KnownCarProblems2004 Toyota Sienna Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 2,062 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Toyota Sienna, most often about the body and structure (47% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Sienna model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2004 Toyota Sienna problems
Body and structure
962 complaints · 47%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
2004 Toyota Sienna minivan power lift gate closes in an uncommanded manner. This has happened with several times with myself and my wife while loading items in the rear of the van. I fear that it is a real safety issue if my wife or child would happen to be under there and not move out of the way fast enough.
: the contact stated the button on the key to open the hatch was depressed and the hatch went up, then immediately went down and would not stay open. To ensure the hatch would stay open, the contact had to hold it up. The dealership determined the shocks were defective and the shocks were replaced.
Doors and locks
308 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors, hatchback/liftgate, tailgate.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the rear lift gate fails to remain open at the appropriate times. When the lift gate is opened automatically, it rapidly falls and closes. When opened manually, the lift gate closes automatically and without hesitation. He emailed the manufacturer, but has…
No significant events occurred up to the failure beyond normal expected use. Defective welds on the driver side door strap result in failure of the door strap mechanism. Toyota has not resolved the problem.
Steering
159 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, electric power assist system, linkages, hydraulic power assist.
Steering problem on 2004 Toyota Sienna. Steering will jerk as the wheel is turned - requires extra effort to turn the wheel and then will jerk through that direction. It then has tendency to stick, so vehicle continues turning when steering wheel grasp is relaxed. Operator needs to quickly respond to avoid loss of…
Steering binding or increased steering effort on Toyota 2004 Sienna. Steering requires extra effort while turning, and does not always return by itself (requires effort to return to 0 degrees). This condition varies (different effort at different points in the turning arc) from turn to turn, making it a hazard for…
Wheels and tires
143 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, pressure monitoring and regulating systems, sidewall, temporary/emergency spare tire.
Consumer states: the tires came brand new with the van. The tire currently have 25000 miles and the consumer is concerned that the tires are not safe. The consumer spoke with someone at the tire store who indicated that most people only get 18000 mile out of the tires. The belts are currently showing through the tire…
Dunlop run flat tires made specially for 2004 and beyond Toyota Sienna wear out in less than 20,000 miles for numerous consumers after regular rotations and balancing. Numerous reviews on www.tirerack.com from consumers complaining about the dunlop sp4000 dsst 225/60/17 tires wearing out after less than 20,000 miles.…
Electrical
132 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, wiring, instrument cluster/panel, ignition.
Normal use of the automatic passenger sliding door of the 2004 Toyota Sienna resulted in cable breaking at 82,000 miles. Have not repaired due to high cost $1,700. Known problem at time of my vehicle's manufacture, tsb issued (el004-04), but failed outside of warranty. Door is no longer operational which is the safety…
2004 Toyota Sienna's automatic sliding door mechanism jammed preventing door closure. The door could not be closed automatically or manually. Circumstances forced passengers, including 4 small children, to travel several highway miles with that door open. In april 2004 Toyota modified that door mechanism for new…
Speed control
111 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cruise control.
I had slowed my car to allow a group to pass and was making a left hand turn into a parking spot. My car lurched forward and sped forward nearly striking a group of teenagers. I plowed through three cement pillars and a flower pot and finally came to rest. My engine was revving and my foot was on the brake. Updated…
Sudden acceleration bank drive through after completing business transaction. After stepping on the accelerator car leaped forward suddenly going over a bermans crashing into two vehiclesd amaging both my vehicle was totalled
Seat belts
98 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 75,500 miles. Parts named most often: rear/other, front.
: the contact stated the front driver seatbelt buckle did not stay latched. The release button on the seatbelt was depressed a couple times, and then the buckle latched. After this incident, the seatbelt no longer stayed latched at all. There was an audible click when the buckle was forcefully latched into place.…
I was driving with two of my boys in boosters in the 3rd row seat. The boy on the passenger side pulled the middle seat belt down from the ceiling and wrapped around his neck twice and then put the buckle in the lap clasp. I was driving and had the radio on. Luckily my 14 year old daughter noticed him struggling and…
Transmission
89 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 62,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly, transfer case (4-wheel drive), axle hubs.
Delay 2-3 seconds when press gas pedal. I though I am the only one have this problem. I hope soon Toyota can solve this problem because if I will get into and accident with this van I am going to hire a lawyer to sue the Toyota.
The contact owns 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate further. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the technicians stated that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and recalibrated. After the repairs, the failure…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Toyota Sienna recalls
Wheels and tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
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 sub
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.s. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during early january 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from june 1, 2004 through march 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine. The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If the adhesive is insufficient, there is a possibility that the outer ring may become misaligned and it may not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the battery discharge indicator light.
Body and structure: structure
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Speed control: accelerator pedal
Risk: If this occurs, the accelerator pedal can become stuck which could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the retention clip and floor carpet cover at no charge. The campaign began on january 26, 2009. Owner notification is expected to be completed by early april 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371, if they have any further questions.
Full defect summary
Toyota is conducting a safety improvement campaign involving 26,501 early 2004 my sienna vehicles. In the event the retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover is missing, the cover can interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal if the acceleration pedal is depressed to nearly the full throttle position.
Body and structure: hatchback/liftgate
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts
Risk: If the seat belt binds in the bezel, that extra webbing may exist in the seat belt which could result in an improperly fitted seat belt on a passenger. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt bezel and clip. The recall began august 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
On certain mini vans, in the middle row seating position, the shoulder portion of the seat belt may bind in the bezel trim piece. The affected seat belt bezel is located on the shoulder portion of the seat in the right side seat of the seven passenger models and the center seating position in the eight passenger models.
Fuel system: tank assembly
Risk: If the fuel tank becomes damaged and fuel leakage occurs, a fire may result in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank. Owner notification began august 1, 2003. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, a part of the fuel tank may become damaged when crashed in the insurance institute for highway safety's (iihs) 40 MPH frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Stabilus rear liftgate struts failing
Summary
Please see the attached closing resume summary.it has been attached to this document as a pdf.
Steering intermediate shaft binding
Summary
Odi's analysis of warranty data shows that the alleged defect has occurred in just 0.2 percent of the subject vehicle population.when the analysis is limited to salt-belt states, the rate is still well below one percent of the population (0.4 percent).in addition, tests conducted by odi and toyota have shown that the alleged defect has a minimal affect on steering efforts.odi interviews of owners who experienced the alleged defect indicated that in most cases the problem was preceded by months or years of noise or a gradual increase in steering efforts in the initial steering maneuvers after first starting a cold vehicle.the subject vehicles have been in service for 4 to 5 years with no cras
Accelerator pedal interference
Summary
In a june 25, 2008, letter responding to an information request from odi, toyota provided information about an accelerator pedal interference incident that occurred during production dynamometer testing at the assembly plant for an early production my 2004 sienna minivan.the incident was caused by a missing retaining clip that allowed the center console trim panel to interfere with (trap) the accelerator pedal after it had been depressed.toyota subsequently implemented an 100% inspection requirement for the retaining clip.in june 2003, toyota changed the original design of the trim panel to eliminate the potential for pedal interference in the event the retaining clip is not present.analysis
Steering intermediate shaft binding
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation, pe08-041, to investigate allegations of steering binding or increased steering effort caused by corrosion of steering intermediate universal joints in model year (my) 2004 toyota sienna vehicles.toyota's response to odi's request for information in pe08-041 indicated that toyota has been investigating reports of increased steering effort in my 2004 through 2006 sienna vehicles since 2005. Toyota determined that a combination of thermal damage and subsequent water intrusion could lead to corrosion of the lowermost universal joint installed on the steering intermediate shaft of the subject vehicles. Toyota has made prod
Accelerator pedal interference
Summary
In a june 25, 2008, letter responding to an information request from odi, toyota reported an april 2003 unwanted acceleration incident that occurred during production dynamometer testing.according to the letter the incident was caused by a missing retaining clip that allowed the center console trim panel to interfere with (trap) the accelerator pedal after it had been depressed.in the aftermath, toyota reviewed their manufacturing processes and other data and concluded this was an isolated incident.as a secondary measure in june 2003, toyota changed the design of the trim panel to eliminate the potential for pedal interference in the event the retaining clip is not present. During a july 200
Unexpected closing of power liftgate
Summary
On may 30, 2008, toyota initiated a safety recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 196,000 model year 2004-2006 toyota sienna vehicles equipped with power liftgates (recall 08v-244).the recall will provide the opportunity for vehicle owners to obtain new struts that are more robust.based on these actions, the agency has decided to close the investigation.while toyota has not made a decision that the recalled vehicles contain a safety-related defect, in view of the recall, further use of the agency's resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute any finding by NHTSA.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warrant
Unexpected liftgate closing
Summary
The liftgate gas struts for the subject vehicles may have damaged gas seals that allow the liftgate to drop unexpectedly.the rates for complaints, alleged injuries and warranty claims are higher for vehicles with the power liftgate option.the power liftgate may automatically power-close at the completion of a power-open command without input from the operator.some owners are caught unaware of the power-close operation while under the rear liftgate door.odi has upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis (ea06-020) and modified the scope to include only the subject vehicles with the power liftgate option.
Tire pressure warning system failure
Summary
Odi opened pe06-010 based on 12 reports of alleged tire pressure warning system (tpws) failure on the subject vehicles.all reports alleged that the tpws warning light did not illuminate on the driver information panel when the tire pressure was low or the tire was flat.in some incidents, the consumer reported that tpws light did not illuminate when the tire pressure in 1 tire was at 15-20 psi and the other tires were at or near the recommended tire pressure.during pe06-010, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.as of july 25, 2006, odi was not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a crash, an injury, or a fatality in the s
Seatbelt malfunction
Summary
The shoulder portion of the middle-row seatbelt webbing feeds through an opening in the seatbelt bezel located at the top of the seat.the bezel also contains a clip that covers a narrow slot in the bezel.the clip may become dislodged from use and allow the seat belt to become stuck in the narrow slot exposed by the dislodged clip. In addition to odi's 10 consumer complaints, toyota's letter response to the agency identifies 40 other consumer and field reports and 3,089 warranty repairs that required the replacement of the seatbelt bezel and/or clip.a stuck or jammed seatbelt does not offer proper occupant protection in the event of a vehicle crash.toyota has notified the agency by letter dat
Seatbelt malfunction
Summary
Odi received ten consumer complaints alleging that the middle-row passenger seatbelt webbing frequently jams in the integrated seatbelt guide housing slot.during normal body movement of the occupant, the webbing jams in the slot due to a dislodged cover plate, thus causing excess slack in the seatbelt assembly.toyota?s letter response to the agency identifies 40 other consumer and field reports and 3,073 warranty repairs that require the replacement of the seatbelt guide assembly.in addition, there are another 16 warranty claims on my 2005 sienna vehicles.complainants expressed concern for children occupying the middle-row seats.they may not recognize the potential safety risk or be able to
Questions about the 2004 Toyota Sienna
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Sienna?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (962 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); doors and locks (308 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles); steering (159 complaints, typically around 81,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Sienna have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 22, 2014 (wheels and tires). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Toyota Sienna?
- It is the most complained-about Sienna model year since 2000, with 2,062 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.