2013 Toyota SIENNA: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
183 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
48,918 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2013 model year. Data snapshot: . 100 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Structure:Body is the most frequently named component, appearing in 41 of 183 complaints (22.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 19 | 10.4% |
| Steering behavior | 11 | 6.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 7 | 3.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 1.1% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 1.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 0.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure:Body | 41 |
| Unknown Or Other | 33 |
| Air Bags | 22 |
| Electrical System | 18 |
| Power Train | 14 |
| Service Brakes | 12 |
| Steering | 11 |
| Engine | 7 |
Structure:Body: 41; Unknown Or Other: 33; Air Bags: 22; Electrical System: 18; Power Train: 14; Service Brakes: 12; Steering: 11; Engine: 7
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 27 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 28 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 21 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 12 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 7 |
| 150,000 and above | 5 |
Under 25,000: 27; 25,000 to 49,999: 28; 50,000 to 74,999: 21; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 5
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (28). 83 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 49 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
2013: 8; 2014: 13; 2015: 13; 2016: 16; 2017: 49; 2018: 15; 2019: 16; 2020: 10; 2021: 16; 2022: 5; 2023: 8; 2024: 3; 2025: 7; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Structure:Body leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 19 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 7 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10493371 · 2013-01-18 (January 18, 2013)
I DROVE ONLY 1975 MILEAGE BUT MY VAN MAKES UNBEARABLE NOISE FROM 3RD ROW SEAT. I TOOK TO TOYOTA SERVICE STATION TWICE BUT I WAS TOLD IT IS MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND TOYOTA COULDN'T FIND SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. I SENT OUT EMAIL TO TOYOTA BUT DIDN'T HEAR FROM THEM YET I PAID ABOUT $ 44,000.00 FOR THIS VAN. DRIVING THIS CAR I FEEL I PUNISH MY SELF EVERYDAY. I AM LOOKING FOR HELP TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10493371 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10500968 · 2013-03-01 (March 1, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD COULD NOT BE DEFROSTED. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE DEFROSTER ON FULL BLAST BUT COULD NOT CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THERE HAD BEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, BUT THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 10500968 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10507189 · 2013-04-04 (April 4, 2013)
I TOOK A RIGHT TURN FROM JUPITAR RD. TO PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH FREEWAY - APPROXIMATELY 400 METERS BEFORE ENTERING THE TOLLWAY. THE TRAC OFF AND ENGINE FAULT LIGHT SWITCHED ON AND THE VAN COULDN'T GO BEYOND A MAXIMUM SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 OR 30 MPH. I WAS SHOCKED AND STUNNED AND COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS JUST HAPPENING AND HOW TO GET THE VAN TO A SIDE PATH AMID PASSING VEHICLES AT 60 TO 70 MPH BECAUSE THAT ROAD LEAD TO TOLL WAY ENTRANCE. FINALLY, AFTER LONG WAIT WITH A SHAKY HEART, I COULD MOVE THE VAN TO RIGHT LANE @ < 30 MPH AN…
Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 10507189 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10508473 · 2013-04-16 (April 16, 2013)
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THE NEXT MORNING TO DIAGNOSE. HOWEVER, NO ERROR CODES WERE ABLE TO BE RETRIEVED FROM THE OBDII. THEY RESET THE COMPUTER TO CLEAR THE LIGHT AND ADVISED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE WITHOUT AN ERROR CODE. THEY ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE DOWN TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE IMMEDIATELY IF THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, IN ORDER TO GET AN ERROR CODE. A WEEK LATER, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. AS ADVISED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DOWN TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE IMM…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10508473 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10532681 · 2013-07-30 (July 30, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER FAILED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN A LIGHT POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE, RIBS AND A CRACKED PELVIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 815.
Owner-reported narrative. 815 miles reported. Look up ODI 10532681 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10547496 · 2013-10-10 (October 10, 2013)
THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED JUST 14 DAYS AGO AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 4 DAYS OUT OF THAT. IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE AND WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR NOTICED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM THE BODY STRUCTURE BETWEEN THE WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELD NEAR THE DRIVERS SEAT. IT WAS DRIPPING CONTINUOUSLY AND I TOOK MY CAR TO SERVICE CENTRE. WOULD HAVE BEEN GLAD IF THERE WAS A WAY ON THIS SITE TO UPLOAD THE PICTURES TO SHOW THE REAL ISSUE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 1,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10547496 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10547627 · 2013-10-11 (October 11, 2013)
THE AIR COMING OUT OF THE VENT AS SOON AS I START THE CAR SMELLS LIKE A DIRTY WET TOWEL. THIS SMELL WILL LAST ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES IF I TURN OFF THE AC. TOYOTA SAID THIS IS NOTHING ABNORMAL FROM ANOTHER OTHER SIENNA. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 3,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10547627 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10554193 · 2013-11-30 (November 30, 2013)
THE SLIDING DOOR WAS OPENING (VIA KEYCHAIN BUTTON), BUT OPENED ONLY HALFWAY BEFORE SLAMMING SHUT VERY QUICKLY. IT WAS LIKE IT THOUGHT IT HIT SOMETHING IN BY THE BACK TIRE, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THERE. MY DAUGHTER HAD STARTED GETTING INTO THE CAR, SO THE DOOR SLAMMED SHUT ON HER FINGER AND ACTUALLY LATCHED CLOSED WITH HER FINGER STUCK INSIDE. THE DOOR HASN'T WORKED SINCE. THIS "SAFETY FEATURE" BACKFIRED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10554193 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V014000 · Seats | Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Reported: 2013-01-16 (January 16, 2013)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 record ↗16V858000 · Structure:Body:Door
Reported: 2016-11-29 (November 29, 2016)
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.
Consequence: If door opens while the vehicle is moving, there would be an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
Remedy: 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 record ↗18V024000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2018-01-09 (January 9, 2018)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." 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 explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. 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 record ↗19V005000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-01-09 (January 9, 2019)
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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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 record ↗19V553000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2019-07-25 (July 25, 2019)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 record ↗19V741000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module | Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-10-17 (October 17, 2019)
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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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 record ↗