Photo: S5A-0043 / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Sienna
Minivan · Gas · 11 versions · owner report
Ranked #2 of 5 minivans on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, particularly for the hybrid models (2021+).
6 problems reported (2 recurrent, 4 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentTransmission problems (2017 models)
Jerkiness, shifting issues, high-speed freeway problems, and expired customer service programs for repairs.
- RecurrentInterior/material critiques
Less refined interior compared to competitors like Pacifica; dated in-dash GPS with poor screen placement and glare (2013 model); small cup holders; Bluetooth audio crackling (2013-2015 models).
- IsolatedInfotainment/system glitches (2025 models)
Profile and key fob pairing failures, unresponsive screens.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedEngine issues (specific older models)
Timing chain/crankshaft codes (P001500, P001700) on a brand-new 2025 model; oil/coolant leaks and timing chain failure on a 2015 model.
- IsolatedElectrical gremlins (2020 model)
Intermittent door lock/unlock failures, no-crank events, driver's window auto-up/down malfunction.
- IsolatedRust concerns (older models in snowy regions)
Significant surface rust on undercarriage noted on a 2015 model from Illinois; rust on specific components questioned on a 2014 model from Canada.
The version owners recommend
For newer generations (2021+), the Platinum trim is frequently recommended for its comprehensive feature set, including ventilated/cooled front seats, a video rearview mirror, and advanced safety technology. The hybrid powertrain is considered non-negotiable for its fuel savings and reliability. For older generations, lower-mileage examples in good condition are valued over specific trims, with a noted preference for avoiding model years with known transmission issues.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica (and Pacifica Hybrid), Kia Carnival, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, particularly for the hybrid models (2021+). The Sienna is consistently praised as a durable, low-maintenance family vehicle capable of reaching very high mileages (200,000-300,000+ miles) with proper care. The hybrid powertrain is highlighted as a major advantage, offering significant fuel savings (approximately 36 MPG) compared to competitors. Criticisms are generally isolated to specific model years or trim-level issues, such as infotainment glitches, transmission concerns on certain 2017 models, and some complaints about interior material quality or technology being less refined than rivals. The consensus positions the Sienna as the default choice for buyers prioritizing longevity, low cost of ownership, and proven hybrid efficiency over cutting-edge features or luxury.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the most reliable and fuel-efficient minivan, particularly against the Honda Odyssey. Owner discussions frequently cite the Sienna's hybrid system and lower projected maintenance costs as decisive advantages, though the Odyssey is sometimes noted for features like the Magic Slide seats and more removable second row. The Chrysler Pacifica (especially the PHEV) is acknowledged for its more luxurious interior, smoother ride, and plug-in capability but is universally criticized for inferior reliability and long-term durability. The Kia Carnival is seen as a more SUV-styled alternative but is questioned for long-term reliability and ride comfort. Against three-row SUVs like the Palisade or Grand Highlander, the Sienna is favored for its sliding door convenience, superior cargo space, and better fuel economy, albeit often with a less premium interior feel.
Recommended configurations
Hybrid powertrain is strongly recommended for fuel efficiency and proven reliability. All-wheel drive (AWD) is suggested for snowy climates, though front-wheel drive (FWD) with good tires is deemed sufficient by some owners and offers slightly better fuel economy. For long-term ownership, an extended warranty is suggested for models with known issues (e.g., certain 2017 models). Avoiding black exterior paint is mentioned due to ease of showing scratches. A pre-purchase inspection by a Toyota specialist mechanic is universally advised for used models.
General recommendations
Ideal for families prioritizing reliability, low operating costs, and practicality over luxury or cutting-edge tech. Highly recommended for buyers planning to keep the vehicle for 7-10+ years or drive high mileages. Not recommended for those who place a premium on the most refined interior, latest infotainment, or engaging driving dynamics. Buyers should test drive to assess comfort with road noise and interior materials. For new models, be prepared for potential dealer markups or limited inventory. For used models, meticulously check service history, verify known issue repairs (e.g., timing belt on older Odysseys, transmission on certain 2017 Siennas), and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Remarks
The feedback spans multiple generations, with the most emphatic praise reserved for the hybrid models (2021+) for their transformative fuel economy. A strong undercurrent in owner discussions is the calculation of total cost of ownership, where the Sienna's higher initial purchase price is justified by lower fuel, maintenance, and repair costs over a 10-15 year horizon compared to rivals. The 2017 model year is specifically flagged for potential transmission issues, requiring extra diligence. The vehicle's reputation for extreme longevity (examples cited with 300,000-650,000 miles) is a central pillar of its positive perception, though this is often based on older, non-hybrid V6 models. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2005. Years to avoid: 2011, 2006, 2005, 2004Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Toyota Sienna years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 267 | 5 | seats |
| 2024 | 66 | 3 | service brakes |
| 2023 | 66 | 2 | service brakes |
| 2022 | 16 | 4 | service brakes |
| 2021 | 43 | 4 | air bags |
| 2020 | 38 | 2 | power train |
| 2019 | 45 | 7 | unknown or other |
| 2018 | 72 | 7 | power train |
| 2017 | 155 | 10 | power train |
| 2016 | 76 | 5 | structure |
| 2015 | 233 | 6 | structure |
| 2014 | 163 | 6 | structure |
| 2013 | 183 | 6 | structure |
| 2012 | 247 | 9 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices142 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · seats:mid/rear assembly:reclinercampaign 25V086000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The bolts for the seatbacks on the third-row seat assemblies may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints," 207, "Seating Systems," and 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
2025 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 25V668000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat rails may be welded improperly.
2025 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2025 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V876000
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2025 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V877000
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2024 · seats:mid/rear assembly:reclinercampaign 25V086000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The bolts for the seatbacks on the third-row seat assemblies may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints," 207, "Seating Systems," and 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
2024 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V876000
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2024 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V877000
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2023 · seats:mid/rear assembly:reclinercampaign 25V086000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The bolts for the seatbacks on the third-row seat assemblies may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints," 207, "Seating Systems," and 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
2023 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V877000
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2022 · seats:mid/rear assembly:reclinercampaign 25V086000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The bolts for the seatbacks on the third-row seat assemblies may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints," 207, "Seating Systems," and 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
2022 · seat belts:rear/other:anchoragecampaign 21V889000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Sienna vehicles equipped with seating for eight passengers. An incorrect seat belt webbing guide may have been installed on the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies.
2022 · electronic stability control (esc):control module:softwarecampaign 22V239000
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
2022 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V877000
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 23V865000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
127 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.5 Hybrid E-Four
Hybrid · 245 hp · AWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2020–2026
