Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
October 2016 this problem of my 2008 Toyota Sienna started- on slight curves doing 30-40mph I would hear a clicking noise coming somewhere underneath the front right end almost as if under the dash, the vsc light would flash. I took to a Toyota dealership, had a mechanic test drive with me they said the problem was that my tires werent aligned with my last tire change(which was done at their Toyota dealership) Toyota told me I needed to replace all the tires and have the wheels aligned. I did this, problem continued. I took my van in again to Toyota, they lied and told me I needed new brakes, and some other things I didnt need. Decided to get a 2nd opinion from 2 other auto shops and found out Toyota lied about the brakes, they were fine and they both were unable to find out my problem. I found this out going to 2 other auto shops asking for them to look into the original problem. …
When driving normally in dry conditions, the vehicle stability control engages when making slow turns at about 45 to 55 MPH. It happens mostly when steering to the right but can happen when turning left. This results in dangerous driving conditions where the brakes unexpectedly engage or the car down shifts to a lower gear. It has almost caused a wreck and has placed me and others in danger. The problem began about 2 to 3 years ago and has become progressively worse. Other owners of this make and model have reported similar issues without resolution by Toyota, dealers or auto repair shops. I am only able to resolve the issue by removing the fuse that controls the stability control system. See https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-c9152_ds656326 for one example of a discussion thread. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sienna. When the contact switched lanes or made a turn, the brakes activated on their own. The failure occurred on flat or curved roads and while driving 30 MPH. Sometimes the brakes worked properly, but sometimes they did not work at all. The contact also stated that the vehicle would occasionally accelerate and decelerate on its own and the steering wheel made an abnormal ticking noise. Furthermore, the vsc and traction control indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Toyota knoxville (10415 parkside dr, knoxville, tn 37922), but they did not assist. The vehicle was then taken to fox Toyota (228 fox family ln, clinton, tn 37716) where it was diagnosed that a steering angle sensor needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and provided a case number. The failure mileage was 170,000.
I was driving on the freeway at approximately 70mph on dry asphalt on a sunny day when the stability control warning light came on along with rapid beeping. What was the most concerning was that the breaks activated twice causing me to have a near panic attack and I didn't think I had control of the vehicle. After a few seconds, the beeping stopped and I had full control of the vehicle again. There was no apparent cause for these safety features to have been engaged and no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. This is not the only time it has happened but it was the scariest. The other times have been at slower speeds and the brakes don't always engage. I have read numerous posts online describing the same issue with other siennas and it doesn't seem like Toyota wants to do anything about this extremely hazardous issue.
When we go on curvy roads, a clicking starts. It sounds as if it is coming from under the dash near the steering. Once that starts up the traction control malfunctions. The warning alarm comes on and the brakes engage on their own. It doesn't seem to matter how fast or slow we take the curve. This started about a year ago and continues to get worse. I've taken it to the mechanic but he can't replicate the problem because the road are mostly straight there and they couldn't physically see anything wrong. For what its worth, the problem happens when the roads are dry or wet. The tires are good and so is the pressure. This seems to be a common problem in this model of car and especially this particular year. For examples: https://www.siennachat.com/threads/traction-control-malfunctioning.44474/
When driving on a back road under dry conditions, the traction control light will illuminate as well as an auditory warning. The brakes are also applied. This has happened several times now. Many others have had this problem and have been unable to resolve it. This could be dangerous if vehicles are following behind as the brakes are applied forcefully. This usually happens between 30-40 MPH on back roads, only on curves. However, the vehicle is going an appropriate speed for the corner, and there is no reason for this system to engage. The vsc warning light had been on, but had turned off as if the problem had fixed itself. The vsc light turned on on December 24th 2015 and turned off on December 26th, 2015.
We have a 2008 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle has 174,000 miles on it. The vsc icon comes on along with the alarm when driving on dry roads and when turning whether on flat or downhill travel with the brakes grabbing and releasing. The situation is unpredictable. Problem started at approximately 173,000. The slip indicator light started coming on intermittently while turning on highways etc. Please make this serious recall for Toyota. You need to force Toyota to take this seriously before someone loses a life. [redacted]
While driving the vehicle at higher speeds (greater than 40 MPH) around curves, the skid indicator sensor will occasionally trigger even on dry pavement where no slipping is happening. The car will automatically decelerate and brake momentarily. There is often a clicking sound in the steering column as well. The vsc warning light occasionally comes on too. Mechanics on multiple occasions have not been able to figure out what is causing the problem. However, based on research at Toyota blogs, it appears that other Toyota Sienna drivers have experienced this same issue.
While driving on a slope, incline or decline, my traction control light ( car with squiggles behind it) comes on, a loud 'beep beep beep' sounds, and my car brakes on its own. Always happens while in motion. Highway driving. 90 percent of the time while on an incline or decline. It scares the heck out of you causing an unsafe condition. Additionally, when the brakes apply, it pulls you out of your lane. The first occurrence was 3 weeks ago. Has happened multiple times since. It doesn't seem to be intermittent anymore. You can count on it happening when your on a slope.
The traction control, stability, and ABS engage in turns (steering input) ranging from speeds of 25-55 MPH. It happens on flat surfaces, inclines and declines. The turn range from sharp turns to slight turns that there is no reduction of speed to navigate the turn. When it occurs the vehicle rapidly decelerates and pulls to the right. When trying to accelerate in a turn the vehicle will not accelerate until there is no steering input. Dealers and mechanics can not determine the cause. It has been occurring daily for about 6 months. This has caused many near crashes.
Traction Control complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2008 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2008 Toyota Sienna, 7% of the model year's 429 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Sienna traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2008 Toyota Sienna, though it has 9 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 2008 Toyota Sienna traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 135,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to stability & traction control 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.