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2020 Toyota Sienna Problems & Owner Complaints

36 NHTSA owner complaints
1 fire

Age-normalised, this year draws ~5.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 11 of 11 Toyota Sienna years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Toyota Sienna, cited in 8 of 36 filed complaints (22%).

Electrical System is next (6 complaints, 17%), followed by Engine (6), Fuel/Propulsion System (6), Service Brakes (3).

Across all complaints, 1 report a fire.

The most safety-critical cluster is Engine: 1 fire report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2020 Toyota Sienna, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 36.

Power Train 8

“My Toyota sienna is a 2020, has 83,000 miles and has recently been squealing when I accelerate. I took the van to a local body shop and they said it seems to be my transmission. I called Toyota immediately and they knew that the transmissions were faulty and that they would try to work with Toyota to get it fixed. There is no way I can pay 9k for a new transmissions because they put in faulty ones.”
NHTSA complaint #11736554, 2026

“The vehicle is a 2020 Toyota Sienna. While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning, creating a dangerous situation and loss of power. This occurred while transporting children, increasing the safety risk. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the low-pressure fuel pump. The problem appears intermittently — sometimes the vehicle runs normally, and other times it stalls or loses power. The check engine light has turned on and off. This issue matches the known defect related to the Denso fuel pump recall affecting many Toyota vehicles from similar model y…”
NHTSA complaint #11733827, 2026

“"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."”
NHTSA complaint #11681131, 2025

Electrical System 6

“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. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11626786, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11581325, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11581181, 2023

Engine 6 1 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11420552, 2021 · fire

“The vehicle is a 2020 Toyota Sienna. While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning, creating a dangerous situation and loss of power. This occurred while transporting children, increasing the safety risk. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the low-pressure fuel pump. The problem appears intermittently — sometimes the vehicle runs normally, and other times it stalls or loses power. The check engine light has turned on and off. This issue matches the known defect related to the Denso fuel pump recall affecting many Toyota vehicles from similar model y…”
NHTSA complaint #11733827, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11486860, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 6 1 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11420552, 2021 · fire

“The vehicle is a 2020 Toyota Sienna. While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning, creating a dangerous situation and loss of power. This occurred while transporting children, increasing the safety risk. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the low-pressure fuel pump. The problem appears intermittently — sometimes the vehicle runs normally, and other times it stalls or loses power. The check engine light has turned on and off. This issue matches the known defect related to the Denso fuel pump recall affecting many Toyota vehicles from similar model y…”
NHTSA complaint #11733827, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11484734, 2022

Unknown Or Other 6 1 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11420552, 2021 · fire

“We had our van parked on a driveway with a front facing slope, we had hard rains went we where going away there was water coming out of the seat belt on the passenger side and the panel above the window was stained down to the window support where the air bag is. I've been reading reports as far back as 2008 we have a 2020, went taken to the dealer they want 1000 to 2700 to remove the head liner and try to fine the problem, which what was reported didn't help. The dealer recommended to not park with the front of the van facing down hill if rain is forecast, my problem is that Toyota has not be…”
NHTSA complaint #11745526, 2026

“cable broke on sliding door and unable to open or access cabin on that side. turned off power to door and still unable to force door open making it difficult to unlatch car seat on that side. safety hazard in accident or rollover”
NHTSA complaint #11730749, 2026

Service Brakes 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11539977, 2023

“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 mil…”
NHTSA complaint #11535008, 2023

“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, M…”
NHTSA complaint #11268737, 2019

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Steering 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11547302, 2022

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11406711, 2021

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11329923, 2020

Structure 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11693401, 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”
NHTSA complaint #11607833, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11563987, 2024

Fuel System 2

“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 th…”
NHTSA complaint #11465471, 2021

“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 APPROXIM…”
NHTSA complaint #11383659, 2020

Air Bags 1

“We had our van parked on a driveway with a front facing slope, we had hard rains went we where going away there was water coming out of the seat belt on the passenger side and the panel above the window was stained down to the window support where the air bag is. I've been reading reports as far back as 2008 we have a 2020, went taken to the dealer they want 1000 to 2700 to remove the head liner and try to fine the problem, which what was reported didn't help. The dealer recommended to not park with the front of the van facing down hill if rain is forecast, my problem is that Toyota has not be…”
NHTSA complaint #11745526, 2026

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“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, M…”
NHTSA complaint #11268737, 2019

Seats 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11365346, 2020

Visibility 1

“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 natio…”
NHTSA complaint #11671872, 2024

Wheels 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11395327, 2021

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2020 Toyota Sienna draws about 5.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 11 of 11 among the Toyota Sienna model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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