2021 Toyota Redundant Sienna Body & Structure Problems

Simalar issue to Toyota T-SB-0121-20 December 14, 2020 Sloshing or Splashing Noise Caused by Water Inside Doors The lower door seals are to tightly fitted and obstruct the door drainage holes. Debris builds up inside the drainage hole. In hard rain or car wash the door fills full of water causing potential for corrosion and damage to electrical components inside door.

While driving during snowy weather suddenly smoke began to billow from steering column area and vehicle slowed down, then stopped, while simultaneously several malfunction indicators lit, I tried to restart the vehicle to pull to a berm, it was unable to restart or even shift into neutral, the vehicle lost all power and had to be towed. This alone could have caused an injury or accident. The problem was from an electrical short from a hole in the firewall made by VMI which permitted snow, road water, and road salt to enter into the cabin area of the vehicle which shorted out the Hybrid ECU circuit board. It also caused electrical arcing to the aluminum cover of the NiMH hybrid battery which had been relocated by VMI to underneath the drivers and passenger seats and can produce electrical shocks of 800 volts or more (the aluminum alone conducts electricity), this alone could have caused injury or death. Furthermore, several relays were shorted-out, the smart key computer. There were burn, arc and water marks on many components noticed. The vehicle has been undriveable and cumulatively in a repair garage for 43 days as of date of this report

Both side power doors become inoperable if they sit open for more than a few moments. They do not close by switch, key fob, or by pushing. Starting vehicle does not activate or reset. Doors must physically be forced closed. It takes considerable force to close the door. Two complaints to dealer were ignored or Toyota Dealer claims this is an intentional design. But has no rational reason for the defect being a design feature. This is a danger to people unable to physically close the door and presents a security flaw for users.