VehicleVerdict

2018 Toyota Sienna problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2018 Toyota Sienna is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 7 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 85 owner complaints run below the Sienna median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (17), other (15), and fuel system (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

85

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Sienna years?

See all Sienna years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Toyota Sienna problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1720%
Other1518%
Fuel System1315%
Electrical System67%
Airbags56%
Engine56%
Speed Control56%
Body & Structure56%
Seats45%
Lighting22%
Brakes22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Suspension11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 2018 Toyota Sienna have recalls?

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

20V682000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

20V012000Fuel SystemJanuary 13, 2020 · 1,830,752 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

19V553000BrakesJuly 25, 2019 · 303 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

19V532000SteeringJuly 16, 2019 · 595 units

Defect

Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain modified 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna vehicles. The steering shaft extensions may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the extensions to fracture.

Consequence

If the steering shaft extension completely fractures, it can cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Braun has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.

19V503000OtherJune 28, 2019 · 1,325 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.

19V410000BrakesJune 4, 2019 · 705 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The reduction in the braking system pressure may cause a loss of braking power in the rear braking system, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

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.

18V130000Tires & WheelsFebruary 22, 2018 · 55 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Sienna vehicles built with a specific lot of 10-spoke alloy wheels from one production facility. These wheels may not have been properly cooled during manufacturing. As a result, the wheels may crack in the spokes from an impact while driving.

Consequence

If the wheels crack at the spokes, the wheel may separate from the hub assembly causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota began notifying owners initially by phone on February 26, 2018 and will mail letters to any unnotified owner starting on April 20, 2018. Dealers will inspect the wheels and replace them if necessary depending on their production location, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0J.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and ascending a hill, the vehicle started making an abnormal whining sound and hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2025

MOBILITY WORKS SOLD ME A CAR,THAT HAD A RECALL,DESIGNED FOR SPECIAL NEEDS,THEY KNEW AVOUT IT PLUS THE RAMP WASNT WORKING PROPERLY,MADE ME PAY FOR AN EXPENSIVE WARRANTY THAT DOESNT COVER THE PROBLEM THAT ALREADY HAS,THEY ARE BLAMING ME FOR MISUSE I GOT IT 4 MONTHS AGO MY SON DOESNT WEIGHT MORE THAN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 27, 2021

WE RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA OF A POSSIBLE FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP FOR WHICH THERE IS NO CURRENT FIX AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. NOTHING HAPPENED. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S NO DATA AVAILABLE ABOUT THE FREQUENCY OF THESE FAILURES, SO IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO ASSESS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 5, 2020

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 57,000, and at the time of…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 4, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CARPET ON THE DRIVER SIDE NEAR THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WAS LOOSE AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER'S FOOT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAIN TOYOTA (6527 WHIPPLE AVE NW, NORTH CANTON, OH), BUT THE FAILURE WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 1, 2018

2018 Toyota Sienna — common questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 85 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sienna year, with 7 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Sienna problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (17 complaints), other (15 complaints), fuel system (13 complaints).

Does the 2018 Toyota Sienna have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.

How safe is the 2018 Toyota Sienna?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Toyota Sienna earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.