2011 Toyota Sienna: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~204,800 Incident Date: [XXX] Recent Service: Oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and multipoint inspection performed on November 10, 2025 at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg (Maryland). Description of the Defect: On [XXX] while driving with my child in the vehicle, my 2011 Toyota Sienna experienced a sudden and dangerous failure. A strong burning smell entered the cabin, the ABS warning light illuminated, and then wheels locked up while the vehicle was in motion. At the same time, the steering wheel locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer. The engine immediately lost power and shut down in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed. This failure occurred four days after dealership service at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg, which included an oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The dealership initially claimed the failure was due to a “dead battery,” and the following day changed the explanation to a “shorted alternator.” A weak battery or alternator failure does not explain a mechanical wheel lock or steering wheel lock while driving. The dealership has refused to provide diagnostic documentation or photographs of the components involved. This incident presents a significant safety hazard, and if it had occurred at highway speeds, it could have resulted in a severe crash. I am reporting this to request investigation into a potential safety defect involving the steering system, braking/ABS system, electrical system, or related components. Safety Risk: High. Loss of steering control + wheel lock + engine shutdown presents an immediate crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 11, 2023 · Engine · IN

Driving down highway noticed white smoke coming from car. Exited highway and warning light then came on saying engine oil low. Stopped van immediately on side of the road and had it towed. Appears the oil coolant line burst which is a known issue on these vehicles after google searching, but was never made aware. Always completed all recalls. Extremely dangerous especially with children in car.

Filed Sep 4, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 110,000 miles · VA · fire

My van cut on fire last saturdar, september 1st 2019. For no apparently reason. I drove about 5 miles from my house to the grocery store, when I notice the smoke, I first though was the car in front of me. But was smoke coming from my hood. I was just about to stop at a stop sigh and I look the temperature gate and it was fine, turn of the car and people from the parking lot was already yelling for me to get out of the car. More than 2/3 of the van was totally destroyed in the fire.

Filed Nov 5, 2018 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · NY · fire

While parked in my driveway, having been driven two hours before, my van caught on fire in the engine compartment. It burned for an unknown amount of time before we were alerted. The electrical system was disabled by the fire causing the two back sliding doors to become inoperable. The van can seat 6 people in the rear passenger compartment and they would be unable to exit the van except by going through the front doors. Even now that it is after the fire, we are still unable to open them, from inside, outside, or with any of the buttons.

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Engine · 200,000 miles · IN

Driving city street ruptured rubber cooling line hose to engine... Smoke pouring from vehicle no oil left... No warning light on dash. Towed to butler toyota last month oil change at this same dealer today rubber line replaced with a metal hose costing me $496.00.. Toyota corporation needs to refund this to me and all of the other sienna owners who have had this experience.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Engine · 33,000 miles · NV · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, all the warning lights illuminated. After driving for 15 minutes, the vehicle stalled and smoke was coming out of the hood. The engine was on fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2013 · Electrical · 52,000 miles · GA · fire

While driving down the road in the van with 7 elderly people it caught on fire and smoke came into the cabin via A/C vents. I pulled over and all 7 of us scrambled to get out of the van. Fire was pouring out from underneath and black smoke out of the hood. Within about 20 seconds after we got out, the van was fully engulfed in fire. The van was totally destroyed and only the metal frame was left. The fire investigator hired by my insurance company believes the fire started in the ECM. There were no warnings at all except the smoke in the cabin and from under the hood. We were extremely lucky to get out alive as we are all over 75 yrs old and not all of us in great health. The van is a total loss and my toyota is aware of the event and a claim number assigned to us.

Filed Jul 22, 2013 · Electrical · 24,000 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota sienna. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door caught on fire. The fire spread to the fuel tank and flames quickly engulfed the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not inspected. In addition, the contact stated that the security system would sporadically sound prior to the fire incident. The vehicle was not inspected too determine the cause of the fire. The failure and the current mileage was 24,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2012 · Engine · 6,100 miles · IA · fire

The vehicle caught on fire after driven for approximately 5 miles and parked for several minutes. It only had about 6,100 miles and purchased new 9 months ago. The fire caused total loss to the vehicle and everything inside including the child seats and stroller was permanently damaged by heat and smoke. According to the incident report from fire department, it appears that the fire ignited at the upper left corner (passenger side) of the engine bay. No evidence or indication of incendiary fire was found.

Filed Jun 26, 2010 · Engine · 225 miles · PA · fire

2011 toyota sienna van with 220 miles on it caught fire in my driveway 2 minutes after parking it there. No warning lights or anything. Vehicle is a total loss, no response from toyota for over two weeks, owned the brand new van for less than a week. A cause and effect investigator hired by my ins co found the problem to be a faulty fan wire that shorted out. Extensive damage to my house and landscaping as well. Burned out van still sitting in my driveway causing danger with broken glass and soot to my children and pets. Unable to get any response what so ever from toyota. The dealership has been extremely helpful.