Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Sienna. While the ignition was off and the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled away independently. Once the vehicle was stopped, the gear shifter was still in the park position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
I backed down the driveway. There was a trash can in the way at the bottom of the driveway, so I put the car in park and hopped out to move the can. I turned to get back in the car and found it moving forward up the driveway. I chased the car up the driveway. It ran over a joggerbuggy and struck a retaining wall before I was able to get into it and stop it.
I am second owner of Toyota Sienna, 2000 .I bought at 32000 miles. Toyota has recall on extended transmission warranty (service bulletin tc03014) . Yesterday I was on the way to airport and sitting at a stop light and try to go when the light turned green, the car had some noise coming from it and it didn't moving , I tried different gears and it still didn't move. I was not able to park. Car was moving back so I put safety brake on and I had to tow the car to dealership where it was bought by first owner, next day they call me and tell me it has problem with transmission. I tell them last year when I serviced my car for 36K service to check my car for transmission but they tell me it has no problem related to that, also I give them extended warranty recall letter. Now this car has only 47K miles but just pass period by two months only . …
While driving on I-95 at 75-80 MPH, the transmission all of the sudden stopped working. The engine races when gas pedal depress and no transmission engagement right in the middle of the highway. Luckily, was able to weave out of harms way and coast to an exit and enough speed to stop at a gas station. Call for tow truck and towed into o'steen Toyota @ brunswick. Long weekend preventing any car rental (all closed) and ended up taking a taxi (58 miles away) all the way to jacksonville airport for a car rental to go back to melbourne, fl. To take on vacation the next day. Car left at o'steen and was told a re-manufactured transmission is replaced and possible thought of pinion gear failure. Since they cannot open up the transmission for any detail look at failure. Serious accident can occur in this kind of failure. …
The vehicle (2000 Toyota Sienna) was stopped on a residential street and I shifted the vehicle from drive to park. The shifter sheared off the steering column. Upon taking off the steering column cover, I noticed the shifter had broken off the column in three areas where it is attached to the aluminum housing that surrounds the steering column. I could not remove the key nor drive the car from the stopped location. The Sienna was located in the middle of a residential street. I was able to get the vehicle towed to a dealership. The dealership indicated that Toyota had made two revisions to this part and it was a known problem, however it had not been recalled. I believe this piece broke due to metal fatigue and potentially could cause a serious accident if this were to happen on an arterial or if someone were to shift from drive to the lower gears while under movement.
The latest incident occurred at a stop light, on a 50 MPH road, car transmission slipped twice, and then would not move. This is the third transmission. I bought it new from walnut creek Toyota, a 2000 Sienna. At 6000 miles, at 70 MPH on the freeway, the transmission grabbed the car throwing the four of us into another lane.it was replaced. At 53,000 or 47000 on the new transmission it began to grind and it was again replaced. 12,000 later at 65,000. The last incident occured. Toyota of walnut creek has stated that they will replace the transmission again. My concern is that there is a defect in the vehicle causing it to shread the transmissions. I no longer feel safe driving this car because the new transmission will fail again and this time there May be an accident. I feel the car has lost all its value.
2000 Toyota Sienna 75000 miles frequent and timely oil changes/maintenance schedules adhered to after hearing a grinding sound after dropping my daughter off at the day care, the van sounded and felt like something broke. It began to jerk forward and I pulled over to the side of the road. We had it towed from this location and we were told by longmont Toyota that we needed the transmission replaced. I find it hard to believe after maintaining the maintenance schedule and normal wear and tear that the transmission has gone out at 75000 miles. At this time we are contacting Toyota for resolution. I see that there are other problems associated with this vehicle and wonder why information has not been provided to the public. This is a safety concern for those consumers who own the 2000 Toyota Sienna. Ts
Premature automatic transmission failure. My Sienna was making a whining noise at low speeds. Took to dealer and found out I would need a new transmision. Warranty expired at 60,000 - transmission failed at 67,000. Shards of metal present in drip pan. Vehicle was well-maintained and serviced at Toyota dealer at specified service intervals. I am just lucky it did not freeze up while driving on the highway like so many others have experienced. There is a problem with transmissions in 2000 siennas as is evidenced by all the comments and complaints on various internet sites. Dealer and manufacturer rep did get the price down significantly; however, I feel the manufacturer has a defect and should issue a recall or re-imburse all the people who have experienced this problem.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that her vehicle sporadically loses all electrical power in the interior and exterior. While driving approximately 40 MPH, she heard a loud revving noise that grew progressively worse. One week later, she took her vehicle to the dealer for a routine inspection and they stated that there was a voluntary recall for the transmission, but she missed it by four months. She is in the process of having her vehicle repaired. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 73,000.
Fluid leak around the transmission pan gasket. Repaired 3 times by 2 different Toyota dealers. Easy job but maybe it is a deeper problem? Transmission did not shift when cold for about 2 miles after the first and second time it was "fixed." after the third time trying to stop the oil leak, they adjusted the throttle cable and now it seems to shift more normally in cold mornings. Since new, the left sliding manual door was hard to open from the inside. After 2 trips for "adjustments" the door is opening correctly.
Transmission complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Toyota Sienna, 18% of the model year's 363 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (47 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota Sienna transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Toyota Sienna, though it has 1 recall 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 2000 Toyota Sienna transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.