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 2013 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 83,535, and after researching the Carfax Report, the contact discovered that the mileage was 332,216.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 100,000 and at the time of checking the insurance, it was discovered that the mileage was 207,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Sienna. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 146,377. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 34,428, but the Carfax mileage was 238,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,800 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 260,000.
After a big snow storm I cleaned the car off and warmed it up, then tried to open the passenger side power door from the inside side with the button. The passanger side would not open (driver's side did) so I tried to open it manually from the outside and then the inside. It would not open at all. Then as I was driving, the car started beeping and the 'door open' icon lit up on the dashboard. I stopped the car and again tried to manually push the door shut as it appeared to be slightly ajar at this point. It seemed to close but the light and beep stayed on for my 10 minute drive home. When I got home I inspected more and noticed a wire for the power door had snapped at some point, I assume from the cold because it was operable the evening before. …
After driving the vehicle to the gas station and filling up with gas, the van would not restart. When the start button was pressed, it would just click, after several attempts it was determined that at least the battery was dead. This all happened in 5 degree weather. In an attempt to open the drivers side rear, unlocked sliding power door, it would not open. My wife was unable to open the door to get our 18 month old out of a cold car. In a panic, she had to climb over the center console from the drivers seat to pull him out, and then climb back over to exit the vehicle. When the van was finally jump started and brought to the dealer, they replaced the battery, and just shrugged off the fact that the door wouldn't open when the battery is dead. This is a huge safety concern for us. …
Brakes locked up while trying to leave a parking lot. Many warning lights came on including vsc, ABS, and traction control and the computer said needs immediate service. The Toyota service manager said they've never seen this and that the actuator needs replaced. I've noted that there are 2 other instances of this issue and hope that this safety issue will be investigated. The NHTSA campaign number: 14V054000 that discusses: "an electrical component within the actuator May experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the vehicle stability control (vsc) system, antilock brake system (ABS), and traction control system." I've had this happen three times over the past four months. I've taken it to the shop and they've reset the code and could not find the issue. It keeps coming back. …
I received a recall regarding the sliding doors on my Toyota needing to be repaired due to an electrical defect that could cause them to open while underway. This problem actually occurred on one occasion so I immediately contacted the dealer and brought my vehicle in for repair. Once I arrived I was told the repair could not be made as I had a bruno swing out handicapped seat installed on the passenger side for my wife. I was told the seat would have to be removed and the vehicle returned to its original condition before they would make the repair. I feel it is their defect and their problem and cannot afford to have the seat removed so they can remedy their mistake.
Power doors stopped working and are stuck open. They stick open with my kids in the back and I was driving home. I've owned this car for 44 days. Moyer just quit door is stuck halfway. Thank god we got home safe!!! Less then 90000 miles and the car is unusable. Door became stuck when we pulled over on side of the road to adjust my sons car seat( buckles where not right enough) when I went to close it the door wouldn't budge. We where on a busy street. My husband them got out and had to force the door into s semi closed position and stayed in the back holding it until we could get to a side road. I then called for a ride.
Smelled burning or smoldering inside of vehicle while driving. After stopping to inspect, noticed that a wire for sliding electric door was just hanging (drivers side exterior of rear quarter panel). The wire was burned and was just hanging there. The electric sliding door would not work afterwards. Took siena to Toyota dealership and was advised that there is some type of warranty affecting the doors but they didn't know what it involved. They advised no further information was available. Toyota did not advise of any known dangers known to them if any.
Electrical complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Toyota Sienna, 12% of the model year's 183 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Toyota Sienna electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Toyota Sienna, though it has 6 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 2013 Toyota Sienna electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.