The 2023 Toyota Sienna is a minivan that was named by the Japanese automaker for the Italian city of Siena in Tuscany. It’s been on American roads since 1997 when it replaced the Previa van. While it used to be smaller than other minivans, a 2004 redesign brought the Sienna into the same dimensions as others in the segment.
In 2022, there were only about 70,000 Sienna minivans sold in the United States, which was down by over 30,000 from the previous year. It’s unclear how many Sienna vans will be sold in 2023.
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Most Common Problems with the 2023 Toyota Sienna
The 2023 Toyota Sienna is meant for family travel, but it seems to have many struggles that make it an undesirable option. The electrical system issues can be a nuisance, while the powertrain concerns leave owners with a lack of acceleration. There are also reports of seat and seat belt defects, along with visibility and wiper complaints (NHTSA).
Impossible to see rear view camera: When the entertainment system is being used to keep the kids busy, the TV blocks the mirror for the driver. Therefore, drivers can’t see the rear view camera, making it unsafe to drive.
Malfunctioning information dial lighting: During the day, the gauges are difficult to read when the daytime running lights are on. Because these lights are mandatory in some locations, drivers have trouble making out what the dial is saying, especially with the sunlight hitting it. This gauge includes the low tire pressure warning, engine alerts, fuel information and tachometer, so it is a vital piece of equipment.
Random dashboard warnings: One driver had random warnings appearing on the dashboard before the minivan even hit 1,000 miles. The dealer told the driver that the undercarriage was dirty, which was leading to faulty readings by the sensors. Then, the dealer replaced the sensors since they were deemed defective. However, it continued happening. Beyond that, the minivan needed to be jumped every day once it hit 5,000 miles, so the driver returned the minivan to the dealer.
Faulty safety systems: One driver had the minivan for two weeks with 800 miles on it after waiting a year for it to arrive, and the emergency safety system warnings kept illuminating. The collision avoidance system and emergency braking system were showing warnings for no reason.
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Powertrain Issues
Hybrid system malfunction: The Toyota Sienna can show a “hybrid system malfunction: warning on the dashboard. For some owners, this occurs at random times, such as when speeds reach 20 mph. It’s also happened when going faster on the highway with nowhere to pull off. The dealerships have been unable to determine the cause.
Lack of acceleration: Owners have complained that the newer powertrain feels like it doesn’t have the same pickup as the older configuration. Because it doesn’t accelerate as it should, it can be dangerous pulling out into oncoming traffic or merging on the highway.
Seat/Seat Belt Problems
Trouble locking 3rd-row seats: The stowed third row doesn’t lock as it is supposed to. This can be a dangerous situation while braking or going over bumps, as the seat can jump slightly. In one case, the seat flew forward into the second row with kids in it. This problem also creates issues when there are things piled on top of the third row.
Loose latch mechanisms: Some owners have complained about the latch mechanism coming loose during a trip. This has occurred on multiple seats, but the Toyota does have an alarm to let people know the latch is inoperable since it is supposed to secure car seats for children.
Problems with Visibility
Inoperable wipers: Two months after purchasing the minivan, one owner had failed windshield wipers. They failed on a snowy day when it became dangerous to drive anymore. Then, the wipers randomly started and stopped working again after that instance.
Cracking windshield: While driving on a typical road with no other traffic, a change in the roadway from pavement to an uneven surface caused the windshield to crack above the defrost vent. There was no impact or cause for the crack to occur.
2023 Toyota Sienna Recalls
While there haven’t been any recalls issued for the 2023 Toyota Sienna yet, we see some in the future. Customers need to be protected from the defective Sienna systems and recalls help to ensure that. We would hope to see Toyota take the visibility issues and powertrain concerns seriously to guarantee safety for busy families in the future. Time will tell just how Toyota feels about its loyal customer base.
What Should You Do If Your 2023 Sienna is a Lemon?
While not every issue is a sign of a lemon, some do, especially when they impact on the use and value of the vehicle. If you suspect your vehicle might fit the lemon bill, considering reaching out to our legal firm. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your concerns for free.
Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners. And the law makes Toyota pay the legal fees.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
