The most-documented Toyota Sienna problems are recalls: shift-lock solenoids that let 2004–2010 vans leave Park without the brake (13V429, 17V657), salt-corroded spare-tire cables (14V273), 2011–2016 power sliding doors that can open unexpectedly (16V858), 2017–2020 fuel pumps (20V012, 20V682), and seat recalls on the 2021-on Sienna Hybrid.
CarWhere lists 9 documented Sienna issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.
Sienna generations at a glance
Toyota Sienna generations and the known issues listed for each
Shift lever can leave Park without the brake (13V429, 17V657) (2004–2010)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL20 (2004–2010)
Years:
2004–2010
Powertrain:
All
A fault in the shift lock solenoid can let the shift lever move out of Park without the brake pedal pressed, so an unbraked van may roll. Recall 13V429 (614,722 vehicles) covered 2004–2005 and 2007–2009 Siennas built in set date ranges; 17V657 then covered remaining 2005–2007 and 2009–2010 vans. Dealers replace the shift lock solenoid free of charge.
Symptoms
Shifter moves out of Park without pressing the brake
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
With the engine running and foot off the brake, confirm the shifter will not leave Park
Spare-tire carrier cable can corrode and drop the spare (14V273) (2004–2011)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL20 (2004–2010)
Years:
2004–2011
Powertrain:
All
On Siennas sold or registered in 20 salt-belt states and D.C., road salt can corrode the cable holding the under-floor spare tire until the spare falls off. Recall 14V273 covers 2004–2011 vans and replaces the carrier with an improved one. NHTSA notes that 2004–2010 vans fixed under the earlier 10V160 recall must be repaired again, because that remedy did not fix them.
Symptoms
Spare tire hanging low or rattling under the rear floor
Rust on the spare-tire carrier cable
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Look under the rear of the van for rust on the spare-tire carrier and cable
Power sliding door can open unexpectedly after freezing (16V858) (2011–2016)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL30 (2011–2020)
Years:
2011–2016
Powertrain:
All
On 2011–2016 Siennas built January 4, 2010 to August 12, 2016, if a power sliding door cannot open when commanded, for example when frozen shut, it may later open on its own, possibly while moving. Dealers replace the junction block and rear sliding door wire harnesses and add two sub-harnesses free of charge.
Symptoms
Power sliding door that hesitates, reverses or opens on its own
Door ajar warnings with the doors closed
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Cycle both power sliding doors several times from the key fob, overhead buttons and door handles
Stop-lamp switch bracket can bend and drag the brakes (10V620) (2011)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL30 (2011–2020)
Years:
2011
Powertrain:
All
On 2011 Siennas the brake stop-lamp switch sits on a small bracket next to the foot-operated parking brake. The driver’s foot can damage the bracket while applying the parking brake, causing brake drag, noise, vibration or a brake warning light and possibly reduced braking. Dealers replace the bracket assembly free of charge.
Symptoms
Brake drag, noise or vibration
Brake warning light
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (20V012, 20V682) (2017–2020)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL30 (2011–2020)
Years:
2017–2020
Powertrain:
3.5L V6
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine while driving. Recall 20V012 covered 2018–2019 Siennas and was expanded to 2017 vans; expansion 20V682 then listed 2017–2020 Siennas among about 1.5 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Dealers replace the fuel pump with an improved one free of charge. Unit counts span all affected models.
Symptoms
Rough running or hesitation
Check-engine light
Engine stalls or will not start
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Stability control may stay off after restart (22V239) (2021–2022)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL40 (2021–present)
Years:
2021–2022
Powertrain:
Hybrid
Skid control ECU software in 2021–2022 Siennas and several other Toyota and Lexus hybrids may not turn Vehicle Stability Control back on when the vehicle is restarted after the driver switched VSC off, failing FMVSS 126. Dealers update the software free of charge. The unit count covers all included models.
Symptoms
VSC OFF indicator still lit after restarting
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Third-row seatback bolts may be loose (25V086) (2021–2025)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL40 (2021–present)
Years:
2021–2025
Powertrain:
Hybrid
Bolts for the third-row seatbacks on 2021–2025 Sienna Hybrid vans may not have been tightened properly, so the seatback may not restrain an occupant in a crash and the van fails FMVSS 202, 207 and 225. Dealers tighten the seat assembly bolts free of charge.
Symptoms
Third-row seatback that moves or clicks when pushed
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Second-row seat rails may be improperly welded (25V668) (2025)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL40 (2021–present)
Years:
2025
Powertrain:
Hybrid
Second-row seat rails on some 2025 Sienna Hybrid vans may be welded improperly, so the seat may not restrain an occupant in a crash. Dealers replace the second-row seat rails free of charge in a phased recall.
Symptoms
No symptoms before a crash
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Second-row seatbacks may not stay secured in a crash (26V690) (2022–2026)
Safety recall
Generation:
XL40 (2021–present)
Years:
2022–2026
Powertrain:
Hybrid (7-passenger)
Toyota recalled 2022–2026 Sienna Hybrid 7-passenger vans in October 2026 because the second-row seatbacks may not stay secured in a crash. Dealers update the SRS airbag ECU software; vans with the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) package get two new second-row seatbacks. Owner letters were expected December 7, 2026.
Symptoms
No symptoms before a crash
Check before buying
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
If the remedy is not yet available, ask the dealer when parts or software are scheduled
This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Toyota build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Recalls dominate the record: shift-lock solenoids on 2004–2010 vans (13V429, 17V657), salt-corroded spare-tire cables (10V160, 14V273), 2011–2016 power sliding doors that can open unexpectedly (16V858), 2017–2020 fuel pumps (20V012, 20V682) and seat-related recalls on the 2021-on Sienna Hybrid.
Which Toyota Sienna years should I be careful with?
2011–2016 Siennas are in the 744,437-vehicle sliding-door recall 16V858, and 2004–2011 vans in salt-belt states are in the spare-tire recall 14V273. Neither is a reason to skip a van, but both remedies should be confirmed complete by VIN before you buy.
Does the 2021+ Sienna Hybrid have seat problems?
Three seat recalls apply to the XL40: loose third-row seatback bolts on 2021–2025 vans (25V086), improperly welded second-row rails on some 2025 vans (25V668), and second-row seatbacks on 2022–2026 7-passenger vans that may not stay secured in a crash (26V690).
Was the Sienna spare-tire recall done twice?
Yes. 10V160 covered 1998–2010 Siennas in salt-belt states, but NHTSA notes that remedy did not fix 2004–2010 vans, which must be repaired again under 14V273 along with 2011 vans. Check that 14V273 shows complete, not just 10V160.
How do I check a used Sienna for open recalls?
Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and ask a Toyota dealer for the repair history. On older vans also test both power sliding doors and the shifter, and look under the rear for a corroded spare-tire carrier.
Sources
Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor North America or any Toyota distributor. Toyota, TRD, i-FORCE MAX, Hybrid Synergy Drive and the model names are trademarks of their owners.