1999 Toyota Sienna Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Toyota Sienna, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine3916.7%
- Body & structure3615.5%
- Tires & wheels2812.0%
- Interior & seats229.4%
- Steering219.0%
- Brakes166.9%
- Suspension146.0%
- Electrical104.3%
- Seat belts83.4%
- Airbags73.0%
- Powertrain (other)62.6%
- Fuel system62.6%
- Visibility52.1%
- Driver assistance52.1%
- Transmission52.1%
- Other / unspecified31.3%
- Exterior lighting20.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A TOYOTA SIENNA 99 AND MY CHECK LIGHT COMING OUT AND START TO SMOKE SO I FIND THE ENGINE DO THE OIL BE SLUDGE, I WANT TO KNOW IF IS SOME WAY OF TOYOTA FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR ME WHIT OUT CHARGE BECAUSE IS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM. *TR
I AM REPORTING ANOTHER TOYOTA STICKY ACCELERATOR PEDAL. OUR 1999 SIENNA MINIVAN HAS HAD 3 INCIDENTS OF STUCK ACCELERATOR, THE MOST RECENT WAS JAN. 21, 2010. I BELIEVE IT HAS BECOME "STUCK" BETWEEN 40 AND 45MPH. OTHER INCIDENTS WERE IN SUMMER (CANNOT REMEMBER DATE) AND OCTOBER 2009. THE 1ST INCIDENT WAS BRIEF AND CORRECTED QUICKLY BY PUSHING DOWN ON THE PEDAL TO "FREE IT", THE 2ND INCIDENT REQUIRED BRAKING AND PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SHOVING THE PEDAL WITH MY FOOT TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT TO FREE IT UP. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN THE PEDAL SEEMED TO WORK OK, ALTHOUGH A BIT SLUGGISH RESPONSE. OUR MECHANIC FIXED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE CAR HAS NOT HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT UNTIL LAST WEEK. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS MORE HARROWING IN THAT THERE WAS NOT MUCH ROOM TO MANEUVER THE CAR SINCE WE WERE HEADED FOR LOTS OF CARS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I TRIED TO SLOW THE CAR BY BRAKING HARD WITH THE LEFT FOOT AND SHOVING THE ACCELERATOR. PEDAL DOWN AND SIDE TO SIDE WHILE IN NEUTRAL BUT THIS DID NOT WORK QUICKLY LIKE THE OCTOBER INCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SHOULDER BEFORE CRASHING BUT IT TOOK MUCH LONGER FOR THE CAR TO STOP THIS TIME, AND I ACTUALLY THREW THE CAR IN PARK TO STOP THE CAR! I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES, WAS COMPOSED ENOUGH TO DRIVE IT. OUR DEALER WILL CHECK THE CAR JAN 29. THE FLOOR MAT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE INVOLVED JAMMING INTO THE PEDAL, SO IT IS PROBABLY A MECHANICAL "CATCH" THAT IS GETTING HUNG UP WHEN THE PEDAL IS DOWN A CERTAIN DISTANCE. WE THOUGHT THE SAFETY GURUS WOULD WANT TO KNOW. LUCKILY NO CRASHES HAVE OCCURRED YET! *TW
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CABLE TO MY DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR SNAPPED, THUS THE DOOR CAN NO LONGER BE OPENED AUTOMATICALLY. THIS DEFECT IS UNDER A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT FOR MODEL YEARS 2004-2007, BUT I HAVE A 2009 MODEL YEAR.
1999 TOYOTA SIENNA. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT OF FAULTY TIRE CARRIER REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN EARLY 2006, HE NOTICED THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER WAS INOPERABLE, AND APPARENTLY, IT HAD RUSTED IN PLACE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE REPAIR STATION, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE CORRODED SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $300. SOMETIME LATER, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL, REGARDING THE PROBLEM HE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED. THE CONSUMER THEN SUBMITTED THE PAPERWORK FOR REIMBURSEMENT. HOWEVER, TOYOTA DENIED THE REQUEST, BASED ON THE FACT, THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE THE WORK PERFORMED AT AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SHOWING COMPLETION OF SSC A9E. THE CONSUMER THEN WENT TO AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. TOYOTA DENIED THE REIMBURSEMENT AGAIN, IN A LETTER WHICH STATED THE REPAIR THAT WAS PERFORMED DID NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN SSC A9E. UPDATED 02/06/13.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, MY SPARE TIRE FELL FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CABLES SNAPPED. THE CAR BEHIND ME RAN OVER IT AND I AM NOW BEING CHARGED FOR THE DAMAGES TO THAT PERSON'S CAR. *TR
ON 11/25/2012 AT ABOUT 10:00 PM, AFTER DRIVING ON FREEWAY FOR ABOUT 100 MILES, THE FRONT WHEEL ON DRIVER SIDE BEGAN TO MAKE A SMALL NOISE AND SMALL VIBRATION AND LATER THE TIRE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED BY AT A REST AREA AND DIDN?T SEE ANY NOTICEABLE PROBLEM. SINCE IT?S ABOUT 50 MILES AWAY FROM HOME, I DECIDED TO KEEP DRIVING IT AND THE NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTINUED. I CHECKED THE TIRE THE NEXT DAY AND FOUND IT FLATTENED. I FIXED IT WITH A TIRE REPAIR PLUG, PUMP IT AND I FOUND A BUBBLE ABOUT 4-INCH IN DIAMETER. I DROVE BACK TO VINELAND TOYOTA IN VINELAND, NJ ON 12/7/2012 SINCE THE TIRE WAS ONLY 18 MONTHS OLD AND WAS STILL IN WARRANTY. AFTER TAKING DOWN THE TIRE, I FOUND, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TIRE, THERE WAS ANOTHER BUBBLE IN DIAMETER 3-INCH. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THERE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL OF TIRES OF GOOD YEAR. IF I KEPT DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR FEW MORE MILES, THE TIRE WOULD EXPLODE AND CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT! *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF IN HAND. POWER SLIDING DOOR MOTOR FAILED. POWER SLIDING DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF IN HAND. *TR
DRIVER-SIDE SLIDING DOOR AND THE REAR DOOR ON 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA XLE BOTH WENT OUT OF CONTROL AT THE SAME TIME. BOTH DOORS ARE LOCKED AND DO NOT RESPOND TO REPEATED EFFORTS TO OPEN THEM, BY KEY OR MANUALLY. THE LOCK HANDLE ON THE REAR DOOR IS PERMANENTLY DEPRESSED, I.E., NO LONGER PRESSABLE, NO LONGER ACTING LIKE A MOVABLE PART. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TOYOTA 1999 SIENNA CE: STEERING PULLS TO LEFT. I HAVE TO HOLD STEERING TIGHT TO KEEP IT TO RIGHT. I ALREADY GOT ALIGNMENT DONE TWO TIMES AND NEW TIRES CHANGED BUT PULLING TO LEFT STARTS RIGHT AWAY. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. *TR
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA, BOUGHT NEW IN APRIL 1999. ON NOVEMBER 11, 2005, I HAD TO HAVE THE HORN FIXED BECAUSE TO MAKE THE HORN FUNCTION, YOU HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT COST ME $399.35. THE DEALERSHIP LISTED "POOR CONTACTS IN CLOCK SPRING; REPLACE CLOCKSPRING". I NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE VEHICLE. TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP WITH THE EXPENSE AS THE WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES? IN ALL THE YEARS AND WITH ALL THE CARS WE HAVE OWNED (WE KEEP THE CARS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS) THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM WITH HORNS NOT WORKING; THAT IS WHY I FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS INHERENT WITH THIS MODEL IF NOT OTHER TOYOTA MODELS. (PLEASE NOTE; THE EQUIPMENT CHOICES PICKED ARE TO FILL IN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE CHOICES GIVEN; NOT NECESSARILY CORRECT. THE PARTS NUMBERS ARE LISTED ELSEWHERE. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON OCTOBER 18, 2010 MY 2009 TOYOTA SIENNA DASHBOARD VSC (VARIABLE SKID CONTROL)/OFF TRACK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I TOOK MY VAN IN FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP MADE REPAIRS THAT WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND ASSURED ME THAT THE VAN WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010, THE SAME VSC/OFF TRACK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, I WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID NOT HAVE AVAILABILITY UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2010. SERVICE ADVISOR ASSURED ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, AS LONG AS I STAYED IN TOWN, AND WASN'T PLANNING ON TAKING THE CAR ON ANY LONG TRIPS. HOWEVER, I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO RETURN MY VAN TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE ON NOVEMBER 29, 2010 IT STARTED TO MAKE UNUSUALLY LOUD NOISES AND ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. NATURALLY, I ATTEMPTED TO STOP BY BRAKING, BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL. I TRIED AGAIN AND AGAIN TO BRAKE, BUT TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOTHING, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I PUMPED IT. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ANY PEDESTRIANS OR CARS BY STEERING UP THE CURB AND INTO A LAMPPOST. THE VAN CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT FINALLY CAME TO REST ON THE STEPS OF THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE! *TR
1999 TOYOTA SIENNA 56000 MILES ,, WE WERE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON I 294 SOUTH AND THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED ,,,MY WIFE KEPT PUMPING THEM AND LOST CONTROL , WE HIT THE MEDIAN AND THE CAR ROLLED OVER THRICE AND ENDED UP STOPPING ON THE ROOF ,, ME, WIFE AND TWO KIDS WERE SAFE BY THE WILL OF GOD ,, ALL INSEAT BELTS ,,HAD GOTTEN OIL CHANGE ,ROUTINE MAINTENANCE 13 DAYS AGO ,, STILL HAVE THE RECEIPT FROM JIFFY LUBE THAT SAYS BRAKE FLUID OKAY ,,, WE ARE SCARED TO DRIVE ANY CAR NOW. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TOYOTA 1999 SIENNA CE: STEERING PULLS TO LEFT. I HAVE TO HOLD STEERING TIGHT TO KEEP IT TO RIGHT. I ALREADY GOT ALIGNMENT DONE TWO TIMES AND NEW TIRES CHANGED BUT PULLING TO LEFT STARTS RIGHT AWAY. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. *TR
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA MINIVAN, IN MAY, 1999, I NOTICED A SEVERE PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I COULD NOT LET GO OF MY STEERING WHEEL FOR EVEN A SECOND OR THIS VEHICLE WOULD PULL. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (NEILL SANDLER IN MURFREESBORO, TN) AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I TOOK IT ANOTHER DEALER AND THE LADY WORKING THERE JUST ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN MY HEAD. LATER I TRIED TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY WOULD NOT DIAGNOSE IT SINCE I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE OTHER DEALERSHIP - WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. RIGHT BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, IN 2002, MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THE LADY THERE STILL ACTED LIKE WE WERE CRAZY. LUCKILY, THE SERVICE MANAGER OVERHEARD OUR CONVERSATION AND OFFERED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. AFTER RETURNING FROM HIS DRIVE, HE STATED THAT IT WAS THE WORSE DRIVEN VEHICLE HE HAD EVER BEEN IN. THEY ENDED UP BENDING THE FRAME AS THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE "SOLVED" ANY OTHER WAY AND HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT AFTER BUYING NEW TIRES IT WOULD BE BETTER, AND IT WAS, FOR A WHILE. SINCE THAT TIME, WE HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE TROUBLE WITH IT, AND HAVE PURCHASED AT LEAST THREE SETS OF FRONT TIRES FOR THE VEHICLE. IT CONTINUES TO PULL AND WE JUST THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE WORTH MENTIONING AFTER SEEING YOUR WEBSITE. *JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 225,000.
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA, BOUGHT NEW IN APRIL 1999. ON NOVEMBER 11, 2005, I HAD TO HAVE THE HORN FIXED BECAUSE TO MAKE THE HORN FUNCTION, YOU HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT COST ME $399.35. THE DEALERSHIP LISTED "POOR CONTACTS IN CLOCK SPRING; REPLACE CLOCKSPRING". I NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE VEHICLE. TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP WITH THE EXPENSE AS THE WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES? IN ALL THE YEARS AND WITH ALL THE CARS WE HAVE OWNED (WE KEEP THE CARS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS) THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM WITH HORNS NOT WORKING; THAT IS WHY I FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS INHERENT WITH THIS MODEL IF NOT OTHER TOYOTA MODELS. (PLEASE NOTE; THE EQUIPMENT CHOICES PICKED ARE TO FILL IN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE CHOICES GIVEN; NOT NECESSARILY CORRECT. THE PARTS NUMBERS ARE LISTED ELSEWHERE. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TWO SEAT BELTS IN MY 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA HAVE GOTTEN "JAMMED". IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY WITH EACH BELT, AND THEY BOTH JAMMED IN THE SAME MONTH. THEY ARE NOT USABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT RETRACT FAR ENOUGH TO BUCKLE, AND ONE IS EVEN STUCK RETRACTED OUT. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I CAN THINK OF THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. THEY ARE NOW PERMANENTLY JAMMED, AND I CANNOT FIND A WAY TO FIX IT. TOYOTA WANTS TO CHARGE $350 PER SEAT BELT AND I CANNOT AFFORD THAT, SO THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC MY 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA XLE VAN WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR BY A HONDA CIVIC. ALL OCCUPANTS OF THE VAN WERE WEARING LAP AND SHOULDER SEAT BELTS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED BACKWARDS CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FORCE FROM THE HONDA STRIKING THE VAN WAS SUFFICIENT TO DRIVE IT FORWARD INTO THE CHEVROLET PICKUP STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE VAN. BEING UNABLE TO SEE OVER THE DASHBOARD OR HANG UNTO THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS NO OPPORTUNITY TO TRY AND AVOID THE PARKED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE VAN. MY DAUGHTER WHO WAS SEATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS THROWN ABOUT IN THE BACK OF THE VAN AS HER SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK IN POSITION, WHEN THE VAN STRUCK THE PICKUP THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE VAN. MY DAUGHTER AND I EXPERIENCED MUSCLE SPASMS FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT. FURTHER AS MY DAUGHTER WAS EXPERIENCING SEVERE NECK PAIN FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT, SHE WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION. TS
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONTACT DRIVES 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA (FAILURE MILEAGE: 100K). HE STATED THAT YESTERDAY WHLE DRIVING HE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A SEMI-TRUCK. HE STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION, HOWEVER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT HE WAS INJURED: JAW AND HEAD IMPACT TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS A REPORT TO THE POLICE. THE CONTACT HAS LEFT A MESSAGE WITH TOYOTA.--DS
MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR TOYOTA SIENNA WHEN SHE RAN INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE (THAT HAD JUST BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT) AT ABOUT 35-40 MILES PER HOUR. IN SPITE OF A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION THAT BUCKLED THE HOOD AND TOTALLED OUR VAN, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. THIS CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. MY CONCERN IS OVER THE FACT THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. EVEN THOUGH THE VAN IS 8 YEARS OLD THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN IT AND NO TAMPERING HAS BEEN DONE WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR WAS OFF, THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SHE TOUCHED THE SHIFTER AND IT WENT BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE; THE CAR STARTED ROLLING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY. SHE DID NOT PRESS THE BRAKE (SHE IS UNABLE TO) BUT THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE. THE VAN HIT A TREE. WE CHECKED AND THE CAR WAS IN BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. SO, SOMEHOW, THE CAR REVERSED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN PARK, TURNED OFF, AND THE BRAKE WAS NOT TOUCHED. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE GEARING SHIFTER ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR, WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MANY INCIDENCES. FIRST IT WAS THE BRAKES FAILING IN 6 MONTH INTERVALS, THEN IT WAS THE RUBBER GASKET ON THE SLIDING DOORS, THEN THE VIBRATION, THEN THE ALIGHNMENT WHICH CAUSED ME TO REPLACE MY TIRES ENTIRELY TOO EARLY. THEN IT WAS THE RUST IN THE DOORS AND HATCH LOCKS AND CONTINUALLY IT HAS BEEN THE PROBLEM WITH THE SLIDING DOORS, THEN IT WAS THE RUST ON THE LOCKS, LATCHES AND HATCH LOCK, CONTINUALLY IT HAS BEEN THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT, THEN OTHER BULBS. FINALLY IT IS THE ENGINE LIGHT GOING ON AT 66,632 MILES. IT APPEARS IT IS THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. I PURCHASED TOYOTA FOR QUALITY AND RELIABILITY. NONE OF WHICH THE SIENNA LIVES UP TO. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAS YET TO FIX ANY OF THE PROBLEMS. THE MOST RECENT TRANSMISSION PROBLEM REQUIRED ME TO CALL A TOW TRUCK , A FRIEND TO PICK US UP( MY 3 YOUNG GIRLS AND I( OVER 40 MILES AWAY, SECURE A RENTAL CAR FOR WHO KNOW HOW LONG. I AM EXTTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA FOR THIESE DEFECTS AND LACK OF REPAIR! MY FAMILY( I AM ONE OF 6 CHILDRE) WE ALL OWN TOYOTAS, I HAVE OWNED MANY CAMRYS BEFORE. THIS IS MY LAST TOYOTA, BECAUSE OF RELIABILITY, SERVICE AND QUALITY. MY SIBLINGS AND MY FAMILY ALONE OWN OVER 13 TOYOTAS, THAT WON'T LAST LONG. I HOPE THAT TOYOTA REALIZES THE IMPACT OF FAULTY VEHICLES, FAULTY SERVICE AND LACK OF QUALITY HOW THAT WILL IMPACT THIER EXISTING AND FUTURE SALES.*AK
ALL THE ABOVE DATA IS AN ESTIMATE BECUASE WE ARE WAITING FOR COPIES OF ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR RECORDS FROM TOYOTA - - BUT WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING SCREECHING BRAKES, LEFT VEER WHEN DRIVING, BAD TRANSMISSION (REPLACED TWICE),SMOG CHECK FAILURE DUE TO OXYGEN SENSOR AND/OR ENGINE PROBLEMS, CLUNKING NOISES IN ENGINE, A SHUDDERING OF VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OR BRAKING. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALERS FOR AS LONG AS 3 WEEKS; DEALER ADMITS NOT KNOWING WHAT IS WRONG. FAILED
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND THE LEFT, REAR WINDOW BLEW UP. THE GLASS SPEWED ALL OF THE BACK OF THE CAR. LUCKILY, I HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY KINDERGARTER AT SCHOOL AND NO ONE WAS INJURRED. I CALLED THE POLICE AND HE SAID IT DIDN'T LOOK LIKE ANYTHING HIT IT. HE SAID THAT SOMETIMES WHEN THE WINDOW SLIGHTLY OPENS LIKE THIS ONE DOES WHEN I PUSH THE BUTTON IT MAKES THE WINDOW WEAKER. I DIDN'T HAVE THE WINDOW OPENED AND IF THAT VENT MAKES THE WINDOWS EXPLODE, THEY SHOULDN'T BE INSTALLED IN THE CARS WHERE CHILDREN AND OTHERS CAN BE HURT. IF ANYONE WAS SITTING IN THE BACK, THEY COULD'VE BEEN SERIOUSLY WOUNDED. IS THERE ANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING WITH BACK AUTO WINDOWS IN MINI VANS? NOW I'M AFRAID THE OTHER SIDE WINDOW IS GOING TO BLOW AND HURT SOMEONE. DT
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE BACK WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VAN HAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM AT TIMES IT IS HARD TO SLOW IT DOWN EVEN STOP IT. THE PROBLEM MAINLY OCCURS FROM STOP AND GO ESPECIALLY IF IT HAS BEEN PARKED FOR FEW HOURS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AND CAME TO A STOP. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND RECURRED WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: 99 TOYOTA SIENNA. CONSUMER STARTED HEARING A STRANGE NOISE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. CONSUMER SAYS JUBRALTA TRANSMISSION SAID THAT AT ANY POINT TRANSMISSION COULD DIE. CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED $85 TO CHECK. VEHICLE STAYED WITH MECHANIC. AS PART OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE, TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS BEING PERFORMED AND THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL. CONSUMER THAT FLUSH COULD FINISH OFF TRANSMISSION. *TT
TRANSMISSIONFAILURE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, MY SPARE TIRE FELL FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CABLES SNAPPED. THE CAR BEHIND ME RAN OVER IT AND I AM NOW BEING CHARGED FOR THE DAMAGES TO THAT PERSON'S CAR. *TR
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA SIENNA, BOUGHT NEW IN APRIL 1999. ON NOVEMBER 11, 2005, I HAD TO HAVE THE HORN FIXED BECAUSE TO MAKE THE HORN FUNCTION, YOU HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT COST ME $399.35. THE DEALERSHIP LISTED "POOR CONTACTS IN CLOCK SPRING; REPLACE CLOCKSPRING". I NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE VEHICLE. TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP WITH THE EXPENSE AS THE WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES? IN ALL THE YEARS AND WITH ALL THE CARS WE HAVE OWNED (WE KEEP THE CARS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS) THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM WITH HORNS NOT WORKING; THAT IS WHY I FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS INHERENT WITH THIS MODEL IF NOT OTHER TOYOTA MODELS. (PLEASE NOTE; THE EQUIPMENT CHOICES PICKED ARE TO FILL IN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE CHOICES GIVEN; NOT NECESSARILY CORRECT. THE PARTS NUMBERS ARE LISTED ELSEWHERE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A RAINY DAY ON FLAT ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL BACK LIGHTS. THE RAIN WATER CREATED A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE VEHICLE HARNESS CABLES IN THE HITCHER. THE CABLE HARNESS WAS REQUIRED TO CONNECT THE TRAILER LIGHTS. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE HARNESS CABLES TO RESTORE THE VEHICLE BACK LIGHTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A DEALERSHIP.
HEAD LIGHTS NEEDS AJUSTMENT. YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .