Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 8% | 28,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% | 7,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% | 10,000 miles |
| 2017 | 11 | 7% | 15,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | 14,000 miles |
| 2015 | 18 | 8% | 33,000 miles |
| 2014 | 10 | 6% | 60,000 miles |
| 2013 | 12 | 7% | 72,000 miles |
| 2012 | 11 | 4% | 42,000 miles |
| 2011 | 32 | 5% | 19,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 6% | 57,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 4% | 47,000 miles |
| 2008 | 43 | 10% | 63,000 miles |
| 2007 | 27 | 7% | 59,000 miles |
| 2006 | 73 | 7% | 105,000 miles |
| 2005 | 68 | 6% | 88,000 miles |
| 2004 | 88 | 4% | 95,000 miles |
| 2003 | 13 | 12% | 20,000 miles |
| 2002 | 24 | 13% | 52,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 11% | 72,000 miles |
| 2000 | 39 | 11% | 75,000 miles |
| 1999 | 15 | 7% | 56,000 miles |
| 1998 | 44 | 15% | 106,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle skidded. The ABS warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a speed sensor short circuit on the front passenger's side, and that the brake actuator was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. The VIN was not available.
The brake peddle is too small, it feels like my foot is going to come off of it or miss it. Some time's I lose a second or two trying to locate it with my foot, very frightening, and dangerous Every vehicle I have ever owned had a brake peddle twice that size. Yes it's a mini van, but the brake peddle does not need to be mini. This vehicle can carry 8 adults with lots of extra room, it should not even be classified a mini van. The brake peddle is less then 4 inches wide. Please look into this dangerous issue. Photos attached.
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the brake pedal was rigid. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving. The brake warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer she purchased the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer who sold her the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 14,500.
Parked the car on an incline (our driveway) like we have a 100 times before. Went inside to unload groceries. Came back to the car and from the passenger seat reached over to press the auto-off button. When that was pressed the car started to roll down our driveway with our daughter in the back seat. It rolled across the street, hit the side of our neighbors house, and landed in the woods. My wife sustained major injuries to her arms, legs, hands, and back. She was also 9 months pregnant. Toyota dealership says there's nothing wrong after a 30 minute inspection.
The contact called on behalf of his mother who owns a 2015 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while his mother was driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. Both the contact's mother and the other driver received assistance from emergency units. The contact's mother sought medical assistance and was informed that she had sustained soreness in the neck muscle. The contact was unsure whether the other driver sustained any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was then towed to an autobody shop but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. …
I have had this car for 7 years. Started having issues a year ago and despite bringing it to Toyota 2x, they cannot tell me what the issue is. I will be driving on a regular flat paved road when the car will suddenly brake and pull me towards the side of the road. I get the ABS code sometimes and also the slip indicator light. I've explained this each x I've brought it in and they have told me it's due to me "driving too fast" or "accidentally having my foot on the brake." LOL I am a typical soccer mom and drive conservatively and don't brake when I don't have to. It will do it on curving roads as well as straight roads. When this happens, it is terrifying! I have gone to different mechanics as well and no one can determine this issue. I've replaced the ABS sensors on this and am still having this issue. …
On 8/2/18, while driving my 2014 Toyota Sienna van, bought new from a local dealer with appr. 89,000 miles and meticulously maintained for all service, I was driving on a city street when the brakes failed after pumping them three times. The brake failure caused my vehicle to rear-end the vehicle I was following. No injuries, but the van was totaled. No citation was issued by norman, OK. Police, accident report #2018-57682. Passengers in my van witnessed the brake failure.
Vehicle was stationary, bought from the dealership in feb (present month: sept). Less than 53K. One day instrument cluster was clear, drove home in the rain. The next morning I went out to go to work the speedometer was non-functional, ABS, vsc, trac, EPS lights were all on and the exclamation mark was lit also. The car ran fine. At the dealership now; dealership says that it is the ABS actuator. It's "bad." how does the ABS actuator of a car that isn't five years old "bad?" they say it will cost $3258.04 to fix ...and of course, out of warranty. This doesn't make sense and seeing that Toyota had over 600,000 cases in the past of bad actuators, I believe this is a case into which should be looked.
Related recalls (4)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2012-2018 AMS Genesis wheelchair vans, built on a Toyota Sienna vehicles. The rubber brake hoses that attach to the rear wheel assembly may be too short, causing them to rub against the rear axle trailing arm.
Remedy: Vantage will notify owners, and dealers will install a set of rear brake hoses that will provide the proper clearance, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2019.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Toyota Sienna mobility van conversions. The brake lines may have incorrect tube nut fittings installed, which may cause a pressure drop within the braking system.
Remedy: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will install an adaptor to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 sienna vehicles. The brake stop lamp switch is mounted on a small bracket welded on the left side of the service brake pedal support assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bracket assembly free of charge. Toyota plans to mail an interim owner notification in the middle of January 2011, to advise owners of the recall.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Sienna years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (88), 2006 (73), 2005 (68), 1998 (44) and 2008 (43) model years. Brake complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Toyota Sienna brake problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 19V-553 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 25, 2019); 19V-410 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jun 4, 2019); 18V-211 (vacuum, Apr 3, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Sienna brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (52 mentions), followed by the foundation components › drum (14).
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.