Owners have filed 2,588 complaints
about the 2004 Toyota Sienna with NHTSA between 2003 and 2025.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 23 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota Sienna. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 43
8.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Door
35439.3%
Body
28131.2%
Support Device/Strut
717.9%
Latch
465.1%
Hatchback/Liftgate
444.9%
Automatic Transmission
424.7%
Lock
313.4%
Hinge AND Attachments
313.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
401.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1085.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1286.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
27213.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
44321.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
43220.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
48023.3%
150,000+ miles
1617.8%
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.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2004 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.
Aug 2003peak 70Nov 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 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.
EQ12010Opened 28 Sep 2012Closed 31 Dec 2012STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
EA08024Opened 28 Oct 2008Closed 16 Jul 2009STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDING
ODI'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA SHOWS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS OCCURRED IN JUST 0.2 PERCENT OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.WHEN THE ANALYSIS IS LIMITED TO SALT-BELT STATES, THE RATE IS STILL WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF THE POPULATION (0.4 PERCENT).IN ADDITION, TESTS CONDUCTED BY ODI AND TOYOTA HAVE SHOWN THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS A MINIMAL AFFECT ON STEERING EFFORTS.ODI INTERVIEWS OF OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT INDICATED THAT IN MOST CASES THE PROBLEM WAS PRECEDED BY MONTHS OR YEARS OF NOISE OR A GRADUAL INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORTS IN THE INITIAL STEERING MANEUVERS AFTER F...
EA08014Opened 8 Aug 2008Closed 26 Jan 2009VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE
IN A JUNE 25, 2008, LETTER RESPONDING TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST FROM ODI, TOYOTA PROVIDED INFORMATION ABOUT AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED DURING PRODUCTION DYNAMOMETER TESTING AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT FOR AN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2004 SIENNA MINIVAN.THE INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MISSING RETAINING CLIP THAT ALLOWED THE CENTER CONSOLE TRIM PANEL TO INTERFERE WITH (TRAP) THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER IT HAD BEEN DEPRESSED.TOYOTA SUBSEQUENTLY IMPLEMENTED AN 100% INSPECTION REQUIREMENT FOR THE RETAINING CLIP.IN JUNE 2003, TOYOTA CHANGED THE ORIGINAL DESIGN OF THE TRIM PANEL TO EL...
PE08041Opened 9 Jul 2008Closed 28 Oct 2008STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDING
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE08-041, TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF STEERING BINDING OR INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAUSED BY CORROSION OF STEERING INTERMEDIATE UNIVERSAL JOINTS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA VEHICLES.TOYOTA'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IN PE08-041 INDICATED THAT TOYOTA HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING REPORTS OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT IN MY 2004 THROUGH 2006 SIENNA VEHICLES SINCE 2005. TOYOTA DETERMINED THAT A COMBINATION OF THERMAL DAMAGE AND SUBSEQUENT WATER INTRUSION COULD LEAD TO CORROSION OF THE LOWERMOST UNIVER...
PE08025Opened 10 Apr 2008Closed 8 Aug 2008VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE
IN A JUNE 25, 2008, LETTER RESPONDING TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST FROM ODI, TOYOTA REPORTED AN APRIL 2003 UNWANTED ACCELERATION INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED DURING PRODUCTION DYNAMOMETER TESTING.ACCORDING TO THE LETTER THE INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MISSING RETAINING CLIP THAT ALLOWED THE CENTER CONSOLE TRIM PANEL TO INTERFERE WITH (TRAP) THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER IT HAD BEEN DEPRESSED.IN THE AFTERMATH, TOYOTA REVIEWED THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND OTHER DATA AND CONCLUDED THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.AS A SECONDARY MEASURE IN JUNE 2003, TOYOTA CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE TRIM PANEL TO ELIMINATE TH...
EA06020Opened 1 Dec 2006Closed 25 Jun 2008LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
UNEXPECTED CLOSING OF POWER LIFTGATE
ON MAY 30, 2008, TOYOTA INITIATED A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE STRUTS IN APPROXIMATELY 196,000 MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 TOYOTA SIENNA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER LIFTGATES (RECALL 08V-244).THE RECALL WILL PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VEHICLE OWNERS TO OBTAIN NEW STRUTS THAT ARE MORE ROBUST.BASED ON THESE ACTIONS, THE AGENCY HAS DECIDED TO CLOSE THE INVESTIGATION.WHILE TOYOTA HAS NOT MADE A DECISION THAT THE RECALLED VEHICLES CONTAIN A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT, IN VIEW OF THE RECALL, FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY'S RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES...
PE06029Opened 2 Aug 2006Closed 1 Dec 2006LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
UNEXPECTED LIFTGATE CLOSING
THE LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE DAMAGED GAS SEALS THAT ALLOW THE LIFTGATE TO DROP UNEXPECTEDLY.THE RATES FOR COMPLAINTS, ALLEGED INJURIES AND WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE HIGHER FOR VEHICLES WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION.THE POWER LIFTGATE MAY AUTOMATICALLY POWER-CLOSE AT THE COMPLETION OF A POWER-OPEN COMMAND WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE OPERATOR.SOME OWNERS ARE CAUGHT UNAWARE OF THE POWER-CLOSE OPERATION WHILE UNDER THE REAR LIFTGATE DOOR.ODI HAS UPGRADED THE INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-020) AND MODIFIED THE SCOPE TO INCLUDE ONLY THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH THE P...
PE06010Opened 27 Feb 2006Closed 2 Aug 2006TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM FAILURE
ODI OPENED PE06-010 BASED ON 12 REPORTS OF ALLEGED TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM (TPWS) FAILURE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALL REPORTS ALLEGED THAT THE TPWS WARNING LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION PANEL WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW OR THE TIRE WAS FLAT.IN SOME INCIDENTS, THE CONSUMER REPORTED THAT TPWS LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE IN 1 TIRE WAS AT 15-20 PSI AND THE OTHER TIRES WERE AT OR NEAR THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE.DURING PE06-010, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.AS OF JULY 25, 2006, ODI WAS NOT AWAR...
Recalls on the 2004 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.
United States — NHTSA
14V273000
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Sienna vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The affected vehicles have a spare tire carrier assembly mounted under the vehicle whose attachment cable may corrode due to high concentrations of road salt splashing onto the spare tire carrier.
Risk: If the carrier cable is corroded due to road salt, the spare tire may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
13V429000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Sienna vehicles manufactured January 10, 2003, through August 10, 2005; and model year 2007-2009 Sienna vehicles manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, due to a problem within the shift lock solenoid, there is a possibility that the shift lever could be moved out of Park position without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: If the shift lever is moved out of the Park position without the brake applied, the transmission will either engage a drive gear or Neutral, increasing the risk of a backover or roll away crash.
11V539000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
Risk: IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
10V160000
STRUCTURE
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2010 SIENNA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 7, 1997 AND JANUARY 4, 2010, CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THE COLD CLIMATE REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS FREQUENTLY USED, WATER SPLASHED BACKWARDS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT CAN REACH THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND CORRODE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY CABLE.
Risk: THE CABLE MAY BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND THE SPARE TIRE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
10V036000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
09V234000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 SIENNA AND 2009 LEXUS GX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND THE GVWR ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS INSUFFICIENT FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES WERE ACCESSORIZED THROUGH VEHICLE PROCESSING CENTERS AND HAD ACCESSORIES INSTALLED THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXCEED THE GVWR VALUE. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS," AND 49 CFR PART 567.
Risk: THE GVWR IS INSUFFICIENT FOR THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLES.
09V023000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TOYOTA IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN INVOLVING 26,501 EARLY 2004 MY SIENNA VEHICLES. IN THE EVENT THE RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER IS MISSING, THE COVER CAN INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IF THE ACCELERATION PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO NEARLY THE FULL THROTTLE POSITION.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN BECOME STUCK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08V244000
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
TOYOTA IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN INVOLVING 196,222 MY 2004-2006 TOYOTA SIENNA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER REAR LIFTGATE STRUTS. THE GAS STRUTS USED TO HELP LIFT AND SUPPORT THE REAR POWER LIFTGATE COULD WEAR OUT SOONER THAN EXPECTED. AS THE GAS STRUTS DETERIORATE, THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LIFTGATE WILL BEGIN TO DEGRADE AND THE POWER REAR LIFTGATE WILL OPERATE MORE SLOWLY THAN WHEN THE GAS STRUTS WERE NEW.
Risk: IF NOT REPAIRED, THE GAS STRUTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE LIFTGATE WHEN IT IS OPEN EVENTUALLY, THE GAS STRUTS COULD DETERIORATE TO THE POINT THAT THE LIFTGATE WILL FALL ABOUT TEN INCHES AFTER IT REACHES THE FULLY OPEN POSITION, AT WHICH POINT THE POWER MOTOR WILL ENGAGE AND POWER THE LIFTGATE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INJURY TO A PERSON WHO IS STRUCK BY THE LIFTGATE WHEN IT FALLS OR WHEN IT IS CLOSING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201418882,381 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles operated where road salts are frequently used, corrosion of the spare tire carrier assembly cable may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the vehicle. The spare tire falling on the road surface creates a safety hazard that may result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: As an interim measure, dealers will remove the spare tire and store it in the cargo area of the vehicle. Dealers will replace the spare tire carrier assembly when parts become available. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2010-123. Vehicles that were inspected and/or repaired under the previous recall may still be at risk of spare tire separation and will require re-inspection and/or repair.
Recall 201332956,216 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transmission may be shifted out of PARK without first depressing the brake pedal. This could result in inadvertent vehicle movement, which could cause a crash resulting in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the shift lock solenoid.
Recall 201139723,003 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles equipped with a 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE V6 engine, the crankshaft pulley may fail. The outer ring may become misaligned, or it may not properly rotate, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. In addition, the power steering belt may become detached from the crankshaft pulley, which could result in a sudden increase in steering effort. A loss of steering power assist could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the crankshaft pulley.
Recall 2010123138,409 units in Canada
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.
Recall 200902026,501 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, if the retention clip used to secure the center console trim panel was not reinstalled following a service repair, the trim piece could interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become stuck at nearly full throttle, which could result in a loss of vehicle control causing property damage, personal injury or death. Note: As this problem result from a servicing issue, it is being handled as a safety improvement campaign instead of a Notice of Defect as prescribed by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Correction: Dealers will replace the center console trim panel with an updated version which will minimize the risk of interference with the accelerator pedal in the event the retention clip is missing for any reason.
Recall 200522339,653 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the shoulder portion of the seatbelt for the middle row right side seat of the seven passenger model and center seat in the eight passenger model, may bind in the bezel trim piece. If the seatbelt binds in the bezel, there is a possibility that extra webbing may exist in the seatbelt which could result in an improperly fitted seatbelt on a passenger. In the event of a crash, this could result in an increased chance of injury for that occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seatbelt bezel.
Recall 20031939,559 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, a portion of the fuel tank may be damaged during a collision. This could result in a fuel leak from the tank and in the worst case, a fire if in the presence of an ignition source. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel tank.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 200,000 milesFayetteville, GA1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and the speed of the vehicle increased to over 90 MPH. During the failure, the braking system had failed and would not stop the vehicle while pressing the brake pedal. The front passenger was able to view the fuel pedal was stuck to the floor and was able to physically pull the fuel pedal up from the stuck position and the vehicle's speed was reduced. The incident lasted for approximately 10 minutes. During the incident, the police were on the scene. A police report was later filed at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure was due to a missing fuel pedal pen. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact expressed experiencing emotional stress and anxiety during and after the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11576843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 247,000 milesAtlanta, GA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
ONE OF THE TWO SUPPORT CYLINDERS FOR THE REAR HATCH ON OUR 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA FAILED IN FALL 2019, SO THE REAR HATCH WOULD NOT STAY UP. THE LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPLACED BY TOYOTA UNDER RECALL. WE PURCHASED TWO NEW SUPPORT CYLINDERS, TOYOTA PART #68905-AE022'SUPPORT CYLINDER' FROM CAMELBACK TOYOTA IN PHOENIX, AZ, D/B/A TOYOTA PARTS FACTORY, BY MAIL, SHIPPED 11/19/19. I INSTALLED BOTH OF THE NEW SUPPORT CYLINDERS WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. NOTE THAT BOTH OF THE OLD SUPPORT CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED WITH NEW TOYOTA PARTS, NOT JUST THE ONE WHICH HAD FAILED. HOWEVER, WITH THE NEW SUPPORT CYLINDERS, WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COOL (BELOW 50 F) AND THE LIFTGATE IS OPENED USING THE ELECTRIC OPENER, THE LIFTGATE GETS PART WAY UP AND REVERSES, COMING DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS REPRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE DOOR CAN HIT SOMEONE STANDING BELOW IT. THIS IS EXACTLY THE BEHAVIOR FOR WHICH TOYOTA ISSUED THE RECALL ON THE SUPPORT CYLINDERS. THE UNEXPECTED REVERSING HAPPENS ON LEVEL GROUND WITH NORMAL USE OF THE LIFTGATE. IT STARTED HAPPENING SHORTLY AFTER THE NEW SUPPORT CYLINDERS WERE INSTALLED. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE TODAY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT WARRANTY THE SUPPORT CYLINDERS, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. AS THE PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING WHEN THE 2019 SUPPORT CYLINDERS WERE ESSENTIALLY NEW, THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT REPLACING THEM AGAIN WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA IS SELLING REPLACEMENT SUPPORT CYLINDERS WHICH DO NOT MEET THE LIFTGATE'S SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11391004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesCleveland, TNCrash
POWER TRAIN
THREE YEAR OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL AND CAR ROLLED AWAY. CAR WAS PARKED IN A FLAT DRIVEWAY, AND WENT ACROSS THE STREET AND HIT A SPEED LIMIT SIGN AND DID DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER. I DO HAVE A PHOTO UNABLE TO UPLOAD OF BUMPER. NOT COVERED UNDER THE 2005 SHIFT LOCK SOLONOID RECALL BY TOYOTA.
NHTSA complaint #11219625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesNorco, CAFire
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AND FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO MOVE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #11174318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,339 milesRiver Ridge, LA, LAFire
SEATS
ELECTRICAL FIRE INSIDE PARKED VAN OCCURRED OVERNIGHT AND BURNED DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS, DASH, AND ALL AIR VENTS AND ALL PLASTIC COMPONENT LOCATED NEAR ALL VENTS. VAN WAS PARKED ON STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #11109535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,339 milesRiver Ridge, LA, LAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ELECTRICAL FIRE INSIDE PARKED VAN OCCURRED OVERNIGHT AND BURNED DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS, DASH, AND ALL AIR VENTS AND ALL PLASTIC COMPONENT LOCATED NEAR ALL VENTS. VAN WAS PARKED ON STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #11109535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,132 milesBirdsboro, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
The contact's mother owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated on and off for days and months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where DTC: P2241 was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure code was confirmed. The contact was informed that the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that a TSB for the ECM software update needed to be performed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired because the ECM software update was performed, and the ECM software update damaged the ECM. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,132.
NHTSA complaint #11699794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dry Branch, GA
POWER TRAIN
Shifter not shifting into park even when in park causing it to roll even when you think it’s in park
NHTSA complaint #11693880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGarland, TX
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while the liftgate door was opened, the door had erroneously closed and failed to remain opened. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear hatch door struts were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V244000 (STRUCTURE); but parts were on back order. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11679304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
STEERING
The Traction Control System commonly malfunctions while making turns on curving road sections. I will lose power through turns as the TCS light blinks on my dashboard and makes a beeping sound. On some occasions the brakes will automatically engage in the tire that the car perceives as experiencing slippage. This problem is continuously worsening and commonly endangers me and my passengers, as the car engages brakes or cuts power to the engine at unexpected and in opportune times.
NHTSA complaint #11659970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
The Traction Control System commonly malfunctions while making turns on curving road sections. I will lose power through turns as the TCS light blinks on my dashboard and makes a beeping sound. On some occasions the brakes will automatically engage in the tire that the car perceives as experiencing slippage. This problem is continuously worsening and commonly endangers me and my passengers, as the car engages brakes or cuts power to the engine at unexpected and in opportune times.
NHTSA complaint #11659970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Traction Control System commonly malfunctions while making turns on curving road sections. I will lose power through turns as the TCS light blinks on my dashboard and makes a beeping sound. On some occasions the brakes will automatically engage in the tire that the car perceives as experiencing slippage. This problem is continuously worsening and commonly endangers me and my passengers, as the car engages brakes or cuts power to the engine at unexpected and in opportune times.
NHTSA complaint #11659970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle often applies brakes on its own . At first it was only in turns . However now it does it when driving straight on the the freeway or just down the street at 45mph. I have fixed my alignment ,new tires, all of the front suspension and nothing prevents the car from trying to brake for me. it is a safety feature that is not safe at all. a car slamming on your brakes at any speed is dangerous in addition to that it seems to cut off your fuel , leaving you unable to accelerate until its done beeping which can take a long time. the vsc , chenk engine and trac off flash there is no crash to report I have been lucky so far
NHTSA complaint #11649266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
STEERING
Vehicle often applies brakes on its own . At first it was only in turns . However now it does it when driving straight on the the freeway or just down the street at 45mph. I have fixed my alignment ,new tires, all of the front suspension and nothing prevents the car from trying to brake for me. it is a safety feature that is not safe at all. a car slamming on your brakes at any speed is dangerous in addition to that it seems to cut off your fuel , leaving you unable to accelerate until its done beeping which can take a long time. the vsc , chenk engine and trac off flash there is no crash to report I have been lucky so far
NHTSA complaint #11649266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle often applies brakes on its own . At first it was only in turns . However now it does it when driving straight on the the freeway or just down the street at 45mph. I have fixed my alignment ,new tires, all of the front suspension and nothing prevents the car from trying to brake for me. it is a safety feature that is not safe at all. a car slamming on your brakes at any speed is dangerous in addition to that it seems to cut off your fuel , leaving you unable to accelerate until its done beeping which can take a long time. the vsc , chenk engine and trac off flash there is no crash to report I have been lucky so far
NHTSA complaint #11649266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Pasadena, CA
STEERING
While driving typically around 35 mph and either left or right turn the vehicle traction control engages and the van brakes and steering is affected. The roads have always been dry and in each instance the speed of the van was at or below the speed limit - traction was never lost and yet the traction control engaged as if we were in a skid. This occurred at least 12 times while driving to and from a day trip in the mountains (windy road). It has also happened multiple times at around 50 mph while turning left on a nearby flat freeway. An independent service shop has not been able to replicate the problem. The safety of the driver and passengers were at risk when it occurred on the freeway as a driver behind us got close to rear ending the van while it was in its brake mode.
NHTSA complaint #11641856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN
Was driving on highway at 60-65 mph. The car continued to accelerate. Pressed on brake and wasn't slowing the vehicle. The driver was weaving in and out of cars as the van started to creek up to 92 mph. The driver and passengers thought they were going to crash and possible die. The driver tried the brake multiple times and nothing. The driver said the accelerator pedal wasn't pressed all the way down to the floor. It was half way and driver had to go down and pull up on the pedal while driving. The van then started to slow and driver was able to pull over to have the van evaluated . The throttle body was reached and cleaned of carbon because it said that this may have been part of the issue. Never has this van taken off like this. The throttle body cable wasnt loose or disconnected either. So far we havent been able to recreate but 3 people could have been killed.
NHTSA complaint #11635166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Was driving on highway at 60-65 mph. The car continued to accelerate. Pressed on brake and wasn't slowing the vehicle. The driver was weaving in and out of cars as the van started to creek up to 92 mph. The driver and passengers thought they were going to crash and possible die. The driver tried the brake multiple times and nothing. The driver said the accelerator pedal wasn't pressed all the way down to the floor. It was half way and driver had to go down and pull up on the pedal while driving. The van then started to slow and driver was able to pull over to have the van evaluated . The throttle body was reached and cleaned of carbon because it said that this may have been part of the issue. Never has this van taken off like this. The throttle body cable wasnt loose or disconnected either. So far we havent been able to recreate but 3 people could have been killed.
NHTSA complaint #11635166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Was driving on highway at 60-65 mph. The car continued to accelerate. Pressed on brake and wasn't slowing the vehicle. The driver was weaving in and out of cars as the van started to creek up to 92 mph. The driver and passengers thought they were going to crash and possible die. The driver tried the brake multiple times and nothing. The driver said the accelerator pedal wasn't pressed all the way down to the floor. It was half way and driver had to go down and pull up on the pedal while driving. The van then started to slow and driver was able to pull over to have the van evaluated . The throttle body was reached and cleaned of carbon because it said that this may have been part of the issue. Never has this van taken off like this. The throttle body cable wasnt loose or disconnected either. So far we havent been able to recreate but 3 people could have been killed.
NHTSA complaint #11635166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesFayetteville, GA1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and the speed of the vehicle increased to over 90 MPH. During the failure, the braking system had failed and would not stop the vehicle while pressing the brake pedal. The front passenger was able to view the fuel pedal was stuck to the floor and was able to physically pull the fuel pedal up from the stuck position and the vehicle's speed was reduced. The incident lasted for approximately 10 minutes. During the incident, the police were on the scene. A police report was later filed at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure was due to a missing fuel pedal pen. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact expressed experiencing emotional stress and anxiety during and after the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11576843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centennial, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When opening the rear hatch, it will not stay open and slams down if you let it go. Incredibly dangerous. I turned of the power doors and it still happens. I'm planning to take it to the dealership tomorrow.
NHTSA complaint #11562912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kernersville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving on dry roads at speed not exceeding 35 mph, the traction control system activates. It has happened on slight curves to the right. The traction control symbol lights up, a beeping sound occurs and it feels like the vehicle is braking. It has happened now on several occasions.
NHTSA complaint #11561267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga Springs, UT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The trac control is activated while the car is driving variable speed and brake the car and and the driver loose control of acceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11533834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga Springs, UT
STEERING
The trac control is activated while the car is driving variable speed and brake the car and and the driver loose control of acceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11533834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga Springs, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
The trac control is activated while the car is driving variable speed and brake the car and and the driver loose control of acceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11533834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huron, SD
STEERING
The slip indicator light and alarm comes on sporadically, engaging the ABS suddenly and unexpectedly, when we are on completely dry roads. Happens while driving 40-80 mph. And doesn’t matter if I’m going straight or turning.
NHTSA complaint #11531539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huron, SD
SUSPENSION
The slip indicator light and alarm comes on sporadically, engaging the ABS suddenly and unexpectedly, when we are on completely dry roads. Happens while driving 40-80 mph. And doesn’t matter if I’m going straight or turning.
NHTSA complaint #11531539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesAkron, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate inadvertently opened, then closed independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the tailgate hydraulic struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that she noticed that the failure had reoccurred in 30-degree temperatures on two occasions. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11515790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesAkron, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate inadvertently opened, then closed independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the tailgate hydraulic struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that she noticed that the failure had reoccurred in 30-degree temperatures on two occasions. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11515790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fletcher, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Traction control engaged at high speed(70 mph on interstate) causing the vehicle to brake abruptly and pull the vehicle to the right. Had I been traveling in the left hand lane, I could have been forced into the right hand lane causing a collusion with another vehicle. Also occurred at lower speed(30 mph on a windy road) causing the same issue as described above, almost causing the vehicle to leave the paved surface. - Mechanic was able to duplicate the issue - Mechanic diagnosed intermittent traction control activation, scanned computer for codes. Yaw rate/steering angle correlation causing false activation ABS/traction. Replaced hub bearing and spindle. Four wheel alignment, including check castor, camber and adjust toe. Performed zero point calibration and reset ABS memory. - Traction control lights up briefly
NHTSA complaint #11498401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fletcher, NC
STEERING
- Traction control engaged at high speed(70 mph on interstate) causing the vehicle to brake abruptly and pull the vehicle to the right. Had I been traveling in the left hand lane, I could have been forced into the right hand lane causing a collusion with another vehicle. Also occurred at lower speed(30 mph on a windy road) causing the same issue as described above, almost causing the vehicle to leave the paved surface. - Mechanic was able to duplicate the issue - Mechanic diagnosed intermittent traction control activation, scanned computer for codes. Yaw rate/steering angle correlation causing false activation ABS/traction. Replaced hub bearing and spindle. Four wheel alignment, including check castor, camber and adjust toe. Performed zero point calibration and reset ABS memory. - Traction control lights up briefly
NHTSA complaint #11498401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
