Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2009 Toyota Sienna — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2011 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is structure problems (70 complaints). 15 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
NHTSA Campaign: 17V657000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2005-2007 and 2009-2010 Toyota Sienna vehicles. In the affected vehicles, due to a problem within the shift lock assembly, the shift lever may be moved out of the 'Park' position without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: If the shift lever can be moved from the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift lock solenoid and reapply the grease, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0V. Vehicles that were previously recalled under campaign 13V-429 are not affected by this recall.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V743000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V396000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V273000
Component: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
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.
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 subject to recall campaign 10V-160 initiated in 2010. Those owners are advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles. Additionally, model year 1998-2003 Siennas were recalled as part of safety recall 10V-160. Owners of those vehicles that have not had not the remedy performed on their vehicles, should contact their Toyota dealer to schedule a free repair.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V429000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V036000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V234000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V223000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Risk: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V035000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
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. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V160000
Component: STRUCTURE
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.
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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 207)
Air Bags →2 issues
Your SRS (airbag) warning light has come on and won't turn off. This is a safety system warning that needs professional diagnosis to identify the underlying problem. Your Toyota dealer is charging for diagnostic work and any repairs needed, though you believe this should be covered under recall as a safety matter.
Parts you may need:
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Your airbag warning light came on and won't turn off. A mechanic found a short circuit in the airbag squib (the part that triggers deployment), which means your airbags may not deploy in an accident. The dealer estimates the repair could cost up to $2,600. The fix will likely involve replacing the faulty airbag control module or rewiring the squib circuit to restore proper airbag function.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your sunroof and sunroof cover unexpectedly detached and flew off while driving on the highway. There is a known recall from Webasto, the sunroof manufacturer, but your Toyota dealer was unaware of it. The repair will likely involve having the sunroof assembly inspected and replaced or re-secured by an authorized repair facility.
Parts you may need:
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The cables that operate your power sliding doors on both sides have broken, which prevents the automatic door function from working. The broken cables also get in the way, so you can only manually open the doors partway, making it difficult for passengers to enter and exit the rear seats safely.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →2 issues
You discovered that after selling your 2009 Toyota Sienna privately for 253,000 miles, the new owner rolled back the odometer to show 126,000 miles when reselling the vehicle. This odometer tampering was discovered when you noticed the vehicle reposted for sale on Craigslist with the false mileage displayed. Addressing odometer fraud may require digital odometer recalibration or replacement of the instrument cluster.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle is draining its battery completely overnight due to an unknown electrical problem, leaving you unable to start the car even in emergencies. Your mechanic has confirmed there's an electrical draw but hasn't been able to locate the source of the short circuit. Finding and repairing the electrical short will likely involve systematic testing of various electrical components and circuits.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,structure →2 issues
Your rear passenger sliding door cable and motor assembly failed, leaving the door completely stuck and unable to open or close. As your wife was trying to close the door, the cable snapped under tension and flew toward her, creating a safety hazard. The dealer confirmed the problem and Toyota acknowledged it as a defect, but has refused to repair it or issue a recall.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2009 Sienna's driver-side power sliding door cable snapped, and you were initially told by Toyota that your model year wasn't covered under their warranty extension program—even though similar issues on nearby model years were covered. When you repaired it yourself, you found missing screws around the pulley system and damage where the broken cable cracked the door housing and tore the sound insulation. The repair involves replacing the power sliding door cable assembly and associated hardware.
Parts you may need:
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Visibility/wiper →2 issues
Your dashboard is deteriorating and becoming sticky, which creates a distracting glare on your windshield that makes it hard to see while driving in bright conditions. Toyota offered an extended warranty for this issue, but it expired before your vehicle developed the problem. You'll need to replace the dashboard to fix the glare issue.
Parts you may need:
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Your dashboard is sticky and has severe cracking, which creates glare and makes it difficult to see through the windshield when sunlight hits it. You've tried various cleaning methods without success. The dashboard may need to be replaced or refinished to restore visibility and appearance.
Parts you may need:
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Structure →2 issues
Your driver side door cable has snapped, making it difficult or impossible to open the door. Other Toyota Sienna owners have reported the same problem, and Toyota offers an extended warranty covering this issue for 10 years or 150,000 miles—but your vehicle is now 10 years and 5 months old, so Toyota declined to cover the repair. The fix will involve replacing the broken door cable mechanism.
Parts you may need:
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Your driver's side sliding door cable snapped while you were opening the door, even though the van wasn't running or moving. The cable that controls opening and closing the door broke with an audible snap. The repair will likely involve replacing the broken cable assembly in the door mechanism.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
The cables that operate your rear power sliding doors have snapped, causing the doors to jam shut. When the second cable broke, it snapped back with enough force that it nearly struck your child. This is a safety hazard that requires immediate attention.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your vehicle suddenly made a whining noise, stopped moving, and multiple warning lights appeared on the dashboard. A shop diagnosed the problem as failed transmission solenoids. This is a serious issue because it caused a complete loss of power while driving, and similar problems have been reported by other owners.
Parts you may need:
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Electronic Stability Control (esc),service Brakes →1 issue
While driving on dry pavement at 35-40 mph, your vehicle's traction control system (VSC) suddenly activated on its own—triggering warning lights and sounds, automatically applying your brakes, and pulling your steering to the right. This has happened three times now, and the problem hasn't been identified or fixed despite service attempts. The issue may involve faulty wheel speed sensors, a malfunctioning traction control module, or related brake system components that need diagnosis and replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your rear passenger door is opening on its own while driving, possibly because the door latch isn't engaging properly with the car frame. During a left turn, the door slid open unexpectedly. Additionally, the cables on your driver-side rear sliding doors came loose about a year ago, likely due to rust or corrosion. The door latch mechanism may need adjustment or replacement, and the sliding door cables may need to be reattached or replaced.
Parts you may need:
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Structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your driver's side sliding door became stuck. When you struggled to open it, the quarter panel window (the fixed window between the door and rear of the vehicle) suddenly shattered without anything visibly hitting it, and the door partially came off its track. This created a potential safety hazard, especially with a child seated nearby.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
Your oil cooler line ruptured while driving, causing you to lose engine oil and become stranded. The metal line contained a rubber section that deteriorated and failed, leaving you needing a tow and expensive repairs. Toyota redesigned the part after learning of widespread failures, but your vehicle's extended warranty had already expired, and you weren't notified about it. The repair will likely involve replacing the oil cooler line with the newer all-metal design.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension,electrical System →1 issue
Your anti-slip (traction control) warning light is turning on when driving on dry roads at normal speeds, even though there's no actual traction problem. This unexpected light is distracting while you're driving. The issue likely involves a faulty wheel speed sensor or traction control system sensor that needs inspection or replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,electrical System →1 issue
Your VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), traction control, and check engine lights are turning on repeatedly while driving between 25-45 mph, even though nothing seems wrong with the car. This happens frequently—sometimes daily—and many other owners have reported the same issue. The problem likely stems from a sensor or electrical fault that's triggering these warning systems, and a diagnostic scan will be needed to identify the specific cause.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Toyota Sienna years: