590 of the
10,828 complaints filed about the Toyota Sienna
are about the braking system —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2004.
Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~204,800 Incident Date: [XXX] Recent Service: Oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and multipoint inspection performed on November 10, 2025 at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg (Maryland). Description of the Defect: On [XXX] while driving with my child in the vehicle, my 2011 Toyota Sienna experienced a sudden and dangerous failure. A strong burning smell entered the cabin, the ABS warning light illuminated, and then wheels locked up while the vehicle was in motion. At the same time, the steering wheel locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer. The engine immediately lost power and shut down in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed. This failure occurred four days after dealership service at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg, which included an oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The dealership initially claimed the failure was due to a “dead battery,” and the following day changed the explanation to a “shorted alternator.” A weak battery or alternator failure does not explain a mechanical wheel lock or steering wheel lock while driving. The dealership has refused to provide diagnostic documentation or photographs of the components involved. This incident presents a significant safety hazard, and if it had occurred at highway speeds, it could have resulted in a severe crash. I am reporting this to request investigation into a potential safety defect involving the steering system, braking/ABS system, electrical system, or related components. Safety Risk: High. Loss of steering control + wheel lock + engine shutdown presents an immediate crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11699835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catalizador caUsando bajas emisiones, consecuencia encendido de codigos de luz de advertencia de tablero como luz indicadora de falla (Check Engine). LUZ DE ADVERTENCIA ABS. LUZ INDICADORA DE DERRAPE VSC-TRAC Y LUZ DE ADVERTENCIA DE PRESION DE NEUMATICOS. AL VIAJAR POR CARRETERA SIMPLEMENTE SE APAGO Y SIN PODER TENER CONTROL DE LA MISMA DICHA FALLA CAUSO QUE YA NO ENCENDIERA AL TENER QUE SOLICITAR GRUA PARA EL ARRARSTRE DE LA UNIDAD HASTA LA AGENCIA DE TOYOTA EN CORDOBA VERACRUZ. SEGURO SOLO INTERVINO CON EL ARRASTRE DE LA UNIDAD. PERO LA SIENNA A LLEVADO HASTA EL DIA DE HOY Y FECHA PRESENTE TODOS LOS SERVICIOS DE AGENCIA POR LA CUAL SE LLEVO DE INMEDIATO, PERO CON LA NOVEDAD ES QUE NI LA MISMA AGENCIA LE A PODIDO QUITAR LA FALLA. NO TIENEN NI LA MENOR IDEA DE LA CAUSA. SU SOLUCION SEGUEN ELLOS ERAN LOS INYECTORES PERO LA CAMIONETA VOLIVIO A HACER LA MISMA FALLA Y LA AGENCIA NO DA GARANTIA DE SU MANO DE OBRA. SOLO AUMENTA EL GASTO EN REFACCIONES SIN SOLUCIONAR LA FALLA.
NHTSA complaint #11695158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2012 Toyota Sienna having problem while braking on highway 65mph or above, when i hit brake it's start shaking so bad and brake doesn't work properly. i believe it is sway bar link or lower control arm. even i had replaced once, it didn't helped and again i claimed warranty and replaced other set, but still having same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11674058 — 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.
I have had this car for 7 years. Started having issues a year ago and despite bringing it to Toyota 2x, they cannot tell me what the issue is. I will be driving on a regular flat paved road when the car will suddenly brake and pull me towards the side of the road. I get the ABS code sometimes and also the slip indicator light. I've explained this each x I've brought it in and they have told me it's due to me "driving too fast" or "accidentally having my foot on the brake." LOL I am a typical soccer mom and drive conservatively and don't brake when I don't have to. It will do it on curving roads as well as straight roads. When this happens, it is terrifying! I have gone to different mechanics as well and no one can determine this issue. I've replaced the ABS sensors on this and am still having this issue. I don't know what else to do, as this is unsafe and unsafe to the extent that I no longer allow my 17 year old to drive it. Please help!!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11652418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I have had the traction control go on while driving on the highway even when I turn it off. Sometimes the VSC and TRAC OFF lights go on while driving. The roads are dry. Whenever I take it in to the mechanic, all the lights are off. They pulled a zero calibration code and recalibrated. It still kept happening. Then I was driving around a curve on highway speeds when the traction control light went on and the van suddenly braked on its own and I almost lost control. The tires are new and the roads were dry.
NHTSA complaint #11641052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This has happened multiple times. Driving at various speeds. Sometimes driving straight other times turning. ABS activates with out cause. ESC light illuminates. Happens when in traffic causing the van to try to stop in traffic without warning. Thus far mechanic has not been able to duplicate.
NHTSA complaint #11627052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was pulling my 2011 Toyota Siena into a parking space. My foot was on the brake and the car was going about 5 mph. The car made a slight sound, along with a perceptible yet small physical shift, and (while my foot was on the brake) independently accelerated with tremendous force. It was like it was ignited. The car hit a concrete pole and was totaled. The acceleration over-rode the brake. No one was hurt. The concrete pole averted what could have been a catastrophic accident, had we hit pedestrians, or had we rear ended a car or truck on the freeway. The brakes failed as the car jumped into independent acceleration. My safety and the safety of my passenger were both at risk. As I said, in a different situation, we might have hit pedestrians, or gone through the wall of the grocery store and hit customers. The concrete pole saved us and others. The mechanic at the service center where the car was towed said it was impossible to discern if there had been a failure in the system of the car - though clearly both my passenger and myself experienced that failure in the car's ability to override an independent, forceful acceleration not caused by the driver. There was no warning of any kind. On the Edmunds site, there are many, many testimonials by other drivers of the Toyota Siena of similar, frightening experiences of independent acceleration. It is terribly dangerous and should be investigated. If there is not a recall on this vehicle, there should be. This is a potentially catastrophic defect.
NHTSA complaint #11605251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At 70000 miles and around 9/1/2023, started to notice our brake stop suddenly steep down pedal when braking at 45mph or higher. Problem starts after fuel pump replacement recall completed by dealership August 2023. Check recall and campaign program, my vehicle VIN specifically not on the recall list for brake booster vacuum pump. I thinks Toyota HQ should take my vehicle into consideration since my vehicle is a 2017 Sienna. Contact HQ they refused to offer to diagnosis nor help replace if applicable. Due to your vin not on the recall, your on your expense.
NHTSA complaint #11552371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bought the van used last year. Previous owner said mechanic could not diagnose the issue. On slight curves similar to on-ramps while accelerating the Vehicle stability control (VSC) will engage unexpectedly, sound an alarm and jerk the steering wheel. Some times to the point of pulling the vehicle out of its lane. Road speed is decreased dramatically as it feels as though the ABS is engaging. This has happened to me at least half a dozen times since June 2023. The condition will continue for maybe five or ten seconds until the wheel is straightened and speed reduced. Searching the Internet seems it's a fairly common problem. The fix might be to replace the steering rack or disable the VSC system. It's reported by those experiencing the issue get little to no help from the dealerships which strikes me as quite strange... From what I've read it seems to affect 2004-2009 Siennas
NHTSA complaint #11548154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving on the highway, the van will suddenly brake and the steering will lock up for about 10 seconds. It is truly frightening. It has happened many times, even with the anti-lock button off. I love this vehicle otherwise, but cannot drive it for safety reasons. And I feel bad selling it to anyone else because I don't want anyone to die! The scariest part when it's on a windy 2 lane road. It really becomes non responsive and also the brakes come on when you are going 60+ miles an hour! HELP! I DONT WANT TO DIE
NHTSA complaint #11547272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parked the car on an incline (our driveway) like we have a 100 times before. Went inside to unload groceries. Came back to the car and from the passenger seat reached over to press the auto-off button. When that was pressed the car started to roll down our driveway with our daughter in the back seat. It rolled across the street, hit the side of our neighbors house, and landed in the woods. My wife sustained major injuries to her arms, legs, hands, and back. She was also 9 months pregnant. Toyota dealership says there's nothing wrong after a 30 minute inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11542820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle traction control system will activate around a curve and break the vehicle while the traction control warning system activates. Breaking around a curve in a wet road situation can be very risky. Numerous other Toyota owners have filed similar complaints.
NHTSA complaint #11540120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11539977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had my car's brake lines replaced at McGee Toyota in Hanover MA on June 20, 2023. On July 19, 2023, my wife and I had just exited the interstate, and were stopping at a grocery store on our way home. I tried to brake upon entering the parking lot and the brake pedal sank to the floor. There was no resistance when I tried pumping the brakes. Fortunately, I was traveling at a slow speed and there were no moving cars in the lot, so I was able to safely stop the car without an accident. I had the car towed to McGee for repairs and the next day was told the catastrophic brake failure was due to a defective part. Since this would likely have had much more serious consequences such as serious injuries or worse if the failure occurred on the exit ramp or at the busy state highway intersection in front of the grocery store, I wanted to report it to be sure it doesn't happen to someone else.
NHTSA complaint #11535298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11535008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When going down a parking ramp exit, my foot has slipped off the brake 3 time. When looking at the brake pedal it is smaller than most brake pedals. I don't know if anyone else has had this problem, but mandating a minimal size for brake pedal might help
NHTSA complaint #11528321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.