2002 Toyota Sienna: engine failure

7 of the 181 complaints about the 2002 Toyota Sienna describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 73,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2017
2
2016
2
2015
2
2013
2
2012
1
2011
5
2010
4
2009
1
2008
7
2007
7
2006
4
2005
2
2004
12
2003
2
2002
7
2001
3
2000
11
1999
11
1998
10

What owners say

Filed Jul 7, 2010 · Engine · 80,000 miles · OR

I own a 2002 toyota sienna which I purchased as a "certified used vehicle" in january 2008. I wasn't informed about the problems these particular vehicles were having with oil sludge build up. Shortly after january 2010, I checked my oil and found the oil to be gummy. I took it in for a proper oil change (though it was under the 3000 mile mark for an oil change). I checked the oil again after only driving 100 miles or so, and found the same gummy oil build up. I stopped driving it as soon as I noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust. I didn't have the money to take it to a mechanic at the time, as I was waiting for my tax return check to arrive. As soon as I had the money to get it diagnosed, I was told that I would need a new engine, which would cost $7000! My mechanic told me of the ongoing problems my type of vehicle was having and suggested I call the customer support center of toyota. Because I was never informed by toyota (I bought my vehicle in 2008, several years after a class action lawsuit was implemented against toyota) my warranty had already expired by the time I started having problems. I feel misinformed and ripped off by both the dealership and toyota as a whole. I still owe over $9000 on my loan and do not have a vehicle to drive my five children around in safely. Toyota is risking the lives and loyalty of millions of consumers and something needs to be done to protect the citizens of this country. They refuse to pay for the repairs and have been nothing short of rude to me. I hope the government of this country will do something to help reimburse both myself, and the millions of others like me. This is a crime and needs to be stopped! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 22, 2006 · Engine · 73,000 miles · OR

My 2002 sienna was diagnosed with oil sludge at 73,000 miles. Dealer says it cannot replace engine at their cost without receipts to prove oil changes. Since we did the changes ourselves we have no receipts.

Filed Oct 6, 2005 · Transmission · 81,443 miles · MD

Observed slipping during full stops, engine died several occasions before the actual total failure of parts involved, loss of forward motion or speed pick-up, transmission fluid leaked (toyota issued an automatic transaxle warranty enhancement notice involving 1998-2000 siennas but apparently the company already have knowledge of this problem to occur).

Filed Oct 14, 2004 · Engine · 47,542 miles · TX

Told by toyota dealer that my three yr old 2002 toyota sienna with 47,542 miles needs a new engine due to sludge/gelling of engine oil.

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Engine · 30,000 miles · NH

Engine was replaced because of an accumalation of sludge which developed in the base of the motor. Then, engine stalled. This was the third engine replacement.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · NC

Oil sludge: it took some doing but toyota finally did pay for a new engine.

Filed Dec 28, 2002 · Engine · 21,000 miles · WA

I own a 2002 toyota sienna. The vehicle was purchased new from magic toyota in edmonds wa. The van has 20000 miles on it and is now in need of a new engine. I have had it serviced but apparently the toyota engines have an oil sludge build up problem which destroys the engine if it occurs. Toyota is uncertain at this juncture if they are going to repair the engine which is still under warranty. I had it serviced on 11/20/02 at magic toyota. Four weeks later the engine is dead lined with blue smoke, poor compression, and a knock. I have recently read that toyota engines from 2000 on were having this problem. I am also understanding that the state of idaho and possibly california are formulating a class action lawsuit on this issue. Toyota is claiming that it is an owner maintenance issue not a defect. I request to file an official complaint against toyota in reference to this engine defect. They are not standing good for it. An engine with 20,000 miles on it should not be dead lined. Ts