2011 Toyota Sienna Owner Complaints

This vehicle has the dash cluster light up as soon as the key is turned on. It does not have automatic headlights which turn on when it is dark outside. Due to the nature of the dash cluster lighting up and the daytime driving lights being automatic to turn on, it is very easy to drive off down streets with street lights completely unaware that there are no taillights or clearance lights on. The dash is lit up, so that is not an indication. The driving lights are on, so you can see enough to drive. I am aware of this now, but in the last week I have observed 3 vehicles driving around with no lights on in the dark because of the same reason. These modern cars with the automatically lighted dash clusters are causing people to lose all ability to assess whether the vehicles lights are on. It is not a question of automatic headlights/taillights, its a question of designing the interior of the vehicle to give the operator a hint that he hasn't turned on a specific safety feature. This agency has implemented so many other mandatory things related to safety (automatic tire pressure monitoring, automatic braking, backup cameras, etc.) and you forget the most basic things. You burden the cost of the cars with automatic systems to protect the people on the road but you forget how they can breed complacency in the drivers of the vehicles. You don't want distracted driving, but it is fine to have to search a touch screen on the vehicle to find the most basic controls for HVAC? If you are going to mandate safety, it should be safety that not only keeps the occupants safe but also doesn't lead them to do even more unsafe things, whether directly or indirectly. Dash clusters should ONLY light up when the headlights/taillights are on as this gives you the necessary indication that the vehicle's lights are actually on. Its called FUNCTIONAL SAFETY!

NHTSA ID

11771295

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the mileage was 102,694. The contact later discovered a mileage discrepancy in a Carfax report, which indicated that the mileage was previously recorded at approximately 202,000. The contact also stated that the contact was provided a different VIN at the time of purchase. The contact stated that the mileage recorded on the different titles was inconsistent. The contact reported the issue to the local State Police.

NHTSA ID

11763081

Incident

May 11, 2026

Mileage

202,000 mi

No accident t door on the rear passenger side will not open I have tried everything and it just will not budge. This is a safety hazard because in the case of an accident or emergency, the door cannot be opened. It will not move manually or automatically.

NHTSA ID

11762977

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

I have a flat tire the other day, and I try to put the spare tire on but it's gone. The spare tire's cable holds the spare tire under the car got corroded and broke. The spare tire is gone. It has lost some where on the road that I have not aware. I checked there is a recall for this. I called the toyota service but they said the VIN number is not on the recall list.

NHTSA ID

11753914

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The glide pins in the calipers came loose and one of the pins fell out (left front drivers side). As a result it caused the caliper to seize and smoke. It got hot and mangled the lower left control arm bushing. I bought a new glide pin and that one stayed it, but the right side (original part) came loose again, even after tightening it. We replaced the calipers with a different brand and it had no issues.

NHTSA ID

11749365

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase in 2025, the mileage was 110,000. The contact stated that a Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 300,000.

NHTSA ID

11744312

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

Mileage

300,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V858000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the repair was not completed. 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. The contact stated the power sliding door unexpectedly opened while driving on a local roadway. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. VIN tool showed no open recall.

NHTSA ID

11732940

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

Mileage

200,000 mi

The catalyst, the Evap and the EGR/VVT

NHTSA ID

11731849

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated while driving. The contact stated that the warning light turned off while restarting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the sliding doors failed to function automatically and required to be opened or closed manually. The contact stated that while attempting to open the front driver's side door in icy and snowy weather, the door made an abnormal cracking sound and failed to open. The contact stated that the passenger's side door made an abnormal cracking sound but opened as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,999.

NHTSA ID

11715483

Incident

Feb 4, 2010

Mileage

9,999 mi

Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~204,800 Incident Date: [XXX] Recent Service: Oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and multipoint inspection performed on November 10, 2025 at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg (Maryland). Description of the Defect: On [XXX] while driving with my child in the vehicle, my 2011 Toyota Sienna experienced a sudden and dangerous failure. A strong burning smell entered the cabin, the ABS warning light illuminated, and then wheels locked up while the vehicle was in motion. At the same time, the steering wheel locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer. The engine immediately lost power and shut down in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed. This failure occurred four days after dealership service at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg, which included an oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The dealership initially claimed the failure was due to a “dead battery,” and the following day changed the explanation to a “shorted alternator.” A weak battery or alternator failure does not explain a mechanical wheel lock or steering wheel lock while driving. The dealership has refused to provide diagnostic documentation or photographs of the components involved. This incident presents a significant safety hazard, and if it had occurred at highway speeds, it could have resulted in a severe crash. I am reporting this to request investigation into a potential safety defect involving the steering system, braking/ABS system, electrical system, or related components. Safety Risk: High. Loss of steering control + wheel lock + engine shutdown presents an immediate crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11699835

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

Catalizador caUsando bajas emisiones, consecuencia encendido de codigos de luz de advertencia de tablero como luz indicadora de falla (Check Engine). LUZ DE ADVERTENCIA ABS. LUZ INDICADORA DE DERRAPE VSC-TRAC Y LUZ DE ADVERTENCIA DE PRESION DE NEUMATICOS. AL VIAJAR POR CARRETERA SIMPLEMENTE SE APAGO Y SIN PODER TENER CONTROL DE LA MISMA DICHA FALLA CAUSO QUE YA NO ENCENDIERA AL TENER QUE SOLICITAR GRUA PARA EL ARRARSTRE DE LA UNIDAD HASTA LA AGENCIA DE TOYOTA EN CORDOBA VERACRUZ. SEGURO SOLO INTERVINO CON EL ARRASTRE DE LA UNIDAD. PERO LA SIENNA A LLEVADO HASTA EL DIA DE HOY Y FECHA PRESENTE TODOS LOS SERVICIOS DE AGENCIA POR LA CUAL SE LLEVO DE INMEDIATO, PERO CON LA NOVEDAD ES QUE NI LA MISMA AGENCIA LE A PODIDO QUITAR LA FALLA. NO TIENEN NI LA MENOR IDEA DE LA CAUSA. SU SOLUCION SEGUEN ELLOS ERAN LOS INYECTORES PERO LA CAMIONETA VOLIVIO A HACER LA MISMA FALLA Y LA AGENCIA NO DA GARANTIA DE SU MANO DE OBRA. SOLO AUMENTA EL GASTO EN REFACCIONES SIN SOLUCIONAR LA FALLA.

NHTSA ID

11695158

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

Both of the cables on my power doors have snapped now. Turned off switch & have been doing doors manually. The rear passenger side one doesn't like to slide and doesn't open fully.

NHTSA ID

11670561

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Leaking water into passenger side during rain. Many have reported the same issue. Seems to be some loose seals on the roof.

NHTSA ID

11657408

Incident

Apr 7, 2018

I just but this car but I think the seller changed the mileage on it.

NHTSA ID

11653586

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the rear driver's and passenger's power sliding doors failed to latch securely and opened while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V858000 (Structure), but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the power sliding door motor, cable, and door lock actuators needed to be replaced. The dealer had to zip-tie the power sliding doors to keep the doors closed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA ID

11649207

Incident

Mar 18, 2025

Mileage

135,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the rear driver's side sliding door had failed to close or latch securely while closing the door manually or while using the power door switch button. The vehicle was taken to C&C Auto, where the door motor and belt were replaced, and other unknown repairs were performed. The door was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear passenger's side sliding door had failed to open and close as needed. The contact stated that the door was currently closed and would not open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V858000 (Structure); because the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that the TPMS had failed to function as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

NHTSA ID

11624796

Incident

Nov 12, 2024

Mileage

146,000 mi

Rear ac system the line is too close to the rear tire which was replaced once yet it is so close it gets friction and wears a hole in the line . Dangerous for people in the rear that may be inhaling a/c vapor while ac is running with a leak . Also bad for environment. There is no clearance the tire is almost right on the line so when you hit a bump you are rubbing it . Repair man says he has had to repair several lines more than once because of them being placed too close to the rear tire . Date below is third time this happened same vehicle. First was in 2016 second was 2018

NHTSA ID

11606623

Incident

May 16, 2024

I was pulling my 2011 Toyota Siena into a parking space. My foot was on the brake and the car was going about 5 mph. The car made a slight sound, along with a perceptible yet small physical shift, and (while my foot was on the brake) independently accelerated with tremendous force. It was like it was ignited. The car hit a concrete pole and was totaled. The acceleration over-rode the brake. No one was hurt. The concrete pole averted what could have been a catastrophic accident, had we hit pedestrians, or had we rear ended a car or truck on the freeway. The brakes failed as the car jumped into independent acceleration. My safety and the safety of my passenger were both at risk. As I said, in a different situation, we might have hit pedestrians, or gone through the wall of the grocery store and hit customers. The concrete pole saved us and others. The mechanic at the service center where the car was towed said it was impossible to discern if there had been a failure in the system of the car - though clearly both my passenger and myself experienced that failure in the car's ability to override an independent, forceful acceleration not caused by the driver. There was no warning of any kind. On the Edmunds site, there are many, many testimonials by other drivers of the Toyota Siena of similar, frightening experiences of independent acceleration. It is terribly dangerous and should be investigated. If there is not a recall on this vehicle, there should be. This is a potentially catastrophic defect.

NHTSA ID

11605251

Incident

Jul 12, 2024

Sliding door does not open or close automatically. I think there was a recall for this issue

NHTSA ID

11584957

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while parked on a slight hill, her granddaughter opened the power sliding door to enter the vehicle however, the door did not latch or lock in place, causing the door to close independently while her granddaughter was entering the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer but was previously repaired under a Toyota Customer Support Program where two hinges for the power sliding door were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11568528

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

Mileage

125,000 mi

Driving down highway noticed white smoke coming from car. Exited highway and warning light then came on saying engine oil low. Stopped van immediately on side of the road and had it towed. Appears the oil coolant line burst which is a known issue on these vehicles after google searching, but was never made aware. Always completed all recalls. Extremely dangerous especially with children in car.

NHTSA ID

11554674

Incident

Nov 11, 2023

Passenger slidding door opens while driving . My child was in the back seat & could have been thrown out of the minivan Contacted Toyota recall was fixed Sept 6, 2017. Happened last week again 10/17/23, contacted Toyota and dealership will not do anything customer support program extension ended . This is a Toyota issue should be covered , there was a recall on this issue . Toyota says my responsibility to fix , this is unacceptable, the slidding doors are an issue with Toyota .

NHTSA ID

11551621

Incident

Oct 17, 2023

My passenger side sliding door began to jerk when closing with power button. The next day the cable completely snapped and it no longer opens at all. My driver side sliding door constantly opens and sometimes does not stay closed. I can hear the lock roll and it automatically unlocks itself. There was previously a recall on these doors completed I'm afraid I still have defective parts.

NHTSA ID

11543871

Incident

Jul 30, 2023

Power steering light came on while driving causing the steering system to lose power suddenly. Almost got into an accident because I couldn't effectively turn the wheel. Mechanic inspected and found the steering motor was bad and that CPU needed to be replaced costing almost $4000 in repairs. Now my car is not driveable unless this is fixed. Car has only 140k miles. This is a VERY common problem with Toyota Siennas around these model years

NHTSA ID

11527078

Incident

Jun 9, 2023

The intermediate shaft makes a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel.

NHTSA ID

11492533

Incident

Nov 7, 2022