2001 Toyota Sienna: grinding or squealing brakes

8 of the 180 complaints about the 2001 Toyota Sienna describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 120,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

2020
1
2017
3
2015
1
2014
2
2013
5
2012
2
2011
2
2010
3
2009
2
2008
5
2007
4
2006
10
2005
15
2004
37
2003
9
2002
14
2001
8
2000
9
1999
4
1998
10

What owners say

Filed Oct 2, 2013 · Brakes · 275,000 miles · OH

Within the last year I have replaced my brake pads replace 3 times. Just last month I replaced my pads , rotors and calipers. But now my pads are grinding really bad again and it's been 30 days since I had new pads, rotors and calipers put on. Something is definitely wrong! I'm worried about the safety of toyota sienna van.

Filed Apr 1, 2013 · Brakes · 210,000 miles · OH

I replaced my brakes pad and routers less than a year ago and replaced all 4 tires december 2012 at sears. My ABS light and tire pressure light come on every time I drive and recently I pulled out of my driveway at no more than 5 MPH and pressed on the brake and I couldn't stop reversing in the street. I fell when I driving the anti brake system tries to work. Because my pedal jumps and vibrates and I hear clicking grinding sounds. I have had to stop intersections because my van wouldn't stop when I needed it too.

Filed Mar 8, 2011 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · MA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota sienna. While applying pressure to the brakes, the contact heard a loud grinding noise coming from the ABS motor. The brakes did not engage and the contact crashed into another vehicle. The contact did not inform the dealer or manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The current and failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Aug 20, 2003 · Brakes · CA

This van has rear brakes that squeal/hum everytime you use them. I have contacted toyota regional which contacted toyota national which sent someone out to look at them. In their words they said "brake noise is normal for a sienna". Somehow any constant brake noise shouldn't be normal. I'm told it happens when the brake shoes and the backing plates vibrate at a low speed it causes them to hum. Also, at 15,000 miles (I only put 10,000 per year on the car) the rotors had to be turned and sanded. 1 week later the metal crunching sound returned. I returned the vehicle and was told everything was within the specifications. Now, whenever I have to brake hard I still will hear a metal to metal crunching noise. Unfortunately it isn't a constant problem and cannot always be duplicated so it still hasn't gotten fixed. I've basically given up on the vehicle and will turn it in at the end of the lease because I do not feel safe with these type of brake problems.

Filed Aug 13, 2003 · Brakes · 19,000 miles · PA

Vibration in rear brakes causing a harmonic noise when coming to a complete stop or if on a downward incline with brakes applied and just barely inching along. This is not the normal squeal from brake pads. I have been concerned that this vibration is causing other parts to become loose. I purchased the 2001 toyota sienna xle van new in sept 2000. All of my service is done according to toyota's schedule and at toyota of greensburg, pa. The noise started aprox. Feb of 2002 with 19,000 miles on the vehicle. It was reported to toyota of greensburg, pa on may 10th of 2002 with 22,166 miles. Between may and august of 2002 the van was taken to the dealer 4 times for this problem. During that time they replaced the linings and drums, cleaned the brakes or did something other but the noise always comes back. On august 5th 2002 toyota of greensburg told me that toyota was aware of the problem and working on a fix because it is happening on all sienna vans since 1998. Between then and april of 2003 I keep asking about the repair and the answer was it is not ready. At that point I went to toyota's arbitration process but they would not do anything since the van now had over 36,000 miles even though the problem started well within the warranty period. I feel there is a vibration problem (sometimes you can actually see the road wheel vibrating also) that could cause other more serious problems but do not know what else to do. As far as I know toyota has still not developed the repair.

Filed Jun 25, 2003 · Brakes · TX

The brakes make a very loud squeaking noise. The dealer told the consumer to ride the brakes for a while until the rust came off. New brake pads were put on the vehicle on 6/5/2003. The noise still occurs.

Filed Jan 28, 2003 · Brakes, Steering · 4,000 miles · FL

Leased vehicle new in april 2001. To date, have had 11 brake replacements in a period of 21 months. Brakes squealing immediately after being replaced, sounds like a semi coming to stop. Filed under florida lemon law, which dealer said "could not duplicate concern-operating to design & intent". Brakes grind metal to metal after a short period of time. Vibration & uneven, premature tire wear despite several alignments. Vehicle also makes clunking sound when breaking in reverse & initial acceleration.

Filed Dec 26, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Consumer took vehicle for a oil change to dealership. Mechanic dicovered a oil leak underneath vehicle oil pan gasket and a leaking bolt and seal. Engine needs a seal replacements. Also, there is a transmission leak. Front brakes are grinding metal to metal. Dealership is aware of the problems.