NHTSA (USA)Critical
This page covers 6 recalls, 246 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota Sienna.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Minivan - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2012 Toyota Sienna, the dominant complaint themes center on structural issues and airbag concerns. On the structure side, owners most commonly report problems with the power sliding doors, cables snapping, doors failing to open or close, and doors opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. The airbag complaints largely involve the passenger seat occupant sensor, with owners reporting warning lights indicating the system isn't recognizing a seated adult, which can affect whether the front passenger airbag deploys. Electrical complaints come in at a lower volume but include power steering loss tied to charging system failures, battery or alternator issues that cause the electric power steering to cut out mid-drive. A smaller number of owners also mention coolant leaks traced to the head gasket on the 3.5L V6. The sliding door cable failures appear across multiple reports, sometimes described as happening without warning and leaving the door inoperable or unlatched.
246
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Toyota Sienna has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger airbag inflator, which can rupture or explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Multiple recall filings cover this same Takata airbag inflator defect, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. Because humidity accelerates the problem, geographic exposure matters: some filings specifically target vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and several others, while at least one filing covers a broader national population. Any Sienna with an unrepaired passenger airbag inflator carries this risk regardless of which campaign applies to it.
There is also a brake concern that affects only Sienna-based AMS Genesis wheelchair conversion vans: the rear brake hoses on these vehicles may be too short and can rub against the rear axle trailing arm until they wear through and fail, reducing braking ability and raising the risk of a crash.
On the body side, a power sliding door can develop an intermittent fault where a command to open the door goes unexecuted, such as when the door is frozen shut, but the door then opens on its own at an unexpected moment, potentially while the van is moving and a passenger is unaware.
Rounding out the list is a label compliance issue: the tire and loading information placard displays an incorrect vehicle capacity weight, which could lead an owner to overload the tires without realizing it, increasing the chance of a tire failure.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber brake hoses connected to the rear wheels may be too short, causing them to rub against the rear axle trailing arm.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new set of rear brake hoses that provide proper clearance between the hoses and axle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power sliding door may freeze shut and become unable to open when commanded. Once thawed or unfrozen, the door could open unexpectedly, potentially while the vehicle is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the junction block, rear sliding door wire harnesses, and install two sub wire harnesses at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vehicle capacity weight placard does not display the correct rated load for the combined weight of cargo and passengers.
What the fix does
Toyota will mail a corrected placard and revised owner manual information at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
