The Toyota Sienna (2017-2020) is one of the top contenders in the minivan segment, known for its family-friendly features, spacious interior, and reliable performance. However, even a vehicle as trusted as the Sienna comes with its share of common problems. While the Sienna is generally regarded for its durability, it’s important for prospective buyers and current owners to understand the issues that may arise with these model years. This comprehensive guide will explore the most common problems with the Toyota Sienna (2017-2020), what to look for when buying one, the costs of ownership, and some worthy alternatives in the minivan market.
Common Problems of the Toyota Sienna (2017-2020)
1. Transmission Problems
While the Toyota Sienna is praised for its smooth ride, some owners have reported issues with its 8-speed automatic transmission, particularly in the 2017-2018 models. Problems with gear shifts, hesitation, and occasional rough shifting have been observed. In some cases, the transmission can feel unresponsive, particularly when transitioning from a stop to a higher gear.
Symptoms of Transmission Issues:
- Delayed or jerky shifting: Drivers may notice that the car hesitates or jolts when changing gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
- Slipping gears: In more severe cases, the transmission may slip, causing a noticeable drop in power or sudden surges in engine speed.
- Unusual noises: Grinding or whining noises when the car is in gear may point to internal transmission problems.
What to Look For:
- Test the transmission during the test drive: Accelerate from a stop and pay attention to how smoothly the car shifts. Any delay, jerking, or noise when the car changes gears could indicate a transmission issue.
- Check for warning lights: Keep an eye on the dashboard for any check engine lights or transmission-related alerts, as these could signal underlying issues.
- Service records: Make sure the vehicle has undergone regular transmission fluid changes to avoid premature wear.
2. Engine Problems and Oil Consumption
Though the Toyota Sienna’s engine is generally regarded as reliable, some owners of the 2017-2020 models have reported high oil consumption, particularly with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Excessive oil consumption can lead to the engine running low on oil between oil changes, potentially causing internal engine damage over time if not properly monitored.
Symptoms of Oil Consumption Problems:
- Low oil levels: Owners often notice a drop in oil levels between scheduled oil changes. A high oil consumption rate could point to faulty piston rings or valve seals.
- Engine misfire or rough idling: If the engine runs low on oil, it may cause misfiring or irregular idling as components fail to be properly lubricated.
- Check engine light: A warning light may illuminate if the engine detects low oil pressure due to excessive consumption.
What to Look For:
- Monitor oil levels: Regularly check the oil levels to see if there’s a noticeable decrease over a short period. If the oil seems to deplete faster than expected, it could signal an issue.
- Check for leaks: Inspect the engine bay and undercarriage for any oil leaks that could exacerbate oil loss.
- Get a compression test: If you're experiencing oil consumption issues, having a mechanic perform a compression test on the engine can determine whether the piston rings or valve seals need replacing.
3. Brake Wear and Pad Issues
Some Toyota Sienna owners have reported premature brake wear, particularly on the 2017-2020 models. This may manifest as squealing or grinding noises when braking, which can indicate worn brake pads or even issues with the brake rotors.
- Symptoms of Brake Problems:
- Squeaking or grinding sounds: Worn brake pads will often make a high-pitched squeak when pressed, and in severe cases, grinding noises can occur if the pads are completely worn down.
- Reduced braking performance: The vehicle may take longer to stop or feel less responsive when the brakes are applied. In extreme cases, you might notice vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel.
- What to Look For:
- Check the brake pads: During a test drive or pre-purchase inspection, check if the brake pedal feels responsive. Pay attention to any odd sounds when applying the brakes.
- Brake pedal feel: If the brake pedal feels spongy or takes more effort to press, this could indicate air in the brake lines or worn brake components.
- Check brake history: If the vehicle has recently had its brake pads replaced, ask whether the rotors were also serviced or replaced, as this can affect overall braking performance.
4. Air Conditioning Problems
The Toyota Sienna, like many modern vehicles, is equipped with an air conditioning system that can occasionally experience issues. Owners of the 2017-2020 models have reported problems with weak airflow, inconsistent cooling, or complete AC failure.
Common Causes:
- Clogged or leaking condenser: A clogged condenser or a refrigerant leak can reduce the efficiency of the AC system, leading to insufficient cooling.
- Faulty compressor: A malfunctioning compressor may cause the air conditioning to blow warm air, even when set to a cold setting.
What to Look For:
- Test the air conditioning: Ensure the air conditioning blows cold air during the test drive. Set the temperature to the lowest setting and the fan to maximum, then check the strength and temperature of the airflow.
- Listen for unusual sounds: Clicking, grinding, or buzzing noises coming from the AC system can indicate a mechanical failure with the compressor or blower motor.
- Check for refrigerant leaks: Look for any signs of refrigerant leaks around the AC condenser or under the vehicle, which may manifest as oily stains or residue.
5. Infotainment System Glitches
While the Toyota Sienna comes equipped with an advanced infotainment system, some drivers have reported issues with the touchscreen display, connectivity problems with Bluetooth, and unresponsive features. These issues may be software-related or stem from a faulty electrical connection.
Symptoms of Infotainment Issues:
- Unresponsive touchscreen: The touchscreen may occasionally freeze or fail to respond to input, requiring a reboot of the system.
- Connectivity problems: Bluetooth connections might drop unexpectedly, or the vehicle may fail to connect with smartphones or other devices.
- Lagging system performance: Slow performance when navigating through menus or a delay in response to commands is also commonly reported.
What to Look For:
- Test the infotainment system: During your test drive, check the responsiveness of the screen, including the navigation system, audio controls, and other apps. Test Bluetooth connectivity to see if it pairs easily with your phone.
- Look for software updates: Ensure the system is up to date with the latest firmware updates, as many connectivity issues can be resolved with software patches.
- Check for screen discoloration or dead pixels: Some models have displayed minor screen issues such as discoloration or pixel defects, so check the quality of the screen carefully.
6. Power Sliding Door Issues
The power sliding doors, a hallmark of the Sienna, have been reported to malfunction in some models, especially in the 2017-2020 range. Issues range from the doors not opening or closing fully, to failing to respond to button presses or remote commands.
Symptoms of Power Door Issues:
- Unresponsive doors: The door may fail to open or close when using the remote, touchpad, or button inside the car.
- Sticking doors: The door may open or close with difficulty, making grinding or clicking sounds as it moves along the track.
What to Look For:
- Test the sliding doors: Ensure that both power sliding doors open and close smoothly without excessive noise or hesitation. Test all door switches to see if they respond properly.
- Check for physical obstructions: Sometimes, issues with the sliding doors can be caused by physical obstructions or dirt in the track. Check for visible debris that could be causing resistance.
What to Look for When Buying a Toyota Sienna (2017-2020)
When purchasing a used Toyota Sienna, a thorough inspection and test drive are crucial to ensure you’re getting a well-maintained vehicle. Here’s a checklist of things to pay attention to:
- Service History: Always ask for the vehicle's maintenance records to ensure that the car has been properly cared for, including regular oil changes, brake checks, and transmission maintenance.
- Check for Recalls: Make sure the vehicle has had any outstanding recalls addressed. While Toyota has a strong reputation for addressing recalls quickly, it’s still important to verify this before purchasing.
- Examine for Wear and Tear: Look for signs of excessive wear, particularly in high-use areas like the interior, tires, and suspension.
- Test the Features: Ensure that all major features—infotainment, power sliding doors, AC, and transmission—are functioning as expected during a test drive.
How Expensive is It to Own a Toyota Sienna (2017-2020)?
The Toyota Sienna is a solid investment when it comes to long-term ownership, though it’s important to factor in both routine and occasional maintenance costs.
- Fuel Economy: The Sienna achieves around 19-26 mpg, depending on whether you have the AWD or FWD model. While not the most fuel-efficient vehicle, the Sienna’s fuel economy is on par with other minivans in its class.
- Insurance: The Sienna is generally affordable to insure, especially if you opt for lower-trim models. However, higher-end trims with more advanced features might cost a bit more to insure.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance is reasonably priced, with common repairs such as brake pad replacements, oil changes, and tire rotations costing similar to other Toyota models. However, if you experience any issues with the transmission or engine, repair costs can rise significantly.
- Depreciation: As a Toyota, the Sienna holds its value well, but minivans do tend to depreciate faster than SUVs or trucks.
Better Alternatives to the Toyota Sienna (2017-2020)
If you’re considering alternatives to the Toyota Sienna, here are a few models that offer similar features but with their own strengths:
- Honda Odyssey (2017-2020): One of the top competitors to the Sienna, the Odyssey is known for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and innovative features, like the rear-seat monitoring system.
- Chrysler Pacifica (2017-2020): Offers both hybrid and gas-powered options, with excellent tech features and a more stylish design.
- Kia Carnival (2022 and newer): Though newer, the Kia Carnival offers a modern, SUV-like design with plenty of family-friendly features and tech, while still offering great value.
- Nissan Quest (2017): While it was discontinued after 2017, the Nissan Quest offers strong reliability and a comfortable ride, making it an option if you find a used one.
Conclusion
The Toyota Sienna (2017-2020) is a reliable and family-friendly minivan, but it does come with a few common issues, including transmission problems, oil consumption, and brake wear. When buying a used model, make sure to check the service history, monitor for issues with the transmission or air conditioning, and test all key features to ensure they’re in working order.
While the Sienna holds its value well and offers reasonable ownership costs, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica might offer more features or better value depending on your needs. Ultimately, the Sienna remains a solid choice in the minivan segment, especially if reliability and spaciousness are top priorities for your family.