2020 TOYOTA Sienna Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

"I've owned the vehicle for five years, and recently I started hearing a whining noise coming from the transmission. After doing some research, I discovered that I'm not alone in experiencing this issue. The dealer told me that the transmission itself is the problem and recommended replacing the entire transmission. However, a second opinion suggested that this kind of noise isn't normal. I'm worried about safety because, although it's just a whine right now, I fear it could fail unexpectedly. I have a child in a wheelchair, and ensuring my vehicle's safety is very important to me."

Aug 17, 2025

A catastrophic failed automatic transmission; UA80E of Toyota Sienna 2020 at 85,000 miles. It occurred while I've been driving downhill. No warning lights, not overheating, no diagnostic ODB code, no other indications prior to the failure. Failure created a substantial safety risk for myself, my four passengers and other road users. Sudden loss of transmission function could lead to potential dangerous situation. Minivan was towed to the nearest Toyota dealer where transmission assembly was confirmed for replacement.

Aug 12, 2025

My car was not shifting gears, and it would go into brief periods of erratic acceleration. I took it to the dealer service dept. The transmission went bad. It had metal pieces broken off inside it. The car is 3 years old and only has approximately 70,900 miles on it. It was dangerous to drive. It put me, my kids, and other drivers at risk due to the erratic shifting it would do while driving. The issues started slowly on 6/23/23. The check engine light was on by 6/24/23.

Jul 11, 2023

PURCHASED RENTAL PROGRAM VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY HAD VEHICLE SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP. RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM SERVICE ADVISOR THAT AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN HAD FOUND A MECHANICAL PROBLEM. IT WAS STATED THAT A HOSE HAD COME LOOSE/APART IN THE AXLE AND FLUID WAS LEAKING. NOW, WE HAD PURCHASED VEHICLE DAY BEFORE AND THE FOLLOWING DAY DROPPED VEHICLE FOR SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. AS A CONSUMER, I NEED A MAINTENANCE BASELINE. THE BRIEF TIME DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE/AUDIBLE CLUE THAT MECHANICAL ISSUE WAS PRESENT. EXACT DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTY WORK PERFORMED [DRIVER SIDE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY, AXLE COMING APART INTERNALLY] REPLACED DRIVER SIDE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. FORTUNATELY, VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AND THIS COMPONENT DID NOT FAIL WHILE IN MOTION.

Dec 23, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

The van has been periodically hesitating, rough idles, and when parked the rpm revs. On 9/13/22, the van was shaking, hesitating, and would not accelerate. It was undrivable and had to be towed. We took it to Toyota of Irving where they charged us $725 to flush the gas and clean the fuel injection system. Despite this, it is still hard idling and hesitating.

Sep 15, 2022

THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS REPLACED AND HAS BEEN RECALLED. THE RECALL CAN CAUSE AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH. WE STILL HAVEN'T HAD THIS REPLACED IN A TIMELY MANNER AND IT'S NOT SAFE FOR MY SMALL CHILDREN.

Mar 27, 2021

THIS VEHICLE IS OWNED BY EMORY UNIVERSITY. EMORY UNIVERSITY WAS NOTIFIED LAST YEAR (OCTOBER) THAT THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP OPERATING. TO DATE, THERE HAS BEEN NO REPAIR OFFERED BY TOYOTA. 2020 TOYOTA SIENNA AS SUCH EMORY UNIVERSITY WILL NOT LET US OPERATE IT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED. NEARLY SIX MONTHS LATER, NO REPAIR.

Mar 16, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. ED MORSE DELRAY TOYOTA(2800 S FEDERAL HWY, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND GAVE HER A LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Jan 21, 2021

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

The power sliding door assembly failed, and the driver side rear sliding door was bound shut, and could not be opened. Disabling the power door system did not resolve the issue. The cable for the power door mechanism was hanging below the rear vent windows; but for some reason the door still would not open. I ultimately with a lot of gentle force was able to get the door open enough to see the retract side of the cable was bound up, and was able to cut it with wire cutters, and ultimately get the door to work normally as a non-powered manual sliding door. Since the original NHTSA BULLITIN on this was published in 6/2019 before my 2020 Sienna was manufactured, and Toyota did not change the mechanism until the 2021 model redesign, I believe that RECALL should be extend to all 2019 and 2020 vehicles. This seems dangerous that the door does not default to manual operation in error.

Oct 14, 2025

Hinge rust on fuel door causing it to break and not let rear passenger door auto open (because switch won't make up) hinge is very weakly built

Aug 11, 2024

The passenger side rear door unlocked and opened by itself in the middle of the night, no warning messages were given previously, doors were locked that night. Keys were not accidentally pressed on. It seems that others have had similar problems with Toyota Siennas in the past as well.

Jan 07, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the pre collision, lane assist, and air bag warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a fuse in the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) was replaced; however, the contact stated that approximately 10 days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle remained for almost two weeks. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced; however, the wiring harness was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Nov 22, 2024

Spontaneous and random: Blinkers come on, radio volume goes up or down when turning the other way, CarPlay USB shuts off and on, hiccups when accelerating (when ECO kicks on/in)…everything points to an electrical/computer issue. Purchased used from a dealership and noticed these issues after the 3-day return window.

Apr 05, 2024

Speakers make an ear piercing loud noise that lasts about a second. If this sound were to occur during travel, could cause distraction leading to harm, or with young kids in the car, possibly damage their ears. This problem has been random and not experienced by a dealership. No warning messages or symptoms to the problem. Problem first appeared 6 months ago.

Apr 04, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Sun roof leaking or clogging causing water to get inside vehicle. Causing extensive damages and malfunctions

Jul 15, 2024

I came to sellers home to look at his van. His ad said mileage was 77k and odometer also read 77k. When I ran the Carfax, I noticed CA DMV registered title at 143k. Seller admitted to replacing dashboard when confronted. Address of seller is [XXX] . I don't have a name. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 07, 2023

Jack provided with vehicle failed during change of tire.

Oct 26, 2021

STEERING

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist. Additionally, the "Check Vehicle Stability Control System", "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", and "Lane Departure Alert" messages were displayed. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no open recalls on the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V532000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Sep 29, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,200.

Apr 06, 2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled temporarily. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and was able to continue driving. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred a year later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The consumer stated the pump was replaced but the problem still occurs.

May 20, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY JERKED AND LUNGE FORWARD WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. VICTORY TOYOTA (5 HEITZINGER PLAZA, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 393-3020) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Dec 16, 2020

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

In August of 2024, we noticed the drivers side rear view mirror had come loose from it's external housing and was only tethered by wiring that was for mirror movement, defrosting and blind spot awareness. In order for it to be safe to use, we had to duct tape it so that it would not move. Unfortunately, the mirror continues to loosen and has to be retaped frequently. We took it to our dealer (McGovern Toyota) in Portsmouth, NH 0n 23 September 2024 and were told that it could not be fixed but had to be replaced and were quoted an amount of $2025.29 .We were also told that the part was on national backorder and may take a few weeks to arrive. Due to the astonomical cost of replacement, I tried to find other solutions and contacted other dealers and body shops but was told it had to be replaced and could not be fixed. I brought the car into another dealer, nearby (Ira Toyota) in Saco, Maine and they also said it had to be replaced and quoted an amount of $1937.70.I asked them to order the part, which they too, said was in national backorder. I contacted our automobile insurance company (AMICA) who agreed to cover the part and labor and issued a check for $1,420.60. Every month, I would call the dealer and every month I was told that Toyota estimated a delivery within a month, but that month would come and go with no part. For the last several months, I have been in touch with TOYOTA and their "brand engagement advocate" named Julie has reviewed our concern and also has stated that the part will be available by the end of the months of February, March, April, May, June and now July. I have written emails to TOYOTA expressing my dissatisfaction and now have a vehicle which is unsafe to drive due to the instability of the mirror and a vehicle which will not pass inspection (according to the dealer). I feel TOYOTA is lying about the parts actual availability and being disingenuous to what was a loyal customer. I am at a loss what to do next.

Jul 08, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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.

Aug 22, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

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.

Jul 28, 2023

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

For a month prior, there were intermittent incidents of the van shuddering and the RPM needle jumping upon ignition. Sometimes the van would have a hard time accelerating before jerking and driving normally. No issues before this started in late July and no indication when/where would occur. •September 15: drove the van all day running errands. It drove normally. Filled up the gas tank (Gulf gas station), then continued errands. About a half hour later, while at a stop sign, a notification appeared that the “Traction Control System has been turned off” and the check engine light came on. Tried to move through the stop sign, but the van would barely go. Applied the gas, but no results. Able to turn onto a side street and had to have it towed to Toyota of Irving. The Service Advisor stated the issue was due due to bad gas and indicated the van needed to be flushed and the fuel injection system cleaned. Paid $725 for these repairs. •September 17: Started van in driveway. Shuddering and RPM needle jumping again. Drove normally. •September 21: Same as above. •September 25: Drove the van all day with no issues. Filled up with Valero Plus gas. As we pulled out of the gas station and sitting at the light, the Traction Control message and check engine light again appeared. The van would barely go to get us through the traffic light and into a nearby parking lot. Once we parked, the screen displayed the following message:"A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected." Had the vehicle towed to Toyota of Irving. The service advisor called 2 days later to say they cannot detect any issues.

Sep 28, 2022

ENGINE

1 complaint

Engine stalled in heavy traffic after full stop at red light. No warning lights. Managed to pull off the road. Still no warning lights. Turned engine off then started normally. Drove to destination normally. After about one hour parked started engine but it stumbled on and off for the next few minutes but did not die. Has not reoccurred. Outside temps were in the 60's. It was first trip of the day. Incident occurred about 4 miles from origin. Symptoms occurred again 6/2/22: Starting from full stop (engine was idling normally), gave it partial throttle whereupon engine stumbled (died very briefly), Master Warning Light lit briefly, all power was lost. Consumer applied additional throttle, engine stumbled then began running normally and warning light extinguished. Remainder of trip was normal. Vehicle was taken to local dealer after first incident but dealer reported no issues were found.

Mar 19, 2022

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

Car has about 16,000 miles. When accelerating slowly from a stop, vehicle hesitates, shakes, and runs rough as it slowly progresses thru first, second, & third gears. After transmission gets in fourth gear, hesitation and roughness goes away. This issue is rapidly getting worse.

Jul 18, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

ON jUNE 3, 2021 I experienced a drastic loss in power and all warning light illuminated on the dash , was able to get of the highway to a safe area and vehicle ceased to function . This happened after the fuel pump recall was performed at Ed Morse Toyota in Delray Beach around February. It had been functioning perfectly up until this massive failure. When tow truck operator arrived and tried to start, is caught fire and was severely damaged.

Jun 11, 2021

Fire: 1

WHEELS

1 complaint

TIRE WEAR ON INSIDE OF TIRES ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED EVERY 4K MILES NOW HAVING TO REPLACE 4 TIRES AT A COST OF $1250.00

Feb 08, 2021

SEATS

1 complaint

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOYOTA ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS INCLUDED WITH THE 2020 SIENNA DO NOT ALLOW THE 2ND ROW SEATS TO SLIDE BACK AND FORTH ON THE RAILS WITHOUT GETTING JAMMED ON THE MATS. MY SON WAS IN THE 3RD ROW AND THE SEAT GOT JAMMED N THE MAT AND HE COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE.

Oct 20, 2020

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON HWY, SUDDENLY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO I LOST ACCELERATION. WHEN I PRESS GAS PEDAL NO RESPONSE FROM CAR. VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN SO PULLED INTO GAS STATION. WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR, ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON, TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO ENGINE LIGHT WAS SOLID AND IT WAS NOT FLASHING

Jun 21, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

DEAR TO WHO CONCERN THIS CASE, ON AUGUST 26, 2019, I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW CAR, SIENNA, TOYOTA 2020 FROM PRINCIPLE TOYOTA ON 7370 WINCHESTER RD, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38125. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE CAR. I WAS GUARANTEED BY THE DEALER THAT THE CAR IS IN PERFECT WORKING CONDITION BEFORE PURCHASE. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING THE NEW CAR FOR FEW DAYS, THE KEY REMOTE STOPPED WORKING AND I REVISITED THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. I TALKED TO JIMMY ROCKER, ONE OF THE SALE ASSOCIATES, AND HE TRANSFERRED ME TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER. AFTER FEW MORE DAYS OF DRIVING THE CAR, MORE PROBLEMS EMERGED. THE CAR WARNING MONITOR INDICATED 'AWD SYSTEM MALFUNCTION 2WD MODE ENGAGED, CONTACT YOUR DEALER' AS WELL AS 'BRAKE OVERRIDE MALFUNCTION, VISIT YOUR DEALER'. NOT ONLY THE WARNINGS, THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND ME, OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THE SECOND TIME I REVISITED THE DEALERSHIP, I ENCOUNTERED CHRIS THOMPSON, THE NEW CAR DIRECTOR AT PRINCIPLE TOYOTA. I SUGGESTED HIM TO INSPECT MY CAR AND FINDING A SOLUTION FOR IT. I HAVE TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO HIM HOW IT WAS DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE TWO KIDS WHO ARE DRIVING WITH ME AND IF THE SITUATION HAPPENED AGAIN, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN FATALLY INJURED. CHRIS DID NOT LISTEN TO MY STORY BUT INSTEAD TOLD ME THAT THE CAR DOES NOT BELONG TO HIM AND HE JUST WALKED AWAY IN FRONT OF OUR CONVERSATION. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE OF HIS INDIFFERENCE TOWARDS MY SITUATION AND THE TYPE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE I RECEIVED WAS NOT EXPECTED FROM A WELL-KNOWN COMPANY LIKE YOURS. TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF KIDS AND MY FAMILY, I DEMAND A REPLACEMENT OF THE CAR AS WELL AS ANY COMPENSATION ASSOCIATED MY SPENT TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP. I HOPE THERE WILL BE A REASONABLE SOLUTION FOR MY CASE. BEST REGARDS, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

Oct 15, 2019

⭐

4.6/5.0

105 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2020 TOYOTA Sienna have?

The 2020 TOYOTA Sienna currently has 32 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2020 TOYOTA Sienna?

The most common problems reported for the 2020 TOYOTA Sienna are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2020 TOYOTA Sienna problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2020 TOYOTA Sienna comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.