Toyota Sienna Common Problems

SEATS

Owners report issues with the 2025 Toyota Sienna's second-row seats, particularly related to improper welds that have led to a safety recall. Complaints frequently mention that parts for the recall repair are unavailable, with some vehicles being out of service for over 60 days. Symptoms described include loose seating, abnormal vibrations, and rattling noises, with some owners noting these issues as early as 200 to 6,542 miles. Safety implications include concerns about the seats being unsafe in high-speed collisions, potentially leading to ejection. Buyers should be aware that the recall remedy is pending, and the vehicle may be unsuitable for families needing full seating capacity.

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report that the 2023 Toyota Sienna experiences issues with the braking system, primarily involving a sudden disengagement of brakes during deceleration. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle lurches forward unexpectedly, often when braking on uneven surfaces, downhill, or while turning, requiring drivers to apply additional brake pressure. This issue is described as intermittent and difficult to replicate during dealership inspections, with some owners noting it has been present since purchase. The problem is reported across various mileage ranges, with some vehicles experiencing it as early as 20,000 miles. Safety implications include near-miss collisions and one reported crash, highlighting a potential risk of loss of control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports and consider the potential for unexpected braking behavior when evaluating this vehicle.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna frequently report transmission issues, with common symptoms including a whining sound, hesitation during acceleration, and delayed downshifting. Several complaints indicate these problems often occur around or after 89,000 to 132,000 miles. Some owners describe warning lights and messages prompting immediate service, with diagnoses often pointing to transmission failure or solenoid issues. Safety concerns are noted, as hesitation and delayed acceleration can pose risks during merging or navigating intersections. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these issues, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2023 Toyota Sienna frequently report issues with the rear entertainment system obstructing the view through the rearview mirror, which poses a visibility hazard. Complaints also describe incidents of unintended acceleration, sometimes resulting in crashes, with some owners noting this occurs while parking or maneuvering at low speeds. Additional issues include reports of sunroofs spontaneously shattering while driving, and sporadic problems with the tire pressure monitoring system and key fob connectivity. These complaints often arise in vehicles with mileage as low as 0 miles, indicating potential concerns even in new models. Safety implications are significant, with three reported crashes linked to unexpected vehicle movement or acceleration.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2025 Toyota Sienna, primarily related to safety recalls and water leaks. Multiple complaints highlight unresolved safety recalls that restrict the use of second-row seating, affecting families who rely on these seats for child passengers. Water leaks through the moonroof and sunroof are frequently mentioned, with some owners noting persistent leakage even after attempted repairs. Additionally, there are reports of sliding door noise due to roller issues and a sunroof that unexpectedly exploded while driving. Safety implications are noted in the form of restricted seating use and potential electrical hazards from leaks, though no crashes or injuries are reported. These issues appear soon after purchase, with no specific mileage range mentioned.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2024 Toyota Sienna report several issues, with a notable number of complaints about the sunroof unexpectedly exploding, described as a loud pop or sound similar to a gunshot. Additionally, there are instances of sudden acceleration during braking, particularly when driving downhill, and a concerning report of the vehicle stalling and losing power on the freeway, accompanied by warning messages about charge and fluid. Some owners also mention problems with the vehicle's gear recognition, affecting the operation of power side doors and the rear tailgate. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to acceleration issues, stalling in traffic, and the risk of injury from the sunroof glass. These issues occur at various mileage ranges and timeframes, with no clear pattern in the reported timelines.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna frequently report issues with the vehicle's sliding doors, including broken cables and doors that do not stay open, posing potential safety concerns for passengers. Complaints also mention significant problems with the vehicle's performance, such as struggling on inclines and poor acceleration, which could lead to rear-end collisions. Additionally, there are reports of abrupt stops due to the Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunctioning, which resulted in an injury. Some owners also describe issues with the rear heating unit causing excessive heat in the third-row seating area. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges, and buyers should be aware of these potential safety and usability concerns.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

AIR BAGS

Owners report issues related to a recall for the air bags in the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, specifically mentioning that the parts required for the recall repair are not available. Complaints frequently mention that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the necessary parts for the repair. In these reports, no actual air bag failures are described, and there are no mentions of crashes, fires, or loss of control. One owner notes that the SRS warning light is illuminated, but no other symptoms are reported. This information may be useful for potential buyers to understand the current status of recall repairs and the availability of parts.