NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
This page covers 7 recalls, 67 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Toyota Sienna.
20 mpg combined
11.8 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
The dominant pattern in 2018 Sienna complaints centers on the powertrain, specifically the transmission. Owners frequently describe a whining noise that develops during acceleration, often paired with hesitation when pulling away from a stop or climbing grades. Several report being diagnosed with transmission failure at mileages ranging roughly from the mid-100,000-mile range, which owners note feels premature for a well-maintained vehicle. A related thread mentions a fault code dropping the van into two-wheel-drive mode, leaving owners reluctant to drive until the issue is resolved. The fuel and propulsion system and vehicle speed control categories round out the complaint picture, though at lower volumes. The transmission whine-plus-hesitation combination is the most consistently described symptom across multiple reports.
67
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Toyota Sienna has 7 recalls, the most serious involving a steering shaft extension that can fracture and cause complete loss of steering control, along with a fuel pump that can fail and stall the engine while driving.
Several of these recalls apply only to mobility van conversions. On converted Sienna vans built by Braun Corporation, a fractured steering shaft extension can leave the driver unable to steer. Separate brake recalls on conversion vans address rear brake hoses that are too short and rub against the axle until they fail, and brake line fittings that can cause a pressure drop and reduce rear braking power. Both conditions reduce the driver's ability to stop the vehicle.
On unmodified Siennas, certain alloy wheels built from a specific production lot can crack at the spokes from road impacts and separate from the hub, causing sudden loss of control. There is also a label recall for vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats, where an incorrect load-carrying capacity label could lead an owner to overload the vehicle without realizing it.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
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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 →
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved version at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially affecting fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump at no cost to you.
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 steering shaft extensions may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause them to fracture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The load carrying capacity label on the vehicle may show incorrect information, which means the vehicle does not meet federal tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will provide a corrected label to place over the incorrect one at no cost to you.
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
Certain 10-spoke alloy wheels may not have cooled properly during manufacturing, causing them to crack in the spokes if hit during driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wheels and replace them if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.