2016 model year · 5,485+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,485+ owner reports, the 2016 Toyota Sienna has 6 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Power Sliding Door Malfunction with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $3,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2004-2016 Toyota Sienna, power sliding doors on 2nd and 3rd gen Siennas are prone to cable fraying, motor failure, and latch mechanism issues. Doors may refuse to open/close, reverse mid-travel, or make grinding noises. The cable assembly inside the door wears and eventually snaps.
Replace the power sliding door cable assembly (Toyota 69631-08012 left, 69630-08012 right). Motor assembly replacement may also be needed (69634-08020). Latch assembly (69350-08021) is another common failure point. Some owners disable the power function and operate manually as a temporary fix. Labor is significant due to door panel and inner mechanism access.
Parts and tips from 3,200+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2004-2020 Toyota Sienna, the power sliding doors on the 2004-2020 Sienna are a chronic failure point. The steel cables that operate the door mechanism fray and break, the door motor burns out, and the roller assemblies seize. When the cable breaks, the door may become stuck partially open or closed, or the door may open/close erratically. The center cable is the most common failure point. Repeated use in cold weather, door obstruction events (hitting the safety reverse), and age all contribute to cable and motor wear. This is one of the most commonly reported Sienna issues across all model years.
Replace the failed sliding door cable assembly ($150-$300 for parts). If the motor has also failed, a complete door motor and cable assembly runs $400-$700. Labor is 2-4 hours ($300-$600). The door can be operated manually by disabling the power function until repaired (switch on the door jamb or dashboard). Lubricate the door tracks and roller assemblies annually with white lithium grease to extend cable life. Both sides should be inspected when one fails, as they wear at similar rates.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2007-2020 Toyota Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FE, the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 commonly develops oil leaks from the VVT-i oil line, timing cover, and valve cover gaskets. The VVT-i oil hose fitting loosens over time, dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold creating a burning smell and fire risk.
Tighten or replace VVT-i oil line and sealing washers (Toyota 15679-31010). Replace valve cover gaskets (Toyota 11213-31040 front, 11214-31030 rear). Timing cover reseal if leaking from that area. The VVT-i line fix is a $50 repair; valve cover gaskets run $300-600 due to rear cover access.
Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2007-2020 Toyota Sienna 2GR-FE, the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in 2nd and 3rd generation Siennas can consume 1 quart of oil every 2,000-3,000 miles. Worn piston rings and valve stem seals are the primary causes. The issue is more prevalent in vehicles driven primarily in city stop-and-go conditions where the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature.
Perform an oil consumption test at the dealer (Toyota procedure involves sealing the oil fill and measuring consumption over 1,200 miles). If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,200 miles, piston ring and valve stem seal replacement is warranted. Using 0W-20 full synthetic oil and shorter 5,000-mile intervals can reduce consumption.
Parts and tips from 290+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2020 Toyota Sienna, the front AC evaporator core in 3rd generation Siennas develops pinhole leaks from internal corrosion, causing gradual refrigerant loss. The AC system blows warm air intermittently, then fails completely. The rear AC system (if equipped) has a separate evaporator that can also fail independently.
Replace the front AC evaporator core, which requires dashboard removal (8-12 hours labor). Replace the receiver/drier and expansion valve at the same time. Evacuate and recharge the system with the correct amount of R-134a refrigerant (or R-1234yf on later models).
Parts and tips from 195+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2004-2020 Toyota Sienna, the hydraulic power steering rack on 2004-2020 Sienna models (non-hybrid, pre-2021) develops internal seal leaks that allow power steering fluid to weep from the rack boots or the input shaft seal. The leak starts slowly but progressively worsens, leading to low fluid level, groaning pump noise, and eventually heavy steering effort. The leak is typically visible as fluid dripping from the rubber boots at either end of the steering rack or from the area where the steering column connects to the rack.
A leaking steering rack should be replaced or rebuilt. A remanufactured steering rack runs $250-$500 for parts, with labor at $400-$800 (3-5 hours including alignment). A new OEM rack is $600-$1,200. As a temporary measure, topping off the power steering fluid and adding a stop-leak additive (Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, $10) can slow a minor leak for several months. A four-wheel alignment ($100-$150) is required after rack replacement. The 2021+ Sienna uses electric power steering and does not have this issue.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
STEERING
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Sienna vehicles. The passenger front door may have incorrect welds inside, possibly affecting the air bag sensor readings for the passenger side front seat and curtain shield air bags.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
+ 10 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,485+ owner reports, the 2016-2016 Toyota Sienna has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Sliding Door Malfunction, 3.5L 2GR-FE Oil Leak from VVT-i System and Timing Cover, 2GR-FE V6 Excessive Oil Consumption. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2016-2016 Toyota Sienna has 6 known issues documented across 5,485+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Toyota Sienna issues range from $50 to $3,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Power sliding doors on 2nd and 3rd gen Siennas are prone to cable fraying, motor failure, and latch mechanism issues. Doors may refuse to open/close, reverse mid-travel, or make grinding noises. The cable assembly inside the door wears and eventually snaps. Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 commonly develops oil leaks from the VVT-i oil line, timing cover, and valve cover gaskets. The VVT-i oil hose fitting loosens over time, dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold creating a burning smell and fire risk. Repairs typically run $50-$800. Severity: medium.
The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in 2nd and 3rd generation Siennas can consume 1 quart of oil every 2,000-3,000 miles. Worn piston rings and valve stem seals are the primary causes. The issue is more prevalent in vehicles driven primarily in city stop-and-go conditions where the engine rarely… Repairs typically run $200-$3,800. Severity: medium.
The front AC evaporator core in 3rd generation Siennas develops pinhole leaks from internal corrosion, causing gradual refrigerant loss. The AC system blows warm air intermittently, then fails completely. The rear AC system (if equipped) has a separate evaporator that can also fa… Repairs typically run $800-$2,200. Severity: medium.
The power sliding doors on the 2004-2020 Sienna are a chronic failure point. The steel cables that operate the door mechanism fray and break, the door motor burns out, and the roller assemblies seize. When the cable breaks, the door may become stuck partially open or closed, or t… Repairs typically run $300-$1,300. Severity: medium.
The hydraulic power steering rack on 2004-2020 Sienna models (non-hybrid, pre-2021) develops internal seal leaks that allow power steering fluid to weep from the rack boots or the input shaft seal. The leak starts slowly but progressively worsens, leading to low fluid level, groa… Repairs typically run $250-$2,000. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
