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2018 Toyota Sienna Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20268 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2018 Toyota Sienna Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Toyota Sienna has 80 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve unknown or other and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.1/ 10

Based on 80 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

13 16.2%

POWER TRAIN

12 15%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 11.2%

STRUCTURE:BODY

5 6.2%

ENGINE

5 6.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 16.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 23 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Toyota Sienna

The 2018 Toyota Sienna has 80 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Toyota Sienna are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (13), POWER TRAIN (12), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 33 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Toyota Sienna?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Sienna complaints2019 Sienna complaints2020 Sienna complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 23 of 23 systems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

13 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

3RD ROW SEATING PASSENGER SIDE CUT HOLDERS AND SIDE PANEL GET HOT AFTER 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR HEATING UNIT IS ROUTED ALONG THE 3RD ROW SEATING PASSENGER SIDE CUT HOLDERS AND SIDE PANEL. SINCE THE LINES FOR THE REAR HEATING UNIT IS RUNNING WITH COOLANT AT 190F, THE HEAT IS TRANSFERRED TO THE SURROUNDING AREA AND CAUSING THE HOT CUP HOLDERS AND SIDE QUARTER PANEL. AS THE VEHICLE AGES, THIS WILL DEFINITELY BECOME WORSE. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS THE WAY DESIGNED BY TOYOTA; HOWEVER, THIS CLEARLY IS A DESIGN FLAW AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED.

8/24/2018

EXPLODING MOON ROOF

10/8/2018

11 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2018 SIENNA LE IS EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. I HAD THE SOFTWARE UP DATED BUT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES THE PROBLEM IS RETURNING. THIS PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY UNSAFE WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY.

9/26/2018

THE VAN STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE. THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN OFF ECO MODE. NO BUTTON IS AVAILABLE. VAN STRUGGLES TO GO UP HILLS , EXCELERATE THRU INTERSECTIONS AND ALWAYS HUNTING FOR GEARS OR STUCK IN A GEAR AND SOUNDS AND ACTS VERY HEAVY ON POWER TRAIN END. THERE IS AN OPTION TO TURN OFF ECO LIGHT.TURNING OFF ECO LIGHT DOES NOTHING BUT HIDE THE PROBLEM. WE NEED AN OPTION TO COMPLETE DISABLE ECO MODE WITH UPDATE OR WITH A BUTTON.

1/16/2019

10 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

3/5/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED THE LIA TOYOTA DEALER, LOCATED IN WEST NYACK, NY, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

4/8/2020

7 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

5 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CARPET ON THE DRIVER SIDE NEAR THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WAS LOOSE AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER'S FOOT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAIN TOYOTA (6527 WHIPPLE AVE NW, NORTH CANTON, OH), BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,700.

8/31/2018

THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOORS DO NOT HAVE AN AUTO/EMERGENCY STOP IF SOMETHING IMPEDES THEIR SHUTTING. A CHILD CAN GET CRUSHED IF AN ADULT IS NOT THERE TO STOP THE DOORS. EVEN THOUGH I WAS THERE IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME (AN ADULT) TO STOP THE DOORS FROM CLOSING. YES, THE CHILD WAS WRONG FOR PUSHING THE CLOSE BUTTON THEN REACHING BACK IN THE VAN TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING. HE THOUGHT IT WOULD STOP UNTIL HE WAS DONE. THANKFULLY I WAS STANDING BESIDE HIM AND WAS ABLE TO PULL HIM AWAY BUT THE DOOR STILL CAUGHT MY ARM AND I HAD TO PUSH REALLY HARD TO STOP IT. IT JUST HAPPENED SO FAST. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IN PARK, AND THE IGNITION WAS SWITCHED OFF.

9/18/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

5 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2018 SIENNA LE IS EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. I HAD THE SOFTWARE UP DATED BUT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES THE PROBLEM IS RETURNING. THIS PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY UNSAFE WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY.

9/26/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CONTACT NOTICED THE OIL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MECHANICSVILLE TOYOTA 6546 MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE, MECHANICSVILLE, VA 23111(804) 559-8000 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW AND ADDITIONAL OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

1/23/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VAN STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE. THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN OFF ECO MODE. NO BUTTON IS AVAILABLE. VAN STRUGGLES TO GO UP HILLS , EXCELERATE THRU INTERSECTIONS AND ALWAYS HUNTING FOR GEARS OR STUCK IN A GEAR AND SOUNDS AND ACTS VERY HEAVY ON POWER TRAIN END. THERE IS AN OPTION TO TURN OFF ECO LIGHT.TURNING OFF ECO LIGHT DOES NOTHING BUT HIDE THE PROBLEM. WE NEED AN OPTION TO COMPLETE DISABLE ECO MODE WITH UPDATE OR WITH A BUTTON.

1/16/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY ON OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. LARRY H MILLER TOYOTA COLORADO SPRINGS (LOCATED AT 5115 NEW CAR DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80923, (719) 419-5832) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED REVERSING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UP AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO PARK AND BACK INTO REVERSE. THE ISSUE RESOLVED ITSELF. THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD SHUTTER WHEN IN SNOW OR ICE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND LOSE TRACTION. *JS

3/4/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

3RD ROW POWER SEATS ARE MALFUNCTIONING AND ARE OPERATING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. MULTIPLE TIMES, AND ON DIFFERENT DAYS, THE POWER SEATS HAVE STARTED TO CLOSE WHILE PASSENGER IS SEATED AND BUCKLED IN THE SEAT. OCCURRED TODAY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHILE MY WIFE WAS SEATED IN THE DRIVERS SIDE 2 SEAT SPLIT. THE SEAT STARTED TO CLOSE ON ITS OWN - NO ONE TOUCHED ANY BUTTON AND WE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER AN HOUR. THE SEAT PUT PRESSURE ON HER UNTIL IT STOPPED IN A PARTIALLY CLOSED POSITION. THE SEAT BUTTONS THEN DID NOT WORK TO REOPEN THE SEAT BACK FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THIS WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR A SMALL CHILD. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN A SIMILAR SCENARIO ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND WE ARE CERTAIN THAT THE POWER SEATS ARE MALFUNCTIONING.

2/21/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE MASTER WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE TANK FUEL PUMP.*JB

6/29/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

4 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING VEHICLE SEAT MOVEMENT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TWO DEALERSHIPS THAT THE SEATS IN THE THIRD ROW OF THE TOYOTA SIENNA ARE MEANT TO HAVE SOME PLAY TO THEM. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THAT WITH A COUPLE OF CAR SEATS IN THE THIRD ROW, OR A COUPLE OF PASSENGERS, THE MOVEMENT OF THE SEATS MAY BE AN ISSUE. ALL FOUR SEAT LATCHES ROTATE WHEN LIFTING ON THE SEAT BY HAND, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO TWIST, MOVE TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND MOVE LATERALLY. THIS WOULD BE LESS OF A CONCERN IF THE SEATS THEMSELVES WERE NOT THE MOUNT FOR THE LATCH SYSTEM AND SEAT BELTS. MY QUESTION IS, WHAT MOVEMENT IS ALLOWED OF THESE SEATS? IN AN ACCIDENT, A HUGE AMOUNT OF FORCE CAN BE EXERTED ON THESE LATCHES, AND IF THEY ALLOW PLAY, THAT FORCE CAN BE MULTIPLIED BY THAT MOVEMENT. THE INCREASE IN FORCE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LATCHES TO FAIL. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO SAFETY TEST FOR THIRD ROW OCCUPANTS OR REAR END COLLISIONS, FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED. THE ATTACHED FILES SHOW THE ACCESSIBLE LATCHES, AND THEIR MOVEMENT WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE SEAT.

11/8/2018

3RD ROW POWER SEATS ARE MALFUNCTIONING AND ARE OPERATING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. MULTIPLE TIMES, AND ON DIFFERENT DAYS, THE POWER SEATS HAVE STARTED TO CLOSE WHILE PASSENGER IS SEATED AND BUCKLED IN THE SEAT. OCCURRED TODAY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHILE MY WIFE WAS SEATED IN THE DRIVERS SIDE 2 SEAT SPLIT. THE SEAT STARTED TO CLOSE ON ITS OWN - NO ONE TOUCHED ANY BUTTON AND WE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER AN HOUR. THE SEAT PUT PRESSURE ON HER UNTIL IT STOPPED IN A PARTIALLY CLOSED POSITION. THE SEAT BUTTONS THEN DID NOT WORK TO REOPEN THE SEAT BACK FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THIS WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR A SMALL CHILD. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN A SIMILAR SCENARIO ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND WE ARE CERTAIN THAT THE POWER SEATS ARE MALFUNCTIONING.

2/21/2019

2 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

4 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAKATA RECALL (?) WE PURCHASED THIS VAN ON 4/18/2019, PREVIOUSLY THE VAN WAS A RENTAL. THE NEXT EVENING, GOING TO DINNER ON A FRIDAY NIGHT ABOUT 9 P.M. I WAS ON A 2 LANE ROAD IN A RURAL AREA, TRAVELING AT 60 MPH AND A DOG WALKED IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD NO TIME TO REACT. THE FRONT END OF THE VAN WAS LAYING IN THE ROAD, NOT DRIVABLE. AGAIN, A FRONT END COLLISION AND NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT! 2ND TOYOTA SIENNA, FIRST A 2017 AND NOW A 2018, BOTH RENTAL SALES, BOTH HAD FRONT END COLLISIONS AND BOTH HAD NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. AT 60 MPH THERE'S NO REASONABLE EXCUSE FOR NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

4/30/2019

The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at 74 mph, a deer ran across the freeway, and as a result, the contact crashed into the deer. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a sore shoulder but did not require medical treatment. The was not drivable and was towed back to their home address. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they would run tests on the air bag once the vehicle was fixed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.

7/1/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ALAN JAY TOYOTA (404 US HWY 27 N, SEBRING, FL 33870) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

5/11/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

6/4/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY ON OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. LARRY H MILLER TOYOTA COLORADO SPRINGS (LOCATED AT 5115 NEW CAR DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80923, (719) 419-5832) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED REVERSING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UP AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO PARK AND BACK INTO REVERSE. THE ISSUE RESOLVED ITSELF. THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD SHUTTER WHEN IN SNOW OR ICE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND LOSE TRACTION. *JS

3/4/2019

LIGHT, MODERATE TO TOO MUCH VIBRATION ON THE FRONT BRAKE WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL. I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL AND I FELT MODERATE VIBRATION ON THE FRONT BRAKE. I WAS SO SCARED THAT I HAVE TO RELEASE THE BRAKE HOPING TO STOP THE VIBRATION. ON THE WAY BACK HOME, I HAVE TO DRIVE ANOTHER DOWNHILL AND THIS TIME, I FELT TOO MUCH VIBRATION ON THE FRONT BRAKE WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE. THE VIBRATION WAS TOO MUCH THAT EVEN THE HOOD, I FEEL LIKE IT STARTS VIBRATING AS WELL. WHEN DRIVING FLAT, THE VIBRATION WILL FADE AWAY OR THERE IS NO VIBRATION AT ALL.

8/16/2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING ON 1-75 AND SUNROOF EXPLODED. GLASS ALL OVER OUR DOG IN THE BACK. NO TRAFFIC AROUND US THANK GOD. VAN IS 3 DAYS OLD. TOOK TO DEALER IN FLORIDA AFTER DUCT TAPING AROUND HOLE. TOLD IT WAS HIT BY SOMETHING. WE DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING BUT MY CONCERN IS IF WE AROUND ANY TRAFFIC WE MAY NOT BE HERE ANYMORE. HELL OF A NOISE CAUSING ME TO SWERVE. LUCKY NO ONE WAS THERE. TOTAL BILL 1690.85. I AM A FORMER TOYOTA DEALER FROM ONTARIO CANADA. SCARED THE YOU NO WHAT OUT OF US.

1/10/2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I RENTED A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA ON A RECENT TRIP TO HAWAII. UNLIKE EARLIER SIENNA MODELS (WHICH HAD BOLDER, THICKER LABELS FOR THE INDICATORS), THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS VERY FAINT AND HARD TO READ IN DAYLIGHT. IN SHADE, IT WAS ALMOST INVISIBLE. I CHECKED THE MANUAL TO SEE IF I COULD TURN THE BRIGHTNESS UP, BUT IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN DESIGNED THIS WAY. I'M CONCERNED THAT NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO OBSERVE SPEED OR OTHER INFORMATION COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE IT'S SO HARD TO READ. IT'S ENOUGH TO MAKE ME NOT BUY THIS CAR, BECAUSE IT MADE ME FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN DRIVING.

2/23/2018

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I RENTED A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA ON A RECENT TRIP TO HAWAII. UNLIKE EARLIER SIENNA MODELS (WHICH HAD BOLDER, THICKER LABELS FOR THE INDICATORS), THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS VERY FAINT AND HARD TO READ IN DAYLIGHT. IN SHADE, IT WAS ALMOST INVISIBLE. I CHECKED THE MANUAL TO SEE IF I COULD TURN THE BRIGHTNESS UP, BUT IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN DESIGNED THIS WAY. I'M CONCERNED THAT NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO OBSERVE SPEED OR OTHER INFORMATION COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE IT'S SO HARD TO READ. IT'S ENOUGH TO MAKE ME NOT BUY THIS CAR, BECAUSE IT MADE ME FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN DRIVING.

2/23/2018

TIRES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA EQUIPPED WITH FOUR BRIDGESTONE TURANZA TIRES, SIZE: 235/55/18 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSIDE SHOULDER OF EACH TIRE EXPERIENCED SEVERE WEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MY AUTO IMPORTS TOYOTA (1860 EAST STERNBURG RD, MUSKEGON, MI), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

11/25/2019

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WEARING TIRES DOWN UNEVENLY TO THE POINT STEEL BRAID BECOMES EXPOSED. IT HAS HAD 3 SETS OF TIRES IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS. IT HAS BEEN ALIGNED TWICE. THE REAR WHEELS ARE NOT WITHIN SPECS AND ARE FIXED AND IN ADJUSTABLE. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM ANY FURTHER AND HAS STATED THAT IT MIGHT BE HOW THE VAN RIDES. HAVING THE ALIGNMENT OFF CAUSES THE TIRES TO WEAR DOWN TO AN UNSAFE LEVEL AND IT AFFECTS VEHICLE HANDLING AND PERFORMANCE. *TR

5/29/2020

WHEELS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ORIGINAL TIRES AT 17K, MY 2018 SIENNA IS SHOWING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRONT TIRES. ALIGNMENT CHECKED, IT IS FINE.

10/16/2020

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

When turning left in a busy intersection, our van was struck by another vehicle on the front passenger corner of the car. The strike occurred with my van going about 10 mph, the other car going about 45 mph. All of the airbags deployed. When the airbags deployed, the coverings on the lights came off and the small lightbulb and silver casing projected out, scratching my son's arm. Nothing in the vehicle should break or become a projectile when the airbags deploy. I am not certain on the last few questions.

6/7/2021

CHILD SEAT:HARNESS/CROTCH BUCKLE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a Baby Trend car seat, Model Number: CS661232H-SB-00137, Manufactured Date: 07/05/2021, installed in a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the buckle handle on the left was hard to operate. The contact also stated that the harness connection was defective. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to send the car seat back; however, the contact stated she needed a temporary replacement car seat. The car seat was not repaired nor replaced.

5/23/2022

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded without impact while closed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,634.

4/17/2023

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sierra equipped with a Joysceer USA Inc, Hand Control Unit. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message advising to "Stop immediately" was displayed with the error code: 4209 BSM. The contact stated that later a second error code: 1069 SAM was displayed. The contact stated that the messages were due to a malfunction of the Hand Control Unit. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer and installation facility were contacted regarding the failure, but no response was provided. No identifying information was available for the equipment. The failure mileage was 2,000.

6/14/2024

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:VEHICLE CONTROLS:STEERING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sierra equipped with a Joysceer USA Inc, Hand Control Unit. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message advising to "Stop immediately" was displayed with the error code: 4209 BSM. The contact stated that later a second error code: 1069 SAM was displayed. The contact stated that the messages were due to a malfunction of the Hand Control Unit. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer and installation facility were contacted regarding the failure, but no response was provided. No identifying information was available for the equipment. The failure mileage was 2,000.

6/14/2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 57,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,152.

6/4/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Sienna?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Toyota Sienna is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, with 13 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2018 Toyota Sienna a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 33 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Toyota Sienna?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Toyota Sienna severe?

33 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Sienna: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
80
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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