2021 Toyota Redundant Sienna

This complaint is submitted to supplement and clarify a prior NHTSA submission regarding Safety Recall 23TA15 for VIN [XXX] . The prior submission was brief and did not fully capture the timeline and circumstances described below. I purchased a 2021 Toyota Sienna (VIN [XXX] ) from Avondale Toyota on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, I was not informed of any active or pending safety recall affecting the vehicle. After returning from Arizona to San Diego with my family, I attempted to list the vehicle on a rental platform on December 26, 2026. At that time, the platform flagged the VIN as having an active safety recall (Safety Recall 23TA15) and prevented the listing. This was the first time I became aware that the vehicle was subject to a safety recall. Despite multiple attempts to obtain clarification from Toyota Brand Engagement regarding the VIN-specific recall activation date, Toyota declined or failed to provide written confirmation. Whether the recall was active prior to the sale or applied shortly thereafter, the vehicle was placed into use without proper disclosure, warning, remedy, or guidance. As a result, my family and I unknowingly operated the vehicle, including interstate travel from Arizona to San Diego, without awareness of a potential safety risk. Had appropriate disclosure or timely notification been provided, I would not have used the vehicle or exposed my family to potential harm. In addition, the recall rendered the vehicle unavailable for its intended business use, resulting in loss of use and financial impact while the remedy was unavailable. I am submitting this supplemental complaint to ensure the full timeline, safety exposure, and lack of disclosure related to Safety Recall 23TA15 are accurately documented. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11715699

Incident

Dec 24, 2025

Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Recall 23TA15 | VIN [XXX] Hello, I am submitting a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding Safety Recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Sienna (VIN [XXX] ). Please find my detailed complaint and supporting documentation attached. This matter involves lack of disclosure and/or delayed notification of a safety recall, resulting in family safety exposure and loss of use. Thank you for your review and assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11715682

Incident

Dec 24, 2025

I was driving my Toyota Sienna on a busy 6 lane highway in the second to the left lane, on a bridge. Suddenly without any warning AT ALL, my vehicle lost all power and came to an abrupt halt in the middle of high speed traffic. My wife and children were all in the car and we were in imminent danger of getting hit by another vehicle. It took the police approximately 10 minutes to arrive during which we were in life threatening danger. After the vehicle stopped a message on the dashboard read Hybrid System Failure. The police tried to push our vehicle to a safe spot but the wheels wouldn't turn and the car had to be towed. Upon inspection by the mechanic it appears that there is a broken shaft in the transmission that may have caused this problem. I want to emphasize that there was NO WARNING at all and we did not have a chance to move to safety.

NHTSA ID

11715113

Incident

Jan 27, 2026

I turned on my minivan to drive my kids to school when I heard a sudden loud metal shredding/knocking and shut my van off. All maintenance was performed regularly on the van and no lights were on. I have a hole in my engine block now caused by a thrown rod, and no mechanic can explain why this happened. Oil was in good condition, and nothing indicated this should have happened.

NHTSA ID

11712404

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

I purchased a 2021 Toyota Sienna from United Access Mobility in Sacramento. The vehicle was sold and delivered with multiple serious pre-existing safety defects. The exhaust system was unsafe. The catalytic converter had been stolen prior to sale and replaced with a non-OEM catalytic converter that was improperly welded and mounted too low. This caused exhaust leaks, loud exhaust noise, poor acceleration, and safety concerns including potential exhaust exposure. Multiple professional repair facilities confirmed the exhaust system defect. The electrical system was defective. The vehicle was sold with the wrong size battery that was not properly secured. This caused electrical instability, warning lights, and vehicle failure. The battery was not adequately supporting the vehicle’s electrical system. The airbag and restraint system showed warnings caused by third-party wiring, indicating potential airbag or seatbelt malfunction. The fuel system was defective. The gas cap was broken and required tools to refuel the vehicle. Structural and body components were unsafe. A bumper bracket was loose and flapped while driving, and the passenger seat was unstable. Accessibility systems were also defective, including lift and door malfunctions affecting safe operation. United Access was notified immediately but did not correct these safety defects. Instead, they attempted to have the vehicle repaired using an extended warranty for pre-existing conditions. The vehicle was not safe to operate at the time of sale.

NHTSA ID

11711719

Incident

Jul 29, 2024

The driver’s side door mirror shakes when going down the road. The image in the mirror becomes shaky. The passenger side is fine, this is only on the driver side. I have brought this into the dealer, but they said it is normal. In 30+ years of driving cars, I have never had a car mirror do this.

NHTSA ID

11706330

Incident

Sep 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna. 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 air bag sensor turned off and failed to function as intended. 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 made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The manufacturer advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11695405

Incident

Oct 24, 2023

Mileage

30,000 mi

When braking to a stop at low speed (stopping at stop sign or at light), then car accelerates forward even though my foot is on the brake attempting to slow the car down. This unintended acceleration is dangerous and can cause an accident.

NHTSA ID

11690131

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

22TD04 Expired on June 30, 2025 A Toyota Genuine Accessory Dash Camera was installed in the involved vehicles. If the Micro SD Card used in the accessory dash camera is damaged the accessory dash camera may continuously attempt to read/write data to the card. This can lead to an increase in temperature of the card and may lead to localized melting of the card and the surrounding area of the dash cam.

22TD04 Expired on June 30, 2025 A Toyota Genuine Accessory Dash Camera was installed in the involved vehicles. If the Micro SD Card used in the accessory dash camera is damaged the accessory dash camera may continuously attempt to read/write data to the card. This can lead to an increase in temperature of the card and may lead to localized melting of the card and the surrounding area of the dash cam.

22TD04 Expired on June 30, 2025 TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22TD04 ACCESSORY DASH CAMERA FIRMWARE UPDATE CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR SIENNA VEHICLES CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR VENZA VEHICLES

TT: Engine Oil Leak between the Lower Oil Pan and Crank Case

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.