Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 4% | 12,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 17,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 3% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% | 18,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 57,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% | 114,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% | 41,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 0% | 42,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% | 120,000 miles |
| 2004 | 42 | 2% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% | — |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Purchased used vehicle from a Toyota Dealership on or about March 27, 2021. The dashboard illumination on the 2017 Toyota Sienna only appears to operate when the vehicle is turned on AND the front headlight selector is moved to the on or automatic mode. I do not believe it is a standard feature for any vehicle to NOT illuminate the dashboard without the headlights being turned on. Issue: With no illumination of the tachometer and speedometer these items are nearly impossible to see. That naturally forces the human eye to remain looking down slightly longer than normal which can possibly result in an accident. If it is a sunny day with no need for headlights this issue is now exacerbated because the bright sunlight often causes drivers to wear tinted or dark sunglasses rendering the dashboard nearly 100% black. …
July 2019 , speedometer gauge is not visible in daylight with the lights off. Toyota service altered the light configuration so that now the auto light feature and the lights on warning does not work. Dealer advised I must use parking lights switch selection in order to see speedometer guage in daylight. The car does not work as advertised and is a "driving while distracted" significant safety risk as no-one cannot see the speedometer during daylight driving with the lights off.
2016 Toyota Sienna dash head display, radio go out. When this happens headlamps go dim to point where you can barley see and have to stop the vehicle. Took this in to local dealership several times they stated that until it was happening in their presence there was nothing they could do. We were able to video record the issue and showed dealership. They replaced the radio head but issue still occurs. Also have problem with recall on sliding door. Dealer stated that Toyota was still looking for a fix. I have had door open and close on my young children without notice. Have the power turned off to doors now but bought this model for the power doors due to being a disable vet this feature helps me out a lot.
The dash board lights and all interior lights continue to go out with out warning. It requires stopping the van shutting it off and restarting it. The headlamp dim themselves and then brighten while driving. Took it to dealership twice now for issue. Dealer stated since problem was not occurring at that moment there is no test they could do. Service manager also stated that Toyota doesn't like the dealerships trying to guess at what maybe wrong. This is a major safety issue when driving at night.
The cruise control backlighting on the "control stalk" blinks/flashes erratically in the driver's peripheral vision. This is quite dangerous and distracting. This happens at all speeds and driving conditions but seems to be worse when having to turn the steering wheel more (I.e. A parking lot vs. Changing lanes on the highway).
In daylight, when headlights are off or automatic, the speedometer does not illuminate. With headlights on, illumination is very faint at its maximum setting. The display is so dark that it cannot be reliably read. With sunglasses, it is impossible to read the speedometer. Note, this is an analog speedometer, and this model does not have an additional digital speed display. An internet search indicates that this problem is universal for this model/year (not a defect in my vehicle). It creates a hazard because one cannot easily determine speed. (at night there is no problem, since the dashboard lighting is sufficient in those conditions.)
The passenger side headlight turns off intermittently. It will turn on again if you turn the headlights off and back on, but then will go out again. I have read online about many other Toyota owners, specifically those with priuses, but also some siennas, having this problem. Dealers don't know how to resolve it - mine wants to replace the bulb for close to $500, but can't guarantee this will resolve the problem and the bulb is apparently working, just not all the time. This is a safety issue to have a non-working headlight.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Sienna . The contact stated that while traveling 30 MPH, the headlights failed to fully illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer.the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 400.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Sienna years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (42), 2011 (9), 2005 (6), 2015 (6) and 2006 (5) model years. Headlight complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Toyota Sienna headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Toyota Sienna model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota Sienna headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 57% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (15 mentions), followed by the brake lights (3).
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.