Even the best vehicles have their problems. Fortunately, we have sources like Repair Pal to give us the rundown on the most common issues owners have experienced. Furthermore, for the Toyota Sienna minivan, families probably want to avoid as many major mechanical issues as possible. Here are the most common Toyota Sienna problems reported by hundreds of real owners.

Most common Toyota Sienna problems

According to Repair Pal, the most common Toyota Sienna problems are an electric sliding door issue, dashboard cracks, and a failing oxygen sensor. Moreover, the website compiles the most common issues reported by current and previous owners. The first of the issues is far more common than any other, with over 860 owners reporting the same experience. RP users say the Sienna’s electric sliding doors can develop problems with the door mechanism. As a result, the cable inside becomes frayed, damaging the electric motor.

When left unrepaired long enough, the result is the sliding door will no longer work electronically. After the motor stops working, rear passengers must manually force the door open. The publication received reports for various Sienna model years with the same issue. For example, from 1998-2015, every version of Toyota’s minivan had the same problem. On average, the electric sliding door issue takes place with around 106,306 miles on the odometer, so thankfully, it’s later in the minivan’s life.

Cracks on the dashboard

For the Toyota Sienna‘s second-most common problem, cracks on the dashboard, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Over 275 RP users reported that multiple cracks could develop on the upper surface of the minivan’s dashboard. Unfortunately, the only way to repair the problem is to replace the dashboard entirely. As a result, most owners are looking at an expensive repair, which is also likely time-consuming.

Fortunately, model years affected by this problem range from the 1998 model year up to around 2010. Those searching for a used Sienna from the last decade shouldn’t have a problem with the dashboard cracking, as it seems to have been fixed after 2010. On average, owners who experienced this issue drove a Sienna model with around 83,000 miles on the odometer.

Oxygen sensor failure

Next, another commonly reported Toyota Sienna problem is a failing oxygen sensor. Over 190 people told Repair Pal that their minivan had one or more oxygen sensors fail, resulting in an illuminated check engine light. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing the oxygen sensor ranges from $338 to $365, depending on several factors. Many model years are impacted, all within the range of 1998 to 2015. After the 2015 model year, the automaker seems to have solved the problem.

Those buying a used Sienna should know that no owners of 2013 or 2014 models have reported the failing oxygen sensor problem. Those are the only model years skipped in the range on RP. On average, the mileage shown on the odometer at the time of the problem is around 118,000, which means most models are around for a long time before experiencing it.

Is the Toyota Sienna a good minivan?

Overall, the Toyota Sienna is a good minivan. Many of its most common problems are only present in older model years. Starting with the 1998 model year through roughly 2015 is where most of the issues occur. Owners have not reported nearly as many issues with the most recent model years. Repair Pal is an excellent source for finding common problems with any make and model. We’re not surprised to see that a Toyota is reliable and doesn’t experience many significant problems, even with high mileage. The most reported issue is with the sliding door, so be sure to handle it before the electric motor fails, and the repair becomes more expensive.