Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Horn will not work in the rain or when you drive in water. It takes about a day for the horn to dry out for the horn to work at all. People could get killed when the horn will not work in the rain or water. Toyota needs to have a recall now to save the lives of millions of men, women and children in the USA.
The left and right rear passenger doors failed to open due to breakage of the cable. I am uncertain of whether the child safety locks were engaged, however, the doors will not open wider than approx. 6". Rear passengers had to crawl out of the van via the driver's or front passenger door. I am elated that the failure of the doors did not occur during a hazardous condition, since this would have placed the rear occupants in extreme danger. If Toyota and NHTSA was aware that there is a failure in the cables and the manual release of the rear doors, there should have been a safety alert and/or recall of the vehicles for repair of the vans. The failure of the doors is not simply a matter of cosmetic issues, it is potentially hazardous and life threatening. At a minimum, the doors should have allowed for manual opening and closing, if the cables should break. …
Our 2001 Toyota Sienna has problem with the entire electrical system. The lights, interior and exterior, as well as all electrical outlets pulsate. They continuously fluxuate from dim to bright. There are even times when I have it on cruise and press on the brake that the radio goes off temporarily. Toyota has attempted to fix it but now they tell us that this is common with the siennas and avolans that have automatic climate control. They tell us that this is not a safety issue that I just need to drive it as is. We certainly disagree. Since this effects the entire electircal system, we are concerned that we May have a complete power failure while traveling. We also, are concerned since this is an electrical malfunction, we do not want to ever experience an electrical fire. Finally, we are concerned about driving at night with lights that rapidly fluxuate between dim and normal. …
2001 Toyota Sienna le, purchased new, started having problems. "check engine" light came on when vehicle had approximately 25,000 plus/minus miles. Under warranty, Toyota dealership replaced the oxygen sensor without a charge. However, during this process, the "beep" signal you hear when locking-unlocking the vehicle with remote key was disappeared. This is also fixed under warranty. The "check engine" light came on again when the vehicle had about 35,000 miles. Toyota dealership said it is due to a dirty vacuum hose, they cleaned it with a charge little over $100.00. The next day the "check engine" light came on again, this time the Toyota dealership said they need to replace the charcoal canister (parts free, but we have to pay labor--about $100.00). This thing causes extreme mental distress, time, money, security etc.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the brakes were depressed with the vehicle turned off. He then shifted into reverse and the vehicle began to roll backward. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle until it stopped. In addition, the driver side running board melted and fractured in several places. The dealer advised that they were unable to replace the running board because it was no longer in stock. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 113,770. Updated 11/15/10 the dealer was able to duplicate, but was unable to solve it. Updated 11/26/10
2001 Sienna bought new from dealer. Driver side passenger power slide door had problems with 'switch' and ECU 8/2002, 11/2003, 1/2004, 7/2004, 7/2006 4/2007. Those are just the times I brought it in. Other times I just let it go for a while. Toyota fixed part until warranty was up. Now they want me to pay to replace the parts -- parts that continue to fail. Sliding door either does not open via power button, or will not close all the way. Safety issue when can not get door to close all the way. Now the other power slider door is also not working. I wrote to Toyota 5/2007, they never even acknowledged my letter.
The steel cable for the power sliding door snapped while door was being opened electronically. The right side sliding door was unable to open wider than a foot since the cable snapped while in operation. Passengers, including children, had to exit the parked vehicle through the driver's side sliding door into oncoming traffic. The door remained inoperable until we were able to cut the remaining length of steel cable hanging from the vehicle onto the roadway with wire cutters. The door now is a manual sliding door until the entire motor and steel cable system can be replaced.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sienna. While the contact was driving approximately 40 MPH, the horn was engaged and failed to function. The failure occurred fifteen minutes after the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was inspected by two independent mechanics. The contact was informed that the electrical components under the air bag required replacement. The failure continued to occur. The vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 87,000. The current mileage was 93,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the passenger's side sliding door warning lamp illuminated indicating that the door was ajar. The contact mentioned that the failure drained the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the sliding door electronic control unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 32,231 and the current mileage was 34,451.
Complaint regarding the 2001 Toyota Sienna driver's side door continuously opens and closes. The only way to stop the door was to disengage the power and close it manually. The dealer determined that the motor that operates the power door and the ECU needed to be replaced at a cost of $1939. The manufacturer has agreed to assist with the cost of the repair, however the consumer's portion is still quit costly.
Electrical complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Toyota Sienna, 11% of the model year's 180 complaints. The component named most often is starter assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Sienna electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2001 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 2001 Toyota Sienna electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
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.