2004 Toyota Sienna Owner Complaints

The contact's mother owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated on and off for days and months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where DTC: P2241 was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure code was confirmed. The contact was informed that the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that a TSB for the ECM software update needed to be performed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired because the ECM software update was performed, and the ECM software update damaged the ECM. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,132.

NHTSA ID

11699794

Incident

Nov 10, 2025

Mileage

150,132 mi

Shifter not shifting into park even when in park causing it to roll even when you think it’s in park

NHTSA ID

11693880

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while the liftgate door was opened, the door had erroneously closed and failed to remain opened. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear hatch door struts were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V244000 (STRUCTURE); but parts were on back order. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11679304

Incident

Aug 8, 2017

Mileage

150,000 mi

The Traction Control System commonly malfunctions while making turns on curving road sections. I will lose power through turns as the TCS light blinks on my dashboard and makes a beeping sound. On some occasions the brakes will automatically engage in the tire that the car perceives as experiencing slippage. This problem is continuously worsening and commonly endangers me and my passengers, as the car engages brakes or cuts power to the engine at unexpected and in opportune times.

NHTSA ID

11659970

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Vehicle often applies brakes on its own . At first it was only in turns . However now it does it when driving straight on the the freeway or just down the street at 45mph. I have fixed my alignment ,new tires, all of the front suspension and nothing prevents the car from trying to brake for me. it is a safety feature that is not safe at all. a car slamming on your brakes at any speed is dangerous in addition to that it seems to cut off your fuel , leaving you unable to accelerate until its done beeping which can take a long time. the vsc , chenk engine and trac off flash there is no crash to report I have been lucky so far

NHTSA ID

11649266

Incident

Mar 2, 2025

While driving typically around 35 mph and either left or right turn the vehicle traction control engages and the van brakes and steering is affected. The roads have always been dry and in each instance the speed of the van was at or below the speed limit - traction was never lost and yet the traction control engaged as if we were in a skid. This occurred at least 12 times while driving to and from a day trip in the mountains (windy road). It has also happened multiple times at around 50 mph while turning left on a nearby flat freeway. An independent service shop has not been able to replicate the problem. The safety of the driver and passengers were at risk when it occurred on the freeway as a driver behind us got close to rear ending the van while it was in its brake mode.

NHTSA ID

11641856

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Was driving on highway at 60-65 mph. The car continued to accelerate. Pressed on brake and wasn't slowing the vehicle. The driver was weaving in and out of cars as the van started to creek up to 92 mph. The driver and passengers thought they were going to crash and possible die. The driver tried the brake multiple times and nothing. The driver said the accelerator pedal wasn't pressed all the way down to the floor. It was half way and driver had to go down and pull up on the pedal while driving. The van then started to slow and driver was able to pull over to have the van evaluated . The throttle body was reached and cleaned of carbon because it said that this may have been part of the issue. Never has this van taken off like this. The throttle body cable wasnt loose or disconnected either. So far we havent been able to recreate but 3 people could have been killed.

NHTSA ID

11635166

Incident

Dec 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and the speed of the vehicle increased to over 90 MPH. During the failure, the braking system had failed and would not stop the vehicle while pressing the brake pedal. The front passenger was able to view the fuel pedal was stuck to the floor and was able to physically pull the fuel pedal up from the stuck position and the vehicle's speed was reduced. The incident lasted for approximately 10 minutes. During the incident, the police were on the scene. A police report was later filed at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure was due to a missing fuel pedal pen. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact expressed experiencing emotional stress and anxiety during and after the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11576843

Incident

Dec 16, 2023

Mileage

200,000 mi

When opening the rear hatch, it will not stay open and slams down if you let it go. Incredibly dangerous. I turned of the power doors and it still happens. I'm planning to take it to the dealership tomorrow.

NHTSA ID

11562912

Incident

Dec 22, 2023

Driving on dry roads at speed not exceeding 35 mph, the traction control system activates. It has happened on slight curves to the right. The traction control symbol lights up, a beeping sound occurs and it feels like the vehicle is braking. It has happened now on several occasions.

NHTSA ID

11561267

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

The trac control is activated while the car is driving variable speed and brake the car and and the driver loose control of acceleration.

NHTSA ID

11533834

Incident

May 30, 2023

The slip indicator light and alarm comes on sporadically, engaging the ABS suddenly and unexpectedly, when we are on completely dry roads. Happens while driving 40-80 mph. And doesn’t matter if I’m going straight or turning.

NHTSA ID

11531539

Incident

Jul 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate inadvertently opened, then closed independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the tailgate hydraulic struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that she noticed that the failure had reoccurred in 30-degree temperatures on two occasions. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11515790

Incident

Mar 31, 2023

Mileage

140,000 mi

- Traction control engaged at high speed(70 mph on interstate) causing the vehicle to brake abruptly and pull the vehicle to the right. Had I been traveling in the left hand lane, I could have been forced into the right hand lane causing a collusion with another vehicle. Also occurred at lower speed(30 mph on a windy road) causing the same issue as described above, almost causing the vehicle to leave the paved surface. - Mechanic was able to duplicate the issue - Mechanic diagnosed intermittent traction control activation, scanned computer for codes. Yaw rate/steering angle correlation causing false activation ABS/traction. Replaced hub bearing and spindle. Four wheel alignment, including check castor, camber and adjust toe. Performed zero point calibration and reset ABS memory. - Traction control lights up briefly

NHTSA ID

11498401

Incident

Oct 18, 2022

About a year ago the Vehicle Stability Control warning light along with an audible alarm started coming on intermittently while turning on highways going uphill or downhill in dry weather and with no risk of any tire slipping. At first this only happened at higher speeds 65+mph. Over time, it has occurred more and more frequently and can occur at speeds down to 25 mph. At times, the Anti-lock Braking System is also activated resulting in jerky braking and loss of throttle. When people have been following me too closely, this has almost caused accidents. When these symptoms occur, it is always on a curve (of any degree, even slight curves) and while driving at least 25 mph, and even happens on flat turns now. The weather has always been dry with no risk of tire slippage.

NHTSA ID

11479980

Incident

Aug 18, 2022

The 2004 Toyota Sienna van VSC Trac warning light and alarm come on when making turns on highway ramp under normal speed at around 35 mph.

NHTSA ID

11472658

Incident

Jul 6, 2022

The failing component is the VSC/ABS system. It puts the occupants of the van and other motorists at risk of either causing a collision or causing the driver of vehicle in question to be unable to control the vehicle . The failure appears when going in a curve in the road at low speed causing the abs to engage lock the brakes and steering wheel rapidly decelerating the car and causing the car to jerk to one side or the other and go into a skid where the driver is unable to control the wheel due to steering wheel locking up when it happens the VSC and TRAC lights come on and there is a loud and rapid beeping that can be heard inside the vehicle. The issue usually appear when going between 25-40mph in banking curves

NHTSA ID

11468977

Incident

Jun 13, 2022

Driver's side seat belt buckle stopped locking in seat belt. Buckle unit then came apart. I called toyota; was informed that there was a recall on this matter. I was told that I was 2 years past the scope of the recall. I informed them I never received a notice of recall so how would I be aware of problem until it occurred. Spoke to supervisor was told I was no longer covered under recall. Went to 2 mechanics and was unable to obtain needed part. I feel that for this safety item there should be no time limit on a recall and I felt Toyotas help in remeding the situation was poor especially as they tout their vehicles safety.

NHTSA ID

11451260

Incident

Mar 1, 2020

Sometimes when I take turns in my Sienna, the VSC starts going off and braking individual wheels without my control. This happens unexpectedly on highway bends at speeds of 60+ mph and it is difficult to control the car and keep from swerving into another lane. If the roads were icy when this happens, it would probably cause a dangerous accident. Toyota has a technical service bulletin for this, but not a recall - which it should since this is a significant safety issue. The TSB is BR008-04. There are many others experiencing this same issue: https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/13855/toyota/sienna/vsc-sudden-activation-2004-toyota-sienna

NHTSA ID

11450254

Incident

Dec 18, 2021

Toyota VSC and ABS engaging and activating for no reason on dry pavement causing loss of proper control of the vehicle. The have been multiple occurrences on dry pavement between 30 and 65 mikes per hour. The car pulls to one side as the computer takes control of the car end engages the brakes suddenly for no reason. VSC Skid light goes on on the dash and there is a beeping sound while this happens. Very dangerous. Toyota USA notified and assigned case number 220201001364. They refuse to take any responsibility for this dangerous failure.

NHTSA ID

11449974

Incident

Jan 30, 2022

Passenger right slider Will not open! Only opens About 8 inches. This is a safety hazzard for a passenger back seat r/h! This is well known condition! Could be deadly, in the right Surcomstance

NHTSA ID

11449803

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

While driving on dry freeway or other stable road conditions, the Electronic Stability Control kicks in, braked hard, causing the van to swerve, and the lights on the dash started flashing, accompanied by a loud beeping. This has happened multiple times now. There is no reason for this to be occurring. It is involuntary, sudden, and random. If someone were close behind me, they could rear-end the vehicle. It also sometimes pulls the steering so hard that it swerves into the other lane. This is a serious safety issue that Toyota needs to deal with.

NHTSA ID

11441132

Incident

Oct 20, 2021

P225/60R17 98T: Tires create vibrations in the steering column. One tire in particular creates severe vibrations that mechanic states could lead to problems with the steering components. Mechanic http://www.japaneseautorepair.org/ e-mail [email protected] (John). Coordinated w/ Sandy Boulevard Line up shop and one tire could not be aligned due to defect. 2004 Sienna van (140,900 odometer miles) is equipped with Toyo Observe GSi-5 195/65R15 91T (separate 16" rims purchased from Les Schwab) and there is no vibration at all. Les Schwab last tried to "balance" the defective tire in 2019. I have about the 4rth appointment Aug 21 2021 @ 9AM. I will also take the 2004 Sienna van to Japanese Auto repair (web site and e-mail above). to look for any defects. I probably need to put the Winter Observe GSi-5 tires on the car for safety, but they wear out quickly on summer hot roads.

NHTSA ID

11429013

Incident

Oct 14, 2017

I had the control arms replaced, then one of the bolts came out after a few thousand miles. I had that bolt replaced and the problem started happening intermittently after that. Everything will be functioning fine and then the speed of my vehicle is inhibited and it is hard to accelerate. It is very difficult to get from 40 MPH up to 50 MPH. On slight curves, not always, it will beep and the slip indicator light comes on and will apply the brakes on what feels like one side. This has happened at 35-60 MPH. The slip indicator will beep sometimes until I decrease my speed to under 25 MPH. I took it into a reputable tire and front end shop and they replaced a wheel bearing with sensor, and 2 front tires. The problem happened again within 5 miles and the shop said I need to take it to Toyota dealer to have it the steering angle sensors recalibrated. The Toyota dealership said that this is something that the vehicle does itself. They inspected it and took it for a test drive and said nothing is wrong. The problem happened again within a few miles of leaving the dealership. I have read countless forums of people experiencing the same thing in their Toyota Sienna and having the dealership telling them there is not a problem. I have also found that the solution could very well be worn rack and pinion bushings that are creating the play that are triggering the sensors. I don't think they gave it a proper inspection. This is a very dangerous problem, and even more so when the dealership is saying there isn't a problem. I am feeling very lost on what to do with my van right now. I have spent $1100 and 3 days of my time with the same thing happening. I

NHTSA ID

11426725

Incident

Jul 8, 2021

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11424276

Incident

Jun 22, 2021