2004 Toyota Sienna: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Transmission · 168,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sienna. While driving, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The contact noticed smoke coming through the vents and from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, but the gear shifter failed to move out of park. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

Filed Jun 23, 2016 · Steering · MS

Beginning in winter of 2014, my steering wheel began to squeak when I turned it and seemed harder to turn. My steering wheel did the same thing this past winter,2015. Noticed squeaking and more difficulty turning when just beginning to back out and beginning to drive forward and for a few blocks after.

Filed Nov 5, 2014 · Steering, Transmission · 145,000 miles · AK

My 2004 sienna is experiencing the exact same issues as described in the 11/09/2011 voluntary safety recall. The belts have been squealing and the steering becomes difficult to turn at slow speeds. The recall applies to certain sienna models but my specific VIN is not included in the recall. All new belts have been replace and the issue continues. Is it possible that this recall should be expanded to include other vins in the 2004 sienna series? Http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+voluntary+safety+recall+toyota+lexus+vehicles+replace+crankshaft+pulley.htm.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Engine · 70,010 miles · SD

Fan belt started squealing upon engine start, took to dealer and replaced serpentine belt. Several months later groaning noise started coming from engine, suspected misaligned belt or bad pulley. Took vehicle to the dealer and they found wear on the exterior of the timing belt cover caused by the partial separation of the crankshaft pulley. Several reports online of owners experiencing this problem with toyotas. Checked with dealer and toyota customer service and they claim my VIN is not covered by the recall they issued in 2011 for the very same failure I am experiencing (11v539000). How is it possible that a known defect in their vehicles can be excluded because their experts have made the determination that the "cause" was a problem at one factory or part supplier when other owners that don't fall into the specific parameters have had the very same problem and were forced to pay for repairs out of pocket?

Filed Jun 26, 2014 · Body · 110,522 miles · MA

I have a 2004 toyota sienna le purchased used with a power sliding rear passenger door. In march of this year, 2014, the door starting making a grinding noise when opening and closing the door and needed assistance when closing. Within two days the door failed an would not open or close either electronically or manually. We were informed this was a motor failure and would cost $1,800 to $2,000 to repair. The three mechanics we asked all were aware of problem being the door motor and/or broken door cable. Not having use of the passenger door was a major problem and a real concern in case of an accident. After doing some research it became clear that this is a design flaw with the car that toyota ultimately issued an extended warranty of 9 years or 120,000 miles. Fortunately, I have been able to removed the cable and disassemble enough of the motor so that the door works manually. Given the critical need for a family passenger vehicle to have a working passenger side rear door this warranty should have been for the life of the vehicle. At the very least they should have offered the opportunity to make the door a manually operating door after the 9 years, 120,000 mile warranty extension.

Filed May 20, 2014 · Steering · 40,000 miles · MI

This happened about late 2006 to early 2007. I first observed that once in a while turning the steering was stiff and the wheel will not turn back to its neutral position, and the car will over steer. It felt like there was no power steering and you could hear some squeaking noise from the steering. Since at first it happens on and off during turning, everytime I took it to the dealer, they said was nothing wrong, it was still under warranty at that time.. After driving it for a couple of months there was an increase in the incidence and the steering at turn was getting harder and there was and increase in over steer that I would have to go slower than usual to avoid other vehicles. By that time I brought it back to the dealer, and they said that was some rusting and corrosion at the steering shaft and had to be replaced and by then the warranty had expired.

Filed Mar 6, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 96,956 miles · WI

Summary: sensor in stability control failed and falsely reported crisis situation, causing computer to seize control to slow vehicle and change course. Long version: while driving straight on city street, suddenly vehicle slowed and pulled to side, stability control light and audio alarm activated, heard grinding noise that sounded like ABS. Condition persisted if driving over 5-10 MPH. Crawled to nearby non-dealer repair shop. Diagnosis/solution: steering angle sensor reporting wheels at 250 degrees when actually straight ahead, would not recalibrate, circuit integrity otherwise good, sensor was replaced. No residual problems noted so far since then (one day). I have the failed sensor. This sensor problem was cause of a production change and tsb br008-04 in the first year. Obviously toyota has known about this problem for years, but no recall. Other accounts exist on line of people who have had this happen. This is a major safety hazard. It's the mechanical equivalent of riding with a driver on lsd who is braking/swerving to avoid hallucinations. I was lucky to be going slowly on an uncrowded street, but at higher speed or crowded conditions this could be a disaster. Toyota has not been terribly helpful so far, but discussion will continue....

Filed Aug 29, 2013 · Engine · 110,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sienna. The contact stated that while starting the engine, he noticed an abnormal squeaking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the crank shaft pulley had detached from the vehicle. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v539000 (engine and engine cooling) but wasw advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed May 14, 2013 · Body · 150,000 miles · OR

The 2004 through 2010 toyota sienna models have a known defect in the cable assembly of the power sliding doors. My 2004 sienna has the same problems as numerous other vehicles with a loud grinding noise on the passenger side power sliding door due to a fraying cable that makes it impossible to operate the door or exit the vehicle in an emergency. Toyota has taken the step to extend the warranty on sliding doors but only to 9 years or 120k miles whichever comes first. This is a known manufacturing defect and a safety issue that should be dealt with by issuing a full recall rather than extending the warranty. Quoted repairs from my local toyota dealer were around $1500. These repairs are covered only for those who the extended warranty is in effect. Please the federal safety agency order toyota to issue a full recall on 2004-2010 toyota sienna power sliding doors.

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Body · 120,000 miles · MO

Upon pressing the open button on the remote for the passenger side sliding rear door, there was alot of grinding and screeching and the door only opened partially. Upon further investigation we realized the cable had snapped and the door got jammed half way open. After some considerable effort we were able to close the door manually but it was for the last time. The door is now stuck closed and is completely inoperable. This poses a safety issue as the only exit for rear passengers is now the drivers side rear door until it breaks as well. Research suggests we are just a few miles over and only months beyond the extended warranty service for this defect @ 120k or 9yrs, leaving us to absorb the entire 1500-1800$ cost associated with repair.

Filed Oct 19, 2012 · Body · 9,177 miles · CA

I am original owner of 2004 toyota sienna xle limited and been always garaged started developing cracks on dashboard on the driver's side by the AC vent and above steering wheel. I am concerned about this cracks as potentially preventing airbags from deploying properly or may be deploying prematurely. *this is safety problem! Dashboard cracks was noticed at 60,000 mileage and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. Thousands owners of toyota sienna 2004 have same problem with cracks on dashboard with spreading all over to passenger side in airbag area- ?manufacturer told me that I am only one have this and van is out of warranty?. Http://www.automotiveforums.com/t959673-discuss2004_sienna_cracked_dashboard.html * squeaking noise coming from under van or motor - gasket for center pipe was replaced but problem came back and now also when the air conditioning in use more nose -the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing the technician advised the contact that the air conditioning compressor would have to be replaced -$1500. * the rear driver and passenger side sliding doors is scratching the upper right corner of body when closing and its started when mileage was only 9,177. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the hinges was replaced. The sliding door failure recurred shortly after and recommended again to replace hinges. Also power door cable assemblies did fail and was replaced I paid for the install and reimbursed later , but manufacturer do not want to replace hinges what should be part of power door warranty enhancement . Again thousands toyota sienna owners have problem with sliding doors scratching upper corner with body rust later as result ,transmission leaks and AC failure but manufacturer denied the defects.the approximate current mileage on this is vehicle 72,000.this is a $38k lemon !

Filed Sep 27, 2012 · Body · 60,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sienna. While parked, the contact noticed a fracture on the driver's side of the dashboard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. Additionally, the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the air conditioning unit. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the air conditioning compressor would have to be replaced. Also, the contact stated there was rust on the rear driver and passenger side sliding doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the hinge was replaced. The sliding door failure recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. ...updated 10/17/12 *bf updated 10/23/2012