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2005 Toyota Sienna engine complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 39 of 39, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2005 Toyota Sienna engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Nov 10, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · 200 miles · DC · fire · 1 injury

Testing

Filed Nov 10, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · 56 miles · DC · fire · 1 injury

Testing

Filed May 25, 2015 · Engine · 20,000 miles · MN

~2007, radiator leak, engine heated up - almost fire ~2008, radiator leak, engine heated up - almost fire ~2011, radiator leak, engine heated up ~2014, radiator leak radiator failure has occurred for every two years. Almost in fire for multiple times! Driver is constantly under danger of fire. Toyota customer service responded by offering a $200-300 credit, suggesting toyota knows there is something wrong for such frequent radiator leaking. But it refuses to disclose details. For the safety of drivers, please investigate. Individual driver like myself is too small to talk to toyota. Toyota even did not answer my question.

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 163,860 miles · OH

While driving on 4 lane highway, I began to smell burning rubber, then noticed that the battery discharge indicator light came on. Found that the serpentine belt driving the alternator and compressor had been shredded and was hanging to the ground. Upon a closer look, the crankshaft pulley had failed (it had come apart). It appeared that the outer ring had separated from the rubber inner ring of the pulley and the outer ring had become misaligned. The misalignment appeared to have caused the serpentine belt failure. It also caused damage to the timing belt cover, the timing belt and the power steering belt. The battery light came on because of the failed serpentine belt. Fortunately, I maintained power steering because the power steering belt had not completely failed when I pulled off the highway. The failure seems to be identical to that covered by safety recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v539000. However, toyota claims that my VIN number is not subject to the recall. Toyota's response to me does not make sense since this is the same model, same model year, same engine model, same parts manufacture (pulley contains the mark noted in the recall), same manufacture date (feb. 2005), etc of the vehicles covered by the recall. Seems that the recall has not covered all of the vehicles affected by this failure. My vehicle was purchased new on september 15, 2005.

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 110,000 miles · WA

The transmission in our 2005 toyota sienna xle failed at about 110k miles.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 28,723 miles · CA

First, I noticed some oil stains on my drive way, then I drove my minivan to a local toyota car dealer for check up and routine oil change. Next day, I noticed a bigger oil stain. Anyway, I had an appointment and have to drive my minivan to my dentist office, on the highway, I saw smoke came out of my front hood. Then, I drove it to the same toyota dealer afterwards. It was quite scary driving and seeing smoke came out of my front hood especially with my young daughter on board today. At one moment, I thought my car will be on fire. On the paper, I was told that my leaking is from rack and pinion steering system. I called toyota customer service, and the person who assisted me state his surprise of this rack and pinion leaking for such a low mileage car. I would like to file a mechanical damage report toward toyota defective parts.

Filed Jun 29, 2013 · Engine · 98,000 miles · NH

During the timing belt and water pump replacement, toyota technician found radiator had a small leak and suggested to call toyota company . Toyota representative from company informed the radiators had problems for 2005 sienna but they will not be able to fix it because mileage is more than 75000 or vehicle is more than 7 years old.

Filed Apr 21, 2013 · Engine · 79,000 miles · MA

I was driving home from work, after merge from rte 20 into rte 9, I drove up hill, about 50 yards to my street, I saw smoke behind my van, I did not see any warning light from my driving panel, my van was still running smoothly, so I decided to drive to my house (about 150 yards) away, after I parked my van, I saw smoke coming out from hood, and a long leaking oil track along the street. I checked my engine oil, it was ok. Next morning, I started my van, it is still no warning light on my driving panel, I called aaa to get my van towed to toyota westborough ma. Technician told me that my engine cylinder head got blown a hole and oil flying out to be burned and produced smoke, potentially it will catch fire if I continue to drive. I had my van oil changed on 08/2012 by sears shop, about 5,000 miles was driven since last oil changed. I believe the engine aluminum head was defective product, not because of other reason. It is very dangerous it happened while the van was running at highway. It could catch fire too.

Filed Apr 16, 2013 · Body, Engine · NY

Catalyst system failed/ not working properly. The left rear door has failed, the cable not working at all. The door does not slide, gets stuck when your trying to open it.

Filed Dec 26, 2012 · Engine · 97,000 miles · MD

Under toyota's customer support program, a technical service bulletin was put out saying that 2005 toyota siennas had faulty radiators that cracked in cold weather and could lead to coolant leakage and subsequent engine seizure (safety report #0506). When the weather started getting cold this winter, my radiator cracked and I needed to be repaired as the engine was running extremely hot. When I found this bulletin and brought it to toyota's attention they refused to honor it saying that my VIN number was not in the range. When I asked why this was the case, they claimed (they being toyota's national headquarters) that they had realized the fault and therefore switched the radiators out during production. Upon closer examination, the bulletin was announced by toyota on january 30, 2006. If what they claim is true, then they were knowingly selling cars with faulty radiators for about a year and a half before they issued the recall. If they were lying, then the recall needs to be extended to include all toyota siennas of that year.

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 119,000 miles · OH

During inspection and repair of other vehicle recalls, it was determined that power steering assembly was severely leaking fluids, that radiator was leaking in 3 places, and air conditioning coils hoses\brackets were corroded and cracked due to manufacturer using two dissimilar metals (such as steel bolts in aluminum assembly) and thereby requiring immediate replacement for safety. Toyota dealership upon inspection declared steering assembly a "critical" repair and issued written documentation. I took vehicle to another shop and they confirmed toyota's dealers conclusion and also found radiator and conditioning coils problems missed by dealer. All problems have been fixed at owners expense - a recall should be made by manufacturer.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Engine · 54,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota sienna. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the timing belt fractured with no warning. The contact was not able to exit the road. Law enforcement officers were called to the scene to help the contact push the car off the roadway. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that they were unable to assist with the repairs. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 54,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 13, 2012 · Acceleration, Engine · 62,005 miles · PA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota sienna. The contact stated the vehicle abnormally accelerate as she had just taken the gear shift out of park.. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was awaiting diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and the current mileage was 62,005. ....updated 06/18/12 *bf the consumer stated one month before the accident, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was inspected, but a problem was never found. The vehicle idled rough and it was noisy. Updated 06/22/12

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Engine, Lights · FL

A/c went out april 2012. Blows hot air. According to online forums this happens a lot in sienna's - 2004 to 2006 models. We have 5 children in the vehicle and cannot take them very far even with the windows down or they could possibly get heatstroke. They are sweated wet by the time we get from point a to point b. We open all windows and the rear ones that only open 2 inches as well. Forum link where I found this info (same issue as our sienna) is http://www.toyotafans.net/2004-sienna-AC-problems-t2523-st20.htm -the seat belts in our sienna lock up, found the recall on this site so will be taking it to the dealer for that. Not just the middle row seat belts though. It is rear seatbelts as well as front driver and passenger seat belts. -the tail light works when it decides to. Sometimes it is off so we get pulled over - until the police officer taps it, and it decides to come back on. On a side note - the left speaker system does not function either unless it wants to. Same as the tail light. One minute it is off (most of the time) and the next minute the sound is blaring.

Filed Apr 6, 2012 · Engine · 67,000 miles · ND

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota sienna. The contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, the mechanic noticed that the radiator was leaking. The radiator caused the vehicle to stall and overheat due to loss of fluid. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the dealer stated that the radiator needed to be replaced. The radiator was replaced at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Mar 1, 2012 · Body, Electrical · 112,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota sienna. The contact stated that noises were heard from the dashboard. The noise had not caused any problems with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine what caused the noise. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current mileage was 136,420. Updated 4/2/12

Filed Jun 14, 2011 · Engine · 10,834 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota sienna. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lamp was illuminated. He also stated that the engine temperature rose and caused the vehicle to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air conditioner compressor was defective and needed to be replace yet the remedy failed to repair the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance becuase the vehicle was repaired four times prior under factory warranty. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 10,834 and the current mileage was 83,113. Updated 07/20/11

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Engine · 99,750 miles · PA

2005 toyota sienna xle awd - slow leak in radiator consistent with tsb regarding cracking of plastic in cold weather conditions lead to overheating of vehicle. Radiator was replaced ($600+) as well as heads needed to be removed and milled ($2000+).

Filed May 11, 2010 · Engine · 54,000 miles · VA

The radiator on my 2005 sienna developed a crack on the plastic end cap at 54,00 miles. A three inch crack. I had no indication of a problem developing it happened quickly and left my wife stranded. I was informed by the dealer that it was not under warranty because it is not part of the drive train. Therefore the 60,000 mile warranty did not apply. A friend told me that his 2005 sienna was covered by and extended warranty because toyota identified a problem with radiators cracking. I sent my comments/complaint to toyota who, as usual denied my claim. They said the extension only applied to 2005 siennas manufactured before september and guess my toyota was manufacturer's after that date. I guess they did not fix problem for vehicles after september like they thought. I completed the repair myself.

Filed Apr 5, 2010 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TN

The A/C in my 2005 toyota sienna started blowing hot air out of the driver side vents. The compressor kept kicking on and off. This occurred everytime I used the A/C. After replacing the compressor twice, we still have problems with hot air coming out of the vent while the A/C is on. Now the van today 4/5/2010 has completely stopped blowing cold air and only blows hot air when the A/C is turned on. We took it to the dealer and were told the A/C pulley has not burned up. There was a technical service bulletin on this issue. Toyota technical service bulletin ac003-05 but it only covers vehicles until 36,000. Since the problem occurred after that mileage, we are not covered. This is the third major issue I have had with this 2005 van. I have had the back door gas shocks replaced under a recall and the entire front driver's door replaced under a recall. The fix for the A/C is estimated at $4,000!

Filed Mar 3, 2010 · Engine · 500 miles · CA

The engine speeds up briefly on its own causing vehicle to briefly speed up. It usually lasts only a few seconds.

Filed Jul 29, 2009 · Engine · 108,000 miles · AZ

A/c compressor failure on 2005 toyota sienna le minivan.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Engine · 104,000 miles · LA

Radiator on 2005 sienna sprung a leak and drained the coolant dry within a half day. Engine overheated and vehicle had to be stopped on roadside. Water was poured to replace missing coolant allowing owner to get home. Brought to toyota service center the next day. Owner opted for a non-toyota replacement radiator (owner was told the old radiator was beyond repair) since a toyota part would have taken days to procure. Two such replacements were attempted to be installed. Neither one fit. Not only was a toyota radiator unavailable immediately, it cost $200 more. Owner had to be without transportation for at least 4 days at his expense (a rental). Extended warranty expired at 100,000 miles; incident happened at 104,000 miles.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Engine, Locks · 100,000 miles · MS

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota sienna. The contact stated that both the driver and passenger side doors were inoperable. The keyless entry would not operate and she could only enter the vehicle manually. The contact had to manipulate the lock entry in order to enter and exit the vehicle by holding the manual lock in place while closing and/or opening the door. The radiator was also in need of repair. No repairs have been performed. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were over 100,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2008 · Engine · 45,311 miles · CT · fire

Vehicle caught fire spontaneously during normal use. Fire started in the area of exhaust muffler and quickly spread into the cabin.

Filed Jan 27, 2008 · Engine · 40,000 miles · WA · fire

On december 5, 2007, I came out of costco to find the fire department had already put out the engine fire on my 2005 toyota sienna - absolutely no warning. It happened after I had gone in to shop so the engine was completely off with no person in it.

Filed Sep 14, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · 43,700 miles · TN

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had difficulty switching gears and caused acceleration issues. The service dealer stated the computer system adjusted to the driver and this was a normal function. However, the contact stated the gears did not shift properly. Updated 10/18/2006 - the vehicle would hesitate when picking up speed. The check engine light illuminated. The dealer found code for evap purge valve. The technician found the vacuum lines off at intake.

Filed May 17, 2006 · Engine · 400 miles · SC

Vehicle has excessive spark knock at low speeds, starting from a stop and at normal driving speed when engine is under a load. Spark knock worse when engine is warmed up and during warm weather. Changing octane level does not help spark knock. This has been happening since vehicle was bought in april 2005. Vehicle has been back to the dealer several times to try to fix the issue to no avail.

Filed Jan 4, 2005 · Engine, Visibility · 955 miles · TX

Coolant dripping under the muffler when the brand new van was driven 955 miles and the dealer still fixing it. This is the third time the van is in the dealer for the same problem and totoally they has spent 15 days. They said it was becasue something was wrong with the rear heater core.

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