Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Toyota Sienna: recalls and problems

9 recalls and 247 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags.

9recalls
247complaints
10crashes reported
4fires reported
13injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Air Bags83 · 34%
  • Structure72 · 29%
  • Unknown Or Other28 · 11%
  • Electrical System26 · 11%
  • Power Train17 · 7%
  • Steering15 · 6%
  • Wheels12 · 5%
  • Service Brakes11 · 4%
  • Vehicle Speed Control11 · 4%
  • Engine9 · 4%

What owners report

Structure

The automatic side doors of this toyota sienna le have malfunctioned twice between expensive repairs. when the hardware comes off the guide rail, it hits the window behind the door and shatters in covering the interior and occupants with glass. i had the window repaired after i had the door hardware replaced after its first failure in spring of 2024. the door gave no indication it was failed until i noticed the w

Structure

The contact owns a 2012 toyota sienna. the contact was unable to use the driver's side cargo door. the contact stated that the door was possibly frozen; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the door opened unexpectedly. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 16v858000 (structure); however, the vin was not associated with the recall. the dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. the

Engine

Coolant leaking from rear of the engine through the head gasket. vehicle struggles to accelerate beyond 55mph or 80kmph. a quick search on the internet shows that this is a frequent occurrence in this 3.5l v6 engine from toyota model years 2011 through 2017.

Steering

The battery light came on suddenly and the power steering went out making it extremely difficult to steer the vehicle. an accident was narrowly avoided. we replaced the battery, alternator, and serpentine belt. the problem resolved for over 6 months, then reappeared. it starts with no issue, is charging properly, the serpentine belt is intact. the power steering will come on and go off sporadically, the only warning

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Toyota Sienna VAN AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2012 Toyota Sienna VAN FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Sienna. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.