2021 Toyota Sienna Recalls & Complaints

Incident: December 24, 2025 · Filed: February 4, 2026

This complaint is submitted to supplement and clarify a prior NHTSA submission regarding Safety Recall 23TA15 for VIN [XXX] . The prior submission was brief and did not fully capture the timeline and circumstances described below. I purchased a 2021 Toyota Sienna (VIN [XXX] ) from Avondale Toyota on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, I was not informed of any active or pending safety recall affecting the vehicle. After returning from Arizona to San Diego with my family, I attempted to list the vehicle on a rental platform on December 26, 2026. At that time, the platform flagged the VIN as having an active safety recall (Safety Recall 23TA15) and prevented the listing. This was the first time I became aware that the vehicle was subject to a safety recall. Despite multiple attempts to obtain clarification from Toyota Brand Engagement regarding the VIN-specific recall activation date, Toyota declined or failed to provide written confirmation. Whether the recall was active prior to the sale or applied shortly thereafter, the vehicle was placed into use without proper disclosure, warning, remedy, or guidance. As a result, my family and I unknowingly operated the vehicle, including interstate travel from Arizona to San Diego, without awareness of a potential safety risk. Had appropriate disclosure or timely notification been provided, I would not have used the vehicle or exposed my family to potential harm. In addition, the recall rendered the vehicle unavailable for its intended business use, resulting in loss of use and financial impact while the remedy was unavailable. I am submitting this supplemental complaint to ensure the full timeline, safety exposure, and lack of disclosure related to Safety Recall 23TA15 are accurately documented. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: December 24, 2025 · Filed: February 4, 2026

Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Recall 23TA15 | VIN [XXX] Hello, I am submitting a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding Safety Recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Sienna (VIN [XXX] ). Please find my detailed complaint and supporting documentation attached. This matter involves lack of disclosure and/or delayed notification of a safety recall, resulting in family safety exposure and loss of use. Thank you for your review and assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: January 27, 2026 · Filed: February 2, 2026

I was driving my Toyota Sienna on a busy 6 lane highway in the second to the left lane, on a bridge. Suddenly without any warning AT ALL, my vehicle lost all power and came to an abrupt halt in the middle of high speed traffic. My wife and children were all in the car and we were in imminent danger of getting hit by another vehicle. It took the police approximately 10 minutes to arrive during which we were in life threatening danger. After the vehicle stopped a message on the dashboard read Hybrid System Failure. The police tried to push our vehicle to a safe spot but the wheels wouldn't turn and the car had to be towed. Upon inspection by the mechanic it appears that there is a broken shaft in the transmission that may have caused this problem. I want to emphasize that there was NO WARNING at all and we did not have a chance to move to safety.

Incident: January 13, 2026 · Filed: January 21, 2026

I turned on my minivan to drive my kids to school when I heard a sudden loud metal shredding/knocking and shut my van off. All maintenance was performed regularly on the van and no lights were on. I have a hole in my engine block now caused by a thrown rod, and no mechanic can explain why this happened. Oil was in good condition, and nothing indicated this should have happened.

Incident: July 29, 2024 · Filed: January 18, 2026

I purchased a 2021 Toyota Sienna from United Access Mobility in Sacramento. The vehicle was sold and delivered with multiple serious pre-existing safety defects. The exhaust system was unsafe. The catalytic converter had been stolen prior to sale and replaced with a non-OEM catalytic converter that was improperly welded and mounted too low. This caused exhaust leaks, loud exhaust noise, poor acceleration, and safety concerns including potential exhaust exposure. Multiple professional repair facilities confirmed the exhaust system defect. The electrical system was defective. The vehicle was sold with the wrong size battery that was not properly secured. This caused electrical instability, warning lights, and vehicle failure. The battery was not adequately supporting the vehicle’s electrical system. The airbag and restraint system showed warnings caused by third-party wiring, indicating potential airbag or seatbelt malfunction. The fuel system was defective. The gas cap was broken and required tools to refuel the vehicle. Structural and body components were unsafe. A bumper bracket was loose and flapped while driving, and the passenger seat was unstable. Accessibility systems were also defective, including lift and door malfunctions affecting safe operation. United Access was notified immediately but did not correct these safety defects. Instead, they attempted to have the vehicle repaired using an extended warranty for pre-existing conditions. The vehicle was not safe to operate at the time of sale.

Incident: September 4, 2022 · Filed: December 20, 2025

The driver’s side door mirror shakes when going down the road. The image in the mirror becomes shaky. The passenger side is fine, this is only on the driver side. I have brought this into the dealer, but they said it is normal. In 30+ years of driving cars, I have never had a car mirror do this.

Incident: October 24, 2023 · Filed: October 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag sensor turned off and failed to function as intended. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The manufacturer advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Incident: September 12, 2025 · Filed: September 27, 2025

When braking to a stop at low speed (stopping at stop sign or at light), then car accelerates forward even though my foot is on the brake attempting to slow the car down. This unintended acceleration is dangerous and can cause an accident.

Incident: June 11, 2025 · Filed: September 17, 2025

2nd row passenger seat recline does not work. My seat is very reclined now causing the 2nd row passenger to not be in the optimal position for SRS airbag performance that may result in possible death due to head impact during a side collision. Toyota likely has enough data to issue a TSB to resolve this issue preventing serious injury or death to one of my children.

Incident: September 17, 2025 · Filed: September 17, 2025

It has been 22 months since the recall (NHTSA Number 23V865) and over a year since the expected remedy date. What is the status update? What is causing the delay?