2020 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 2020 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
- Fuel system819.0%
- Powertrain (other)819.0%
- Electrical614.3%
- Engine614.3%
- Steering37.1%
- Body & structure37.1%
- Brakes37.1%
- Visibility12.4%
- Driver assistance12.4%
- Interior & seats12.4%
- Other / unspecified12.4%
- Airbags12.4%
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is a 2020 Toyota Sienna. While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning, creating a dangerous situation and loss of power. This occurred while transporting children, increasing the safety risk. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the low-pressure fuel pump. The problem appears intermittently — sometimes the vehicle runs normally, and other times it stalls or loses power. The check engine light has turned on and off. This issue matches the known defect related to the Denso fuel pump recall affecting many Toyota vehicles from similar model years. However, my VIN is not included in the recall. This is a serious safety concern because the engine can shut off unexpectedly while driving, which could lead to an accident. I believe this vehicle may have the same defective component as those included in the recall, even though it is not currently listed. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic and the vehicle is available for inspection if needed.
The van has been periodically hesitating, rough idles, and when parked the rpm revs. On 9/13/22, the van was shaking, hesitating, and would not accelerate. It was undrivable and had to be towed. We took it to Toyota of Irving where they charged us $725 to flush the gas and clean the fuel injection system. Despite this, it is still hard idling and hesitating.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Toyota sienna is a 2020, has 83,000 miles and has recently been squealing when I accelerate. I took the van to a local body shop and they said it seems to be my transmission. I called Toyota immediately and they knew that the transmissions were faulty and that they would try to work with Toyota to get it fixed. There is no way I can pay 9k for a new transmissions because they put in faulty ones.
The vehicle is a 2020 Toyota Sienna. While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning, creating a dangerous situation and loss of power. This occurred while transporting children, increasing the safety risk. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the low-pressure fuel pump. The problem appears intermittently — sometimes the vehicle runs normally, and other times it stalls or loses power. The check engine light has turned on and off. This issue matches the known defect related to the Denso fuel pump recall affecting many Toyota vehicles from similar model years. However, my VIN is not included in the recall. This is a serious safety concern because the engine can shut off unexpectedly while driving, which could lead to an accident. I believe this vehicle may have the same defective component as those included in the recall, even though it is not currently listed. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic and the vehicle is available for inspection if needed.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the pre collision, lane assist, and air bag warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a fuse in the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) was replaced; however, the contact stated that approximately 10 days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle remained for almost two weeks. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced; however, the wiring harness was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Spontaneous and random: Blinkers come on, radio volume goes up or down when turning the other way, CarPlay USB shuts off and on, hiccups when accelerating (when ECO kicks on/in)…everything points to an electrical/computer issue. Purchased used from a dealership and noticed these issues after the 3-day return window.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is a 2020 Toyota Sienna. While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning, creating a dangerous situation and loss of power. This occurred while transporting children, increasing the safety risk. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the low-pressure fuel pump. The problem appears intermittently — sometimes the vehicle runs normally, and other times it stalls or loses power. The check engine light has turned on and off. This issue matches the known defect related to the Denso fuel pump recall affecting many Toyota vehicles from similar model years. However, my VIN is not included in the recall. This is a serious safety concern because the engine can shut off unexpectedly while driving, which could lead to an accident. I believe this vehicle may have the same defective component as those included in the recall, even though it is not currently listed. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic and the vehicle is available for inspection if needed.
For a month prior, there were intermittent incidents of the van shuddering and the RPM needle jumping upon ignition. Sometimes the van would have a hard time accelerating before jerking and driving normally. No issues before this started in late July and no indication when/where would occur. •September 15: drove the van all day running errands. It drove normally. Filled up the gas tank (Gulf gas station), then continued errands. About a half hour later, while at a stop sign, a notification appeared that the “Traction Control System has been turned off” and the check engine light came on. Tried to move through the stop sign, but the van would barely go. Applied the gas, but no results. Able to turn onto a side street and had to have it towed to Toyota of Irving. The Service Advisor stated the issue was due due to bad gas and indicated the van needed to be flushed and the fuel injection system cleaned. Paid $725 for these repairs. •September 17: Started van in driveway. Shuddering and RPM needle jumping again. Drove normally. •September 21: Same as above. •September 25: Drove the van all day with no issues. Filled up with Valero Plus gas. As we pulled out of the gas station and sitting at the light, the Traction Control message and check engine light again appeared. The van would barely go to get us through the traffic light and into a nearby parking lot. Once we parked, the screen displayed the following message:"A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected." Had the vehicle towed to Toyota of Irving. The service advisor called 2 days later to say they cannot detect any issues.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist. Additionally, the "Check Vehicle Stability Control System", "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", and "Lane Departure Alert" messages were displayed. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no open recalls on the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V532000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,200.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The power sliding door assembly failed, and the driver side rear sliding door was bound shut, and could not be opened. Disabling the power door system did not resolve the issue. The cable for the power door mechanism was hanging below the rear vent windows; but for some reason the door still would not open. I ultimately with a lot of gentle force was able to get the door open enough to see the retract side of the cable was bound up, and was able to cut it with wire cutters, and ultimately get the door to work normally as a non-powered manual sliding door. Since the original NHTSA BULLITIN on this was published in 6/2019 before my 2020 Sienna was manufactured, and Toyota did not change the mechanism until the 2021 model redesign, I believe that RECALL should be extend to all 2019 and 2020 vehicles. This seems dangerous that the door does not default to manual operation in error.
Hinge rust on fuel door causing it to break and not let rear passenger door auto open (because switch won't make up) hinge is very weakly built
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brake peddle is too small, it feels like my foot is going to come off of it or miss it. Some time's I lose a second or two trying to locate it with my foot, very frightening, and dangerous Every vehicle I have ever owned had a brake peddle twice that size. Yes it's a mini van, but the brake peddle does not need to be mini. This vehicle can carry 8 adults with lots of extra room, it should not even be classified a mini van. The brake peddle is less then 4 inches wide. Please look into this dangerous issue. Photos attached.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle skidded. The ABS warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a speed sensor short circuit on the front passenger’s side, and that the brake actuator was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
In August of 2024, we noticed the drivers side rear view mirror had come loose from it's external housing and was only tethered by wiring that was for mirror movement, defrosting and blind spot awareness. In order for it to be safe to use, we had to duct tape it so that it would not move. Unfortunately, the mirror continues to loosen and has to be retaped frequently. We took it to our dealer (McGovern Toyota) in Portsmouth, NH 0n 23 September 2024 and were told that it could not be fixed but had to be replaced and were quoted an amount of $2025.29 .We were also told that the part was on national backorder and may take a few weeks to arrive. Due to the astonomical cost of replacement, I tried to find other solutions and contacted other dealers and body shops but was told it had to be replaced and could not be fixed. I brought the car into another dealer, nearby (Ira Toyota) in Saco, Maine and they also said it had to be replaced and quoted an amount of $1937.70.I asked them to order the part, which they too, said was in national backorder. I contacted our automobile insurance company (AMICA) who agreed to cover the part and labor and issued a check for $1,420.60. Every month, I would call the dealer and every month I was told that Toyota estimated a delivery within a month, but that month would come and go with no part. For the last several months, I have been in touch with TOYOTA and their "brand engagement advocate" named Julie has reviewed our concern and also has stated that the part will be available by the end of the months of February, March, April, May, June and now July. I have written emails to TOYOTA expressing my dissatisfaction and now have a vehicle which is unsafe to drive due to the instability of the mirror and a vehicle which will not pass inspection (according to the dealer). I feel TOYOTA is lying about the parts actual availability and being disingenuous to what was a loyal customer. I am at a loss what to do next.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEAR TO WHO CONCERN THIS CASE, ON AUGUST 26, 2019, I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW CAR, SIENNA, TOYOTA 2020 FROM PRINCIPLE TOYOTA ON 7370 WINCHESTER RD, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38125. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE CAR. I WAS GUARANTEED BY THE DEALER THAT THE CAR IS IN PERFECT WORKING CONDITION BEFORE PURCHASE. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING THE NEW CAR FOR FEW DAYS, THE KEY REMOTE STOPPED WORKING AND I REVISITED THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. I TALKED TO JIMMY ROCKER, ONE OF THE SALE ASSOCIATES, AND HE TRANSFERRED ME TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER. AFTER FEW MORE DAYS OF DRIVING THE CAR, MORE PROBLEMS EMERGED. THE CAR WARNING MONITOR INDICATED 'AWD SYSTEM MALFUNCTION 2WD MODE ENGAGED, CONTACT YOUR DEALER' AS WELL AS 'BRAKE OVERRIDE MALFUNCTION, VISIT YOUR DEALER'. NOT ONLY THE WARNINGS, THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND ME, OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THE SECOND TIME I REVISITED THE DEALERSHIP, I ENCOUNTERED CHRIS THOMPSON, THE NEW CAR DIRECTOR AT PRINCIPLE TOYOTA. I SUGGESTED HIM TO INSPECT MY CAR AND FINDING A SOLUTION FOR IT. I HAVE TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO HIM HOW IT WAS DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE TWO KIDS WHO ARE DRIVING WITH ME AND IF THE SITUATION HAPPENED AGAIN, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN FATALLY INJURED. CHRIS DID NOT LISTEN TO MY STORY BUT INSTEAD TOLD ME THAT THE CAR DOES NOT BELONG TO HIM AND HE JUST WALKED AWAY IN FRONT OF OUR CONVERSATION. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE OF HIS INDIFFERENCE TOWARDS MY SITUATION AND THE TYPE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE I RECEIVED WAS NOT EXPECTED FROM A WELL-KNOWN COMPANY LIKE YOURS. TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF KIDS AND MY FAMILY, I DEMAND A REPLACEMENT OF THE CAR AS WELL AS ANY COMPENSATION ASSOCIATED MY SPENT TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP. I HOPE THERE WILL BE A REASONABLE SOLUTION FOR MY CASE. BEST REGARDS, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOYOTA ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS INCLUDED WITH THE 2020 SIENNA DO NOT ALLOW THE 2ND ROW SEATS TO SLIDE BACK AND FORTH ON THE RAILS WITHOUT GETTING JAMMED ON THE MATS. MY SON WAS IN THE 3RD ROW AND THE SEAT GOT JAMMED N THE MAT AND HE COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRE WEAR ON INSIDE OF TIRES ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED EVERY 4K MILES NOW HAVING TO REPLACE 4 TIRES AT A COST OF $1250.00
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
We had our van parked on a driveway with a front facing slope, we had hard rains went we where going away there was water coming out of the seat belt on the passenger side and the panel above the window was stained down to the window support where the air bag is. I've been reading reports as far back as 2008 we have a 2020, went taken to the dealer they want 1000 to 2700 to remove the head liner and try to fine the problem, which what was reported didn't help. The dealer recommended to not park with the front of the van facing down hill if rain is forecast, my problem is that Toyota has not been required to fix the leaks. I'm calling my local dealership tomorrow about are leak.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .