RoadVitals

2000 Toyota Sienna

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
363
Latest Nov 6, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Apr 20, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
25
26 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 363 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Toyota Sienna, most frequently naming the engine, transmission and body & structure categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 114 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE

Apr 20, 2010
600,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE CABLE MAY BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND THE SPARE TIRE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.Manufacturer number AOEView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP02004ClosedDefect Petition

ENGINE SEIZURE

Opened Apr 30, 2002
Closed Jun 20, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PE99070ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STEERING WHEEL TO RETURN TO CENTER

Opened Nov 17, 1999
Closed Apr 12, 2000

There is no summary currently available

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Suspension
Filed Nov 6, 2023

Rear wheels cambering rubbing on shock absorbers.

NHTSA ID
11553768
Incident
Oct 30, 2023
Brakes
Filed Jul 30, 2023

I had my car's brake lines replaced at McGee Toyota in Hanover MA on June 20, 2023. On July 19, 2023, my wife and I had just exited the interstate, and were stopping at a grocery store on our way home. I tried to brake upon entering the parking lot and the brake pedal sank to the floor. There was no resistance when I tried pumping the brakes. Fortunately, I was traveling at a slow speed and there were no moving cars in the lot, so I was able to safely stop the car without an accident. I had the car towed to McGee for repairs and the next day was told the catastrophic brake failure was due to a defective part. Since this would likely have had much more serious consequences such as serious injuries or worse if the failure occurred on the exit ramp or at the busy state highway intersection in front of the grocery store, I wanted to report it to be sure it doesn't happen to someone else.

NHTSA ID
11535298
Incident
Jul 19, 2023
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 13, 2021

I have a 2000 Sienna with 305000 miles. I have never had trouble with this vehicle until about 2 weeks ago. When I am stopped and my car is in drive, I just tap the gas pedal for a second and the engine RPM will increase to about 2000 RPM and will stay there until I put the car in neutral or turn the engine off. This is a problem because my breaks barely hold this and I must put the car into neutral for the car to stop pulling forward. Putting the car into neutral resets the rpm. If there is no car in front of me, I can release the brakes and the vehicle will continue to accelerate until the transmission switches to second gear, at this point I can drive normally. One time the vehicle continued to accelerate even after switching gears, I put the vehicle into neutral and the engine went to over 4000 RPM, the brakes could not stop the vehicle, I had to turn the engine off. The gas pedal is not sticky or stuck, floor mats are not in the vehicle. I can rev the engine normally when I am in park, this only happens when I am in gear. I have checked the Throttle Body, Throttle Position Sensor and disabled the cruise control module, I can see no reason for this to happen. I have seen many complaints about this same issue online but have not found a resolution. I can buy an ECM but this is an expensive trial. I will take it to the dealer from here.

NHTSA ID
11424539
Incident
Jun 28, 2021
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Sep 24, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND MOVED FORWARD WITHOUT SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, BUT BOTH FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL GEAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,581.

NHTSA ID
11257729
Incident
Sep 13, 2019
Mileage
210,581 mi
Engine
Filed May 13, 2019

THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL AT VALVE COVERS. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. STILL LEAKS. AND A LOT OF SLUDGE BUILDS UP= ON PUMP SCREEN. BLEW ENGINE!! HAD ENGINE REPLACED. SAME THING HAPPENING. I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY. &3 AND CAN NOT AFFORD THOUSANDS ON THIS VEHICLE.. PLEASE HELP@+!!

NHTSA ID
11207251
Incident
Aug 12, 2018
Mileage
198,000 mi
Filed Jul 4, 2018

OUTER DOOR HANDLES ON DOORS OF SIENNA ARE EXTREMELY BRITTLE AND BREAK EASILY EVEN WITH NORMAL EVERYDAY GENTLE USE. OF THE 4 MAIN DOORS ON MY TOYOTA SIENNA, 3 OF THEM NOW HAVE BROKEN OUSISE HANDLES CAUSING THE DOORS NOT TO BE ACCESSIBLE & OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS HAS NOW AFFECTED BOTH SLIDING DOORS AND MY PASSENGER FRONT DOOR. MY PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IS NOT EVEN ABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE SINCE THE OUTER HANDLE BROKE OFF COMPLETELY. THIS POSES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS DOORS ARE NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT OR EMERGENCY. ADDITIONALLY THE FACT THAT THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR CAN NOT EVEN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE CAUSES EVEN MORE OF A SAFETY ISSUE. UPON REVIEWING OTHER CONSUMERS WHO OWN THIS SAME VEHICLE I HAVE FOUND IT ALARMING THAT WELL OVER 50% OF THEM HAVE COMPLAINTS DUE TO THIS SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11109517
Incident
Jul 1, 2018
Mileage
130,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 27, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE DID A STOP AND GO ACTION THAT OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE MOVED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP IT COMPLETELY. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11048620
Incident
Nov 23, 2017
Mileage
200,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 13, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE THE IGNITION WAS OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY INDEPENDENTLY. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STILL IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11005152
Incident
Jul 15, 2016
Mileage
200,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

T-SB-0039-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. 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. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

T-SB-0061-23 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

T-SB-0062-23 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota Sienna by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020362049.1
2019457059.7
2018697056.5
201715210064.3
2016755053.4
20152296059.0
20141626157.4
20131836158.2
20122479156.9
201161114158.3
20101728055.5
200920710057.2
20084289055.0
200736410055.4
20061,01611358.7
20051,13012662.2
20042,062101063.1
20031051044.3
20021811149.1
20011802048.2
2000Viewing3631248.5
19992153257.3
19982943257.1
1997201
1996301

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.