPEN UP A FEW INCHES. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO OPEN UP, I NOTICED THE DOOR WELD HAD SNAPPED AND BROKEN OFF (WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE DOOR). I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SIENNAS AND THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH NOT FOR MY YEAR. FROM WHAT I'VE READ, DOOR WELDS ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO BREAK OFF ON DOOR AND THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE CARE OF. *TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-01
- VIN: 4T3ZF19C63U
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A RECURRING FAILURE IN THE PAST IN WHICH BOTH REAR DOORS WOULD EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY LOCKING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-04
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C33U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK AND WHEN THE VEHICLE EXCEEDS 30-40 MPH, IT SLOWS DOWN AND THE ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE SENSORS FOR THE COMPUTER, BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-01
- VIN: 4T3ZF19C73U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SOME TIMES WHEN AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS HARD TO PUSH(GO). *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-09
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C63U
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THE SLIDING REAR DOORS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY AND OCCASIONALLY THE REAR DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN OR CLOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-17
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C03U
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA WITH TOYO EXTENSA TIRES, TIRE SIZE 215/65/15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT AN OBJECT PUNCTURED THE TIRE AND A PATCH WAS USED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THREE MONTHS LATER THE SAME TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AGAIN BY A SMALL ROCK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,800.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-08
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C23U
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WE HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA MINIVAN. THE DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATIC DOOR NOW WILL NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY. I HAVE A DAUGHTER WHO IS HANDICAPPED AND THIS IS THE EASIEST DOOR TO PUT HER IN THE CAR, SO AS OF RIGHT NOW THE CAR THAT HOLDS HER WHEELCHAIR IS COMPLETELY USELESS TO US. TOYOTA HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO HELP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IS SHE WAS IN THE CAR AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND WE COULD NOT GET HER OUT???? *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-03
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT WENT THROUGH THE CONTACT'S GARAGE AND INTO THEIR LIVING ROOM. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-04
- VIN: 5TDZA23C34S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BOTH OF THE REAR DOORS IN MY TOYOTA SIENA WILL NOT OPEN FROM EITHER SIDE. TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN AM EMERGENCY PEOPLE HAVE TO CLIMB OVER TO THE FRONT SEATS. *TR
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-05
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE HANDLE ON THE LIFT GATE FOR MY 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA BROKE OFF RIGHT IN MY HAND. THE GATE REMAINS LOCKED AND UNABLE TO OPEN IT. *TR
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-13
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: BROKEN CABLE FOR SLIDING DOOR OF MY 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-06
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C93U
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM OPENING OR CLOSING THE TRUNK DOOR OF MY 2003 SIENNA VAN. SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASE MY SIENNA IN 2007, I DID NOTICE THE TRUNK HANDLE, WHICH IS COVERED FROM ALL ELEMENTS, WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. TO SEE THE CORROSION YOU MUST GET ON YOUR KNEE AND LOOK UP PAST THE LICENSE PLATE OR OPEN THE TRUNK DOOR AND LOOK UP INTO THIS SAME GROOVE.. I INFORMED THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER ABOUT THE CORROSION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANT AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS NOT A PROBLEM THAT WAS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. AFTER A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE ON LABOR DAY, THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN. I HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE REAR SEAT TO UNLOAD THE VAN. WHEN I CONTACTED TOYOTA I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THAT PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE COST OF THE REPAIR. HOW CAN THAT PART BE TOTALLY CORRODED THE WAY IT IS COVER? *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-09
- VIN: 4T3ZF19C13U
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA XE. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V160000 (STRUCTURE). THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REMEDY REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE CONTACT'S WORK HOURS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER SHOULD PROVIDE A FREE RENTAL VEHICLE DURING THE TIME OF THE RECALL REPAIR. THERE WAS NO FAILURE RELATED TO THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT.
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: OPENED TAIL GATE ON 03 TOYOTA SIENNA VAN. REACHED IN TO GET SOMETHING AND GATE SUDDENLY CAME DOWN STRIKING ME ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD CAUSING A CONCUSSION. GAS STRUTS WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $300. OLD PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T3ZF19CX3U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE I WAS FULLY STOPPED, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA UNEXPECTEDLY AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-02
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA,WHEEL BROKE LOOSE FROM VEHICLE. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE WHEEL BROKE FROM THE LUGS. ROTOR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0221-91. *JB
2003 Toyota Sienna recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Toyota Sienna.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2010 SIENNA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 7, 1997 AND JANUARY 4, 2010, CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THE COLD CLIMATE REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS FREQUENTLY USED, WATER SPLASHED BACKWARDS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT CAN REACH THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND CORRODE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY CABLE.
- Consequence: THE CABLE MAY BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND THE SPARE TIRE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS WITH AN INTERIM LETTER INITIALLY INSTRUCTING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AUTHORIZED DEALERS TO INSPECT FOR CORROSION. A SECOND NOTICE WILL BE SENT WHEN THE PERMANENT REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE TOYOTA'S AMENDED RECALL REPORT OF JULY 19, 2010. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OCTOBER 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Negative 2003 Toyota Sienna car reviews
Positive 2003 Toyota Sienna car reviews
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We recently upgraded from our trusty 1995 Camry to a spacious Sienna to accommodate my wife and two kids. While we initially considered the Honda Odyssey, we ultimately went with the Sienna due to its attractive '03 Symphony model and reasonable pricing. Although we experienced some minor issues such as brake squeal and worn-out tires, the car has been generally reliable. However, we did encounter a noise in the steering and a power door that got stuck open, and more recently, an oil leak at 35k miles. Despite these setbacks, we remain satisfied with our purchase and appreciate the convenience and comfort it provides for our family.
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This is the second Sienna I have owned, and I absolutely love it! It is comfortable, easily holds 7 people and rear cargo, and is pretty economical on gas. WOW, does it go! I love the way it drives like a car. The only thing I really don't like is there is a serious blind spot on the right rear side, but I have learned to compensate for it. Also, I wish the paint was more durable. I travel for my business and absolutely cannot afford to have my car in the shop. I have owned a Dodge Caravan (loved it but went through 2 transmissions after relatively few miles) and a Ford Windstar, again transmissions, and it was a lumbering gas hog! Not a mi
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Great minivan! It's so easy to live with and drives smoothly and solidly.
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You won't find one better!
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I bought this van 4 months ago and I absolutely love it! My previous vehicle, a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, was nothing but trouble. I had to spend $3000.00 on a new transmission, radiator, electric system, and brake system, just to start. Despite having only 60,000 miles on it, I had to get rid of it when I was told the whole front end was going! However, I have owned Toyotas before and they are the best vehicles on the road. You will not regret buying a Sienna. I researched all the other minivans for reliability, features, price, and customer reviews, and the Sienna beats them all by far. I will never buy anything else!!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Sienna problems:
2003 Toyota Sienna Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Toyota Sienna? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Toyota Sienna.
1st Generation (1998-2003) Sienna Problems
Jan 21, 2015 ... Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 47th out of 81 Toyota generations in overall reliability , with some engine and exterior concerns.
Common 2003 Toyota Sienna Problems: Q&A for Sienna CE ...
Jul 13, 2014 ... Make sure there are no current cylinder misfires. Make sure there are no leaks in the exhaust system. Which, if there were, you should be able ...
How long will a 1st gen last? | Toyota Sienna Forum - siennachat.com
Mar 13, 2011 ... Generation 1 Sienna (1998-2003) · General ... What are the common problems I need to look out for? ... Toyota engine is pretty strong. As long as it ...
Common Problems for 1st Gen Siennas | Toyota Nation Forum
Nov 21, 2010 ... I have a "new to me" 2003. I recommend you subscribe to Alldatadiy to get access to OEM type documentation. Also, register your Sienna on the ...
Other years of Toyota Sienna
Are you having problems with your 2003 Toyota Sienna?
Darien Reichert 2025-01-03
I purchased my 2003 Sienna used from a dealer with high expectations, having previously owned and loved the quality of a Camry. However, within the first year, the engine light came on and I had to spend over $400 to fix an issue with the emission system. To my dismay, a year later, the engine light came on again, this time requiring repairs to the rear air-fuel ratio sensor, downstream oxygen sensor, and lower catalytic converter, which cost me $1197.62. As a loyal Toyota customer, I was extremely disappointed with these issues and will consider other brands, such as Honda, in the future.
Filiberto O'Kon 2024-11-03
For a Toyota brand name, I am disappointed with the build quality, such as speakers falling off, rattling noise from windows, and problems with the rear defroster. However, the driving experience is good.
Willard Konopelski 2024-07-02
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Toyota van. I've had it for a while now, and unfortunately, I've had a few issues with it. At 50K miles, the rear main engine seal needed to be replaced, which was a major job. And now, at 66K miles, the engine oil light is on. It looks like it will be in the shop for a while, and at minimum, it will need a new oil pump, which is around $800. There's a chance it may even need an entirely new engine! I'm a bit disappointed, as I expected more from Toyota. However, I'm hopeful that the repairs will be done soon and that my van will be back on the road. Thanks for listening!
Adan Senger 2024-03-05
Despite the high praise I had read in reviews, the Sienna has unfortunately fallen short of my expectations. In comparison to my older 1996 Grand Caravan, I have not found it to be significantly better.
Gregory Kassulke 2024-01-06
I am disappointed in Toyota's recent build quality. The front brakes started squealing after only 7K miles, the sliding door rattles at 6K miles, and the A/C vent fell off at 5K miles. The car also pulls to the left, and the transmission hunts for gears and lunges. Additionally, the 3.0L V6 engine lacks low-end torque, which makes it uncomfortable to drive as it needs to be revved high all the time to keep up with traffic. I replaced the NOISY Firestone OEM tires with Yokohamas, which improved the ride quality. However, there are fears of oil gelling/sludging in this infamous V6. Despite these issues, I am confident that Toyota will address them and continue to produce reliable and high-quality vehicles.