2003 Toyota Sienna
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
20% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE DOOR LATCH BUTTONS ON THE SLIDING DOORS(WHERE MY CHILDREN SIT) HAVE GOTTEN STUCK. I THINK THE PROBLEM IS RELATED TO HEAT (DAYS WHERE THE CAR SITS IN THE SUN WITH TEMPS OF 95+).
NHTSA ODI report, 20030911
18% of complaints: structure — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and body.
INJURY13% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WAS LOCKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120709
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130130
10% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
2003 Toyota Sienna — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (14 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 2003 Toyota Sienna reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota Sienna is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Sienna?
The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 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.