2017 Toyota Sienna transmission problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

I own a 2017 Toyota Sienna XLE Premium, FWD, 8-passenger,equipped with the UA80E automatic transmission. At approximately 150,000 miles, the transmission began making a whine in 3rd gear and higher, most noticeable under steady throttle and worse after the vehicle warms up. The sound appears to come from the transmission, but the exact failed component has not been confirmed. A drain and refill with Toyota ATF WS reduced the noise temporarily, but it returned after about 1,000 . The vehicle had approximately 156,000 miles when I last tracked the issue. I am concerned this may be an internal transmission bearing or other component failure. A transmission replacement or rebuild could cost thousands of dollars and Toyota has a ZJC but I’m told my vehicle isn’t covered although it fits the dates and requirements. I am reporting this issue to document the failure and ask the federal safety agency to investigate whether other 2017 Sienna vehicles equipped with the UA80E transmission experience similar whining or premature internal wear.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a whining noise was coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed of the extended coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Transmission · MI

Transmission has high pitch wine that is consistent and rises with speed... Toyota expains I have 500 to 5000 miles before carrier bearing completely fails... Toyota has an extended warranty for Sienna UA80e transmission in 2017/2018... The issue is exactly as they explain in their warranty extension for 10yrs, unlimited miles... My vin number did fall on their list... BUT it is the exact issue... It should be covered, especially since they know !!

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I, as well as other owners of 2017–2018 Toyota Highlanders and 2017–2018 Siennas are experiencing serious transmission issues—including high-pitched whining, erratic shifting, clunks, hesitation, and premature failure. My 2017 Toyota Sienna has the UA80 8-speed automatic transmission at issue and started whining upon acceleration in March/April 2026 timeframe. It has always had the clunking and hesitation problem. According to Gears Magazine, the issue stems from a flawed assembly process involving the counter drive gear support. A locking tab meant to secure a vital retaining nut was not bent properly during factory assembly. This leads to gear movement, internal wear, whining, and eventually failure. Unknown to me, in 2019, Toyota had acknowledged the problem in Technical Service Bulletins T-SB-0160-18, T-SB-0008-21, which only go to dealers, and implemented a limited Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC)—but only offered coverage to a narrow group of VINs, not to all VINs for model years that have these transmissions. My car is experiencing these same symptoms. My Toyota Dealer confirmed this problem and recommended a transmission replacement for $11,000 including labor. They said my VIN was not included in the Customer Support Program. Driving with a failing transmission is highly dangerous. A bad transmission can cause sudden power loss causing the car to halt to a sudden stop, unintended acceleration, or my car might get stuck in neutral while driving. I could lose control or be unable to get to the shoulder on the highway, cause a rear-end collision, or get stuck in busy traffic. DESIRED OUTCOME REQUEST: My VIN should be covered under the Customer Support Program in the category of cars that are “less than 10 years old regardless of mileage” or a full recall of all VINs of these model years with these transmissions should be executed. Thank you.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Transmission · MO

I have a 2017 Toyota Sienna XLE with about 120k miles on it. Out of nowhere the transmission was gear hunting and surging. It eventually became impossible to get it above 30 mph. It seemed like the transmission just went haywire. No lights on the dash let me know anything was wrong. Thankfully I had just pulled off the highway. Otherwise it could've been bad. I couldn't drive it safely so I had it towed to the nearest Toyota dealership. They said that the transmission needed to be replaced. $9k....

Filed Jun 5, 2026 · Transmission · NC

We experienced a high whine for a couple of months. No codes were being read by any mechanics. Then the transmission started slipping between 2nd and 3rd gears, and then we couldn’t reverse. Now it’s not switching gears at all. There is a recall for our year and type of transmission, for this issue, but our vin number is not included in that recall.

Filed May 25, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

I have a 2017 Sienna AWD with a UA80 Transmission and the Check AWD System light appeared. I was able to drive it to Towne Toyota in Ledgewood, NJ and they detected the Sienna having DTC Codes P07407E, P27137F and P27567F. They they recommended a transmission replacement costing $9260.84 before tax that I can't afford right now. I am still able to drive the Sienna but Towne Toyota said that the Transmission will eventually fail. After some research, I discovered there is "ZJC UA80 Warranty_Enhancement" by Toyota. I am troubled that the service folks in Towne Toyota did not make me aware of this program! I am afraid to drive the vehicle knowing that the Check Engine Light may reappear. Or worse, the transmission can completely fail unexpectedly that may prevent me or other vehicles from avoiding a collision. It could also strand me on a busy highway and can possibly put my family at risk.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The transmission went out. It wouldn't shift going 45-55 mph. We stopped at a light and put it into Park, then put it into drive but it wouldn't go. We were stuck at a light in traffic 10:30pm. We had to call 911 to get a cop to sit behind us so we wouldn't get hit. My wife, my 3 kids, and I were in the minivan. While waiting for the tow truck I saw on reddit that many 2017/2018 Toyota Sienna's had transmission problems. The vehicle is at Milton Martin toyota in Gainesville, GA. Toyota says it isn't covered by Bulletin ZJC. Toyota said the transmission is the issue.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Transmission is making a winning sound. Toyota had issued a Customer Support Program (Program ZJC/POL19-04) for some of that year but it seems to affect more than what they have allowed

Filed May 14, 2026 · Transmission · NC

I am writing to report a safety defect regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission in my 2017 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle exhibits severe hesitation during acceleration, harsh shifting, and a high-pitched whining noise, specifically consistent with the 'whine of death' described in Toyota's Customer Support Program ZJC and related Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0160-18.Despite these identical symptoms, my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the coverage list. This hesitation during acceleration creates a serious safety issue, as the car fails to accelerate unexpectedly when attempting to merge or cross traffic. My vehicle is equipped with the UA80F/E transmission, which is documented to have a faulty assembly (improperly bent washer tab). I request that the federal safety agency investigate the exclusion of my VIN from this program, as the defect poses a significant risk to passenger safety and the safety of others on the road.