Most common 2003 Toyota Sienna problems
Share of the 105 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Sienna complaints by model year
Best Sienna years: 2020, 2019, 2018. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2011, 2008, 2007. Compare all years →
2003 Toyota Sienna recalls (1)
Structure
Toyota is recalling certain model year 1998 through 2010 sienna passenger vehicles manufactured between August 7, 1997 and January 4, 2010, currently registered in or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york,…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners with an interim letter initially instructing them to bring their vehicle to authorized dealers to inspect for corrosion. A second notice will be sent when the permanent remedy is available.
What 2003 Toyota Sienna owners say
Locks & latches all 21 →
Car: Toyota Sienna ce, 2003 re: latches, locks, linkage you have a number of complaints in your data base regarding latches, locks, linkage. On which I also have a complaint. I have a sticky (inside) door release button problem. When it is depressed, to open the door, the button will not return to its normal position resulting in not being able to keep the door closed (latches will not engage to hold the door shut). I also had this problem in 2005 (other sliding door), which was fixed under warranty (invoice #310955, 06dec05). Driving with the door un-latched is dangerous and is also a safety issue. Because of the many complaints filed under this heading (but unable to determine if sticky button was the real problem), in your data base, I would like to see Toyota fix this item if it is a problem. Dealer estimated cost to fix this problem is $170 (invoice #425596, 12nov08). …
My minivan passenger doors intermittently either fail to open or close properly. Most often the doors won't open and passengers cannot exit without crawling through to the other side or front. Occasionally the doors will not catch when closed, forcing me to drive slowly with hazards until it gets "unstuck". I've had these problems intermittently since the van was less the 1 year. The dealer has tended to blame me or make a repair which hasn't lasted. Most recently they replaced a door handle and supposedly adjusted a cable and told me the problem was fixed and guaranteed for 6 months and then wanted to charge for additional parts and service when brought back in 5 weeks later with ongoing problems. In reviewing your website this is a problem which has been reported by others. Sometimes the thumb piece sticks, other times the handle fails to open the door. …
Body & structure
My minivan passenger doors intermittently either fail to open or close properly. Most often the doors won't open and passengers cannot exit without crawling through to the other side or front. Occasionally the doors will not catch when closed, forcing me to drive slowly with hazards until it gets "unstuck". I've had these problems intermittently since the van was less the 1 year. The dealer has tended to blame me or make a repair which hasn't lasted. Most recently they replaced a door handle and supposedly adjusted a cable and told me the problem was fixed and guaranteed for 6 months and then wanted to charge for additional parts and service when brought back in 5 weeks later with ongoing problems. In reviewing your website this is a problem which has been reported by others. Sometimes the thumb piece sticks, other times the handle fails to open the door. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sienna. While driving approximately 45 MPH, an abnormal squeaking sound emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed that spare tire carrier assembly cable was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 10V160000 (structure); however, the recall part needed was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.
Brakes
Here is a list of mechanical malfunctions indicating manufacturing defects on my Toyota Sienna. The current models recalled by Toyota motors do not cover all vehicles with defects. Based on my personal experience in the past few years, Toyota motors have a lot of lying employees in their authorized dealership. In short, Toyota motors put their business interest way ahead of the life safety of American people. I hope national highway traffic safety administration will check this manner and enforce proper regulation. Updated 03/14/10 the consumer stated the engine would stall. The dealer replaced the upper radiator hose and coolant. The consumer also stated he had problems stopping the vehicle, which LED to an accident. Updated ivoq 10/12/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, she applied the brake and the pedal was locked. The failure recurred numerous times and the ABS brake light illuminated during the failure. Additionally, the wheels would seize at times, causing the vehicle to skid. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic four different times for a diagnosis, however the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 75,618.
2003 Toyota Sienna engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Toyota Sienna a good car?
Based on 105 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Sienna rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sienna at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Sienna?
The locks & latches — 21 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about doors › latch. Next are the body & structure (18) and brakes (13).
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Sienna have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Sienna, the most recent from April 20, 2010 (structure). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Sienna?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2019 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2006, 2011, 2008 and 2007. See the full Toyota Sienna years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Sienna problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 54,000 miles; 48% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.