ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
FaultScore report
2002 Toyota Sienna problems
Owners have filed 225 complaints about the 2002 Toyota Sienna with NHTSA between 2001 and 2026. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 23 worst.
FaultScore 44/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Sienna.
How this is worked outThe numbers
225
Complaints
16
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
71,815 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
30%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
What kind of bad
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
- Complaint volume — 24
- Against the median year of the Toyota Sienna. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
- Severity — 73
- 14.2% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
- Early failure — 51
- 30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Toyota Sienna
Click any bar to open that year's report.
What breaks on a 2002 Toyota Sienna
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 57,500 mi
6 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,770 mi
Median failure at 27,400 miles
Median failure at 200,000 miles
Median failure at 63,000 miles
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Median failure at 33,000 miles
Median failure at 29,000 miles
Median failure at 34,006 miles
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 118,000 mi
Exactly what failed
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Side barrier crash test
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Toyota Sienna | — | — | — | — |
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Toyota Sienna
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
Recalls on the 2002 Toyota Sienna
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Other
On certain vehicles operated where road salts are frequently used, excessive corrosion of the spare tire carrier assembly cable may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the vehicle. Spare tire falling on the road surface creates a safety hazard that may result in a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, as required, either apply a corrosion resistance enhancement treatment to the spare tire carrier restraint cable, repair the cable and apply the corrosion resistance treatment, or replace the spare tire carrier assembly. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 2014-188.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN A SMALL INCLINE AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE POST. A SMALL CHILD WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAITA TOYOTA (2500 AUBURN BLVD, SACRAMENTO, CA). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED A MECHANISM FAILURE, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,200.
NHTSA complaint #11061205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING WITH THE VEHICLE AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND NECK. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND WHIP LASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,700.
NHTSA complaint #10553223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO TAKE DINNER WITH MY FAMILY WHEN ARRIVE TO THE RESTAURANT I NOTICE WAS A LOT SMOG IN THE MOTOR I OPEN THE HOOD WAS A LOT SMOG SO I PLUG OUT THE BATTERY AND I CALL A MECHANIC AND HE TELLME THE FIRE WAS IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP HE DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE POWER STEERING AND TELLME TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND MAYBE HAVE A RECALL. THATS BY I WANT TO NO IF IS COVER FOR THE WARRANTY OR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10549735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO TAKE DINNER WITH MY FAMILY WHEN ARRIVE TO THE RESTAURANT I NOTICE WAS A LOT SMOG IN THE MOTOR I OPEN THE HOOD WAS A LOT SMOG SO I PLUG OUT THE BATTERY AND I CALL A MECHANIC AND HE TELLME THE FIRE WAS IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP HE DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE POWER STEERING AND TELLME TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND MAYBE HAVE A RECALL. THATS BY I WANT TO NO IF IS COVER FOR THE WARRANTY OR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10549735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO TAKE DINNER WITH MY FAMILY WHEN ARRIVE TO THE RESTAURANT I NOTICE WAS A LOT SMOG IN THE MOTOR I OPEN THE HOOD WAS A LOT SMOG SO I PLUG OUT THE BATTERY AND I CALL A MECHANIC AND HE TELLME THE FIRE WAS IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP HE DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE POWER STEERING AND TELLME TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND MAYBE HAVE A RECALL. THATS BY I WANT TO NO IF IS COVER FOR THE WARRANTY OR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10549735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WE HAVE OWNED THIS 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA SINCE 2002. THE BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS SQUEALED WHEN STOPPING GRADUALLY, AND THE DEALER SAID THAT SIENNA BRAKES ALL SQUEAL. THERE HAVE BEEN ONLY A FEW INSTANCES OVER THE PREVIOUS 9 YEARS WHEN THE ABS HAS ACTIVATED AND I HAD ALWAYS FELT THAT THE ABS ON THIS WAS MUCH SUPERIOR TO THE MAZDA PROTEGE THAT WE OWNED. HOWEVER IN THE PAST MONTH OR TWO, THE ABS ACTIVATED ABOUT 3 OR 4 TIMES, ON SLIGHTLY RAPID STOPS, UNDER DRY DRIVING CONDITIONS. YESTERDAY EVENING, UNDER DRY DRIVING CONDITIONS, WHEN PULLING OUT OF A STOP LIGHT, I NOTICED THE SUV AHEAD SLOWING DOWN AND BEGAN BRAKING, THEN SWITCHED TO THE ACCELERATOR FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND WHEN IT SEEMED THAT THEY MIGHT START ACCELERATING, THEN WHEN THEY BRAKE HARD, I TOO SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. THE ABS KICKED IN, BUT THE CAR SEEMED TO KEEP MOVING AND THE CRASH HAPPENED IN SLOW MOTION - IT WAS JUST AS I FELT IN THE MAZDA PROTEGE, WHEN THE ABS KICKED IN WHILE TRYING TO STOP ON AN ICY ROAD - THE CAR KEPT MOVING WITHOUT SEEMING TO SLOW DOWN. I AM NOT SURE, BUT ALSO HAVE A VAGUE SENSE THAT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO WORK HARD TO PULL THE CAR FORWARD, POSSIBLY LIKE THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION REPORTED BY OTHERS IN A RECENT SPATE OF ACCIDENTS. I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKE WHEN MY CAR PLOWED UNDER THE REAR FENDER OF THE CHEVY TAHOE AHEAD, CAUSING THE RADIATOR, BATTERY, ETC. TO GET SMASHED. THIS WAS WHEN IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING AND TRYING TO PULL THE CAR FORWARD - I FINALLY CUT THE IGNITION TO KILL THE ENGINE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY CALLED EDY'S TOYOTA, WITH ME ON THE LINE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD READ THE CAR COMPUTER TO CHECK THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE SERVICE REP SHOWED A LOT OF RELUCTANCE, SEEMING TO INDICATE THAT NOT MUCH WOULD BE GAINED, AND FINALLY DECLINED SAYING "YOU'RE PUTTING ME IN A SPOT"...
NHTSA complaint #10434289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dear Sir, On April 2026, I need to do the semiannual smog check. Right now, I face DTC P0420 error code and I can't pass the smog check inspection. Note that I don't have the engine light on indicating the a/m error code. Only my OBD2 shows the error DTC Code P0420. I did some searhing and noticed that the ECM for Sienna should be updated to erase the a/m DTC code. I would appreciated to help me how the resolve this issue ASAP. It will enable me to renew my registration.You may contact on my cell phone 747 217 7254 or my email at massey.miri@gmail.com. Regards, Massey
NHTSA complaint #11718059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CHECKING ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF SLIDE DOOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY
NHTSA complaint #11515584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHECKING ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF SLIDE DOOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY
NHTSA complaint #11515584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
CHECKING ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF SLIDE DOOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY
NHTSA complaint #11515584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE LOWER REAR MOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER WAS FOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY TO HAVE BECOME PARTIALLY FRACTURED OVER TIME. IT IS MADE OF THIN HOLLOW METAL WITH INTERNAL THREADS. THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR THIS EXCEPT TO PURCHASE A LARGE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL UNIT COSTING $1,688.00
NHTSA complaint #11404845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES MAKE A NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS ABOUT TO STOP. THERE IS A SQUEAL AND THUMP THAT CAN BE HEARD. HAVE TAKEN THIS IN SEVERAL TIMES TO BE FIXED. THEY SAY THE BRAKES ARE SAFE. I AM 74 YEARS OLD AND HAVE HAD MANY CARS OVER THE YEARS AND THE ONLY TIMES OTHER CARS HAVE MADE THIS KIND OF NOISE IT WAS TIME TO CHANGE THE BRAKES. IN THIS CASE THE BRAKE PADS SEEM TO HAVE PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT. FUNNY THAT WHEN THE REAR DRUMS ARE REMOVED AND THE BRAKE AND DRUMS ARE THOROUGHLY CLEANED THE NOISE DOES NOT HAPPEN FOR A WHILE. THE FIRST COMPLAINT WAS MADE AT 15,523 MILES AND CONTINUES TOO THIS DAY. AT 31,842 MILES THE REAR DRUMS WERE REPLACED PER TSB BR003-04. TOOK THE CAR IN AGAIN AT 125,559 MILES AND WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED NEW REAR DRUMS. THEY HAD BEEN REPLACED. THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES AND NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11228644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
STEERING GETS STIFF HARD TO TURN STEERING
NHTSA complaint #11074246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN A SMALL INCLINE AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE POST. A SMALL CHILD WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAITA TOYOTA (2500 AUBURN BLVD, SACRAMENTO, CA). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED A MECHANISM FAILURE, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,200.
NHTSA complaint #11061205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
INCIDENT #1 (6/3/2017) - TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN TURNING ON CITY STREET. CAR PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WENT UP TO 35 MPH FOR SEVERAL BLOCKS INCIDENT #2 (6/4/2017) - WHILE PARKING CAR IN DRIVEWAY, APPLIED FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. ENGINE ROARED AND THRUSTED FORWARD.
NHTSA complaint #10993094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LEAKED WATER FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. ...UPDATED 09/12/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10884763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LEAKED WATER FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND THE SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. ...UPDATED 09/12/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10884763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE CABLE FOR THE PASSENGER POWER DOOR SNAPPED AND DOOR WOULD NOT FULLY SHUT. I WAS STOPPED, GETTING READY TO TURN LEFT, WHEN IT SNAPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10882798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE ELECTRIC SLIDING DOOR MECHANISM BROKE DOWN . IT OPEN BUT IT DOESN'T CLOSE. IT GETS STOCK.
NHTSA complaint #10862402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
DOOR HANDLES BREAK OFF DURING NORMAL USE DUE TO ELECTRICAL DOOR MALFUNCTION. THE DESIGN OF THESE DOOR HANDLES ARE POOR AND A NEW DESIGN NEEDS TO BE MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10704387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IT WOULD NOT OPEN ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY. AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN I CUT THE CABLE AND WAS ABLE TO THEN OPEN THE DOOR. AT THIS POINT IN TIME BOTH SLIDING DOORS WILL NOT OPEN ELECTRONICALLY BUT WILL OPEN MANUALLY.
NHTSA complaint #10704379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALL THE LOCKS KEEP UNLOCKING, AND LOCKING WITHOUT ANYONE IN OR AROUND THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE LOCKS ARE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING IT IS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE VAN IS IN GEAR, WHILE DRIVING, AND WHEN VAN IS NOT RUNNING WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!
NHTSA complaint #10704383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IT WOULD NOT OPEN ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY. AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN I CUT THE CABLE AND WAS ABLE TO THEN OPEN THE DOOR. AT THIS POINT IN TIME BOTH SLIDING DOORS WILL NOT OPEN ELECTRONICALLY BUT WILL OPEN MANUALLY.
NHTSA complaint #10704379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY ONTO THE ROAD. I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE TYPICAL ACCELERATION. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL COMPLETELY. THEN I PUT MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS PEDAL AND PUSHED DOWN HARDER THAN NORMAL TO SEE IF I GOT A RESPONSE. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THEN I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO REV AND THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING FORWARD. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO REV. I THEN DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY FOOT BRIEFLY AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF AND THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING AT THIS POINT. I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AFTER THAT POINT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVVING MY LEFT FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING OR NEAR THE GAS PEDAL. THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT IN THE WAY. AND MY RIGHT FOOT WAS FREE AND UNENCUMBERED. THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO FULLY CONCENTRATE ON THE ISSUE AND DID NOT HIT ANYONE OR ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10676163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY ONTO THE ROAD. I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE TYPICAL ACCELERATION. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL COMPLETELY. THEN I PUT MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS PEDAL AND PUSHED DOWN HARDER THAN NORMAL TO SEE IF I GOT A RESPONSE. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THEN I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO REV AND THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING FORWARD. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO REV. I THEN DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY FOOT BRIEFLY AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF AND THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING AT THIS POINT. I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AFTER THAT POINT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVVING MY LEFT FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING OR NEAR THE GAS PEDAL. THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT IN THE WAY. AND MY RIGHT FOOT WAS FREE AND UNENCUMBERED. THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO FULLY CONCENTRATE ON THE ISSUE AND DID NOT HIT ANYONE OR ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10676163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY ONTO THE ROAD. I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE TYPICAL ACCELERATION. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL COMPLETELY. THEN I PUT MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS PEDAL AND PUSHED DOWN HARDER THAN NORMAL TO SEE IF I GOT A RESPONSE. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THEN I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO REV AND THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING FORWARD. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO REV. I THEN DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY FOOT BRIEFLY AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF AND THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING AT THIS POINT. I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AFTER THAT POINT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVVING MY LEFT FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING OR NEAR THE GAS PEDAL. THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT IN THE WAY. AND MY RIGHT FOOT WAS FREE AND UNENCUMBERED. THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND ME SO I WAS ABLE TO FULLY CONCENTRATE ON THE ISSUE AND DID NOT HIT ANYONE OR ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10676163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN DRIVING ON CRUISE CONTROL AND LIGHTLY BRAKING THE CAR SUDDENLY ALARMINGLY ACCELERATES. DEALER CLAIMS VARIOUS ISSUES THAT THEY TRIED BUT NON RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. I AM READY TO SELL AND AFRAID THAT THE BUYER MIGHT NOT REMEMBER TO FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTION TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL BEFORE BRAKING. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS, MOST RECENTLY THIS YEAR 2014.
NHTSA complaint #10641393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN DRIVING ON CRUISE CONTROL AND LIGHTLY BRAKING THE CAR SUDDENLY ALARMINGLY ACCELERATES. DEALER CLAIMS VARIOUS ISSUES THAT THEY TRIED BUT NON RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. I AM READY TO SELL AND AFRAID THAT THE BUYER MIGHT NOT REMEMBER TO FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTION TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL BEFORE BRAKING. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS, MOST RECENTLY THIS YEAR 2014.
NHTSA complaint #10641393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
OUR 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA HAD THE GEAR SHIFT REPAIRED AT A MAJOR ATLANTA AREA TOYOTA DEALER ON MAY 5, 2014. THE GEAR SHIFT REPLACEMENT REQUIRED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO BE DISASSEMBLED. ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER THAT REPAIR, THE STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OF THE WHEELS. BY SHEER LUCK THIS STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT AFTER JUST TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE. HAD THIS STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS, THIS MAY HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE SAME MAJOR ATLANTA AREA TOYOTA DEALER AND THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING FAILURE WAS IDENTIFIED AS "STEERING JOINT BOLT BACKED OFF FROM CONNECTION". I WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ONE BOLT COMING LOOSE. THE STEERING FAILURE WAS CORRECTED BY "RE-TIGHTENED' BOLT WITH LOCK TIGHT". IN SUMMARY, THE REPAIR OF A GEAR SHIFT BY A CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE CENTER RESULTED IN COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE DUE TO ONE BOLT THAT "BACKED OFF FROM CONNECTION" OR THAT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED OR SECURED. IT IS VERY CONCERNING THAT TOYOTA?S STEERING COLUMN DESIGN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE WHEN ONE BOLT COMES LOOSE. IT IS ALSO A MAJOR ISSUE THAT A CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE CENTER IS UNABLE TO SAFELY DISSEMBLE AND REASSEMBLE THE STEERING COLUMN AND PROVIDE A SAFE AND DRIVABLE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW OFTEN THIS TYPE OF STEERING FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THIS AND SIMILARLY DESIGNED TOYOTA VEHICLES. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY CRASHES, SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATHS HAVE RESULTED FROM THIS ISSUE. THIS CERTAINLY CAN?T BE THE ONLY OCCURRENCE. I FEEL IT IS IMPERATIVE TO ALERT OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS AUTHORIZED REPAIR CENTERS OF THE SITUATION OR ISSUE A RECALL TO ENSURE THAT THE STEERING JOINT BOLT IS SECURE. VIDEO CAN BE SEEN AT: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=6XB-CPKR4HY UPDATED 1/9/2015
NHTSA complaint #10598032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
OUR 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA HAD THE GEAR SHIFT REPAIRED AT A MAJOR ATLANTA AREA TOYOTA DEALER ON MAY 5, 2014. THE GEAR SHIFT REPLACEMENT REQUIRED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO BE DISASSEMBLED. ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER THAT REPAIR, THE STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OF THE WHEELS. BY SHEER LUCK THIS STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT AFTER JUST TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE. HAD THIS STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS, THIS MAY HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE SAME MAJOR ATLANTA AREA TOYOTA DEALER AND THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING FAILURE WAS IDENTIFIED AS "STEERING JOINT BOLT BACKED OFF FROM CONNECTION". I WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ONE BOLT COMING LOOSE. THE STEERING FAILURE WAS CORRECTED BY "RE-TIGHTENED' BOLT WITH LOCK TIGHT". IN SUMMARY, THE REPAIR OF A GEAR SHIFT BY A CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE CENTER RESULTED IN COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE DUE TO ONE BOLT THAT "BACKED OFF FROM CONNECTION" OR THAT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED OR SECURED. IT IS VERY CONCERNING THAT TOYOTA?S STEERING COLUMN DESIGN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE WHEN ONE BOLT COMES LOOSE. IT IS ALSO A MAJOR ISSUE THAT A CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE CENTER IS UNABLE TO SAFELY DISSEMBLE AND REASSEMBLE THE STEERING COLUMN AND PROVIDE A SAFE AND DRIVABLE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW OFTEN THIS TYPE OF STEERING FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THIS AND SIMILARLY DESIGNED TOYOTA VEHICLES. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY CRASHES, SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATHS HAVE RESULTED FROM THIS ISSUE. THIS CERTAINLY CAN?T BE THE ONLY OCCURRENCE. I FEEL IT IS IMPERATIVE TO ALERT OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS AUTHORIZED REPAIR CENTERS OF THE SITUATION OR ISSUE A RECALL TO ENSURE THAT THE STEERING JOINT BOLT IS SECURE. VIDEO CAN BE SEEN AT: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=6XB-CPKR4HY UPDATED 1/9/2015
NHTSA complaint #10598032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING WITH THE VEHICLE AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND NECK. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND WHIP LASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,700.
NHTSA complaint #10553223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.