Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2012 Toyota Sienna — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2021 to Dec 2019
The most reported issue is air bags problems (50 complaints). 10 complaints involved crashes. 4 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V005000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V741000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V553000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2012-2018 AMS Genesis wheelchair vans, built on a Toyota Sienna vehicles. The rubber brake hoses that attach to the rear wheel assembly may be too short, causing them to rub against the rear axle trailing arm.
Risk: The contact may cause failure of the rear brake hoses, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Vantage will notify owners, and dealers will install a set of rear brake hoses that will provide the proper clearance, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2019. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V858000
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna minivans manufactured January 4, 2010, to August 12, 2016. If the power sliding door is unable to be opened when commanded, such as if the door is frozen shut, the door may subsequently open unexpectedly, possibly while the vehicle is moving.
Risk: If door opens while the vehicle is moving, there would be an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the junction block, rear sliding door wire harnesses, and install two sub wire harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G04.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V006000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
NHTSA Campaign: 12V120000
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 4RUNNER AND SIENNA VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH NON-ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT REMOTE ENGINE STARTERS. A MALFUNCTION IN THE AUDIOVOX ELECTRONICS BRAND REMOTE ENGINE STARTER MODULE CAN PREVENT NORMAL COMMUNICATION OF THE VEHICLES CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK (CAN).
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, ANTILOCK BRAKING AND STABILITY CONTROL MAY BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. DRIVERS SHOULD RECEIVE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WARNING THEM OF A MALFUNCTION.
Fix: GULF STATES TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REMOTE ENGINE STARTER WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-444-1074.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V014000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
NHTSA Campaign: 11V560000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 THROUGH 2012 SIENNA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 110, "TIRE SELECTIONS AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENT FOR DISPLAYING THE CORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT AS THE RATED LOAD FOR THE COMBINATION OF CARGO AND OCCUPANTS.
Risk: INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD MAY LEAD TO TIRE OVERLOADING AND POSSIBLY CAUSE TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL PROVIDE A REMEDY WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL OUT A CORRECTED PLACARD TO CUSTOMERS ALONG WITH REVISED OWNER MANUAL INFORMATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2013. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V123000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 246)
Tires →3 issues
All four of your tires developed bulges and bubbles on the sidewalls, where the rubber was expanding outward. The tires started failing around 1,000 miles after you got them, though your vehicle had 152,000 miles on it at the time. A tire shop replaced two of the damaged tires, but the other two still need attention.
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Your tire blew out while driving on I-10 near Columbus, TX. You had four new Yokohama YK-CTX tires (235/60 R17) installed to replace them, costing $1,085.76 total. This may indicate a defect with the original tires or a road hazard that caused the failure.
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You purchased tires from Costco in November 2021 with an 80,000-mile warranty, but after driving only about 30,000 miles, the tread wore down below the 2/32-inch depth required for warranty coverage. You believe the tires wore out prematurely despite regular rotations and mostly highway driving, and you're concerned the tires may not have the durability promised by their warranty. The issue may require an inspection of the tires and potentially a warranty claim review or tire replacement.
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Steering →2 issues
Your power steering suddenly stopped working when the battery warning light came on, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer and nearly causing an accident. After replacing the battery, alternator, and serpentine belt, the problem went away for over 6 months but has now returned—the power steering cuts in and out unpredictably, with only the battery warning light alerting you beforehand. Even though the battery is charging properly and the serpentine belt looks fine, the intermittent power steering failure creates a serious safety hazard with little warning. The issue likely involves an electrical charging system problem that requires diagnostic testing to identify which component is failing intermittently.
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When you turn right during normal lane changes, your minivan's entire electrical system shuts down momentarily and then restarts. A mechanic confirmed this is caused by a problem with the electric power steering system and reproduced the issue during a test drive. The mechanic strongly recommended having the vehicle towed to a dealer rather than driving it, as the sudden loss of electrical power during turning poses a safety risk. The fix will likely require the dealer to replace or repair the electric power steering system components.
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Electrical System →2 issues
You discovered that your 2012 Toyota Sienna's actual mileage is significantly higher than what was displayed when you bought it. The odometer showed 48,230 miles at purchase, but the vehicle's title indicates 241,080 miles, suggesting the odometer may have been rolled back. This is odometer fraud, which affects the vehicle's true condition and value. Addressing this will require reporting the discrepancy to authorities and potentially consulting with an attorney about your purchase.
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Your power sliding door cables are snapping on their own, leaving the door stuck and unable to open or close. This happened while you and your children were in the vehicle. The sliding door mechanism will likely need to be repaired or replaced to restore normal operation.
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Power Train →2 issues
Your rear axle coupler assembly is making very loud noises and causing vibration while driving. This component connects the rear axle system and when it fails, it can affect how your vehicle handles. The fix will likely involve replacing the coupler assembly or inspecting it for wear and damage.
Parts you may need:
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Your rear differential is making an unusual whirling and grinding noise, but your dashboard warning lights aren't showing any problems. The dealer was unable to diagnose or fix the issue when you brought it in. The noise started around 79,000 miles and suggests the differential may need inspection or replacement of worn internal components.
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your Sienna's electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential has failed, and you've had to replace it twice. This is an expensive repair costing around $4,000 per replacement. You've noted that Toyota issued a recall for the same problem in RAV4 models but not for Siennas, despite it being a common issue. The fix involves replacing the failed electromagnetic coupling unit in the rear differential assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Your Sienna is making a whining and grinding noise, which Toyota identified as a bad rear differential viscous coupling during service. This is reportedly a known issue that has affected Siennas for years, similar to a problem that triggered a recall on RAV4s. Fixing this issue will likely require replacing the viscous coupling in your rear differential.
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Suspension,unknown Or Other,service Brakes →1 issue
Your 2012 Toyota Sienna shakes severely when you brake at highway speeds (65 mph or above), and the brakes don't seem to work properly. You've already replaced the sway bar links and lower control arms under warranty, but the problem persists. The issue may involve the suspension or braking system needing further diagnosis to identify the root cause.
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Air Bags,unknown Or Other,back Over Prevention →1 issue
Your car was hit from behind at 30 mph while stopped, but the airbags failed to deploy during the crash. You sustained injuries as a result of the airbags not inflating. The airbag system may need diagnostic testing and potential replacement of airbag modules or sensors.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your engine stalled and power steering froze while driving through an intersection, then shut off completely. After replacing the battery and driving home, the same thing happened again—engine stalled, power steering froze, and engine shut off. This suggests an electrical or charging system problem that needs diagnosis.
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Structure →1 issue
Your driver's side cargo door became stuck and wouldn't open, but then unexpectedly opened on its own while you were driving. This matches a known Toyota safety recall, though your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall notice. The issue may involve the door latch mechanism or hinges that need adjustment or replacement to prevent the door from opening while driving.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your engine is leaking coolant from the rear of the engine through the head gasket, which is causing your vehicle to struggle when accelerating beyond 55 mph. This appears to be a known issue affecting 3.5L V6 engines in Toyota models from 2011-2017. The fix will likely involve replacing the head gasket and addressing the source of the leak.
Parts you may need:
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Wheels →1 issue
Your front tires are wearing out much faster than expected. You've had to replace the front tires three times in less than two years, with each set lasting only 6,000–17,000 miles instead of the advertised 50,000 miles, even though you drive mainly on highways with regular maintenance and no aggressive driving. This premature wear suggests a potential alignment, suspension, or brake issue that may need professional inspection.
Parts you may need:
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Seats →1 issue
When you folded up and then unfolded your third-row passenger seat, internal parts (a spring, washer, and screw) fell out and the seat's locking mechanism no longer secures the seat to the vehicle. You're concerned about safety since the seat isn't properly fastened. The fix will likely involve inspecting and reassembling the seat's locking mechanism components, possibly replacing worn or damaged parts.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your vehicle's stability control system is activating unexpectedly at low speeds, causing your car to brake and slow down even when you're not skidding or losing control. This happens randomly and when there's no apparent need for the system to engage. The issue likely involves diagnosing the stability control sensors or software to determine why it's triggering inappropriately.
Parts you may need:
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Structure,latches/locks/linkages →1 issue
Your rear passenger side power sliding door cable broke, and your driver-side power sliding door started malfunctioning with abnormal clunking noises. The door won't close when you use the automatic button and you have to manually shut it instead. The dealer said the door needs to be replaced, but your warranty coverage had expired so the repair wasn't completed.
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