2000 Toyota Sienna: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 17, 2009 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · TX

I purchased my sienna in 2001. It is a 2000 toyota sienna ls which currently has 150k miles. In 2002 I began to have issues with my rear brakes since this time I have had my brakes inspected every year due to grinding noises and squeaking. The first 2 times I've taken my van in they have inspected the rear brakes and said they are fine, just dusty and the claimed to have cleaned them. In 2008 however they sounded so bad and seemed very dangerous as they were still making grinding noises. I took my van to christian bothers and they redid my rear brakes... (oh, the ABS light as been on all this time as well) maybe a week went by and the problem persisted. I took my van back a month later ( my transmission went out that same week and that's how long it took to get my van back)!! They inspected my brakes again and didn't see anything wrong, they were fine and they couldn't explain why they were making noise or why my ABS light was on. I just cross my fingers every year that my van will pass inspection! Thus far I have not had any accidents but am very afraid to drive my car on a wet road, when I apply the brakes on a wet road they pop and the van barely stops. I've had this issue for a long time, I know toyota is a good manufacturer or I would not have purchased a toyota.. But I can say for sure, I will not by another one I'm switching to honda or buying american.

Filed Mar 2, 2007 · Body, Seats · NJ

Since we purchased the toyota sienna xle about 3 years ago we have had nothing but trouble. Our biggest problems have occurred only recently. The automatic door was not working and the mechanic had to take off the automatic part so it had to be opened manually. Well after about a week of manually opening and pulling out my shoulder every time, the door knob came off. We have also had in the past a very loud squealing noise every time we started the car. We had the belts tightened and even had the battery changed and then suddenly it stopped. One of our captains chairs will not go back into the upright position. And lastly the bar that holds open the hood has come off and does not go back into place.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · CA

The latest incident occurred at a stop light, on a 50 MPH road, car transmission slipped twice, and then would not move. This is the third transmission. I bought it new from walnut creek toyota, a 2000 sienna. *ak at 6000 miles, at 70 MPH on the freeway, the transmission grabbed the car throwing the four of us into another lane.it was replaced. At 53,000 or 47000 on the new transmission it began to grind and it was again replaced. 12,000 later at 65,000. The last incident occured. Toyota of walnut creek has stated that they will replace the transmission again. My concern is that there is a defect in the vehicle causing it to shread the transmissions. I no longer feel safe driving this car because the new transmission will fail again and this time there may be an accident. I feel the car has lost all its value.

Filed Sep 27, 2004 · Brakes · 1 miles · OK

I purchased a toyota sienna new in 4/2000. Within a few months the brakes began to squeak every time I braked. The local dealership has told me countless sienna's from 1998-2003 have experienced this. Toyota tried a fix that worked 8 months. It is a shame that you pay $30,000 for a vehicle and the co. Will not stand behind it.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Brakes · VA

My van's brakes squeal loudly when the vehicle is in reverse. I have had the brakes checked by the dealer and other mechanics several times over 3 years and have all reported nothing wrong with the brakes other than they are squealing. Toyota has no response other than we can apply lube to temporarily stop the noise.

Filed Jun 19, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

Ltr fwd fm fhwa re their defective 2000 toyota sienna xle, the van has problems with engine sludge...*mr the vehicle started to blow blue smoke and ran rough. The dealer discovered engine gel deposits. The malfunctioning light had come on due to the oxygen sensor per dealer, the brakes squealed when stopped at low speeds(problem continued), and pulled to the left. The dealer could not duplicate. The engine sludge had come back again due to a burnt hole in the valve which was in the piston. The tachometer illumination appeared to be out and the bulb was replaced. The consumer requested reimbursement for the hotel stay and the vehicle rental. *scc

Filed Apr 11, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 48,988 miles · FL

The engine developed engine gel deposits, the oxygen sensor and the brakes squeaked. *ak *jb

Filed Dec 31, 2002 · Transmission · 75,320 miles · CO

2000 toyota sienna 75000 miles frequent and timely oil changes/maintenance schedules adhered to after hearing a grinding sound after dropping my daughter off at the day care, the van sounded and felt like something broke. It began to jerk forward and I pulled over to the side of the road. We had it towed from this location and we were told by longmont toyota that we needed the transmission replaced. I find it hard to believe after maintaining the maintenance schedule and normal wear and tear that the transmission has gone out at 75000 miles. At this time we are contacting toyota for resolution. I see that there are other problems associated with this vehicle and wonder why information has not been provided to the public. This is a safety concern for those consumers who own the 2000 toyota sienna. Ts

Filed Sep 19, 2002 · Brakes · NJ

Air pressure gauge light came on. Dealer examined vehicle, and found nothing wrong. When braking brakes squeak. Dealer replaced ABS actuator. At this time, air pressure gauge light is on again. Please provide additional information.