Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Started to get clunking/rattling noises on highway that sounded like it was coming from front left driver's side. Reduced speed to 50 MPH. About 5 miles from home brake light came on. Pulled over and found brake fluid leaking around front drivers side tire (about 9 pm). Slowly drove to mechanic about 2 miles away and left car overnight. Returned next morning and examined brake fluid reservoir. Found very little fluid in reservoir - distributed across the entire bottom. Mechanic reported the front strut mounting failed (apparently a problem with these cars). After failing the strut punctured the bottom of the brake fluid reservoir (about 3/8" hole) at one of the corners (see photo) allowing the fluid to drain. Should I have lost almost all fluid with a 2 circuit braking system? Does the reservoir have an internal baffle to prevent almost total lose of fluid? …
My wife was driving on I-5 on our 1998 Toyota Sienna van, when the brakes got locked-up and we started skidding. The vehicle went out of control and swerved to to the median and collided with the cable divider. We all survivived because of the cable, the van is still in body shop. I am worried about the safety of its brake system and the related parts.
I have had multiple problems with both sliding doors on my minivan. I had rattles fixed on 3 separate occassions and recently took the van in because the driver side sliding door would not open without putting the weight of my body behind it. The dealer shrugged it off by saying there was a coke spilled in the door. The dealer cleaned "the coke" and the door is still sticking shut. Now the tailhatch handle has broken off and I can no longer open the tailgate. I have also had problems with the suspension. The van feels like the front wheels are pulling to one side. I have had it aligned on numerous occasions and the dealer says there is nothing wrong. The other day it felt like the front wheel was going to fall off. I have also had the brakes worked on (at my expense) because the dealer said I left the parking brake on all the time. …
Front brakes with loud grinding noise especially bad when applied going downhill. Dealer says all the toyotas do that! This is my third Toyota vehicle and have experienced the same problem with brakes on all three vehicles. Guess this will be my last Toyota! Worried about brakes possibly failing as it "takes too long for braking to be effective". This has been a problem since aprx. 12,000 miles! Brakes have been checked and are at 70% (30% worn). The rt. Side passenger sliding door is difficult to open from the inside, and when finally open, difficult to get it to lock in place (kids can't do it) I have to slam it back really hard to get it to lock in open position to avoid slamming shut on us! It also rattles while driving. The electrical system intermittenly stops working correctly, driver unable to control passenger-side windows and locks. …
The motor acutator for the ABS system was found to be defective as indicated by a ABS warning light. The dealer said the item was not covered under the warranty and the cost to repair was $1300.00 for part and $300.00 for labor. The dealer indicated that I would have no ABS on the vehicle but that it was safe to drive. I spoke with a service representative named mark. I think that the ABS system is a safety device and should be fixed by the manufacturer. I am seriously concerned that if this system decides to malufundtion because of a defective part that the vehicles brakes could be affected causing a serious wreck and putting my family in harms way.
Loud front brake 'grinding' noise when braking hard or moderately hard from 15-20 MPH down to a full stop. Began at 5,000 miles or so and does not seem to effect the ability to stop the vehicle. I've spoken with the dealer who indicates there is a fix in the form of new brake pad material but that it's not yet available. The visual inspection did not revela anything unusual. I've contaced the manufacturer and there is a service bulletin (TSB# br006-98) that I couldn't find on this web site. I don;t think this is a saftey issue but I impatiently await the new parts.
The brakes have made lots of noise since 1 month after purchase.we heard popping noises, sounds like a spring unloading, snapping sounds. Dealer (classic Toyota, waukegan, illinois.) has attempted to repair 3 times. Latest fix stopped popping snapping noises but now the ABS system engages without need, the brakes moan and make new noises. We havent experienced failure, yet. I looked up registered complaints and many have experienced failure. We are taking the van back for the 4th time Friday 2-24-00.
I am curious if any reports about potential brake problems have been submitted. I have my brakes checked frequently as they squeak continuously and don't seem to stop the vehicle as they should. There is also a pulling to the right side when braking at any speed, worse at higher speeds. I have been told by a local dealer that there are no recalls, yet have heard from others that there has been. A search here turned up nothing. I am just trying to keep my family safe. Thank you.
Brakes have been noisy since the car was purchased. They have also been spongy and needed a lot of pressure to stop. The front discs were resurfaced and pads were replaced when the car was 7 months old! The noise continued, the car pulses when I try to stop and at 54,000 miles the front rotors are warped. I drive mainly on flat roads and don't ride my brakes. The rotors should not have warped! 1998 siennas clearly have brake problems and it's time Toyota addressed this issue properly!
At all times when applying brakes they would make a high pitch/grinding noise. Did not affect stopping. Took vehicle to dealer, and was informed that entire braking needed to be replaced. Consumer was also informed that replacement parts are defectively designed, consumer stated that the backing plate is too thin and defective. Left front rear wheel lug nut was cross threaded. Knocking noise from the right front when going over bumps, dealer replaced strut mounts.
Brake complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Toyota Sienna, 15% of the model year's 294 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Toyota Sienna brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Toyota Sienna, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Toyota Sienna brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.