2008 Toyota Sienna visibility problems

Filed Nov 11, 2023 · Visibility · TN

The material used by Toyota to manufacture the dash is breaking down. Toyota is aware of this issue due to cracking and offered a limited extended warranty which I never received any notification (and many others did not per Toyota's chat forum). Cracking I can deal with. But now the material is continuing to break down and a thick sticky liquid is separating and rising to the surface creating a terrible sheen. When exposed to direct sunlight the visibility through the front windshield is dangerously low. The road basically disappears. I brought this to the attention of Toyota Brand Engagement Center on Nov. 10. 2023 (File #231110000552). I requested Toyota do the right thing, update their response policy, and authorize a dash replacement at a local Toyota dealership, but they refused based on the response policy they had established many years ago even after I explained the situation is not just cosmetic any longer. I explained the sudden loss of visibility and how incredibly dangerous and frightening it was, but they still refused to address the issue, so I am forced to bring this to your attention. Based on the Toyota's forum this is a widespread issue through several model years. Based on my experience I am confident there will be many accidents due to this manufacturing defect. Please investigate and request Toyota do the right thing to protect their customers.

Filed Jan 25, 2020 · Body, Visibility · 60,000 miles · AL

Inside dashboard is very sticky and always shows a glare onto the windshield while driving (safety issue); the dashboard during the summer time is very malleable, if you gently press on it, it moves as if it was melting slowly. This has been like this for a few years, when I contacted toyota they said there was a replcement program for this in which owners were notified in 2015 and expired on 2018, I explained we never received this notice as we are at the same address since 2000 and are the original new owners of the van, they did not agree to replace as the program had expired. I explained the safety risk not to mention its a know issue, they said you didn't respond in time so they will not pay to have it replaced. The supervisor was rude and said the same thing.

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Visibility · 175,000 miles · PA

The dashboard of my car becomes sticky and shine on the eyes during hot sunny days. I received a letter from toyota that it will be covered by warranty till 10 years but for my vehicle the warranty had expired. When I called toyota they say that is a regular wear and tear and since the warranty had expired they will not cover it. This is a manufacturing defect that causes a safely issue due to the glaring effect while driving on hot sunny days. This should be more of a recall than a regular wear and tare, I have not experienced this issue with my other car that is older than my toyota sienna.

Filed Aug 21, 2018 · Visibility · 160,000 miles · MD

The sunroof spontaneously burst while driving straight at highway speed on I-76 outside of pittsburgh. It was not hit by any object. The glass appeared to burst upward.

Filed Jul 21, 2018 · Visibility · 145,000 miles · MA

On july 19, 2018 afternoon, my wife drove her 2008 toyota sienna home on a local street in great boston area, the passenger side mirror suddenly explored when the car was in motion. Since the windows were opened, broken glasses flew inside the car and spread. Fortunately, no body sit on the front passenger side and nobody was directly hurt by the accident, it was very dangerous since my 2-year old son sit behind his mom. I wonder if this kind accident was reported previously and what is the cause. Note, outside temperature was about 80 f on that day.

Filed Jul 9, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 198,554 miles · TN

The vsc and traction control system and slip indicator warning lights come on around curves just as the front wheels grab. I have taken it to several mechanic s and toyota dealership and they said nothing shows up on the dynastic test machine. So, it seems to me that this is hazardous situation and records show I hold toyota responsible for my family's safety and well-being. [xxxx] parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Visibility · CA

Bought the car brand new from toyota dealer, the second year we noticed the passenger sliding door will not open during cold days when you pull the handle from the outside. We took it in to get inspected, service manager told us everything was fine. But it still experience the same problem. This year, we noticed the front windshield started to get blurry. First we though the window was dirty, so we tried to clean it with windex many times, it still the same. So nothing we can do. Especially when we drive for a long time, we will feeling dizzy. We contacted toyota (case number 1806052799), they said there is no recall and since the car is out of warranty, they will not replace it, even though the front windshield is original. This is clearly a manufacturer defects.

Filed Dec 8, 2012 · Body, Visibility · 25,000 miles · OH

Last june 2012 I was backing my vehicle in my home driveway when the rear hatch window suddenly exploded, showering large and small shards of glass outwards with enough force that glass particles were found approx. 15 ft. Behind the vehicle! The inside rear of the vehicle was filled with large and small shards, and broken and hanging glass was left in the window frame. When this was reported to the toyota dealer, their rep replied that he had never heard of such an event occurring with a toyota, and implied that I had broken the window by accident. Since my warranty doesn't cover glass, I turned in a claim to allstate insurance($100 deductible) and the window was repaired. On 11/08/2012 I was driving approx. 25 MPH on a city street when the same window exploded with enough energy to produce a loud "bang!" I again turned in a claim to allstate($100 deductible, again!) and the window was repaired. While waiting at the repair shop, I asked the glass technician if he was aware of any similar incidents with toyota windows. He replied, "oh yes," and told me that he had just repaired a similar window on a toyota owned by a kirtland, ohio police officer, among others! I feel that this is a serious safety defect that should be investigated immediately, before someone gets severely injured!

Filed Jun 1, 2010 · Body, Visibility · 27,300 miles · CA

Sunroof glass shattered while driving on the freeway with no apparent reason (no collision, no bad road condition).

Filed Oct 8, 2009 · Visibility · 33,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota sienna. The vehicle was parked when the rear passenger vent window blew out due to excessive strong winds. There were no prior warnings or injuries. An authorized dealer was notified and the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 33,000. Updated 11/10/09 *cn the consumer stated the dealer denied warranty claim. Updated 11/13/09