RoadVitals

2013 Toyota Sienna Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
183
Latest Aug 10, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 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

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.

44
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Water leaks to the driver and passenger floor when it rains, it seems a leak is coming from the windshield area, touching the car hood

NHTSA ID 11624808 · filed Nov 12, 2024

Pressed the button to open the rear passenger sliding door and it would open. When opened manually it would open only about 12 inches. Then when we were driving on the highway the door opened on its own. The door had to be manually closed and now it will not open. This is now a safety concern that in the event of a crash passengers may not be able to exit the vehicle or the door could open again while driving.

NHTSA ID 11609874 · filed Aug 21, 2024
All 44 reports naming body & structure

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 83,535, and after researching the Carfax Report, the contact discovered that the mileage was 332,216.

NHTSA ID 11694771 · filed Oct 21, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Sienna. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 146,377. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 34,428, but the Carfax mileage was 238,000.

NHTSA ID 11684584 · filed Sep 2, 2025
All 22 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sienna had recall on airbags that were fixed. I have a warning dashboard light that says there is an issue with my airbags and the seat belt light is on. According to the dealer there is an issue with the computer board. They purposed to fix the issue at 800.00 dollars. This is a safety issue due to the expensive cost to fix this. The dealer already had to replace the airbags and now there is something wrong with the computer board and currently I do not have airbags.

NHTSA ID 11553146 · filed Nov 2, 2023

I had sever car accident while I am 7 months pregnant including my 5 years old sons . During the accident my airbag was not deployed which lead me hematoma in my uterus. That car is totally losses and the accident was severe .Thank God we put the sit belt and even if the frontdash board hit me bad . I will attach all the details of the accident and the police report. We tried to submit our complaint to Toyota and they refused to help .As if the air bug should not supposed to deploy with that kind of severe accident they say they don’t use this information .

NHTSA ID 11509309 · filed Feb 27, 2023
All 22 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The 2GR-FE engine on my Sienna has experienced a front timing cover leak. It's slowly leaking oil out of my vehicle and I'm afraid it will get worst over time. My vehicle has less than 100K miles and if the leak persists, I down want my vehicle breaking down and leaving me stranded.

NHTSA ID 11509227 · filed Feb 27, 2023

Anyone: In 2013 I bought a new Toyota Sienna from Fiore Toyota in Hollidaysburg, PA. It was advertised with a lifetime engine and powertrain warranty. I thought that I had made a wise purchased. Fast forward to 2022. In early June I noticed a loud humming from the rear differential area and since I had a family vacation planned with my son’s family I decided to take it in for diagnosis to my local dealer, Colonial Toyota of Indiana, PA. They said that it was the electromagnetic control unit but could not get me in for over a week and that it was not advisable to drive long distance. This resulted in my rented a replacement vehicle – an unanticipated expense. When I returned I took the vehicle into Colonial on July 7th and asked if the part would be covered under the lifetime warranty. They said they would check it out. There were several slow responses between the garage and the warranty company. Requests for additional service records, VIN numbers and what not. Meanwhile I am without a vehicle. Colonial had said that the part should be covered under the contract. Also Colonial’s lifetime warranty was a different company than Fiore’s insurer. Who knew? I had assumed that it was all a Toyota thing. Meanwhile after 8 days of no vehicle and another trip to Colorado approaching, (Granddaughter living alone while her husband is deployed in Poland.), I pulled the trigger and said fix the vehicle as I needed it. My thoughts were that it was a Toyota vehicle, serviced by Toyota “certified” techs at a Toyota garage what else would I need? The day after repairs were initiated, the warranty company says that they will need a 3rd party inspection to verify the defect. Just reinstall the broken part so they can hear it and then reinstall the new part or no coverage. Also this was to take place after I should have been half way across the country. Needless to say I didn’t do it. What good is a warranty that doesn’t trust Toyota techs? Out over $2500

NHTSA ID 11476647 · filed Jul 30, 2022
All 14 reports naming powertrain (other)

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driver side back passenger door would not open or close properly. The door opened while driving on the road. It did t want to shut. It was difficult to get it shut once I stopped.

NHTSA ID 11735741 · filed May 5, 2026

Pressed the button to open the rear passenger sliding door and it would open. When opened manually it would open only about 12 inches. Then when we were driving on the highway the door opened on its own. The door had to be manually closed and now it will not open. This is now a safety concern that in the event of a crash passengers may not be able to exit the vehicle or the door could open again while driving.

NHTSA ID 11609874 · filed Aug 21, 2024
All 12 reports naming interior & seats

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I had sever car accident while I am 7 months pregnant including my 5 years old sons . During the accident my airbag was not deployed which lead me hematoma in my uterus. That car is totally losses and the accident was severe .Thank God we put the sit belt and even if the frontdash board hit me bad . I will attach all the details of the accident and the police report. We tried to submit our complaint to Toyota and they refused to help .As if the air bug should not supposed to deploy with that kind of severe accident they say they don’t use this information .

NHTSA ID 11509309 · filed Feb 27, 2023

Starting about two years ago, the traction/ABS lights come on between 20-35 mph on a gradual curve or randomly while driving. The brakes come on, like an ABS event, even though the brakes are not applied. The car will jerk to the right or left and chatters/vibrates. The mechanic said the brakes, tire wear and pressure, and suspension are all in very good condition and there are not traction control or ABS codes. This does not appear to be normal wear and is dangerous. We can only drive it on short trips for fear of getting in an accident. I decided to look online and found that hundreds of Toyota owners are experiencing the same symptoms. (https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c9152_ds656326). Can anything be done so that Toyota will come up with a solution? Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11463336 · filed May 4, 2022
All 12 reports naming brakes

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Starting about two years ago, the traction/ABS lights come on between 20-35 mph on a gradual curve or randomly while driving. The brakes come on, like an ABS event, even though the brakes are not applied. The car will jerk to the right or left and chatters/vibrates. The mechanic said the brakes, tire wear and pressure, and suspension are all in very good condition and there are not traction control or ABS codes. This does not appear to be normal wear and is dangerous. We can only drive it on short trips for fear of getting in an accident. I decided to look online and found that hundreds of Toyota owners are experiencing the same symptoms. (https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c9152_ds656326). Can anything be done so that Toyota will come up with a solution? Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11463336 · filed May 4, 2022

I was gonna make a U-turn at the end of the road and then the steering made a cracking noise. The steering shaft has been replaced 3 TIMES and it still happens. So much for Toyota Reliability.....................

NHTSA ID 11459144 · filed Mar 31, 2022
All 11 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving down the street and then my car lurched forward, the engine revving up. It is a 2013 Sienna XLE V6 & it had 113,000 miles on it. I had to STOMP on the brake to get it to stop.

NHTSA ID 11459047 · filed Mar 30, 2022

This is to advise you of a safety issue with our 2013 Toyota Sienna XLE Minivan having a V6 (3.5L) engine. Our vehicle currently has 118,169 miles on it and has been well maintained. This vehicle was purchased new and is operated primarily in Florida where we live. Over the last 6 - 10 months on three occasions our Sienna Minivan suddenly lurched forward as the engine revved up. On all three occasions, I had to take quick action and with significant force press the brake pedal as well as place the minivan in neutral and then into park in order to stop our minivan from surging forward and hitting the car in front of me. On all three occasions, my right foot was on the brake pedal when this occurred and on two of the three occasions, our minivan was slowly accelerating from either a stopped position or a very low speed (5 mph or less). On one of the occasions I was approaching an intersection with a stop sign and our minivan was decelerating to a stop when the engine revved up and the minivan surged forward. This occurred as our minivan was going approximately 5 - 10 mph. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to any of these incidents. I have reported this condition to our local Toyota Dealer but they said they could not duplicate the issue during their test drive. This is a serious safety condition and one that could result in a serious accident with injuries particularly if the driver is not quick to react to this unexpected condition.

NHTSA ID 11435613 · filed Oct 5, 2021
All 10 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Water leaks to the driver and passenger floor when it rains, it seems a leak is coming from the windshield area, touching the car hood

NHTSA ID 11624808 · filed Nov 12, 2024

BECAUSE I LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD; I AM ASSUMING THAT BUILT UP ON THE WINDOW ROLLERS, HAVE DAMAGED MY WINDOWS. MY WINDOWS ARE SCRATCHED, TO THE POINT WHERE IT AFFECTS VISIBILITY. I THOUGHT THE SCRATCHES WERE ON THE WINDOW TINT (INTERIOR); BUT IT TURNS OUT, IT IS ON THE EXTERIOR (THE GLASS). I WENT TO A WINDOW REPAIR SHOP, HOPING THEY COULD RESURFACE THE GLASS. THEY SAID THERE IS NO REPAIR AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THEM. REPLACING 3 TO FOUR WINDOWS WOULD COST OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS (TINT EXTRA). I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE APART FROM THE HIDEOUS LOOK, MY FAMILIES SAFETY IS AT RISK. I CHOSE NOT TO REPLACE THE WINDOWS, BECAUSE THE ROLLERS WILL JUST BEGIN THE PROCESS ALL OVER AGAIN. IF YOU LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD, I RECOMMEND YOU EITHER WASH YOUR CAR, VERY REGULARLY OR DON'T ROLL DOWN YOUR WINDOWS AT ALL. THE LATTER IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO DO. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND IT GETS VERY HOT; INSIDE A PARKED VEHICLE. WHEN I PUT MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR; I ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS IMMEDIATELY, AND START THE A.C; TO BRING THE TEMPERATURE DOWN. I HOPE TOYOTA BECOMES AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND INSTALLS BETTER ROLLERS, OR OFFERS REPAIRS. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID 11219175 · filed Jun 11, 2019
All 9 reports naming visibility

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The 2GR-FE engine on my Sienna has experienced a front timing cover leak. It's slowly leaking oil out of my vehicle and I'm afraid it will get worst over time. My vehicle has less than 100K miles and if the leak persists, I down want my vehicle breaking down and leaving me stranded.

NHTSA ID 11509227 · filed Feb 27, 2023

This is to advise you of a safety issue with our 2013 Toyota Sienna XLE Minivan having a V6 (3.5L) engine. Our vehicle currently has 118,169 miles on it and has been well maintained. This vehicle was purchased new and is operated primarily in Florida where we live. Over the last 6 - 10 months on three occasions our Sienna Minivan suddenly lurched forward as the engine revved up. On all three occasions, I had to take quick action and with significant force press the brake pedal as well as place the minivan in neutral and then into park in order to stop our minivan from surging forward and hitting the car in front of me. On all three occasions, my right foot was on the brake pedal when this occurred and on two of the three occasions, our minivan was slowly accelerating from either a stopped position or a very low speed (5 mph or less). On one of the occasions I was approaching an intersection with a stop sign and our minivan was decelerating to a stop when the engine revved up and the minivan surged forward. This occurred as our minivan was going approximately 5 - 10 mph. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to any of these incidents. I have reported this condition to our local Toyota Dealer but they said they could not duplicate the issue during their test drive. This is a serious safety condition and one that could result in a serious accident with injuries particularly if the driver is not quick to react to this unexpected condition.

NHTSA ID 11435613 · filed Oct 5, 2021
All 8 reports naming engine

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HAVING A PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA SIENNA TIRES, EVERY 30K, I HAVE TO CHANGE NEW TIRES FOR MY SIENNA VAN. TIRES WON'T LAST FOR LONG EVEN THOUGH AM DOING A REGULAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT EVERY 5000 MILES AND ALSO WATER PUMP HAD TO REPLACED WITH NEW WATER PUMP. IT'S COST US A LOT. I DID LOT OF REPAIRS ON MY SIENNA VAN, I HAVE ALMOST SPENT $10,000 FOR REPAIRS WORK AND TOTAL MILEAGE ON MY VAN IS NOT YET REACHED 90K

NHTSA ID 11384199 · filed Dec 19, 2020

OUR VAN HAS 93,800 MILES ON IT AND IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN WE TURN LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE MOVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS. WE TOOK THE VAN IN AND WERE TOLD THAT THE STRUTS NEED REPLACED AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS LOW MILES FOR THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD BE STILL UNDER WARRANTY IF IT WAS NOT OLDER THAN 5 YEARS. THIS SHOULD NOT NEED A REPAIR LIKE THIS ALREADY. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINTS ON HIS FORUM AT ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE. TOYOTA PRIDES ITSELF ON MAKING VEHICLES TO LAST BUT HAVE MADE SEVERAL MISTAKES ON THIS MODEL. COST TO FIX IT IS $750. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO ALONG WITH THE REASON OUR VAN HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH TIRES ABOUT EVERY 25,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID 11230959 · filed Jul 11, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The 2GR-FE engine on my Sienna has experienced a front timing cover leak. It's slowly leaking oil out of my vehicle and I'm afraid it will get worst over time. My vehicle has less than 100K miles and if the leak persists, I down want my vehicle breaking down and leaving me stranded.

NHTSA ID 11509227 · filed Feb 27, 2023

FUEL PUMP SOMETIMES STOP WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN STALL OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE MY SIENNA VAN IS TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED. WHEN FUEL PUMP FAILS, I NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STARTS RUNNING ROUGH AND THAT WARNING LIGHTS MAY APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. THE ENGINE MIGHT NOT RESTART IF IT STALLS. *TR

NHTSA ID 11326270 · filed May 28, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DURING MY 60K SERVICE (57K MILES RUN) ON APR 20, THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (PIERCEY TOYOTA) IDENTIFIED A MAJOR SERVICE RELATED TO SUSPENSION WHICH IS EXPECT TO COST AROUND $3000. MY VEHICLE USAGE IS MINIMAL WHICH IS QUITE EVIDENT FROM BARELY 57000 MILES RUN DURING LAST 8 YEARS. I'M EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM HAS FAILED WITH SUCH LIMITED USE WHICH CLEARLY SUGGESTS DEFECTIVE QUALITY FROM TOYOTA. RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET (SEARCH STRING - SIENNA CONTROL ARM PROBLEM) I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS COMMON ISSUE ON SIENNA TO THE POINT IT LEADS EM TO BELIEVE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL E.G. HTTPS://WWW.SIENNACHAT.COM/THREADS/2011-SIENNA-SE-DEALER-RECOMMENDS-REPLACING-CONTROL-ARMS-LOWER-BALL-JOINTS.62597/. THIS APPEARS TO BE RECURRING ISSUE WITH SIENNA, HENCE I'M FILING THIS RECALL REQUEST/COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ID 11415849 · filed May 10, 2021

EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRE ALWAYS. 4 YEARS AND 4 SETS OF HIGH MILEAGE TIRES. NEVER GOTTEN PAST 20K ON A BRAND NEW SET. GOODYEAR ASSURANCE AND MICHILINE DEFENDERS. TRACTION IS ALWAYS AN ISSUE AT THE 12K MARK. ALLIGHNMENTA DONE EVERY TIME AND ROTATIONS EVERY 5K.

NHTSA ID 11407353 · filed Apr 10, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Two Front Tires 235/55R18 100V wore down to completely unsafe condiotion and had to be replaced. Tires were on vehicle less than 8 months and had less than 10K miles on them.

NHTSA ID 11628452 · filed Dec 2, 2024

YOKO TORNANTE h/v 235/55 R 18 released belt on Drivers front and passenger front during September 2021; mileage at time is 85850, mileage at install was 54380. tires had 31,470 on them at failure with a 75,000 rating. Previous failure of: YOKO TORNANTE 235/55 R 14, released belt on passenger rear tire in June 2021. Tired bought and installed October 2017, tires have 75,000 mileage rating. Tire had less than 31,000 miles on it at failure. No warning lights or alerts; tire inspected at Island Tire in Marathon, Florida on trip from Virginia. Caught issue prior to any injury. Issue took place on vacation from Virginia. Second failure of tires on Drivers front and passenger front in September 2021 for released belt. Yoko Tornante 135/55 R 14. Appears to be bad batch of tires.

NHTSA ID 11436211 · filed Oct 10, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A few days ago the seat belt sensor would continue to beep and blink even after the seat belt was fastened. Then, on Friday, December 24th, 2021, a piece popped out of the seat belt latching mechanism on the driver's seat. Now it is difficult to get the seat belt to latch, and I am unsure that the latch would hold if the vehicle was in an accident that could cause serious injury to the driver. This is available to be inspected upon request. I haven't taken this to be looked at yet, but would like to know if this is something that I would have to pay for or if the manufacturer would cover the cost of this repair.

NHTSA ID 11444975 · filed Dec 26, 2021

Drivers Seat belt latch had a spring pop out. It continued to work for a short time although less functional and then it would no longer latch.

NHTSA ID 11435047 · filed Sep 30, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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

Data on this page last refreshed .