2011 Toyota Sienna Problems

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNINGS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH A BEEPING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE VOSS TOYOTA (2110 HELLER DR, BEAVERCREEK, OH 45434, (937) 431-2100), WHERE A TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE SAME DEALER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V858000 (STRUCTURE) AND 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND PRIOR TO THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

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

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.

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.

The catalyst, the Evap and the EGR/VVT

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)

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE THERE IS AN EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE WHEEL..I REGULARLY HAVE TIRE BALANCE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT BUT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MANY THOUSAND MILES ON MY CAR..

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.

About two weeks after getting all new tires installed at Costco, the driver side rear tire blew out. I was driving about 50 MPH on a dry road with no debris in sight. The blowout gash was in the middle of the tire, not on the sidewall.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Viscous coupling bearing making significant noise. Potentially hazardous if the issue causes the drivetrain to lock up.

The catalyst, the Evap and the EGR/VVT

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

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

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

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.

ON A SNOWY SATURDAY MORNING, MY HUSBAND WAS SLOWLY (DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH) PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHILE BRAKING. AS HE SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED OVER THE FIVE INCH CURB AND HIT A BUILDING A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. HIS FOOT REMAINED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE DURING THE INCIDENT. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP ONCE IT HIT THE BUILDING AND WAS PUT INTO PARK, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO MAKE A LOUD REVVING SOUND. THE REVVING DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK APPROXIMATELY SIX INCHES LONG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RIVERSIDE TOYOTA (131 HWY 411 E, ROME, GA 30161, (706) 291-2886), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

3 TIMES THE WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED, TWICE IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS. THE CRACK STARTS DOWN LOW NEAR THE EDGE AND QUICKLY SPREADS. THERE IS A LARGE BODY OF EVIDENCE ON THE INTERNET SUGGESTING THIS MALFUNCTION IS VERY COMMON ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND THERE HAS BEEN NO OFFICIAL RECALL FROM TOYOTA.

WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT, AT IT'S LOWER ANCHOR POINT IN THE B PILLAR, BECAME UNBOLTED AND CAUSED THE BELT TO BECOME PERMANENTLY DETACHED FROM THE CAR.

THE SEAT BELT ON THE REAR LEFT OF THE CAR(THIRD ROW), MALFUNCTIONED. THE SEAT BELT WAS UNBUCKLED, BUT THE WINDING MECHANISM ONLY WINDED, NOT DID NOT ALLOW UNWINDING RESULTING IN A CHILD BEING ALMOST BEING STRANGLED BY THE BELT. THE CAR WAS MOVING WHEN THE MALFUNCTION STARTED. I PULLED OVER TO SERVICE AREA AND ATTEMPTED TO LOOSEN IT, BUT THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE LOOSENED WITH NORMAL MECHANISM. CHILD WAS IN PAIN AND HAD NO ROOM TO MANUEVER. OBTAINED SCISSORS FROM DUNKIN DONUTS TO CUT THE SEATBELT.

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.

The VSC and tract light stay on all the time. The Ford dealer I purchased the Van from said they had it fixed. I took it back and i was told to buy a new gas cap which I did from a Toyota dealer in my area. The light came on again. I took it back and was told it had an exhaust leak and it won't hurt the van. But I could bring it back for starting at $ 200.00 and have a leak test done on the Van, but it would take hours. Since then I've had cleaner run thru the system but the lights stay on all the time. Is this a safety hazard because its an exhaust leak? Can you please assist in the repair information before I spend hundreds of dollars chasing the problem. Thank You so much..... [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

ONE WEEK AGO I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO TO WORK AND WHEN I START DRIVING I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE EVERY TIME I TURN MY STREEING WHEEL . SO I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THAT MY FRONT STRUT MOUNT ON DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE IS DAMAGED . HE TOLD ME THAT THIS PART IS NOT SUPPOSED TO GO BAD AS YET ON MY CAR.

2011 TOYOTA SIENNA, FRONT SUSPENSION MAKING NOISES AND CLICKING. AIR CONDITIONING NOT WORKING WHEN CAR IS IDLING. REAR BACKING CAMERA DOES NOT WORK ONLY IN THE NIGHT TIME. . AND IT HAS BEEN AT THE MULTIPLE TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS AND THEY CAN. NOT FIGURE IT OUT.

TAILGATE SENSOR AND LOCKING MECHANISM ALARM AND LIGHTING GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY INDICATING TAILGATE LATCH INSECURE WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION DISTRACTING DRIVER. TAILGATE DOOR LATCH INSECURE PLACING DRIVER, PASSENGERS AND CONTENTS AT RISK IN THE EVENT OF MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS TO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.

THE VEHICLE ENGINE STALLS. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING TURNS. I HAD TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN THE ENGINE AND LIGHTS HAVE BEEN SWITCHED OFF. IT IS POSSIBLE TO START THE CAR WITH THE PUSH BUTTON WITHOUT PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL SOMETIMES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SWITCH TO THIRD GEAR WITHOUT WARNING INTERMITTENTLY, MAKE A LOUD NOISE, AND THREE ALERTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL; THESE LIGHTS WERE A SKIDDING SIGNAL, EXCLAMATION MARK, AND A SIGNAL THAT ADVISES THE CONTACT TO NOTIFY THE DEALER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE BEYOND 55 MPH, THE RPM METER MOVED TO THE RED ZONE AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SAY WHAT THE DEALER DID WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM OCCURRED THE NEXT DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONTACT FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,400. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300.