The 2016 Toyota Sienna carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Premature tire wear and failure.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign #19V410000 · Apr 6, 2019
Issue: 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.
Risk: The reduction in the braking system pressure may cause a loss of braking power in the rear braking system, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign #19V553000 · Jul 25, 2019
Issue: 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.
Risk: The contact may cause failure of the rear brake hoses, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Campaign #16V858000 · Nov 29, 2016
Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna minivans manufactured January 4, 2010, to August 12, 2016. If the power sliding door is unable to be opened when commanded, such as if the door is frozen shut, the door may subsequently open unexpectedly, possibly while the vehicle is moving.
Risk: If door opens while the vehicle is moving, there would be an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the junction block, rear sliding door wire harnesses, and install two sub wire harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G04.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Campaign #16V197000 · Jul 4, 2016
Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Sienna vehicles manufactured February 15, 2016, to February 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, incorrect front seat belt height adjusters may have been installed. During a crash, this incorrect height adjuster may contact the B-pillar and tear or separate.
Risk: Failure and detachment of seat belt height adjuster would result in the occupant not being properly restrained in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt height adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0H.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
Campaign #25V876000 · Dec 17, 2025
Issue: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Toyota Sienna.
WHEELS
7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2025-04
“THERE IS SOMETHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SUSPENSION THAT IS CAUSING TIRES TO WEAR COMPLETELY IN 15K-20K MILES”
“VEHICLE IS 1.5 YEARS OLD, ABOUT 20K MILES, AND JUST RECEIVED WORD THAT WE'LL NEED 4 NEW TIRES @ $300/EA BECAUSE OUTSIDE WEARING IS OCCURRING”
“3 RUN FLAT BRIDGESTONE TIRES BLOWN UP WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON OR ROAD HAZARDS IN LESS THAN 21,000 MILES AND WITHIN 4 WEEKS”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2017-07
“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”
“DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES ALL GO OUT AND HEAD LAMPS GO DIM. TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO COULD NOT DO ANYTHING AS THE PROBLEM WAS NOT HAPPENING AT THAT TIME”
“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”
VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2021-11
“I was driving my 2016 Sienna 30 mph, when suddenly, the rear driver's side window exploded. The police came and inspected the incident, the surroundings and the vehicle, and determined that there was no object or strike to cause the explosion”
“SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED ON ME AND MY KIDS ON MID MORNING OF 5/9/2019. NO OTHER DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 85 DEGREES”
“UNCOVERED IT AND FOUND THE CRACK ALONG THE LOWER SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT WAS NOT THERE WHEN I COVERED IT ON THE 20TH”
SEAT BELTS
4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2020-02
“WHILE BUCKLING UP ON 6 DEC 2019, THE SEAT ATTACHMENT TO THE B-PILLAR COMPLETELY, WITHOUT RESISTANCE, DETACHED. THE BOLT THAT SECURED THE BELT WAS ON THE FLOOR, COMPLETELY PRISTINE IN APPEARANCE, UNDAMAGED, WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE OF THREAD-LOCKER APPLICATION AT THE FACTORY”
“SEAT BELT RECEPTICAL IS TORN UP. SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH”
“WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING”
STRUCTURE
28 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2025-08
“The rear sliding power door on the passenger side closed on my six year old child. He was trapped in the door and could not move until I opened the door. He has pain and visible injuries on his back from the door”
“POWER SLIDING DOOR CABLE SNAPPED. IT HAPPENED TO BOTH DOOR (RIGHT AND LEFT) ABOUT 6 MONTHS APART. HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS NOT NOT EVEN EXCESSIVE USE”
“The contact stated that the driver’s side electric sliding door failed to properly open and close, and occasionally abruptly closed, causing a safety hazard to the occupants entering and exiting the vehicle”
STEERING
4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2021-03
“THE STEERING SEIZED UP ON MY 2016 TOYOTA VAN WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED. THERE ARE ONLY 20904 MILES ON THE ODOMETER”
“WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER ON THE DRIVER SIDE WITHOUT WARNING”
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED, WHICH RESULTED IN HER CRASHING THE VEHICLE INTO THE HIGHWAY SIDE BARRIER AND A FENCE STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM GOING INTO THE WATER”
AIR BAGS
3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2023-06
“Caused significant enough damage that van was inoperable. What was concerning was the airbags did not deploy despite the significant force and high speed associated with this accident”
“I HAD CAR ACCIDENT TODAY AND GOT HI MY LEFT FRONT WND REALLY GOOD AND THE POLICE SEEN MY CAR'S AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF-IT DIDN'T SHOWS UP”
“AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOYOTA SAYS A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED AND NEEDS A DIAGNOSTIC THAT THEY WILL CHARGE FOR”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$195–$235
Shop
~$135–$165
DIY
~$20–$50
DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.
Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Pro only
Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
26 crashes 1990–2024
How the 26 occupant deaths break down
8
driver deaths
18
passenger deaths
26
occupant deaths
Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2016 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.
Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.
Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.
IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
7
complaints mentioning a crash
1
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Toyota Sienna reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.