NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
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 being multiple brake system defects that can reduce or eliminate rear braking power, significantly raising the risk of a crash.
Two of these brake recalls affect mobility van conversions specifically. On certain Vantage-converted wheelchair vans, rear brake hoses that are too short can rub against the rear axle trailing arm until the hose wears through and fails, leaving the driver with sharply reduced rear braking. On certain Braun-converted mobility vans, incorrect brake line fittings can cause a pressure drop in the rear braking circuit, with a similar result: the rear brakes lose stopping force when you need them most. A separate Braun conversion recall covers the steering shaft extension, which can fracture completely and cause total loss of steering control.
On the fuel system side, the fuel pump in certain 2018 Siennas can fail without warning, stalling the engine while the vehicle is in motion. There is also a wheel defect on certain vehicles built with a specific production lot of 10-spoke alloy wheels: the spokes can crack from road impacts, and if a wheel separates from the hub, the driver loses control of the vehicle.
Rounding out the list is a label recall affecting vehicles sold through Southeast Toyota Distributors with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity label may show incorrect figures, which can lead an owner to unknowingly overload the vehicle beyond safe limits.
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 low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
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.