2002 Toyota Sienna
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 294 |
| 1999 | 215 |
| 2000 | 363 |
| 2001 | 180 |
| 2002 | 181 |
| 2003 | 105 |
| 2004 | 2062 |
| 2005 | 1130 |
| 2006 | 1016 |
| 2007 | 364 |
| 2008 | 428 |
| 2009 | 207 |
| 2010 | 172 |
| 2011 | 613 |
| 2012 | 247 |
| 2013 | 183 |
| 2014 | 163 |
| 2015 | 231 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 153 |
| 2018 | 69 |
| 2019 | 45 |
| 2020 | 37 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: structure — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and body.
CRASH15% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
14% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
BRAKES MAKE A NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS ABOUT TO STOP. THERE IS A SQUEAL AND THUMP THAT CAN BE HEARD. HAVE TAKEN THIS IN SEVERAL TIMES TO BE FIXED. THEY SAY THE BRAKES ARE SAFE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190701
14% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO TAKE DINNER WITH MY FAMILY WHEN ARRIVE TO THE RESTAURANT I NOTICE WAS A LOT SMOG IN THE MOTOR I OPEN THE HOOD WAS A LOT SMOG SO I PLUG OUT THE BATTERY AND I CALL A MECHANIC AND HE TELLME THE FIRE WAS IN THE POWER STEERING...
NHTSA ODI report, 20131027
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and STEERING
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON HIGHWAY COMMING FROM DEALERSHIP WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. SMOKE WAS COMMING FROM ENGINE DEPARTMENT. THEN, THE FIAMES STARTED COMING FROM HOOD. VEHICLE BURNED DOWN TO THE GROUND AND WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010926
CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE ON AUGUST 4,2001, AND ON AUG 6 VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN POWER STEERING FAILED, AND COULD NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER THEN NOTICED SMOKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010808
Also filed under STEERING
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
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, D
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 REME
Campaign 10V160000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Toyota Sienna — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V160000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Toyota Sienna reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota Sienna is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Sienna?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Sienna have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.