MyCarTSB

2004 Toyota Sienna Transmission Problems

78 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

78
Complaints
1
Recalls
4
Crashes
1
Fires
Jan 2025Dec 2004
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Transmission Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #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.

Fix: Toyota will mail interim notifications to owners beginning in late October 2013. When parts are available, owners will be sent a second notice and dealers will replace the shift lock solenoid, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Owner Complaints (78)

criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2025

Your shifter doesn't seem to be locking into park properly, even when you move it to the park position. This means your van could roll away even though you think it's parked, which is a serious safety concern. The issue likely involves the shifter mechanism or the transmission park lock system needing adjustment or replacement.

NHTSA #: 11693880
criticalPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2025

While driving on the highway at 60-65 mph, your van unexpectedly accelerated on its own and continued speeding up to 92 mph even when you pressed the brake pedal multiple times. The brakes didn't seem to slow the vehicle down, forcing you to weave through traffic. You had to physically pull up on the accelerator pedal while driving to regain control and slow the van enough to pull over safely. A mechanic cleaned carbon buildup from the throttle body, which may have contributed to the issue, though the throttle cable wasn't loose or disconnected. Addressing this may involve cleaning or replacing the throttle body and fuel injectors to remove carbon deposits.

NHTSA #: 11635166
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2019

TRANSMISSION MADE A NOISE WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN OFF THE HIGHWAY. NOW I LOST REVERSE IN TRANSMISSION

NHTSA #: 11252775
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: Jun 2019

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 #: 11219625
mediumPOWER TRAIN
FireFiled: Feb 2019

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 #: 11174318
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2018

THE SHIFTER LEVER MADE A SOUND AND BEHAVED AS IF PLASTIC WAS BREAKING INSIDE OF IT. THIS HAPPENED WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF "PARK", AND INTO GEAR WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. AFTER THIS, THE SHIFTING LEVER BECAME LOOSE AND DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE THE TENSION TO "SPRING" THE LEVER INTO THE APPROPRIATE POSITION NATURALLY. FOR EXAMPLE, NORMALLY THE SHIFT LEVER WILL HAVE TENSION PUSHING TOWARD THE LEFT SO THAT THE SHIFT LEVER ENGAGES PARK WITHOUT HAVING TO MANUALLY PRESS IT INTO PLACE. NOW IT WILL FLOAT TO THE RIGHT AND MAY NOT ENGAGE INTO "PARK" WITHOUT THE DRIVER SPECIFICALLY CONCENTRATING ON PRESSING IT TO THE LEFT. THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENT WITH ALL OF ITS RECALLS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LATEST SPARE TIRE CARRIER CABLE INSPECTION ISSUED IN 2014. THE SPECIFIC PART THAT HAS BROKEN IS UNKNOWN, BUT I SUSPECT THERE IS PROBABLY A TENSION SPRING ASSOCIATED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER WHICH HELPS KEEP IT IN THE DESIRED LOCATION WHICH HAS BROKEN. THERE ARE THREADS ON THE INTERNET TALKING ABOUT A PART THAT MAY BE RELATED AS DESCRIBED IN THIS THREAD: HTTPS://WWW.SIENNACHAT.COM/FORUM/66-PROBLEMS-MAINTENANCE-REPAIR-GEN-2/679-BROKEN-SHIFTER-05-XLE.HTML THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ENGAGE OR STAY IN THE DESIRED POSITION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BEHAVE IN UNPREDICTABLE WAYS. FIRST, THE DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THAT THE SHIFTER IS IN "PARK", BUT IT MAY NOT HAVE ENGAGED AND MAY INSTEAD BE IN NEUTRAL CAUSING THE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY. SECOND, WHILE DRIVING, THE SHIFT LEVER COULD MOVE OUT OF POSITION OR SLIP INTO A DIFFERENT GEAR OR "NEUTRAL" CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BEHAVE IN UNEXPECTED WAYS AND CAUSE THE DRIVER TO BECOME DISTRACTED (SUCH AS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE), LEADING TO UNSAFE DRIVING. THIRD, THE VEHICLE MAY CHANGE SPEEDS ABRUPTLY WHICH MAY CONFUSE OTHER DRIVERS WHEN DRIVING BY THE VEHICLE. ALL OF THESE THINGS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA #: 11119497
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2018

ON APRIL 18, 2018, I PARKED THE CAR IN GARAGE, SHIFTED TO PARK, TURNED THE KEY OFF, AND REMOVED KEY. WHILE GETTING OUT I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO ROLL. WHILE IN PARK, LOCKED WITH KEY OUT, I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE ROLLED FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. AFTER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE SHIFTER. (SEE FIRST PHOTOS) APPARENTLY, TOYOTA SECURES IT WITH SOME TYPE OF PLASTIC GROMMET WHICH DETERIORATES WITH AGE, DISINTEGRATES, AND CAUSES THE DETACHMENT. (SECOND PHOTOS) EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE LOCKED AND IN PARK, IT IS ACTUALLY IN WHATEVER GEAR IT WAS IN WHEN THE DETACHMENT OCCURRED. OUR DRIVEWAY IS ON AN INCLINE, AND HAD I PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED INSTEAD OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ROLLED INTO THE STREET CREATING A SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH. THIS DESIGN DEFECT IN THE TOYOTA SIENNA IS INEXCUSABLE, AND CREATES AN UNREASONABLE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES AND THE PUBLIC, AND TOYOTA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THEM AND CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT.

NHTSA #: 11091692
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND IN PARK, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT THE ASSOCIATES WERE IN A MEETING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.

NHTSA #: 11006633
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jun 2017

TRACTION-CONTROL MALFUNCTION DURING SPEEDS OVER 40. VEHICLE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGES, AT ANY TIME AND SUDDENLY. ABRUPT BRAKING AND WARNING LIGHT.

NHTSA #: 10993843
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2016

ON MAY 2, 2016, THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST ALL ABILITY TO SHIFT THE 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA MINIVAN'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND THEREFORE OPERATE THE VEHICLE, UPON ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM *D* TO *R*, I.E., DRIVE TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME, WHILE PREPARING TO PULL INTO A SPACE IN A PARKING LOT. THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE EVENT WAS THE VEHICLE'S SHIFT CABLE HAD BROKEN AT THE CABLE'S TERMINATION WITH EITHER THE SHIFT LEVER OR THE TRANSMISSION. REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE CABLE, TOYOTA PART NUMBER 33820-08020. THE SUDDEN INABILITY TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BE STRANDED, OBSTRUCTING OTHER VEHICLE TRAFFIC. IF THIS EVENT HAD OCCURRED IN TRAFFIC, SUCH AS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARALLEL PARK, THE DISABLED VEHICLE WOULD HAVE PRESENTED A COLLISION DANGER TO THE DRIVER AS WELL AS TO OTHER VEHICLES.

NHTSA #: 10929020
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER CABLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER MAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 12/23/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA #: 10896300
mediumPOWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
Filed: Feb 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V429000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 05V327000 (SEAT BELT) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA #: 10836941
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V429000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10820547
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER SHIFTING INTO THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL A SHORT DISTANCE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHEN PARKED BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO THE UNINTENDED ROLLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V429000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CAUSED INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA #: 10779252
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2015

2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TRANSMISSION CABLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFT CABLE BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE VAN TO ROLL, EVEN THOUGH THE INDICATOR SAID IT WAS IN PARK. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE SHIFT CABLE SOLENOID. *JB

NHTSA #: 10759489
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2015

RADIATOR FAILURE RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKAGE IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. I NOTICED MY 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA HAD SOME BELT NOISE THAT GOT WORSE. THE VAN WAS DUE FOR A WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT CHANGE. LATER THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ HIGH AND AFTER CHECKING THE FLUIDS NOTICED THE ANTIFREEZE LEVEL TO BE LOW AND TOPPED IT UP. A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY STEAM STARTED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. I NOTICED THE PINK FLUID HAD ALSO LEAKED OUT OF A TUBE (LOOKED LIKE A RELIEF TUBE) ON THE DRIVER SIDE. RADIATOR LEVEL WAS LOW. THE TRANSMISSION FUEL LOOKED PINKISH AND READ ABOUT SIX INCHES ABOVE THE MAX LEVEL ON THE DIPSTICK. TRANS FLUID WAS MILKY PINK, THICK, AND HAD GRAINY DEPOSIT. TOOK THE VAN TO THE AUTOLAND DEALER IN SPRINGFIELD, NJ TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND TO HAVE THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT CHANGE AT THE SAME TIME. HAD TO LEAVE THE VAN OVERNIGHT. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE WITH A NEARLY $2000 BILL FOR REPAIRS (BRAKES, TIRE ROTATION, TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP) OTHER THAN CHANGING THE TRANS. FLUID OR TELLING ME WHAT WAS WRONG. DEALER SAID SOMEONE PUT ADDITIVE TO THE FLUID???. NOTE THAT ONLY AUTOLAND HAD BEEN SERVICING THE VEHICLE. THEY REFUSED TO CHANGE THE TRANS FLUID. "I AM NOT TOUCHING THAT." THE DEALER SAID. I NOW KNOW FROM A LOCAL TRANS REPAIR SHOP THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANS FLUID. A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RADIATORS ON TOYOTA VEHICLES THAT HAD A RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE RECALL. I NOW HAVE AN ESTIMATED $4,000 PROBLEM TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF AUTOLAND HAD DONE ITS JOB PROPERLY AND NOT REFUSED TO CHANGE THE TRANS. FLUID. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA AND WITH AUTOLAND'S SERVICE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10712847
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2015

TOYOTA DEALER (VICTORY TOYOTA OF CANTON , 46352 MICHIGAN AV, CANTON, MI 48188) FAILED TO FIX THE SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID ASSEMBLY THAT A SUBJECT OF A RECALL AND PROMISED TO CALL ONCE THE NEW PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 2 MONTHS AND THE PART HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10691503
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V429000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO START AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

NHTSA #: 10690277
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN SECOND GEAR EVEN THOUGH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL READ THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 10/09/14*LJ

NHTSA #: 10628952
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE BACKWARDS AND ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURED CABLE LINKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

NHTSA #: 10621978
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2014

WHEN STARTING FROM 1-25 OR SLOWING DOWN TO 25 FROM 35 THERE IS JERK AND VAN MOVES FORWARD EVEN IF BRAKE HAS BEEN APPLIED. *JS

NHTSA #: 10592302
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2014

BACKING UP IN REVERSE, UNABLE TO PUT CAR INTO DRIVE, NEUTRAL, OR PARK. CAR WOULD ONLY MOVE IN REVERSE SHUT CAR OFF, WAS UNABLE TO RESTART CAR DUE TO BEING STUCK IN REVERSE. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEERFIELD BEACH DEALERSHIP. DEALER DIAGNOSED SHIFTER CABLE BROKE. ADDRESSED THIS COMMON SAFETY FAILURE WITH SERVICE MANAGER. SERVICE MANAGER SAID NO SERVICE BULLETIN EXITS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WE KNOW IT IS A COMMON FAILURE BECAUSE WE KNOW OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM IN THEIR SIENNA. THE TOW TRUCK DIVER STATED IT IS A COMMON FAILURE. PARTS DEPARTMENT KNOWS ABOUT THIS FAILURE. LOCAL DEALERSHIPS CARRY PART IN STOCK. WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE WITH SERVICE MANAGER. TOYOTA DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10592033
mediumPOWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CrashFiled: Apr 2014

2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID RECALL NOTICE, RECEIVED AFTER ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD, AFTER TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT. THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE STOREFRONT WALL. ALSO, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB UPDATED 08/07/14

NHTSA #: 10578711
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V429000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10569409
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2014

DRIVING IN PASSING LANE OF INTERSTATE 70 MPH, VERY LOUD CRASHING NOISES FROM UNDERCARRIAGE THAT CONTINUED AS LONG AS CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD. TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID POWER TRAIN (DRIVE LINE HE CALLED IT) HAD COME OFF. MECHANIC IDENTIFIED CAUSE AS TRANSFER CASE SEIZING UP, PROBABLY BECAUSE OF SOME INTERNAL PART COMING LOOSE. RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ALSO SEIZED UP. DAMAGE TO VAN IS CATASTROPHIC - IT'S TOTALED. MIRACULOUSLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO SHOULDER WITHOUT CRASHING. *TR

NHTSA #: 10561109
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V429000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ADVISED THE CONTACT OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID IN THE INTER LOCK SYSTEM. UPDATED 12/23/13

NHTSA #: 10552787
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2013

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA WITH 25,000 MI. IT WAS A USED VEHICLE WHEN WE PURCHASED IT. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WE ALSO PURCHASED A 7 YEAR, 100,000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT HAS CURRENTLY EXPIRED. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS AGO WE NOTICES THAT WHEN COMING TO A STOP THERE WAS A THUMP BELOW THE VEHICLE WHICH WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. MY WIFE AND I BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WE FEEL A THUMP BELOW THE VEHICLE TOWARDS THE CENTER. REGARDLESS OF BREAKING, ACCELERATING OR COASTING WE FELT A THUMP. WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. WE BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA FOR REPAIR. TOYOTA REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ?UNDER WARRANTY? AT APPROXIMATELY 95,000 MILES WITH A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION. WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE VEHICLE AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THEY HAVE INFORMED US THAT THE WAY THAT THE TOYOTA TRANSMISSION WORKS IS THAT THEY HAVE A PIPE THAT RUNS THROUGH THE RADIATOR. THAT ALLOWS FOR COOLING FOR THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. WE WERE INFORMED THAT DUE TO AGE, THE PIPE SIMPLY CORRODED AND CRACKED CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE RADIATOR. WE REQUESTED THE SIMPLEST SOLUTIONS AND WE WERE TOLD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND FLUSH THE TRANNY AND HOPE FOR THE BEST. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY A MONTH BECAUSE THE ORDERED AN AFTERMARKET RADIATOR IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE US MONEY. THE AFTER MARKER RADIATOR DID NOT FIT. I WAS INFORMED THIS PAST WEEKEND THAT AFTER SPEAKING WITH TOYOTA, TOYOTA HAS RECOGNIZED THIS ISSUE AND HAS DISCONTINUED THE STANDARD RADIATORS AND A NEW MODEL WITH MOUNTS NOW NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. OUR FEELING IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A DESIGN FLAW. WHAT CAN BE DONE? *TR

NHTSA #: 10523666
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2012

CAR ROLLED BACK WHILE ON A SLOPE WITH PARKING BRAKE FULLY APPLIED, IN PARK, AND ENGINE OFF. ROLLED BACK ABOUT 6-9 INCHES AS SOON AS FOOTBRAKE WAS RELEASED, WITH A CHILD IMMEDIATELY BEHIND CAR AT THAT TIME. I LATER FOUND THE PROBLEM IS A WORN REAR DIFFERENTIAL FRONT SUPPORT ARM USED ON ALL SIENNA AWD'S, AND LIKELY OTHER TOYOTA'S THAT SHARE THE SAME AWD DRIVETRAIN DESIGN. PER THE TOYOTA OWNER BOARDS, IT APPARENTLY COMMONLY FAILS AND SELLS FOR OVER $200 FOR JUST THE PART. HOWEVER, IT REALLY CONCERNS ME HERE BECAUSE WHEN IT FAILS, IT ALLOWS PLAY IN THE DRIVELINE, WHICH THEN RESULTS IN THE CAR BEING ABLE TO ROLL FOR 6 INCHES PLUS EVEN W/ PARKING BRAKE APPLIED UNTIL IT REACHES THE LIMIT OF ITS PLAY. ON A SLOPE AND WITH SOMEONE JUST IN FRONT OR BEHIND THE CAR THAT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH BY EITHER IMPACT OR CRUSHING. DANGEROUS DESIGN AND POOR RELIABILITY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10457363
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA LE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HE ABRUPTLY DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP. ONCE THE CONTACT REACHED HIS DESTINATION, THE SHIFTER COULD NOT BE MOVED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT DRIVE OVER THE SPEED BUMP HARD ENOUGH TO WHERE HE BELIEVED IT WOULD CAUSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10444496
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING TO 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL BEFORE ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10428677
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2011

AFTER YEARS OF DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE TOYOTA HAS YET TO PROVIDE A REASON OR SOLUTION. WHEN TRAVELING AT LOWER SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AND WHEN YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE THERE IS A 1 TO 2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGES. TOYOTA MADE ME SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION...NO HELP....THEN THEY CLAIMED I NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE...WHICH THEY CHARGED ME $80 ...TO UPDATE THEIR SOFTWARE DESIGN FLAW. STILL... THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOT IMPROVED. MY ONLY CONCERN IS THAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, MY VAN MAY NOT RESPOND IN TIME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10419513
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED AND RECALIBRATED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME AND THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA #: 10418026
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2010

THE TRANSMISSION HAS A DELAY WHEN RUNNING AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN HAVING TO CHANGE GEARS UP OR DOWN UNDER A CHANGE OF LOAD CONDITION; LIKE GOING UPHILL OR PASSING. VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE GAS FOR A MOMENT, LIKE TURNING INTO A STREET OR DRIVEWAY. THE VAN WILL JUMP INTO A GEAR LIKE IF SOMEONE HAD POPPED THE CLUTCH ON A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VAN. I HAVE TAKEN IT THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY ALWAYS SAY THERE NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOTHING CHANGES. I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM UNTIL JUST NOW; AFTER READING ABOUT HOW MANY OTHER HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I WISH TOYOTA WOULD JUST TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THE VEHICLES THAT THEY MAKE INSTEAD OF JUST ACTING LIKE IT IS ALWAYS THE CUSTOMERS WHO IS AT FAULT. THIS WILL BE MY LAST TOYOTA. I HAVE OWNED THREE IN THE PAST, NO MORE. ESPECIALLY SINCE ALL OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT HAS HAPPEN WITH THEIR CARS LATELY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10359895
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA .THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OR MORE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 11/05/10. *LJ

NHTSA #: 10348426
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: Jul 2010

A 7-YEAR OLD BOY WAS CLIMBING FROM THE BACK SEAT TO THE DRIVERS SEAT OF A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA MINIVAN. HE WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE VAN AT THE TIME, THE VAN WAS NOT RUNNING, THERE WERE NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION.. YET SOMEHOW, THE VAN'S TRANSMISSION WAS TAKEN OUT OF PARK AND PUT INTO GEAR. AS THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET, THE VAN ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, THROUGH A FENCE AND INTO A RAVINE WITH THE CHILD INSIDE. THE CHILD ALSO USED THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE EVENT (WHICH SHOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE). NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE PROPERTY IS EXTENSIVE. IT IS UNCLEAR AS TO WHY THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING COLUMN LOCK FAILED ON THIS VAN OR IF THIS IS AN ISOLATED DEFECT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE TRANSMISSION LOCK APPEARS TO BE WORKING NORMALLY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10344322
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2010

WHILE MERGING ONTO A HWY I WAS LEANED FORWARD LOOKING THROUGH THE SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR WITH MY RIGHT HAND BESIDE THE SEAT HANGING DOWN. I RAISED MY HAND TO PLACE IT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY FINGERS CAUGHT ON THE SHIFTER. THE GEAR SHIFT SLID WITHOUT RESISTANCE INTO REVERSE AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO REVERSE AND STARTED TRYING TO GO BACKWARDS. THE TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY WRECKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLES BUT WAS A VERY CLOSE CALL AS A FRIEND WAS IN HIS TRUCK BEHIND US AND ALMOST COLLIDED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10328933
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2010

TOYOTA 2004 SIENNA. IT'S THE MOST DANGEROUS CAR I EVER HAD, WHENEVER I SLOW DOWN AND TEND TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR HESITATE TO GO FOR ABOUT 1 TO 3 SECONDS DELAY. I TOOK IT TWICE TO THE DEALER BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, THE THIRD TIME I WENT BACK THEY DENIED THAT IT IS A PROBLEM. IT IS DANGEROUS SPECIALLY WHEN YOU TEND TO PASS A CAR ON A TWO WAY ROAD AND THE CAR WONT ACCELERATE AT DESIRED TIMING. MY COMPLAIN WAS TOYOTA DENIES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM IS AN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2004 TO PRESENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10316884
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2010

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA, WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES. I SUDDENLY AND INTERMITTENTLY LOST POWER STEERING. IT WAS NOT TOTAL LOSS--THAT I COULD HAVE HANDLED, BUT IT WOULD COME AND GO, EVEN WITHIN A SINGLE TURN. WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL, I COULD NOT PREDICT HOW THE CAR WOULD RESPOND. NO ACCIDENT, FORTUNATELY, BUT A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS. I DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO A T DEALER, AND THEY DIAGNOSED A FAILED U JOINT AND REPLACED IT TODAY. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SIGNS OF U JOINT FAILURE. I WANTED TO SUBMIT THIS IN CASE OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUES. OTHERWISE, I JUST CONSIDER IT AN ISOLATED CASE. THANKS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10313405
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2010

2004 TOYOTA SIENNA XLE . WHEN ACCELERATING THE VAN HESITATES. HAVE TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR HARDER TO FORCE A HARD DOWNSHIFT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN A PREDICTABLE ACCELERATION IS NEEDED SPECIALLY MERGING HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10304910
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2008

I ALWAYS TOOK MY 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA IN FOR MAINTENANCE. THE MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED BY MIDAS OR TOYOTA. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR BRAKES AUGUST 2008 AND WAS TOLD A TIMING BELT WAS NEEDED ALONG WITH DRIVING BELT. I WAS NEVER VERBALLY TOLD OF A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR SERVICE TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT, DRIVING BELT, AND THERMOSTAT; STILL NO MENTION OF A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND SHOW ME THE DIRT FROM THE TRANSMISSION. NEVER PRIOR TO THE LAST VISIT DID THEY VERBALLY MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10249730
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2008

ON 5/29/2004 I PURCHASED MY TOYOTA SIENNA. I STARTED HAVING "MYSTERIOUS" LIGHTS COMING ON AT ALL DIFFERENT TIMES. ON 7/15/2004, I WENT OUT TO MY CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF A NIGHTMARE. SINCE THEN MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 6 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD MY CAR START AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I WOULD USUALLY JUST JUMP THE BATTERY BUT THEY COULD NEVER TELL ME THE REASON WHY IT KEPT ON HAPPENING. THERE WERE TIMES THAT I COULDN'T EVEN LEAVE MY DOORS OPEN FOR 5 MINUTES WITHOUT IT WEARING THE BATTERY DOWN. WHEN THE BATTERY IS CHECKED IT IS ALWAYS FINE. WHEN THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED I HAVE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURN ON FOR NO REASON. THEY HAVE PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AND REPLACED THE JBL AUDIO SWITCH BECAUSE THAT HAD BEEN SHOWN TO TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY AND DRAIN THE BATTERY/ENGINE. NEITHER OF THESE SOLUTIONS HAVE WORKED. THEY FINALLY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR HAD TOO MANY "BELLS AND WHISTLES" (WHICH ALL ARE FACTORY INSTALLED) AND THAT I NEED TO CONNECT TO A CAR CHARGER WHEN I COME HOME OR TO GO ON LONG DRIVES AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. *TR

NHTSA #: 10220707
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2008

DELAY 2-3 SECONDS WHEN PRESS GAS PEDAL. I THOUGH I AM THE ONLY ONE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HOPE SOON TOYOTA CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IF I WILL GET INTO AND ACCIDENT WITH THIS VAN I AM GOING TO HIRE A LAWYER TO SUE THE TOYOTA. *TR

NHTSA #: 10219644
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2007

THERE IS 2 TO 3 SECONDS DELAY AND SLIGHT ACCELERATION LAG EVEN WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. COUPLE OF TIMES I WAS CLOSE TO RUN INTO ACCIDENT. *JB

NHTSA #: 10206840
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2007

I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA WITH A TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE I PURCHASED THE NEW VEHICLE BACK IN MARCH 2003. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT JUST ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AS I TEST DROVE SEVERAL OTHER NEW VEHICLES FROM THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS. THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IS THAT IT DOESN'T KNOW WHEN TO DOWNSHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR, PARTICULARLY BETWEEN 0-15 MPH. WHEN IT CAN'T DECIDE TO DOWNSHIFT, YOU CAN'T ACCELERATE AT ALL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IN AN INTERSECTION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. I MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THROUGH THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP BACK IN 2003 AND 2004. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THIS TRANSMISSION AND THAT TOYOTA WAS GOING TO MAKE A SOFTWARE CHANGE TO FIX THIS. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN FIXED AND I SEE THAT THEY NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CAMRY. ARE THEY GOING TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS KILLED BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING? ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BY TOYOTA TO FIX THIS ISSUE WITH THE CAMRY'S AND SIENNAS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10202985
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2007

I'VE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION BEING HESITANT AND THE CAR SURGING AND SLOWING UNEXPECTEDLY. I'VE HAD THESE PROBLEMS, TOO. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I NEEDED A FLASH TO THE COMPUTER THAT WOULD GIVE THE CAR A SHIFT ENHANCEMENT. THEY SAID IT WASN'T PART OF THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, BUT THEN AGREED TO DO IT FOR THE $45 I INITIALLY PAID THEM TO LOOK THE CAR OVER. IT SHIFTS MORE AGGRESSIVELY NOW, BUT IT STILL SEEMS TO SLOW AND SURGE UNEXPECTEDLY AND FAILS TO DOWNSHIFT FOR ACCELERATION AT TIMES. TODAY WAS MY FIRST DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN RIGHT BEFORE A CURVE IN THE ROAD. JUST AS I WAS BEGINNING MY TURN A CAR APPEARED AND I HAD TO STEP HARD ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS IT SHOULD HAVE, BUT I DID MANAGE TO MAKE IT ACROSS.

NHTSA #: 10192998
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2007

MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA MOVING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND FOUND THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. HE THEN PLAYED AROUND WITH IT AND FOUND THAT IT CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING BROKE OFF INSIDE AND WOULD COST AROUND $700 TO FIX IT. THEY THEN SAID THAT MY CHILDREN MUST HAVE BROKEN IT OFF SWINGING FROM THE SHIFTER. I RESPONDED THAT I REALLY DIDN'T THINK THAT MY CHILDREN DID SUCH A THING AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ADMITTED THAT THEY'RE PROBABLY NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO BREAK IT ANYHOW. THISWAS VERY DANGEROUS. *AK

NHTSA #: 10192986
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2007

VEHICLE HAS HAD A TRANSMISSION HESITATION PROBLEM SINCE WE PURCHASED IT. THE DELAY CONSISTS OF A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE ACCELERATION KICKS IN. THIS OCCURS WHEN MERGING, TURNING OR ATTEMPTING TO SPEED UP TO AVOID COLLISIONS/OBJECTS. WE HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE DEALER EVERY TIME WE BRING IT IN FOR MAINTENANCE, WITH NO IMPROVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE. ADDITIONALLY, UNDER CRUISE CONTROL, THE CAR "SKIPS" GEARS UNEXPECTEDLY AND REVVS RANDOMLY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10191911
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Jan 2007

TOYOTA 2004 LE SIENNA. DRIVING ON STRAIGHT, DRY, ROAD ABOUT 30-40 MPH. VSC SUDDENLY LIGHT TURNED ON UNEXPECTEDLY, FOLLOWED BY LOUD BEEPING NOISE. VAN APPEARED TO HESITATE. CAN'T GO MORE THAN 40 MPH. I WAS GLAD THAT THERE WAS NO CAR BEHIDE ME OTHERWISE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. VAN WAS BROUGHT INTO DEALER (TOYOTA OF PALO ALTO, CA). THEY FOUND NO ERROR CODE. *NM

NHTSA #: 10178940
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH THE ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL DID NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY IN ACCELERATION. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOES ACTIVATE, IT SEEMS TO SEARCH FOR A GEAR AND WHEN A GEAR S FOUND IT IS USUALLY A LOW GEAR WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH INTO TRAFFIC. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB

NHTSA #: 10167549
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2005

TRANSMISSION HESITATION AND LURCH FORWARD. DEALER SAYS THIS IS CHARACTERISTIC OF TRANSMISSION. ALSO, REAR AC NOT COLD - DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL PERFORMANCE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10144710
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2005

DELAYED ENGINE POWER WHILE TURNING, THEN SUDDEN SURGE OF POWER. DEALERSHIP RESPONSE IS: WORKING AS DESIGNED - DRIVE-BY-WIRE CAUSES THE DELAY. *NM

NHTSA #: 10138319
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2005

VEHICLE HESITATES AND LURCHES FORWARD ON ACCELERATION. DRIVER GETS JERKED FORWARD AT AN ABNORMAL RATE. AFTER ACCELERATION UPON LEAVING A STOPED STATE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND AND/OR HESITATES FOR A SECOND THEN LURCHES FORWARD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED MANY TIMES AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC WITH THE NEW FLY WHEEL DESIGN IN THE TOYOTAS. THEY AGREE IT IS NOT RIGHT BUT TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT?? AS A CONSUMER THIS IN UNACCEPTABLE. AM STARTING TO HAVE NECK PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF DOING A LOT OF LOCAL IN TOWN DRIVING AND CONSTANTLY STOPPING AND STARTING WITH BEING JERKED AROUND IN MY VAN. EVEN THE PASSENGERS FEEL IT. I THINK THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES SINCE IT CAN CREATE PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF VAN DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR WHEN EXPECTED TOO. TIRES MAY SPIN OUT TOO WHEN THE JERKY ACCELERATION OCCURS.

NHTSA #: 10133677
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2005

2004 TOYOTA SIENNA XLE VAN. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COAST THE VAN HESITATES. HAVE TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR HARDER TO FORCE A HARD DOWNSHIFT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN A PREDICTABLE ACCELERATION IS NEEDED. IT SEEMS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL GETS CONFUSED ON WHEN TO DOWNSHIFT. PROBABLY A RESULT OF WHAT TOYOTA HAS TO DO TO KEEP THE MILEAGE RATING UP. THE NUMBER OF TIMES THIS HAPPENS ARE TO NUMEROUS TO COUNT. *NM

NHTSA #: 10131484
mediumPOWER TRAIN,TIRES
Filed: Aug 2005

PROBLEMS WITH THE DUNLOP RUN FLAT TIRES AND THE TRANSMISSION ON THE 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA.*MR DURING A 3000 MILE SERVICE THE TECHNICIAN NOTICE THAT ON OR MORE OF THE TIRES WAS BALDING. ALL FOUR TIRE WERE REPLACED. A FEW DAY AFTER THE 3000 MIL MAINTENANCE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO TRANSMISSION FLUID. *NM

NHTSA #: 10132343
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2005

WE HAVE A 2004 SIENNA LE AWD. THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY APPEARS TO HESITATE FOR 1-2 SECONDS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENTS, ONLY SOME SCARES WHEN MERGING OR ENTERING INTO FLOWING TRAFFIC FROM A STOP.

NHTSA #: 10123795
mediumPOWER TRAIN,TIRES
Filed: May 2005

2004 TOYOTA SIENNA ALL WHEEL DRIVES HAVE A SUSPENSION OR DRIVETRAIN ISSUE THAT CAUSES TIRES TO WEAR TO CHORDS ON INSIDE EDGES IN 10 TO 15,000 MILES.VEHICLE CAME WITH RUNFLAT,BRIDGESTONES BR380RUNFLATS AND DEALER REPLACED AT 9,000 MILES DUE TO SEVERE WEAR WITH2256017DUNLOPS,NOW AT 28,000 NO TREAD LEFT INNER,AND REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AGAIN AFTER 9 MONTHS OF DRIVING OBVIOU SLY PROBLEM IS NOT THE MANUFACTER OF TIRE BUT SOMETHING IN DESEIGN OF TRUCK OR AWD SYSTEM,TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL,THIS ISSUE COST APPROX1400.00 IN TIRES FOR ONE SET AND APPARENTLY WILL ONLY LAST A YEAR,TOYOTA SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS TIRE WEAR ISSUE ISSUE AND EITHER RETRFIT VEHICLE A SUSPENSION DRIVETRAIN FIX THAT WILL NOT WEAR TIRES,IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT I HAVE 2 OF THE SAME VEHICLE WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM,ON BOTH TOYOTA REPLACED THE 1ST SET OF TIRES AT UNDER 11,000 MILES AND BASICALLY SAID TOO BAD IT'S NOT TOYOTA PROBLEM BY THE TIME 2ND SET WERE WORN 10,00 MIES LATER.

NHTSA #: 10120930
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2005

2004 TOYOTA SIENNA EXPERIENCING HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. *MR THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR WHEN STARTING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE CONSUMERS REMOVED HIS FOOT AND PLACED IT BACK ON THE THROTTLE, SEVERE HESITATION WOULD OCCUR. *SC

NHTSA #: 10119253
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2005

WITH ABOUT 6000 MILES SHOWING ON THE ODOMETER, AND CHILDREN PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE WE SUFFERED FROM A MANUFACTURING DEFECT; A COMPLETE MECHANICAL FAILURE THAT WAS LIFE THREATENING. I WAS ON AN ON-RAMP PREPARING TO ENTER THE FREEWAY WHEN I FELT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE SLAM DOWN. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL DISINTEGRATED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE OR BE PUT INTO GEAR. WITH TREMENDOUS EFFORT AND HORRENDOUS NOISES THE VEHICLE COULD STRUGGLE TO MOVE AT ABOUT 5 MPH. ONCE THE DEALER RECEIVED THE VEHICLE THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE. APPEARED WITHIN DAYS TO INSPECT, COLLECT, AND LATER ANALYZE THE FAILED PARTS. THE TRANSFER CASE AND REAR AXEL ASSEMBLY WERE REPLACED. WE CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE PICKING THIS VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER DUE TO THE UNEXPLAINED AND DANGEROUS EVENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED.*AK

NHTSA #: 10117947
mediumPOWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Mar 2005

AFTER 5 MONTHS OF PURCHASING A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LAG AND LURCH.*AK

NHTSA #: 10114286
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2005

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA WITH A TRANSMISSION HESITATION PROBLEM. (A PROBLEM TOYTOA DENIES BUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT TO DEALERS) IT IS DANGEROUS IN SNOWY CONDITIONS AS THE 2 SECOND HESITATION RESULTS IN A SLOWING DOWN BEFORE AN ABRUPT UPSHIFT/POWER SURGE THAT BREAKS THE WHEELS LOOSE IN THE SNOW. THIS THEN CAUSES THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO ENGAGE. I WAS STUCK REPEATEDLY AND IN MANY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET TO A SKI AREA DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA NEEDS TO HAVE SOME PRESSURE PUT ON THEM. *AK

NHTSA #: 10112635
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2005

THERE IS A SLIGHT, BUT ANNOYING AND UNSAFE, HESITATION WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A TURN OR FROM STOPPING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR NUMEROUS TSB UPGRADES, INCLUDING REPLACING OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, NOTHING HAS CHANGED !!!!!!

NHTSA #: 10112084
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2005

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT DELAY, DEAD SPOT OR TROUBLE DECIDING WHAT GEAR IT WANTS TO BE IN. PRIMARILY WHEN ACCELERATING IF HESITATION OR A LIFTING OF THE PEDAL TAKES PLACE AND THEN GAS IS APPLIED AGAIN THE CAR LURCHES AFTER HESITATION AND DOWNSHIFTS JERKING THE CAR. THIS CAN'T POSSIBLY BE HEALTHY FOR THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION LONG TERM AS WELL AS OTHER CAR PARTS. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE MY DRIVING HABITS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE POOR DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION. I'VE REGISTERED MY COMPLAINT W/THE DEALER AND THEY'VE CHECKED TO SEE IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE WAS ON MY VEHICLE AND IT WAS. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS TYPE. THE MAJOR CONCERN IS LONG TERM AND IF MY TRANSMISSION GOES BAD 3-5-7-10 YEARS FROM NOW, HOW MUCH OF THIS IS ACTUALLY TOYOTA'S FAULT FROM POOR DESIGN BUT THEN I HAVE TO INCUR THE COST. AT A LARGE PRICE TAG INITIALLY THIS IS NOT FAIR TO THE CONSUMER. *NM

NHTSA #: 10106540
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2004

WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS THERE IS A PAUSE. TOYTOTA SAYS IT'S AN IDENTIFIED PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN I HIT THE GAS, THE CAR SHOULD MOVE!*AK

NHTSA #: 10103038
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2004

NO THROTTLE RESPONSE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS, OCCURES ALL THE TIME, MOST NOTICEABLE ON A ROLLING STOP AT A YEILD SIGN. SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS.*AK

NHTSA #: 10100815
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2004

2004 SIENNA LTD AWD HAS BOTH A HESITATION IN ACCELERATION AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS IF THE VEHICLE IS AT LOW SPEED AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THEN AFTER A DELAY, CAN OVER REV AND THEN ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSON. THERE HAVE BEEN INCIDENTS WHERE IT CAUSES DANGEROUS DELAYS IN AVOIDING A POTENTIAO ACCIDANT SITUATION. TAKEN THE CAR BACK AND WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA SAYS THIS IS OPERATING ACCORDING TO THE DESIGN. THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION.*AK

NHTSA #: 10098200
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2004

WHEN SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN THE TRANSMISSION WILL ON OCCASION HESATATE AND THEN SURGE. *AK

NHTSA #: 10093610
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: Sep 2004

WHILE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN CONSUMER'S DRIVEWAY CONSUMER'S CHILD KNOCKED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, SLAMMING INTO A WALL ACROSS THE STREET. THE CHILD WAS NOT HURT, BUT THE VEHICLE AND THE WALL WERE DAMAGED. VEHICLE'S MANUAL STATED THAT VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO GEAR WITHOUT A KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION.*AK

NHTSA #: 10083670
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2004

WHILE MERGING ONTO ANOTHER LANE TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THEN, CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE RPM GAUGE REGISTERED HIGH ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE OTHER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED BY THE MECHANIC. CONSUMER INFORMED MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM RECURRED AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK

NHTSA #: 10091969
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2004

HESITATION OF 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA XLE LIMITED. VEHICLE HAS A SIGNIFICANT DELAY IN ACCELERATION WHEN APPLYING GAS FROM A SLOW ROLL (UNDER 5 MPH). THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT IS NOT ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA.*AK

NHTSA #: 10088710
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2004

I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK UPON STARTING THE ENGINE AND THE VSC AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON, I HAD TO SET AND RELEASE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL RANDOMLY THEN RE-ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WHICH WOULD THEN ENABLE ME TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. *AK

NHTSA #: 10088589
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2004

THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. ON OUR 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA VAN, THERE IS A "DEAD SPOT" WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A SLOW COASTING CONDITION. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETELY STOPPED CONDITION. HOWEVER, IF COASTING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 - 10 MPH, DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL YIELDS NO RESPONSE. NATURALLY I TEND TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR FURTHER TO OVERCOME WHATEVER INERTIA IS HAPPENING, AND WHEN THE ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN FINALLY RESPONDS (SOMETIMES SEVERAL SECONDS LATER) THERE IS A PRONOUNCED JERK AS EVERYTHING CATCHES. WE HAVE HAD A FEW SITUATIONS WHERE COMPETING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS WARRANTED FIRM ACCELERATION AND WERE AT THE MERCY OF OTHER DRIVERS WHEN OUR VEHICLE FAILED TO PERFORM. BEING IN A NORTHERN CLIMATE, I AM ALSO GREATLY CONCERNED THAT DURING ICY CONDITIONS, THE RESULTING "JERK" WHICH OCCURS FOLLOWING THE LAG WILL RESULT IN BREAKING TRACTION AND SUBSEQUENT SKIDDING. IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT FAILURE TO ACCELERATE WHEN NECESSARY IS ARGUABLY JUST AS DANGEROUS AS FAILURE TO STOP, AND THE PROBLEM NEEDS CORRECTED. THUS FAR, OUR DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM AND CLAIMS THAT IT'S A "NORMAL" BEHAVIOR FOR THIS DRIVETRAIN.

NHTSA #: 10086673
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2004

WHILE APPROACHING A LEFT HAND TURN OFF A 4 LANE UNDIVIDED HIGHWAY I SAW A VEHICLE APPROACHING IN THE MIDDLE MOST LANE WITH ITS LEFT TURN SIGNAL ON WHICH I INTERPRETED AS A SIGN THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHERE I WAS ALSO TURNING. BUT IT TURNED OUT THE TURN SIGNAL MUST HAVE JUST BEEN FORGOTTEN ABOUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS INTENDING TO CONTINUE TRAVELLING STRAIGHT. BY THIS TIME I HAD ALREADY STARTED MY TURN AND WAS IN THE PATH OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GOING TO TURN I FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR TO GET OUT OF ITS WAY. THE SIENNA SEEMED TO SLOW DOWN VIOLENTLY AS ALL PASSENGERS IN MY SIENNA LURCHED FORWARD, AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY SEEMED TO KICK IN AFTER WHAT SEEMED LIKE A COUPLE OF SECONDS OF SITTING HELPLESSLY IN THE PATH OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE, WHICH HAD TO SLAM ON ITS BRAKES TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH US. THIS ACCELERATION HESITATION COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE DANGEROUS IF THE OTHER DRIVER HAD NOT BEEN DRIVING DEFENSIVELY.*AK

NHTSA #: 10082915
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Jun 2004

ENGINE IDLES VERY FAST IN COLD WEATHER FIRST FEW MINUTES. WHILE DRIVING A BLOCK TO THE FIRST STOP SIGN HAS TO APPLY THE BRAKES VERY FORCEFULLY TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. THIS CAUSES SOME LOSS OF CONTROL , ESPECIALLY ON A SLIGHT DOWN HILL SLOPE DURING SNOWY/ICY WEATHER. APPEARS TO BE COMBINATION IDLE, AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.*AK

NHTSA #: 10074836
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Jun 2004

VEHICLE HESITATES/FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE FOLLOWING MODE: AFTER BRAKING, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING BETWEEN 5 TO 15 MPH, THE VAN DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL INPUT; VEHICLE HESITATES WITH NO MOVEMENT FORWARD, THEN SHIFTS HARD INTO FIRST GEAR AND LURCHES FORWARD. WE HAVE HAD 2 CLOSE CALLS, WAITING FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL INPUT. ALSO, ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS A DEAD SPOT. THE FIRST HALF INCH OF PEDAL CAUSES NO RESPONSE FROM VEHICLE). THIS "DEAD SPOT" ALONG WITH THE HESITATION NOTED ABOVE CAN RESULT IN A 2 SECOND RESPONSE FAILURE FROM THE VEHICLE. THIS SITUATION HAS PUT MY FAMILY IN HARMS WAY ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS.*AK

NHTSA #: 10074636
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2004

VEHICLE IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THERE IS A 3 SECOND HESITATION INTERVAL BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE INTO GEAR. WHEN DRIVING AROUND TOWN, IT IS AT IT'S WORSE. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *MR THE VEHICLE ONLY HESITATES WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. *NM

NHTSA #: 10066640
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2004

ONCE, WHILE DRIVING ON I-5, ON A SLIGHT INCLINE IN 'D'(OVERDRIVE), I SLOWED THE VEHICLE FROM 60 MPH TO AROUND 50 MPH BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE THEN SEEM TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR, THE RPMS HIT APPROX. 6000, THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT A GEAR. IT REPEATED THIS SEVERAL TIMES. I PULLED OVER AND CALL THE DEALER. HE SAID TO IF THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, THEN IT'S PROBABLY OK. THE SECOND TIME WE WERE IN 'D' AND SLOWING FROM ABOUT 60MPH TO 50MPH COMING INTO A SLIGHT CORNER. THE VEHICLE REPEATED THE SAME JERKING. I NOTICE THAT WHEN SLOWING THE RPMS DIP BELOW 2000-1800 BEFORE THE SLIPPING OCCURS. I KEPT THE CAR ABOVE 2000 RPMS AT HIGHER SPENDS BY SHIFTING INTO '3' WHEN NEEDED. THIS SEEM TO AVOID THE PROBLEM? WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD WHAT HAPPEN IS NORMAL OPERATION FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSIONS IN THE SIENNA AND HIGHLANDER? HOWEVER, LOSING POWER AND BEING JERKED AROUND DID NOT SEEM SAFE. I AM BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER DEALER ON THIS COMING FRIDAY.

NHTSA #: 10072390
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Nov 2003

2004, TOYOTA SIENNA XLE LIMITED. VERY SLUGGISH THROTTLE RESPONSE WHEN CRUISING, APPARENTLY DUE TO VERY SLUGGISH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFT. NO PROBLEM WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. PROBLEM IS BAD ENOUGH TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE DRIVER EXPECTS REASONABLE THROTTLE RESPONSE TO AVOID A COLLISION , SUCH AS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. *AK

NHTSA #: 10047746
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2003

WHILE DRIVING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY FROM THE "LOWER TO HIGHER GEAR. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE AND STATED IT WAS RUNNING UNDER TOYOTA SPECIFICATIONS. *AK

NHTSA #: 10038008

Other 2004 Toyota Sienna Issues