1999 Toyota Sienna: check engine light

Filed Feb 5, 2011 · Brakes · 18,700 miles · MD · crash

On october 18, 2010 my 2009 toyota sienna dashboard vsc (variable skid control)/off track and check engine lights illuminated. I took my van in for service immediately. The dealership made repairs that were covered under warranty, and assured me that the van was safe to drive. On november 24, 2010, the same vsc/off track and check engine lights illuminated again. When I returned to my local dealership for service, I was informed that due to the thanksgiving holiday, the service department did not have availability until november 30, 2010. Service advisor assured me that my vehicle was safe to drive, as long as I stayed in town, and wasn't planning on taking the car on any long trips. However, I never got a chance to return my van to the dealership because on november 29, 2010 it started to make unusually loud noises and accelerated unexpectedly. Naturally, I attempted to stop by braking, but the brakes were not functioning at all. I tried again and again to brake, but to my disappointment the brake pedal did nothing, no matter how much I pumped it. Luckily, I was able to avoid hitting any pedestrians or cars by steering up the curb and into a lamppost. The van continued to accelerate uncontrollably until it finally came to rest on the steps of the county courthouse!

Filed Aug 3, 2005 · Engine · 90,133 miles · FL · fire

My wife was driving on the florida turnpike with our sons (ages 3 and 1) in the vehicle. The engine light came on and the engine died. She coasted over to the side of the road. She stayed in vehicle and kept the boys in their car seats as she was along a major highway. A road side assistance vehicle pulled up behind her within a minute or two. He asked my wife what the problem was. She told him and he asked her to pop the hood. She did. He opened it and flames came out of the engine compartment. Neither he nor my wife knew or suspected a fire. No flames. No smoke. No smell. No heat. He yelled to my wife to get herself and the kids out of the car. She did and they were all unharmed. He put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. Obviously, my wife and children probably would have been killed had that road side assistant not been there. Fl highway patrol arrived. The fhp officer filed incident report # fhpk05off042549. I had the vehicle towed to where I bought it, toyota of orlando (3800 w. Colonial drive orlando, fl 32808 407‑298‑4500) I video taped the burned engine and the vehicle from head to toe and will be happy to submit a copy to you. I was called by a mr. Manny colon of toyota of orlando. He explained to me that sludge build up was found and said that was probably the cause of the fire. I have records (with a different shop-goodyear) showing that the oil was changed regularly and not terribly long ago. There seems to be an extremely well documented (and acknowledged by toyota) sludge problem with toyota's - including the 99 sienna. I have found many articles on the internet and I am collecting them. I was never informed of this issue by anyone. If this issue can cause an engine fire, why are these vehicles being allowed on the road with families and children riding in them? My entire family almost died yesterday. Please investigate this. I don't want others to die if it can be avoided.

Filed Feb 28, 2004 · Fuel system · 62 miles · VT

Many incidences. First it was the brakes failing in 6 month intervals, then it was the rubber gasket on the sliding doors, then the vibration, then the alighnment which caused me to replace my tires entirely too early. Then it was the rust in the doors and hatch locks and continually it has been the problem with the sliding doors, then it was the rust on the locks, latches and hatch lock, continually it has been the anti lock brake light, then other bulbs. Finally it is the engine light going on at 66,632 miles. It appears it is the engine or transmission. I purchased toyota for quality and reliability. None of which the sienna lives up to. The toyota dealer has yet to fix any of the problems. The most recent transmission problem required me to call a tow truck , a friend to pick us up( my 3 young girls and I( over 40 miles away, secure a rental car for who know how long. I am exttremely disappointed with toyota for thiese defects and lack of repair! My family( I am one of 6 childre) we all own toyotas, I have owned many camrys before. This is my last toyota, because of reliability, service and quality. My siblings and my family alone own over 13 toyotas, that won't last long. I hope that toyota realizes the impact of faulty vehicles, faulty service and lack of quality how that will impact thier existing and future sales.

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Transmission · 60,650 miles · MA

Model: toyota sienna van - xle year: 1999 mileage : 60600 other owners: there are many owners who have this issue as reported in www.cartrackers.com and www.edmunds.com - forums. Problem reported: the sienna transmission is definately a problem in our case as mentioned by toyota dealer and many other owners at or near 60k miles. This is uncalled for of a toyota for which we pay a premium. I dodnot see any recalls and dealership charges maximum amount for labou - in our case upto $3200. Details : we currently have a 1999 (5/1999) sienna van xle with 60600 miles. The van has been problem free until 2 weeks ago on the highway the check engine light came on. The dealership's initial the diagnosis indicated celluloid failure, then we were told torque failure and then yesterday the transmission itself. And we were charged at each - even though dealership probably knew it is transmission that requires replacement. This was shocking as it is just 600 miles over the warranty.further research of this problem on the internet and various forums as well as cartrackers.com it appears that there are many owners who have experienced identical problems at or near 60k miles some even earlier. I had been maintaining the van thru the same dealership (e.g. 15k,30k service etc.) and I donot tow boats etc. So there is no abuse as claimed occasionally. I think there is a real issue here with the transmission. How come so many have the identical issues at or near 60k miles. Thru the forums I gathered that few cases were reported at the federal safety agency site as so many cannot be wrong. Thus I would like join those - who had similar issues. The manufacturer should take the charge for the entire cost of replacing this or should recall all the vans. We are disappointed in the premature failure of the transmission as we believe this transmission problem is either a manufacturing or design defect.

Filed Nov 10, 2002 · Fuel system · NH

Both air to fuel sensors went in the fuel emissions part of the engine. My check engine light came on. I had to replace both the sensors. The part replacement for each was $375.42 not including the labor. The parts had to be replaced to pass state inspection because it caused the check engine light to come on. It is an expensive piece that should be covered under the emissions warrenty, but is not. Dt

Filed Mar 22, 2000 · Engine · CA

Engine light appeared. Oxegen sensor fried 5 times.