Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2006 Toyota Sienna — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2013 to Dec 2017
The most reported issue is air bags problems (275 complaints). 37 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (11)
NHTSA Campaign: 17V657000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2005-2007 and 2009-2010 Toyota Sienna vehicles. In the affected vehicles, due to a problem within the shift lock assembly, the shift lever may be moved out of the 'Park' position without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: If the shift lever can be moved from the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift lock solenoid and reapply the grease, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0V. Vehicles that were previously recalled under campaign 13V-429 are not affected by this recall.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V743000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V273000
Component: 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.
Fix: Toyota sent owners in August 2014 an interim notification to advise owners of the recall and that dealers will perform an interim remedy to remove the spare tire and relocate it to the luggage compartment, free of charge. Owners are being mailed a second letter as parts become available and dealers will replace the spare tire carrier assembly with an improved one, free of charge. The remedy campaign is being performed in phases. The first phase of the recall began July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. NOTE: 2004-2010 Siennas subject to this recall were subject to recall campaign 10V-160 initiated in 2010. Those owners are advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles. Additionally, model year 1998-2003 Siennas were recalled as part of safety recall 10V-160. Owners of those vehicles that have not had not the remedy performed on their vehicles, should contact their Toyota dealer to schedule a free repair.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V396000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V223000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Risk: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V036000
Component: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
NHTSA Campaign: 08V244000
Component: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GAS STRUTS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED GAS STRUTS THAT HAVE A LONGER SERVICE LIFE. THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2008, AND WILL BE MAILED IN THREE PHASES ENDING IN LATE DECEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V234000
Component: 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.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS INSTRUCTING THEM TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA OR LEXUS DEALER FOR AN EXCHANGE OF THE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL, AN INSTALLATION OF THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABEL, IF NECESSARY, AND A CORRECTION TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V270000
Component: SEATS
ACCESS OPTIONS IS RECALLING CERTAIN TRUCKS AND VANS BUILT ON FORD E150, E350, TOYOTA SIENNA, AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH VMI/RICON 6-WAY POWER SEAT BASES. THE SIX WAY POWER SEAT BASE MAY HAVE A DEFECTIVE (COLD) WELD ON THE PIVOT PIN WHICH IS WELDED TO THE SWIVEL PLATE. THE WELD COULD FAIL.
Risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY BE INJURED IF THE SEAT BASE PIN WERE TO BREAK.
Fix: THE SWIVEL PLATE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACCESS OPTION AT 831-722-6804.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V035000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V160000
Component: 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.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS WITH AN INTERIM LETTER INITIALLY INSTRUCTING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AUTHORIZED DEALERS TO INSPECT FOR CORROSION. A SECOND NOTICE WILL BE SENT WHEN THE PERMANENT REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE TOYOTA'S AMENDED RECALL REPORT OF JULY 19, 2010. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OCTOBER 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1016)
Air Bags →2 issues
Your airbag warning light is on because of a faulty connector underneath the front passenger seat. This is a known issue affecting multiple vehicles of this model year. The airbag system may not deploy properly in a crash if the connector isn't repaired or replaced.
Parts you may need:
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Your airbag warning light flashes on and off intermittently. Based on reports from other owners with the same issue, this is typically caused by a loose or disconnected wire from the airbag sensor located beneath the front seats. The fix usually involves reconnecting or adjusting the sensor wiring connector.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your sliding door is malfunctioning in multiple ways: you hear repeated locking and unlocking sounds while driving, the passenger side sliding door opens by itself when parked, and it won't respond to your key fob button. Your neighbor's key fob for his pickup truck can also trigger your door to open. This is a safety concern since the door could open unexpectedly while driving. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the door's electrical actuator system and either replacing the door latch mechanism or reprogramming the key fob receiver.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2006 Sienna's dashboard is sticky, cracking, and creating glare, and Toyota has a warranty enhancement program (ZE6) to address this issue. However, you never received any notice from Toyota about the program for either of your Siennas (2006 and 2010 models). You're asking if there's anything that can be done now that you're aware of the program. Contact Toyota directly to inquire about coverage under the ZE6 warranty enhancement program, even though you didn't receive the original mailer.
Parts you may need:
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Wheels →2 issues
Your wheel lug nuts have become swollen and won't fit any standard wrench, making it impossible to remove them if you get a flat tire. This prevents you from being able to change a tire on the road or at home. The fix will likely involve replacing the swollen lug nuts with new ones that fit standard wrenches.
Parts you may need:
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Your tire pressure warning light stays on even though all four tires are properly inflated. Your vehicle uses wheel speed sensors to detect low tire pressure, but the system is malfunctioning—likely due to a problem in the engine computer (ECM). This makes it impossible to know if a tire actually has low pressure since the warning is always triggered. Fixing this will likely require replacing or reprogramming the engine computer.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,unknown Or Other,service Brakes →1 issue
Your Sienna's anti-lock brake system is engaging unexpectedly while driving on highways, triggering a slip light and alarm. The car pulls sharply to the right during these events, making steering difficult and happening more frequently — sometimes twice in 100 miles on dry, normal road conditions. This dangerous issue is hard for mechanics to diagnose because it's unpredictable. The fix will likely involve a thorough diagnostic of the anti-lock brake system, wheel speed sensors, and brake control module.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes, Air →1 issue
Your brake pedal may fail to engage when you decelerate, even though no warning lights appear on your dashboard. You might hear a strange noise and need to press the pedal hard before the antilock braking system (ABS) kicks in, though it may also fail. The brake pump has been replaced twice without resolving the issue, and diagnosis suggests the ABS system itself may need replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your vehicle's traction control system is activating unexpectedly on normal driving conditions, triggering warning lights and alarm sounds, and sometimes automatically applying brakes and reducing engine power even when there's no actual loss of traction. This happens on both straight roads and gentle curves, and the sudden brake application can pull your vehicle sharply to one side, creating a safety hazard. To stop this, you had to disconnect the wheel speed sensor. The issue likely involves a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor, ABS module, or traction control system that needs diagnostic testing and repair or replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →1 issue
Your steering wheel started shuddering while driving at 35 mph, and you discovered both front tires had tread belt separation and bulges. Later, your TPMS warning light came on at highway speeds, and you found the rear passenger tire also had tread belt separation with the metal belt exposed through the rubber. You had all four tires replaced as a precautionary measure after only about 16,000 miles of use. This issue may require replacing the affected tires and having the wheel alignment checked to ensure proper tire wear going forward.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your steering has frozen several times over the past 18-24 months, usually in wet conditions at slow speeds while turning right or reversing. When this happens, your car also seems to slow down on its own and pull to the side, and you lose power steering control until the turn is complete. Your mechanic has been unable to recreate the problem or identify the cause. The issue may involve your power steering system or electronic steering control components needing diagnosis and repair.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,power Train,service Brakes →1 issue
Your vehicle's stability control system engages unexpectedly when driving on curves or on-ramps while accelerating, causing the steering wheel to jerk suddenly and the van to slow down dramatically as if the brakes are engaging. This has happened multiple times since June 2023 and can last 5-10 seconds, sometimes pulling the vehicle out of its lane. The issue may be caused by a faulty steering rack or a problem with the stability control system itself, and may require steering rack replacement or recalibration of the vehicle's electronic stability control system.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
The bushing that connects your gear shift lever is broken, which disconnected the lever from the cable that controls gear shifting. This caused your car to become stuck in reverse gear and unable to shift to drive, nearly causing a collision. The gear shift lever feels loose or unresponsive when you try to change gears. Replacing the shift cable bushing and reconnecting or replacing the shift cable will likely be needed to restore normal shifting.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other,service Brakes →1 issue
Your traction control system activates and applies the brakes when turning on wet roads, which can be unsafe. The traction control warning light comes on when this happens. This issue has been reported by multiple Toyota owners in similar situations.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
Your vehicle's stability control system randomly activates and applies the brakes on its own, even when you're driving safely at or below the speed limit on gentle curves. This unexpected braking can be startling and dangerous. The issue appears to affect multiple owners with no confirmed cause or solution identified yet. A mechanic will need to diagnose the stability control and brake system electronics to find the root cause.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension →1 issue
The rear axle mount on your Sienna broke off while you were driving in January 2023, even though you had the vehicle inspected under a 2008 safety bulletin and serviced at Toyota just weeks before. Your insurance denied the claim as wear and tear, and the repair will cost several thousand dollars. The issue involves the suspension mount that attaches the rear axle to the vehicle frame, which may need replacement or welding repair.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic →1 issue
Your ABS and traction control system activates every time you turn a corner, causing beeping and sudden brake engagement even when you're not actually sliding. This is dangerous because it interferes with normal braking while turning. You've found that unplugging the sensor under the front passenger seat stops the problem, but this also disables your airbags and other safety systems. The issue likely involves a faulty wheel speed sensor or its wiring that needs replacement or repair.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your traction control and ABS system are activating unexpectedly while driving between 30-60 mph, especially on curved roads, causing the brakes to pump automatically and triggering a traction control alarm before stopping on its own. This is particularly dangerous in wet or icy conditions or when being tailgated. You've already replaced the front right wheel speed sensor without resolving the issue. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the ABS/traction control system, which may require checking other wheel speed sensors, the ABS module, or wiring connections.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and ABS warning lights turn on when driving uphill or downhill, especially when turning left, causing the car to slow down suddenly with loud beeping. This commonly happens on freeway entrance and exit ramps. The fix may involve having a mechanic diagnose the ABS and VSC systems, which could require sensor replacement, wheel speed sensor cleaning, or electrical connector inspection.
Parts you may need:
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Structure →1 issue
Your liftgate won't stay open when you raise it—it falls back down on its own due to faulty support struts. This happened while the vehicle was parked, and Toyota was notified but didn't provide assistance. The fix would likely involve replacing the worn liftgate struts that support the gate when it's open.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Toyota Sienna years:
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