Driving a minivan might not seem cool these days, but Toyota aims to appeal to a larger crowd with the 2020 Sienna. After all, the automaker claims it is “the one and only swagger wagon.” Still, owners find that this vehicle doesn’t quite behave the way it should, whether it be the electrical system, suspension or steering.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019202120222023
Problems with the Electrical System
The Toyota Sienna is supposed to be equipped with the latest technology and equipment, but it needs to have a reliable electrical system to run it all.
Yet, that’s not what this owner talks about in an Edmunds review. “As far as the rest of the technology is concerned, the best thing about the Lane Assist and Lane Keeping is that they are easy to disable—imagine someone cutting you off at 60 miles per hour, swerving to avoid hitting them, and having a ‘safety’ feature steer you right back into the incoming car. I just wish there was a way to turn it off permanently.”
Even from the convenience side of things, Toyota is aware of problems. Service Bulletin #T-SB-0071-20 discusses a myriad of problems, including phones not auto connecting, intermittent black screen, abnormal phone book sorting, inability to switch Bluetooth devices and trouble with the voice recognition. It’s hard to have swagger when the basic systems won’t even work properly.
2020 Toyota Sienna Complaint Summary
Complaint Category
Number of Complaints
Engine
5
5
Fuel/propulsion System
5
5
Power Train
4
4
Electrical System
3
3
Steering
3
3
Unknown Or Other
3
3
Fuel System, Gasoline
2
2
Service Brakes
2
2
Electronic Stability Control
1
1
Seats
1
1
Problems with the Suspension
Part of having swagger is having the ability to move in a way that causes others to notice. That’s what the Sienna does, but not in a good way.
Here’s another Edmunds review to read. “Not happy the way this minivan drives. Is bumpy and I can feel when the shifts happens more than usual the car buckles at times when shifting. My whole body shakes while driving it (minimum) but it makes the whole experience terrible.”
Part of what helps a vehicle run smoothly is the wheels. However, the company talks about troubles on this front as well. Service Bulletin #T-TT-0528-19 states that the chrome wheels might start bubbling or peeling. It’s hard to be cool if main components are falling apart at the seams. In fact, the Sienna could be labeled as the outsider in a world of vehicles that really do look and perform well.
Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.
The law makes Toyota pay legal fees.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
Problems with the Steering
Most importantly, owners want to know that they can control their minivan, especially while driving with a vehicle full of children.
Yet, this NHTSA complaint states otherwise. “While driving on hwy, suddenly Engine Light came on. Also, I lost acceleration. When I press gas pedal, no response from car. Vehicle was slowing down so pulled into gas station. When I stopped the car, Engine Light was still on, Traction Light came on and Steering System light came on. Also Engine Light was solid and it was not flashing.”
The steering concerns go even deeper, with there being a recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V532000 states that some Sienna vehicles have steering shaft extensions that weren’t manufactured correctly. If these fracture, the driver could lose complete control over the minivan and cause an accident. Because nothing says swagger more than a vehicle that can’t keep itself on the road.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Toyota pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
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.