What 61 owners told NHTSA about the 2024 Toyota Sienna

Wobbling vibration on exterior mirror, driver side. It looks like incoming vehicles shake sideways. This happens on any bumpy road and it is easier to observe at highway speeds. Purchased on [XXX]. Vehicle is available for inspection. The distorted image resulting from mirror wobbling affects driver's awareness of surroundings, visibility gets worse at nights/rain due to blurred lights. This can lead to an accident. My regular dealerships in Milford, CT have confirmed the issue but have not been able to provide a fix. They say the vibration is normal. I do not believe so as the passenger side mirror never has issue like that. I have first noticed this issue a couple of weeks when driving on highway. Posting my case online has gotten at least 4 people reporting the same issue with the Sienna since 2021 in multiple trims. Similar issue on RAV4 reported on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11686400

On rare occasions (about once every 500 miles), when uniformly applying force to the brake pedal, the deceleration suddenly ceases and the vehicle seems to jerk forward. To a passenger, it feels like the driver's foot slipped off the brake pedal, but the driver continued to provide the same uniform force to the brake pedal and lost all deceleration. Typically, the driver is startled and presses significantly harder on the brake pedal jerking all occupants forward. The brakes re-engage and continue the deceleration at a much higher rate. Toyota addressed this problem with TSB 4724 which involved reprogramming the brake actuator assembly. This corrected the problem for about 3 months, but it is now occurring again. When the car was taken to the Toyota dealer again, the technician stated that TSB 4724 was cancelled, he could not duplicate the action (even though he was told it only happened on rare occasions), and claimed that the "brakes function properly as they should." Fortunately these loss of braking incidents have only occurred on dry pavement so that the driver did not lose control of the car when slamming on the brakes to compensate for the loss of deceleration. Coming down a hill on a snow covered road could have caused the vehicle to slide into an oncoming lane. It is my speculation that there is a null spot that exists during certain circumstances which causes there to be a "gap" between when this hybrid vehicle transitions between the dynamic hybrid brake and the friction wheel brake. Both braking systems independently work fine, but the transition between them (on rare occasions) does not occur continuously. This causes the driver to experience an unexpected loss of braking which, under the right conditions, could cause the driver to loose control of the forward motion of the car. As an engineer, I feel it is unacceptable for a safety system (braking) to not properly operate 100% of the time! On a Toyota owner's site, others have seen the same.

NHTSA ODI 11685675

Intermittent unexpected acceleration during braking. This has occurred while braking into a downhill as well as at low speeds when turning into a parking space. Additional braking is required to stop vehicle or maintain desired braking.

NHTSA ODI 11679859

Trunk will not open or close properly. Made a screeching sound when you open or close initially. Then eventually it stops opening or closing unless you assist.

NHTSA ODI 11672717

On June 5 th the vehicle was going approximately 50 miles per hour in the middle lane. I placed on the brakes suddenly and car lost power and stalled out. Unable to restart vehicle for 5-10 minutes on the freeway. Significant safety concern due to vehicles sudden stall out in mid the highway traffic and unable to restart car. Almost hit from behind as well as others that followed from behind. On Jun 7th vehicle was taken to the Toyota dealership and car checked by special mechanic and reported that they were unable to reproduce the stalling or issues with restarting the vehicle.Dealership feels there is nothing wrong with vehicle. There was 2 warning messages on vehicle when stalled suddenly 1-Charge 2- Fluid

NHTSA ODI 11669326

When going down hill while braking, the brakes will release causing the car to lurch forward and then they grab again. It’s intermittent and Toyota has a TSB on it but the dealership with not fix it because they can’t duplicate the problem. It can cause people to take their foot off and of the brake pedal and trying to apply it again. Which can cause someone to rear end another car.

NHTSA ODI 11668478

The lift gate strut bent when I tried to close the rear door, then when I tried to open the door to see what the issue was, the strut exploded. The parts went flying and almost hit me in the face, I could feel the air on my cheek as it blew past me. The spring and metal parts inside the strut shot all the way across my cul de sac, and the noise it created sounded like a gunshot. My neighbors came out of their houses to see what happened because it was so loud. We have an appointment at the dealer tomorrow to get it looked at. If I was standing any closer the spring would have hit me in the face; my children luckily were in the car already, if it happened a minute earlier it could have hit them. I noticed after the fact that the gaps in the back door are uneven when it’s closed, and I wonder if the door is installed unevenly and that put pressure on one side more than the other causing the strut to break. I can’t take a picture of the broken strut because I am too afraid to open the rear door in case the other one explodes.

NHTSA ODI 11667874

In general the braking system on this vehicle is poor. The van does not seem to want to stop unless you apply a lot of pressure on the brake pedal. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership who explained to me that the braking operation is normal. I replied “so the poor brake design was intentional”. The dealer said the braking system takes a little while to get used to. I have contacted Toyota corporate 5 times to express my concern about the brakes. The customer service representatives say that they will pass my concerns along. I personally own 6 vehicles. The brakes on this Toyota are by far the worst. It is not even close. I do not feel like this vehicle is safe. This is a minivan that is used to move families around. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and most importantly I am worried every time my wife drives this vehicle that someone will slam on the brakes in front of her the van will not stop in time. Toyota is the world’s largest auto maker, they can and should produce a better braking system than what is available with this van. This is unacceptable with braking technology available at this time in automotive history. Their lack of response to my concerns in also disappointing. Thank you for hearing my concerns.

NHTSA ODI 11665469

There are no messages/warnings. The vehicle will surge at very low speeds such as when I am coming to a stop, trying to avoid a person in a parking lot etc. It was SO scary this evening as I accelerated into a very very busy intersection...I pressed on my brakes harder and it was instant - but about 1 second (which is a LOT in this scenario) later it then slowed instead of accelerated. I have owned the vehicle almost a year. I will be bringing in for inspection this week and let the dealer know. I have put on about 11K in miles and would say this has happened a dozen times thus far with this evening being the scariest one yet. I figured it was just something normal for a hybrid but as I researched online - many people have this issue. TOO SCARY for me and dont want to hurt anyone or myself.

NHTSA ODI 11660269

When decelerating either for a traffic light or otherwise at the slow speed when the break is applied before coming to a stop, the car accelarates and then I have to slam on the breaks. this is very dangerous

NHTSA ODI 11660131

The interior dash lights, when turned up to max brightness, take several seconds to read when making adjustments to the climate controls. These dim controls pause a hazard as it takes your attention away from driving. The dealer told me that they could not make them brighter. The issue is at night and day times.

NHTSA ODI 11658179

When I am rolling to a stop, or lightly pressing in the brakes, the car will occasionally jolt forward and I have to slam on the brakes. It is not every time but has happened many times since buying the car new. I brought it into the dealership and they could not replicate it, but it makes me so scared to drive. This could result in an accident or the hitting of a pedestrian. No warning lights.

NHTSA ODI 11656862

Drove the car in rain and undercover guard broken down, Toyota is using a flimsy material to cover the undercover and not reliable, long run can cause engine damage and other broken components

NHTSA ODI 11655577

The third-row seat does not lock in the stowed position. As one goes over speed bumps etc. it bounces up and down. The is no positive lock to ensure the third-row seat is secured in the stowed position. In the event of a head on collision the seat may fly out and forward either killing or injuring the passengers.

NHTSA ODI 11652705

Unexpected sudden acceleration when braking

NHTSA ODI 11649171

Persistent smell of gas in cabin, took into Toyota dealership to assess issue. Service department could not resolve/locate the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11648909

The contact owned a 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was unstoppable. The contact stated the option was to crash into the three vehicles which were coming from the opposite direction or to crash into the pole to bring the vehicle to a stop and avoid injuring pedestrians. The paramedics and the Police department arrived at the scene of the crash. The contact's wife, who was the occupant of the front passenger's seat, was transported to the local hospital. The contact sustained bruises and an open wound which was continuing to heal. The contact's wife sustained bruises and bumps. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer ordered an investigation of the black box. The investigation was completed, and the contact was provided a copy. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA ODI 11648352

Van purchased new October 2024. On two separate occasions, one in late 2024 and next today, [XXX], when pulling into street from a stop, there is no throttle response. You push the accelerator at varying pressure and no response for 2-3 seconds. This is a severe safety issue as it could cause an accident with oncoming traffic. No error lights illuminated on dash. Have seen other complaints on NHTSA website and social media as well. Will take to dealer but reporting a major safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11643123

2024 - Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition - Purchased Oct 3, 2024. When you park the vehicle and put the vehicle in Park, the vehicle thinks that it is park. However, when you come back and start the vehicle, the vehicle again things it is in park, HOWEVER, you are not able to open the power side doors or the rear tailgate using the overhead open button, or using the remote. The vehicle thinks that it is in gear.

NHTSA ODI 11638397

Driver side outside rear view mirror shakes and makes driver nauseous. Mirror was replaced in December and replacement mirror shakes as well. Right side (passenger) doesn't shake. Vehicle now has 6500 miles on it. Original equipment windshield has a wavy appearance for the right 1/3 of it (in front of the front passenger seat). Both issues have been brought up with Mitchell Toyota in San Angelo, TX. The dealer will not replace the driver side mirror again, saying "some movement is allowable", even though the passenger mirror doesn't do it at all. They also said that the windshield waviness is "normal". These issues are in addition to other issues I've had with this Sienna, from moldly HVAC smell that caused my eyes to sting and tear up last week.

NHTSA ODI 11634896

When I open the Entertainment in my seinna car it's completely blocking the rearview mirror and this is family car and I have a kids they are using the screen all the time.

NHTSA ODI 11633663

Hello, leader. I bought my car (Sena Platinum Edition) for three months. Due to a mistake in the appearance, I need to replace the engine now. My new car will definitely depreciate if the engine is replaced, so I hope Toyota headquarters can refund me in full. I need to buy a new Sena! My house is full of Toyota cars, no matter what the result of Toyota Company's handling? I will still choose to buy a Toyota! Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11621652

When coming to a stop at a red light or a stop sign vehicle keeps surging forward. Something in the vehicle is releasing the brakes. Seems to be happening on a regular basis, but is still randomly happening, Every day. If you’re close enough to the vehicle in front of you, you will hit the vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11615001

I was driving the speed limit on a sunny day and heard a loud pop and glass breaking which was my sunroof exploding. There is no damage to my roof to indicate anything hit my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11614184

We had a complete tire blowout of the rear driver tire in the desert, the temperature was 108° ambient. Toyota did not mention to us nor did the dealership that the car does not have a spare tire. We were 50 miles from any service Including cell service, I had to walk a mile to find cell service meanwhile two of our kids experience heat exhaustion. It took four hours to get the Vehicle towed. In that time our children experience heat exhaustion and had to be taken to the hospital. This is a huge oversight part to not make the customer aware that the vehicle especially family vehicle does not have safety equipment like a spare tire. In the desert this is a life and death issue that was not addressed by the dealership nor Toyota. All that is given is an inflation kit. We were not told by the dealership that a card did not come with What turns out to be essential equipment in the middle of a desert.

NHTSA ODI 11611906