Perfect for driving the junior sports team from game to game, the Toyota Sienna is a family-friendly van with plenty of space. While generally very reliable, this vehicle has had a few recalls and issues over the past decade.

Toyota Sienna Problems

The Toyota Sienna was not involved in either the Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall or the Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Recall in 2009. The list below is not comprehensive, but addresses several of the largest issues from the past ten years. You can look up any recall notices for your vehicle by visiting Toyota’s recall website.

2004 – 2010 Melting Dashboard

Some Sienna models may experience a ‘melting dashboard’. When exposed to the sun for prolonged amounts of time, the dashboard may produce a sticky goo.

There is no current recall notice for this issue. Drivers in hot or sunny climates may find it helpful to purchase a sun shade for their vehicle’s front window.

1998 – 2011 Sienna Spare Tire Cable Corrosion

The spare tire on Siennas is located underneath the vehicle carriage. Toyota Siennas which were originally sold in cold climates, including Michigan, Connecticut, New York, etc,. are regularly exposed to salt from the roads during the winter. As a result, the cable connecting the spare tire to the vehicle is at risk for corrosion and detachment, leading to a greater risk of an accident.

The recall for this issue resolved the issue by removing the spare tire from beneath the vehicle and relocating it to the luggage compartment.

2004 – 2005 Engine

Certain Sienna models equipped with 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engines may have an insufficient amount of adhesive applied to the crankshaft pulley’s outer ring and torsional rubber dampener. In some cases, the inner and outer rings can become misaligned and cause noise or a battery discharge warning lamp. In other cases, the power steering pump’s belt may detach from the pulley, leading to a loss of power steering.

This recall notice resolved the issue by replacing the crankshaft pulley.

2004 – 2005 and 2007 – 2009 Automatic Transmission

Sienna vehicles from 2004 – 2005 and 2007 – 2009 may have issues with the shift lever assembly so that it is possible that a parked vehicle could be moved into gear without depressing the brake pedal. This could result in potential rollaway issues.

The recall notice for this issue was resolved by replacing the solenoid shift lock in affected vehicles.

2013 Airbag Sensor

Certain vehicles with seat modifications by SET (Southeast Toyota Distributors), including leather seat covers and seat heaters, may not have had their occupant sensing system properly tested or recalibrated after installation. If these systems are not properly calibrated, the air bag may deploy at an improper rate for the passenger’s size and position.

The recall addresses the issue by testing potentially affected vehicle’s seat calibration, and adjusting the sensors if necessary.

2014 Automatic Transmission

The transmission shift cable in several 2014 Sienna vans may have a damaged protective cable sleeve. This can result in the control cable to separate when selecting gears, thus leading to the selected gear not matching the actual gear. The vehicle may wind up moving in an unintended direction, or roll away when in Park.

This recall notice fixes the issue by replacing the faulty transmission shift control cable.

2014 Fuel System

Toyota Siennas equipped with the 2GR-FE, 3.5-liter V6 engine are at risk of a possible fuel leak. The issue manifests itself in the insufficient welding on the end cap of one of the fuel delivery pipes. Fuel may leak from the pipe, and if in proximity of an ignition, could result in a vehicle fire.

The recall  notice for this issue replaces the faulty fuel delivery pipe.

2015 2nd Row Overhead Grips

This issue affects Siennas equipped with overhead grips on the 2nd row of seats. In the event of a crash where the side curtain airbags are deployed, the overhead grips may detach and strike vehicle occupants.

This issue is resolved by adjusting the headliner near the overhead grips on the 2nd row.

T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta is the premier auto repair shop for high quality and affordable repairs on Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infinity vehicles. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced to provide the best possible service for your vehicle.

Our locations in Smyrna and Decatur are very convenient to the Atlanta area. With more than 18 years’ experience, we can provide vehicle services for general maintenance as well as in-depth repairs!