2004 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 2004 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
- Body & structure96339.4%
- Interior & seats33013.5%
- Driver assistance1666.8%
- Steering1596.5%
- Electrical1365.6%
- Tires & wheels1255.1%
- Seat belts994.1%
- Brakes893.6%
- Other / unspecified612.5%
- Engine582.4%
- Fuel system492.0%
- Transmission471.9%
- Powertrain (other)421.7%
- Airbags351.4%
- Exterior lighting331.4%
- Visibility241.0%
- Suspension160.7%
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
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRICAL FIRE INSIDE PARKED VAN OCCURRED OVERNIGHT AND BURNED DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS, DASH, AND ALL AIR VENTS AND ALL PLASTIC COMPONENT LOCATED NEAR ALL VENTS. VAN WAS PARKED ON STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A WARNING CHIME SOUNDED. THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY, AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE FAILURES WENT AWAY AFTER THIRTY SECONDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES RANDOMLY STARTED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO AND GREW WORSE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE LOCK ON THE SLIDING DOOR SHOWED THAT IT WAS UNLOCKED; HOWEVER, NO ONE COULD EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
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 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.
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
INSIDE OF SIDEWALL CRACKING, APPEARS DRY ROT POWDER RESIDUE FROM TIRE IN TRUNK AFTER REPLACING. PURCHASE AUGUST 22, 2013, SHOWN AS 90,000 MILE TIRE WHEN PURCHASED. FAILED 8-20-2016 DRIVEN APPROX. 40,489 MILES. LOOKS LIKE SIDING SEPARATED.. MULTIPLE HOLES AND SPLITS LOOKS SHREDDED. . NO APPEARANCE OF PROBLEMS ON OUTSIDE OF TIRE. CONSIDERED LUCKY TIRE FAILURE DID NOT CAUSE ACCIDENT HAVE PICTURES...
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Drivers side seat belt broke and was replaced. Fuel sensor not replaced causes vehicle to hesitate at times at freeway speed
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE MY VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 AND 55 MPH, ON A STRAIGHTAWAY AND CURVE, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT/AND ALARM COMES ON RANDOMLY. SOMETIMES IT'S JUST THE ALARM THAT SOUNDS, AND SOMETIMES THE ALARM SOUNDS AND THE BRAKES ACTIVATE AND THE MINIVAN SWERVES. WAS THE MOST FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE EVER WITH MY YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN RIDING WITH ME. I ACTUALLY HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CALM MYSELF. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH TODAY (7-24-19) BEING THE LATEST EXPERIENCE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Unknown
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Unknown
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER YEARS OF DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE TOYOTA HAS YET TO PROVIDE A REASON OR SOLUTION. WHEN TRAVELING AT LOWER SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AND WHEN YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE THERE IS A 1 TO 2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGES. TOYOTA MADE ME SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION...NO HELP....THEN THEY CLAIMED I NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE...WHICH THEY CHARGED ME $80 ...TO UPDATE THEIR SOFTWARE DESIGN FLAW. STILL... THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOT IMPROVED. MY ONLY CONCERN IS THAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, MY VAN MAY NOT RESPOND IN TIME. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED AND RECALIBRATED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME AND THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Shifter not shifting into park even when in park causing it to roll even when you think it’s in park
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DASHBOARD OF CAR, INCLUDING THE AREA OVER THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS FULL OF CRACKS. IN THE EVENT OF A FRONT END COLLISION AND AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT THERE COULD BE SHARP SHARDS OF PLASTIC THRUST AT FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
DEVELOPED MULTIPLE CRACKS ON THE DASH AROUND THE AIRBAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE. TOYOTA IS NOT COVERING THIS UNDER WARRANTY.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRICAL FIRE INSIDE PARKED VAN OCCURRED OVERNIGHT AND BURNED DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS, DASH, AND ALL AIR VENTS AND ALL PLASTIC COMPONENT LOCATED NEAR ALL VENTS. VAN WAS PARKED ON STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.
THE HEADLIGHT BULB COMPARTMENT ALLOWS WATER TO LEAK INTO IT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE BULB TO BLOW. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, THE REPAIR COST WAS $500. WE DROVE THE CAR FOR ONE WEEK AND THE BULB BLEW AGAIN BECAUSE WATER LEAKED INTO THE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND IS HAZARDOUS WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT OR GOD FORBID IF IT'S RAINING AND DARK. WE ALSO WERE PULLED OVER AND GIVEN A WARNING FROM A STATE TROOPER ABOUT THE BULB BEING OUT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND COSTLY SITUATION. WE ARE STILL WAITING TO GET THE BULB REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. IN THE MEANTIME WE ARE WITHOUT A VAN FOR OUR FAMILY. PLEASE DEMAND THAT TOYOTA RECALLS THIS HAZARDOUS DEFECTIVE PART. THE BULB WENT OUT WHILE WE WERE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A PROBLEM AND A HAZARD!
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS ACTIVATED AND THE WINDOW FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ UPDATED 9/24/15*JS
REAR DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL GLASS FELL OFF VAN WHEN POWER WINDOW WAS OPENED. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE GLASS WINDOW DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED AN INSPECTION DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRAME (ENGINE CRADLE). AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME, ENGINE CRADLE, AND SUSPENSION ARMS MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED, OTHERWISE THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN AND THE PARTS MAY FRACTURE AT ANY MOMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FRACTURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS RUST ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HINGE WAS REPLACED. THE SLIDING DOOR FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. ...UPDATED 10/17/12 *BF UPDATED 10/23/2012 *JS
2004 TOYOTA SIENNA HEATED SEATS. DRIVERS SIDED HEATED SEAT FAILED RIGHT AFTER EXPIRATION OF OUR WARRANTY TOYOTA QUOTED 800 FOR REPAIR WITHOUT ANY OFFER OF ASSISTANCE. PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT QUIT WORKING APPROXIMATELY A YEAR LATER. *TR
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 .