NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 4 recalls, 75 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2016 Toyota Sienna, the dominant complaint theme centers on the power sliding doors. Owners across multiple reports describe the driver-side sliding door failing to latch, not closing completely, or triggering false door-open warning lights while driving. Several owners also report the door closing abruptly or unexpectedly during entry and exit. The structure category, which is where these door complaints land, accounts for the largest share of complaints filed for this model year. Beyond the doors, a smaller cluster of owners reports a loud whirring or grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle, which some trace to a rear bearing or coupling assembly showing wear after higher mileage. Seat belt and electrical complaints each appear in a handful of reports but don't form a clear pattern beyond individual cases.
75
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Toyota Sienna has 4 recalls, the most serious involving brake system failures on mobility van conversions where rear brake hoses or brake line fittings can fail and cause a significant loss of stopping power.
Two of the recalls apply specifically to wheelchair-accessible van conversions built on the Sienna platform. In one, rear brake hoses are too short and rub against the rear axle trailing arm until they wear through and fail. In the other, incorrectly installed fittings on the brake lines allow pressure to bleed off, leaving the rear brakes with reduced stopping force. Both conditions can make it difficult or impossible to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a crash. If your Sienna is a standard, unmodified vehicle, neither of these brake recalls applies to you.
On vehicles built within a narrow five-day window in February 2016, the front seat belt height adjusters may have been installed incorrectly. In a crash, the adjuster can strike the door frame pillar and tear away entirely, leaving the belt without proper geometry to hold the occupant in place. There is also a power sliding door concern affecting a much broader range of production dates: if the door fails to open when commanded, such as when it is frozen shut, it can later spring open on its own, including while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of injury to anyone seated nearby or stepping out.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
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 →
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
Brake line tube nut fittings may be incorrect, causing pressure to drop in the braking system.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an adaptor to correct the fitting issue at no cost to you.
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
Front seat belt height adjusters may have been installed incorrectly. During a crash, the adjuster could contact the B-pillar and tear or separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front seat belt height adjusters at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.