There is no doubt that Toyota Sienna is capable of delivering eight passengers from A to B in comfort. There will never be an explanation for why Toyota chose the name after the famous Italian city. Sienna, on the other hand, is stunning, vibrant, and romantic, whereas Florence has almost nothing in common with Sienna. None of the above describes the Toyota Sienna.
Despite its reliability, it is a good minivan. There is no doubt that crossovers and SUVs will ultimately replace this dying breed of cars. As the market for minivans slowly declines, they will eventually follow in the footsteps of the humble hatchback.
I regret it because you don’t need a big SUV for off-roading if you have a reliable minivan. Even though the hybrid isn’t as rugged as a Land Cruiser, it offers exceptional fuel economy, and sliding doors make life easier.
It handles more like a car, and it weighs less as well. Toyota Sienna comes with a basic, but functional all-wheel drive system that replaces the need to carry around a permanent four-wheel-drive system. For families looking for a reliable vehicle that is unpretentious, a Toyota Sienna is the perfect choice.
It is no secret that Toyotas are known for their reliability, including the Sienna. As such, you should be aware of the following Toyota Sienna problems. On the other hand, there are Toyota Sienna models from certain years that appear to be in near-perfect condition.
We should take a moment to recollect what the current Toyota Sienna offers and what it costs before we focus on the best and the worst years for the Toyota Sienna.
About The Current Toyota Sienna
This is the fourth generation of the Toyota Sienna, which was introduced in 2020 and launched for the 2021 model year. It goes without saying that minivan shoppers have a set of criteria that they look for in a vehicle, starting with impressive safety features.
Minivans are primarily designed to transport the people that matter most to you, so they must be highly safe. The vehicle must also have good fuel efficiency ratings, especially in a city environment. There are only a couple of long road trips a year, so fuel efficiency within the city ranks highly as well.
There is only a hybrid version of the Toyota Sienna available for the current model year. With the combined force of two electric motors and a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, it produces 245 horsepower.
It does, however, get 36 mpg in the city with the front-wheel-drive model, and one less with the AWD model. As well as that, the car was also rated Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, which is the highest rating a car can receive.
On the other hand, the Toyota Sienna isn’t cheap when it comes to new cars. With a starting MSRP of $37,685, the base LE increases to $53,145 when the Platinum model is added.
This might be a good time to discuss Toyota Sienna problems for the model years 2021-2024.
In the past few years, only one recall has been issued for the Sienna. During operation, the front passenger airbag may be prevented from deploying if the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor shorts out.
You don’t need to worry about this recall if you’re considering buying a lightly-used fourth-generation model that’s two years old. When you buy a used Toyota Sienna with top-of-the-line specifications, you will save around $10,000.
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The Toyota Sienna Years to Avoid: Worst Sienna Years
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allows vehicle owners to file official complaints. A recall will be issued if there are sufficient complaints, and if it is necessary, it will be investigated by the NHTSA. The NHTSA usually doesn’t get involved in car recalls until after the manufacturer has completed the recall. A safety recall and service campaign checker should always be run on the VIN of a vehicle to determine if any outstanding work needs to be addressed.
Additionally, there are websites like CarComplaints that combine complaints about a vehicle so that patterns can be discovered.
It is possible to find out which years are most problematic by using these websites. Among the Sienna models, the 2004 model year receives the most complaints. It is the 2007 Toyota Sienna model that is the most difficult to repair out of all the Toyota Sienna models.
Let’s learn more about Toyota Sienna years to avoid based on the information above.
2004 And 2005 Toyota Sienna
The first-generation Sienna is not included in this discussion, because those were the best years for the model. This year we’re jumping right into the second generation with its first model year. The most reported issues are from this model year, which isn’t uncommon. The worst models are usually found in the first batch, no matter how much testing a company does. To iron out the kinks, an automaker usually takes a couple of years.
In 2004, the NHTSA investigated and recalled 10 models after receiving 2,054 complaints. In spite of the fact that these recalls resolved several major defects, the thing owners complained about the most was not fixed.
Used minivan owners complain most about sliding doors, which are a must in a 2004 model. Sliding doors, both regular and power, have been reported with issues. The possibility of someone (a toddler) getting seriously hurt is very real when there are malfunctioning sliding doors.
A series of power door problems are causing the problem, not one particular issue. Welding and design issues account for the majority of complaints. There are several different spot welds that can fail, but the latch that holds the door open is the most dangerous.
Cracks in the dashboard are also a cause for concern. About five years after the dashboard was purchased, cracks began to appear. There have been instances when the cracks have interfered with the air conditioning system. In addition, a few owners reported that the cracks eventually led to their radios no longer working.
2007 Toyota Sienna
You don’t want to get involved with this model year because of its transmission problems. There were complaints from owners that their vehicles lost power if they slowed down. When they slowed down for a turn, engine power suddenly disappeared when they reaccelerated.
In addition, the transmission was clunky during downshifts, and a proper fix was not available for the problem. Some owners opted to replace their transmissions when the problem led to complete transmission failure. It cost an average of $3,000 to repair this problem.
In addition, the oil cooler hoses on this model were poorly made and prematurely wore out. Over time, this led to excessive oil burning, which eventually resulted in engine problems. Oil had to be added every 500 miles or the hoses had to be replaced every 300 miles for owners to avoid their engines becoming a paperweight.
2011 Toyota Sienna
There must have been some surprise among Toyota Sienna owners when the new model appeared, as well as poor quality power doors. Third-generation Toyota Sienna doors were recalled because they were poorly made, unlike their predecessors.
As a result of the 2016 Sienna recall, Toyota was humiliated because doors were able to open while the car was in motion. A transmission failure is worse to us than this.
The safety of minivans is paramount, as we stated earlier. It is impossible to consider a child in a moving car without considering the possibility of him falling out.
It was a good thing Toyota came up with a substantial fix, and all the door complaints have been resolved.
A four-cylinder engine had been considered by Toyota long before the hybrid model appeared. A naturally aspirated 2.7-liter four-cylinder from the Tacoma was offered as a more cost-effective alternative to the V6 engine.
After 2012, the 2.7-liter was no longer available. In order to improve fuel efficiency, owners may have purchased the 2.7, but they likely ended up with a vehicle that was even thirstier. In addition to being unable to handle the Sienna’s weight, the engine drank more fuel than the V6 engine.
Walking away from a Sienna with a 2.7 badge is a good idea.
The Best Toyota Sienna Years
There is no problem picking the best years. It is generally best to stick with older Toyota Sienna models. Because there was not much to go wrong with a first-generation model, it’s hard to go wrong. A reliable 3.0-liter V6 accompanied by ABS was considered a luxury item in an era when ABS was considered a luxury item.
There’s a good reason we chose one model year from the first generation.
2002 Toyota Sienna
In terms of safety, the 2002 Sienna received the best rating of all the first-generation models. With airbags on the front and side, stability control, ABS brakes, and front and side airbags, the Toyota Sienna was well ahead of its time in terms of safety.
There is no need to worry if you are only able to afford a model from earlier. A third-generation or older Toyota Sienna is your best bet if you want advanced driver assistance systems.
2017 to 2020 Toyota Sienna
As stated earlier, the third-generation Sienna is a great buy, with the exception of the earlier models with the door issues outlined earlier. However, we do have a few suggestions.
It is not uncommon for a car to have a few recalls during its lifetime. There are two reasons why we would prefer the later 2017 to 2020 models. During the facelift of the Sienna in 2017, Toyota had gotten all the kinks out, and it was upgraded with a 3.5-liter V6.
Having made the decision to make an eight-speed automatic standard, Toyota has finally ditched the old six-speed automatic engine and installed a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. There is no better V6 Sienna fuel-efficient than this one.
A new Toyota Safety Sense system was added to the 2018 model year. A number of safety features were included, including pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and cruise control. In terms of technology, it’s nowhere near as advanced as Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, but if you are able to afford it, it’s worth having.
Any Fourth-Gen Model
It was a Toyota strike when the current XL40 Sienna was introduced in 2021. In other words, it meets all the criteria for a minivan. Rather than using a V6, Toyota replaced its engine with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated hybrid engine. With a combined cycle fuel economy of over 35 mpg, it offers amazing efficiency for a vehicle of this size. Aside from being handsome, it’s also well-equipped, although styling isn’t a high priority.
There are several hidden storage compartments and the interior is spacious and adaptable in several ways.
As far as safety is concerned, the current Toyota Sienna comes standard with Safety Sense 2.0, which features pre collision warnings with pedestrian and bicycle detection during daytime and in low light, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, road sign assistance, and lane tracing assist. In addition to the stricter safety tests implemented by IIHS, this is the only minivan to receive an approval from the agency.
In spite of the fact that the Sienna is holding its value well, there is some bad news to report. A 2021 low-mileage entry-level model costs on average $36,000 based on a quick review of used models. As a result, the car now costs $2,000 more than when it was new. There have been some tumultuous times in the used market since the pandemic, but things are starting to stabilize. There should be a leveling off of prices within the next year or two.
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Which Year Models of Toyota Sienna Are Safe to Buy Used?
Since the Toyota Sienna was introduced more than twenty years ago, it has maintained a high level of reliability. Buyers have generally been satisfied with the models produced and marketed throughout the industry. In addition to being durable, they are also reliable. Listed below are Toyota Sienna years that are safer to purchase:
- 1998 Toyota Sienna
- 1999 Toyota Sienna
- 2000 Toyota Sienna
- 2001 Toyota Sienna
- 2002 Toyota Sienna
- 2003 Toyota Sienna
- 2009 Toyota Sienna
- 2010 Toyota Sienna
- 2012 Toyota Sienna
- 2013 Toyota Sienna
- 2014 Toyota Sienna
- 2015 Toyota Sienna
- 2016 Toyota Sienna
- 2017 Toyota Sienna
- 2018 Toyota Sienna
- 2019 Toyota Sienna
- 2020 Toyota Sienna
There were few problems reported during the first generation of Toyota Sienna, which ran from 1998 through 2003. It seems that engine issues, brake problems, and body/paint issues are the most common. Nevertheless, these cars have a mileage of over 100,000 miles.
It was during the second generation that things began to change. In this section, you will find models manufactured between 2004 and 2010. There are many issues with most models except for the 2009 and 2010 model years, which we will discuss in the next section.
During the third generation of Toyota Sienna, the model will be available from 2011 to 2020. All of these models have received very few complaints, with the exception of the 2011 model. There is no commonality among the reported problems across all years. Depending on how the owner uses his or her car, these may range from problems with seat belts or air bags to other miscellaneous issues.
Which Year Models of Toyota Sienna to Avoid
It is fortunate that you can find a Toyota Sienna that meets your needs. Most of the second generation players don’t make the cut, and the others are mostly from the first generation. Several complaints have been filed against them, and they are seen as less reliable. You should avoid the following Toyota Sienna years:
- 2004 Toyota Sienna
- 2005 Toyota Sienna
- 2006 Toyota Sienna
- 2007 Toyota Sienna
- 2008 Toyota Sienna
- 2011 Toyota Sienna
There are the most complaints about the 2004 Toyota Sienna. There were many complaints about the body and paint of the 2004 model. Among the worst model years are the 2007s, due to higher repair costs and a higher rate of problems at lower mileage.
There was one problem with a broken weld in the door, one with an unintended acceleration, and one with a bad cable for automated sliding doors that slipped and broke. The problem only occurs after the vehicle reaches 70,000 miles or more.
It’s likely you will experience body and paint issues, seat belt and airbag issues, and engine problems if you choose the 2011 model. There have been a number of worst cases reported, including:
- At 42,000 miles, the tires are prematurely worn out.
- A loose inner tie rod after 82,000 miles.
- A malfunctioning sliding door after 21,000 miles.
There is also the possibility that you may encounter similar problems if you go for the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years. Among the most serious complaints are those involving airbags, seat belts, and automatic sliding doors. Siennas with 2007 engines and transmissions also tend to suffer from minor electrical problems, while ones with 2008 engines suffer from transmission problems.
Common Toyota Sienna Problems
There is no doubt that the Toyota Sienna is reliable. In terms of reliability, the Sienna was rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by RepairPal, placing 8th out of 32 competitors in its segment. A potential Sienna buyer should, however, be aware of these common issues:
Loss of engine power
Some Sienna owners complain that their engines lose power when they slow down. Furthermore, jerking and slipping of the transmission are also accompanied by this symptom. It remains unclear where the problem originated.
Cracking dashboard
Several reports have reported cracks in the dashboard of the Sienna. It’s a very aesthetically unpleasant issue that owners can’t help but notice. In most cases, replacing the dash entirely is the only solution, but it can be quite expensive.
Transmission failure
Transmission failure occurs frequently in older Toyota Siennas after 78,000 miles. There have been a number of owners who have observed the vehicle’s RPMs increasing but the vehicle fails to gain speed. In this case, the transmission system would need to be replaced, which may cost more than $3,000.
Power door issues
It is possible that the power door on Siennas may stop working, which is a significant safety concern. The cable may have been damaged, which would explain this problem.
Is The Toyota Sienna Worth It?
For those looking for a minivan that is reliable and long-lasting, consider a used Toyota Sienna. Unlike other appliances, it will not require repairs, saving millions of dollars.
Although the Toyota Sienna has a few flaws, it is still a pretty good pick for most people. There is no doubt that Toyota Siennas are among the best minivans on the market, and they are reliable as well.
Make sure your year is reliable, or you may end up having to pay a lot for unexpected repairs. Take your time when making decisions, and don’t make rash decisions.
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Conclusion
The Toyota journey has been one full of ups and downs, but overall it has been a good one.
You can find a list of Toyota Sienna years that you should avoid and those that you should opt for throughout this guide.
Since when did you park your Sienna in your driveway? During what time period did you live with them? People considering purchasing a Sienna would greatly benefit from knowing your experience.
