Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2008 Toyota Sienna — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2008 to Dec 2009
The most reported issue is structure problems (81 complaints). 37 complaints involved crashes. 4 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
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: 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: 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: 13V429000
Component: 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.
Risk: If the shift lever is moved out of the Park position without the brake applied, the transmission will either engage a drive gear or Neutral, increasing the risk of a backover or roll away crash.
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.
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: 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: 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 428)
Steering,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →2 issues
Your traction control system is turning on unexpectedly while you're driving on highways, even when you've turned it off—and the VSC and TRAC OFF warning lights keep appearing on dry roads. Most troublingly, the system has suddenly applied the brakes on its own while you were driving around a curve at highway speed, nearly causing you to lose control of the van. Your mechanic has recalibrated the system, but the problem continues to occur. This likely requires diagnosing and replacing faulty traction control or ABS sensors, or addressing a deeper issue with the vehicle stability control module.
Parts you may need:
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When driving down steep right turns, your Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system activates unexpectedly, triggering an urgent beeping alarm and causing the brakes to grip hard while traveling 20-30+ mph on dry roads. This has happened repeatedly over the past year on curvy right turns and feels dangerous, though local mechanics haven't been able to identify the cause. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the VSC system sensors, brake system components, and steering angle sensors to identify which sensor is malfunctioning or miscalibrated.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →2 issues
While driving at 60 MPH, your vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own without warning. The brakes didn't slow the car down when you pressed them, so you shifted into neutral to regain control and pulled over. After shutting off and restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The issue wasn't diagnosed or repaired.
Parts you may need:
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Your transmission shift cable broke, which prevented the gear shifter from actually moving the transmission into park even though you moved the lever to the park position. When you stopped at a store, your vehicle began rolling, so you engaged the parking brake. After that, your engine wouldn't start no matter where you positioned the shift lever. The repair involved replacing a worn bushing on the transmission cable, which is a small component that helps connect your shifter to the transmission.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →2 issues
While pulling into a parking lot, you heard a ticking sound from the engine and discovered oil leaking underneath your vehicle. When you checked the oil level, the dipstick showed no oil remaining, but no warning light had appeared on the dashboard. Even after adding oil, the noise continued while driving. A dealer inspection revealed that the exhaust cam gear had cracked, causing damage to the engine and other components—requiring replacement of the engine, exhaust cam gear, timing chain, and additional repairs. The fix will involve a complete engine replacement along with related component repairs.
Parts you may need:
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Your engine's head gasket, which was previously repaired, has failed again. Additionally, your radiator system has also failed. It's unclear whether these failures are due to how the dealer performed the initial repair or if they're manufacturing defects, especially since the previous owner had the vehicle serviced at a Toyota dealership before trading it in. You'll likely need a head gasket replacement and radiator system repair or replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →2 issues
Your vehicle started beeping on the highway and automatically engaged the ABS braking system even though the road was dry and clear. This unexpected braking could be dangerous in highway traffic. The issue likely involves the ABS system or its sensors and may require diagnosis and repair of the anti-lock brake components.
Parts you may need:
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Your dashboard warning lights for ABS, traction control, VSC, and brakes are illuminating. The owner suspects that loose bushings near the steering rack and pinion are causing these lights to come on and may be leading to occasional brake failures.
Parts you may need:
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Firerelated →1 issue
Your vehicle caught fire while parked in your driveway with no warning signs or warning lights beforehand. The fire destroyed the interior of the van, though the firewall protected the engine compartment as designed. The fire department was unable to determine what caused the fire. The repair will likely involve a complete interior rebuild or total loss assessment by your insurance company.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your throttle became stuck while you were backing out of a parking spot in reverse, causing your car to accelerate unexpectedly and crash into a building. The vehicle speed control system failed to respond properly, resulting in a collision.
Parts you may need:
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Visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your dashboard material is breaking down and releasing a sticky liquid that rises to the surface, creating a reflective coating on your windshield. When sunlight hits this coating, your visibility through the front windshield becomes dangerously low and the road becomes hard to see. Toyota acknowledged the cracking issue and offered a limited warranty, but refused to replace the dashboard or address the visibility hazard, stating it falls outside their response policy.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,electrical System →1 issue
Your vehicle's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is triggering a sensor alarm when you drive faster than 50 mph and turn the steering wheel slightly, causing your car to brake unexpectedly. This dangerous issue has been occurring for over 5-6 years and makes freeway driving unsafe. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the faulty VSC sensor or related steering angle sensor and replacing it.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your odometer shows 206,625 miles, but the title document you received from Carvana stated the vehicle had only 110,477 miles when you purchased it. This is a significant discrepancy that violates federal and state odometer disclosure laws. Carvana refused to resolve the issue after you contacted them.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,unknown Or Other,service Brakes →1 issue
Your car's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is engaging unexpectedly even at slow speeds around 30 mph, causing the brakes to apply automatically and preventing normal acceleration. This is happening when it shouldn't, creating a safety concern especially with children and elderly passengers in the vehicle. The issue likely requires Toyota to diagnose and repair the VSC system's sensors or control module.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your slip indicator light and sound activate temporarily while driving on dry pavement, especially during right turns, and your brakes may engage by themselves. You've replaced the lower control arm and clock spring, but the problem continues. This appears to be a known issue with this model that's difficult to diagnose and may require replacing multiple electronic or sensor components related to the stability and braking systems.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your car's VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system beeps and sometimes automatically applies the brakes or causes the engine to feel sluggish, and this can happen at any speed. The problem has been occurring for years and is now happening more frequently. A mechanic will need to diagnose the VSC system and likely the fuel system to identify what's triggering these false activations.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
Your anti-lock braking system (ABS) is malfunctioning and applying the brakes automatically when you turn corners, making your car harder to control on dry roads. This has happened multiple times and independent mechanics have confirmed the problem. The warning light and buzzer activate when this occurs, indicating a fault in your vehicle speed control or brake system.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your brakes make a loud grinding noise when backing up in wet weather and sometimes when you press the brake pedal while driving, along with a squealing sound. The brakes feel like they're slipping, which has made you pull over because it's concerning. Even though the brakes have been replaced and checked multiple times, the problem keeps happening on both highways and regular streets. The issue may involve brake pad wear, moisture buildup, or problems with the brake system's electronic components that need further diagnosis.
Parts you may need:
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Steering →1 issue
Your traction control warning light turns on when you make slow turns on dry pavement, even though there's no actual loss of traction. This typically indicates a sensor or electrical issue with the traction control system rather than a real problem with your wheels slipping. Getting the system diagnosed with a code reader will help identify whether it's a faulty wheel speed sensor, steering angle sensor, or another component in the traction control circuit.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →1 issue
Your spare tire hatch control cable snapped while you were driving at 15 mph, causing the spare tire to fall onto the road. Your vehicle ran over the tire, causing a jolt, but you were able to pull over safely and the car remained drivable. The cable failure occurred at around 195,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Toyota Sienna years: