VehicleVerdict

2001 Toyota Sienna problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 Toyota Sienna sits mid-pack among Sienna years: 238 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 238, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across latches & locks (35), body & structure (35), and engine (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

238

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

13

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Sienna years?

Sienna NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted2,588 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 352 complaints1999: 250 complaints2000: 459 complaints2001: 238 complaints2002: 225 complaints2003: 124 complaints2004: 2,588 complaints2005: 1,418 complaints2006: 1,284 complaints2007: 450 complaints2008: 570 complaints2009: 270 complaints2010: 227 complaints2011: 813 complaints2012: 331 complaints2013: 226 complaints2014: 207 complaints2015: 291 complaints2016: 98 complaints2017: 199 complaints2018: 85 complaints2019: 58 complaints2020: 48 complaints
Sienna NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sienna years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Toyota Sienna problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks3515%
Body & Structure3515%
Engine2611%
Brakes2511%
Electrical System219%
Tires & Wheels177%
Fuel System146%
Seat Belts104%
Visibility & Wipers94%
Speed Control94%
Transmission94%
Steering83%
Other83%
Airbags73%
Child Seat31%
Suspension10%
Seats10%

Does the 2001 Toyota Sienna have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V160000Body & StructureApril 20, 2010 · 600,000 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2010 SIENNA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 7, 1997 AND JANUARY 4, 2010, CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THE COLD CLIMATE REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS FREQUENTLY USED, WATER SPLASHED BACKWARDS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT CAN REACH THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND CORRODE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY CABLE.

Consequence

THE CABLE MAY BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND THE SPARE TIRE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS WITH AN INTERIM LETTER INITIALLY INSTRUCTING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AUTHORIZED DEALERS TO INSPECT FOR CORROSION. A SECOND NOTICE WILL BE SENT WHEN THE PERMANENT REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE TOYOTA'S AMENDED RECALL REPORT OF JULY 19, 2010. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OCTOBER 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

01V072000Body & StructureMarch 5, 2001 · 545 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING LONG-TERM USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUB FRAME, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS MISSING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 10V160000 (STRUCTURE) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE BACKORDERED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 7, 2010

“07-08-01 34 MILES STEERING FAILURE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. 01-29-03 7552 MILES STEERING FAILURE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. AFTER SLOWING DOWN AT TOLLS,FAILS TO ACCELERATE,LOUD NOISE FOLLOW. WET/RAINY SURFACE,FRONT TIRES SPIN AT TAKE-OFF. WIND NOISE VERY PROMINENT ON HIGHWAYS. RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER LOCK DOES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · January 29, 2003

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND FELL ASLEEP.. AFTER WAKING UP THE VEHICLE WAS IN A DITCH, AND ALL THE OCCUPANTS WERE ASLEEP IN THE VEHICLE. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS TO BE INSPECTED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2004 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SIENNA. WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ABS MOTOR. THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 6, 2011 · crash

“VSC AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I BROUGHT TO DEALER. THEY TOLD ME GAS CAP WAS NOT ON TIGHT. I THOUGHT THAT WAS AN INCORRECT DIAGNOSIS SINCE THE CAP WAS ON AND I HAD BEEN FILLING MY GAS FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS. *AK THEY RESET THE VSC LIGHT AND GAVE ME CAR BACK AFTER CHARGING ME $98. LIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 15, 2004

2001 Toyota Sienna — common questions

Is the 2001 Toyota Sienna reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sienna: 238 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2001 Sienna problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (35 complaints), body & structure (35 complaints), engine (26 complaints).

Does the 2001 Toyota Sienna have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Toyota Sienna. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Sienna years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sienna years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2008, 2000, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Sienna years belongs to 1997.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.