2004 Toyota Sienna: complete transmission failure

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 Oct 2, 2015 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · DC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sienna. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the transmission failed to respond. In addition, whenever shifting into the park position, the vehicle would roll a short distance. The contact engaged the emergency brake when parked behind another vehicle due to the unintended rolling. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v429000 (power train) however, the failure caused internal damage to the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 135,000 miles · NJ

My wife and I purchased a 2004 toyota sienna with 25,000 mi. It was a used vehicle when we purchased it. When we purchased the vehicle we also purchased a 7 year, 100,000 mile bumper to bumper extended warranty that has currently expired. Approximately three months ago we notices that when coming to a stop there was a thump below the vehicle which we originally thought was the transmission. My wife and I brought it to a local shop and explained that when the vehicle hits approximately 15 MPH we feel a thump below the vehicle towards the center. Regardless of breaking, accelerating or coasting we felt a thump. We had problems with the transmission while the vehicle was under warranty. We brought it to toyota for repair. Toyota replaced the transmission ?under warranty? At approximately 95,000 miles with a brand new transmission. We currently have the vehicle at a local repair shop. They have informed us that the way that the toyota transmission works is that they have a pipe that runs through the radiator. That allows for cooling for the transmission fluid. We were informed that due to age, the pipe simply corroded and cracked causing coolant to leak into the transmission and transmission fluid to leak into the radiator. We requested the simplest solutions and we were told to replace the radiator and flush the tranny and hope for the best. The repair shop has had the vehicle for approximately a month because the ordered an aftermarket radiator in an effort to save us money. The after marker radiator did not fit. I was informed this past weekend that after speaking with toyota, toyota has recognized this issue and has discontinued the standard radiators and a new model with mounts now needs to be ordered. Our feeling is that this is a safety issue as well as a design flaw. What can be done?

Filed Mar 18, 2005 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · LA

After 5 months of purchasing a 2004 toyota sienna the transmission went out and was replaced. The vehicle continues to lag and lurch.

Filed Feb 24, 2005 · Transmission · 15 miles · CA

There is a slight, but annoying and unsafe, hesitation with the transmission when accelerating from a turn or from stopping. I have brought it back to the dealer for numerous tsb upgrades, including replacing of a new transmission. However, nothing has changed !!!!!!

Filed May 11, 2004 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · OR

Once, while driving on I-5, on a slight incline in 'd'(overdrive), I slowed the vehicle from 60 MPH to around 50 MPH because of traffic. The vehicle then seem to slip out of gear, the rpms hit approx. 6000, then the vehicle caught a gear. It repeated this several times. I pulled over and call the dealer. He said to if there were no warning lights, then it's probably ok. The second time we were in 'd' and slowing from about 60mph to 50mph coming into a slight corner. The vehicle repeated the same jerking. I notice that when slowing the rpms dip below 2000-1800 before the slipping occurs. I kept the car above 2000 rpms at higher spends by shifting into '3' when needed. This seem to avoid the problem? We brought the car in to the dealer. I was told what happen is normal operation for the new transmissions in the sienna and highlander? However, losing power and being jerked around did not seem safe. I am bringing it to another dealer on this coming friday.