PROBLEM GUIDE

2011–2016 Toyota Sienna Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

611

complaints filed for the 2011 model year

2011–2016

Model years affected

Power sliding doors fail to latch securely and open unexpectedly while driving. The same defect affected the previous generation, and there is now a recall covering it. Separately, oil cooler pipe ruptures are reported here and on the Lexus RX.

Quick Scan: 14 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Power sliding doors fail to latch, open unexpectedly

Now covered by a confirmed recall

Check engine light: Off

Power sliding doors fail to latch securely and open unexpectedly while driving — covered by a confirmed recall (16V858000).

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Oil cooler pipe ruptures, oil sprays across the engine

Also reported on the Lexus RX

Check engine light: On

Oil cooler pipe ruptures cause oil to spew "all over" the engine bay.

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Rear differential bearing and viscous coupling failure

Noise and failure around 100,000+ miles

Check engine light: On

Rear differential bearing failures and electromagnetic coupler/viscous coupling noise and failure occur around 100,000+ miles.

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Seat heater wiring damage from cushion compression

Fire risk — two recall campaigns

Check engine light: Off

Seat heater wiring damage from cushion compression creates a fire risk, covered by two related recall campaigns (14V743000, 16V396000) — a similar heated-seat fire hazard has been reported on the Toyota Venza.

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Loss of power steering, steering wheel stiffness

Motor failures requiring expensive replacement

Check engine light: On

Loss of power steering and steering wheel stiffness occur, tied to motor failures requiring expensive replacement.

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Brake line failures and corrosion

Brake pedal assembly detachment reported in some cases

Check engine light: On

Brake line failures and corrosion are documented, with brake pedal assembly detachment reported in some cases. Separately, a front right driveshaft may break from insufficient heat treatment (recall 11V306000).

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Dashboard Cracks

The dashboard cracks

Check engine light: Off

The dashboard cracks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 284 owner reports on file.

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Oxygen Sensor May Fail

The oxygen sensor may fail

Check engine light: On

The oxygen sensor may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 198 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System

The check engine light illuminates due to the EVAP system

Check engine light: On

The check engine light illuminates due to the EVAP system. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 57 owner reports on file.

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Blown Head Gasket With Coolant Leak and Overheating Issues

A blown head gasket causes a coolant leak and overheating issues

Check engine light: Off

A blown head gasket causes a coolant leak and overheating issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 52 owner reports on file.

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Cleaning May Correct Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor

Cleaning may correct a faulty mass air flow sensor

Check engine light: On

Cleaning may correct a faulty mass air flow sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 24 owner reports on file.

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Transmission Failure at Various Mileage Points

Transmission failure occurs at various mileage points, a significant reliability concern

Check engine light: Off

Transmission failure occurs at various mileage points, a significant reliability concern. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.

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ECM Replacement Issue With Recurring Codes

An ECM replacement issue occurs with recurring codes P500, C1201, P456, and P0606 after 35 miles

Check engine light: On

An ECM replacement issue occurs with recurring codes P500, C1201, P456, and P0606 after 35 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

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Low Engine RPM or Stalling on Cold Start

Low engine RPM or stalling occurs on cold start

Check engine light: On

Low engine RPM or stalling occurs on cold start. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

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Recall 16V858000 covers power sliding doors that fail to latch securely. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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