2008 Toyota Sienna: engine failure

Filed Oct 31, 2018 · Brakes · 129,082 miles · IL

Brake pedal would go to floor and experienced no braking. Dealer stated "brake components seized and internal failure in master cylinder"

Filed Feb 18, 2014 · Electrical · IN

I recently purchased a 2008 toyota sienna that I believe has a safety issue, particularly in cold weather. The exterior switch that allows the rear hatch to open is not functional in cold weather due to a material malfunction. I noticed that during warmer weather, the rubber seal over this exterior switch had become soft and gummy. Over time, the rubber seeped between the switch housing and the switch button. As the weather became cold, the rubber has hardened around the switch button and the exterior switch is no longer functional. The only way I can open the rear hatch in cold weather is to open a front door and use the interior switch to open the rear hatch. My concern is if we were to get into an accident during the cold months and the only way someone could get access to the interior of the vehicle is through the rear hatch, it could not be done because the exterior switch on the rear hatch would be seized preventing access. It is very alarming when I think of my entire family, especially my 15 yo, my 3 yr, and my 6 mo, being inside of this van and people not gaining access to the inside to help them due to injuries, fire, water hazards, etc... I own a 2005 toyota 4runner and it appears to have the same switch. However, the rubber on the switch is perfectly fine and functions normally. There appears to have been a material change allowing the rubber to soften resulting in a potential safety hazard during the cold months. I spoke to our local toyota dealership and they are fully aware of this issue and said that toyota does not consider this to be a safety issue. Initially I thought the previous owner applied a solvent or something to soften the rubber. As I researched more on the internet, this issue applies to many toyota vehicles, with models including the sienna and the 4runner. The earliest model year that I can find for either model is 2007.

Filed Jun 7, 2013 · Engine · 51,303 miles · MN

While driving are 2008 sienna mini van with 51303 miles on it we had developed a sudden loss of oil from the engine. No check engine lights or warning lights came on notifying us that there was a problem. Observed that there was a large amount of oil loss in the driveway. Could track back where we were driving with the oil loss trail in the road. Did some research and learned that the engine in the sienna is that same as that in several other toyotas (avalons). I learned that there is a vvi oil line is faulty on the engine. Toyota used a rubber hose which results in failure which then results in engine damage due to the oil loss. Toyota recalled the same party on the avalon and is aware that this hose is bad and needs replacement. Toyota issued recall on the avalons but is not issuing a recall on the sienna. This is the same piece on the two vehicles. They then state that this hose with an average fails at 50-60000miles. They then stated that this hose is not covered under warranty. This hose bursting can cause engine damage and is also a safety issue. There needs to be a recall on this rubber oil hose on all vehicles. They know that this is a bad piece when talking with them. Also if it were to fail they then will state that since this hose caused the engine issues they will not cover it under warranty. This then results in people having to replace the engine in there vehicle for 5-10000dollars. When oil loss occurs it sprays every where getting on brakes, belts, and exhaust which could cause an accident and or fire. Also resulting in serious engine damage. Toyota know this vvi hose is bad and issued a recall on the same hose on the avalons. A five minute search on the internet will show you the issues with motor and vvi hose. A recall must be issued on all toyota vehicles with this motor which had the vvi oil hose. Thanks

Filed May 1, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 77,300 miles · GA

On a rainy sunday afternoon I was driving 65 MPH on the interstate when the check engine, vsc and trac off lights came on. The vehicle was taken directly to the dealer the next morning (69 additional miles were driven). When tested the code indicated to inspect the vvt-1 system, including the actuator bolts and alignment. Upon inspection (requiring the engine to be partially disassembled) it was determined that the vvti gear was coming apart causing debris to spread throughout the camshaft gears and housing only for cam bank 1. This is an obvious material quality defect and toyota's only statement is "we don't have a recall for this". My van is 90 days past the 5 year & 17,369 miles over the 60,000 warranty. (note: other manufacturer's offer a 100,000 powertrain warranty). This van has only been serviced by this dealer. This single repair bill is $4,295.00 with no guarantee the other cam bank won't do the same thing, requiring another high service bill. After 3 days of waiting for toyota to investigate, they only offered a goodwill contribution to the repairs of $2,400 ... But only after I submit paid receipts and then wait 10 weeks for them to reimburse me. They flat out refused to send the payment to the dealer. This is toyota's premier family vehicle and if the engine has seized while driving could have killed my family or someone else. I have driven toyota's for over 15 years and never heard of this kind of materials defect and then to be treated this poorly over a major safety issue that is a direct result of poor quality materials. I guess they would have been more interested if someone had died. I think everyone who owns a 2008 sienna should be aware that this model has a vvti gear material quality defect that can be expensive to repair or cause the engine to seize while driving and kill someone. Who knows if other 08 models are also affected.

Filed Dec 17, 2012 · Engine · 49,000 miles · NY

There was a pin hole puncture in the flexible material the oil cooler is made of. The result of this is that all the oil is forced out of the engine very quickly under high pressure. There was no warning until I heard engine noise. I had the van towed in and had the part replaced. The current factory authorized part is now made out of metal. The dealership then informed me that because of the failure of the part I would need a new engine.it will cost $10,000. I asked if there was anything I could have done differently to prevent this I was told no. My engine is still under warranty but the part that caused it is not. I realize parts break but this part is not a maintenance part and the expected outcome of its failure is engine replacement. This I have found from experienced auto people is common knowledge. I believe this is a defect that toyota knows about and is willing to ignore by invoking their warranty as a reason to allow this to happen to unsuspecting owners. Oh, when I contacted toyota for help with my $10,000 problem, they offered me dinner. At this point I own a $30,000 piece of junk ( I owe $20,000) none of this would have occurred if the part had been made out of metal originally or if there was some kind of safeguard built in to warn you of the potential problem. Unfortunately that is not the case. Please help.

Filed Sep 29, 2011 · Engine · 60,600 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota sienna. While driving 65 MPH, the contact stated that thea push rod fractured causing a hole in the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where he was informed to replace the engine. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 60,600. No repairs were performed.

Filed Jul 20, 2011 · Engine · 45,000 miles · ID

2008 toyota sienna with approx. 45k miles. Driving down highway after wedding. Traction control light comes on. A minute later, check engine light comes on. Half mile from exit, decide to take exit to see what's going on. As reach gas station right off exit, oil light comes on. Check oil and see no oil in engine. Oil splashed on tailgate. Determine oil flowing from engine. Toyota acknowledged problem with rubber oil hose and sent tow truck. Loss of all oil without indication until engine failure. Same v6 engine as recalled in camry and avalon. This is a serious problem requiring complete engine replacement. This is unsafe--sudden engine failure without indication at highway speeds and oil spill to exhaust components of engine could have caused accident or fire!