2000 Toyota Sienna: whining or grinding noise

5 of the 363 complaints about the 2000 Toyota Sienna describe whining or grinding noise.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Whining or grinding noise by model year

2020
1
2019
6
2018
10
2017
19
2013
2
2012
5
2011
1
2009
1
2006
1
2000
5

What owners say

Filed Sep 17, 2003 · Transmission · 63,374 miles · MD

Toyota 2000 sienna with 62,000 miles with faithful service, and just had oil change on 8/13/2003, en route to atlanta from maryland. At charlotte, nc a high pitched whining sound was heard. By the time arrived in atlanta sound was persistent. Took car to toyota dealership who identified that the transmission as "digesting itself". This same car had an engine sludge at 35k despite oil changes. Car out of service while automatic transmission had to be entirely replaced.

Filed Aug 6, 2003 · Engine, Steering · NC

Problems with tire wear, transmission and power steering pump. The vehicle is on it's fourth set of tires at 45,000 miles due to tracking problem. There was a whine coming from the torque converter pump. The transmission shifted to neutral on three occasions. The dealer never mentioned there was early sludge building up in the oil. The engine made noise and vibrated. Dealer notified. *mr *cb

Filed Jun 18, 2003 · Engine, Tires · NC

Ltr fwd fm fhwa re his defective 2000 toyota sienna xle that emits a loud bearing whine, the transmission randomly shifted into neutral. The tires were replaced 3 times due to tracking & pulling problems. *mr the consumer was told by the rep that 31k miles on a michelin was all to expect on this vehicle. The vehicle was on it's fourth set of tires at 55k miles. The tracking problems were resolved on the two sets of four within the first 15k miles. The vehicle downshifted when going between the second and third gears. There were results form an engine oil analysis that may indicate early sludge build up. *scc

Filed Mar 27, 2003 · Engine, Tires · NC

There were problems with transmission and tire equipment. Mr the vehicle was on it's fourth set of tires due to a tracking problem. There was a whine coming from the torque converter pump. The transmission shifted to neutral on three occasions. Dealer saw indications of early sludge build up in the oil. The engine made noises and vibrated. (dayton/goodyear) *scc *nlm *cb

Filed Feb 8, 2003 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · IN

Premature automatic transmission failure. My sienna was making a whining noise at low speeds. Took to dealer and found out I would need a new transmision. Warranty expired at 60,000 - transmission failed at 67,000. Shards of metal present in drip pan. Vehicle was well-maintained and serviced at toyota dealer at specified service intervals. I am just lucky it did not freeze up while driving on the highway like so many others have experienced. There is a problem with transmissions in 2000 siennas as is evidenced by all the comments and complaints on various internet sites. Dealer and manufacturer rep did get the price down significantly; however, I feel the manufacturer has a defect and should issue a recall or re-imburse all the people who have experienced this problem.