After having a rough start with the third generation, Toyota seems to have sorted out most things wrong with their updated midsize van, the Sienna. With the 2013 model year coming in as the third iteration of the current generation, the recall numbers have been cut by half to just 6, while the user complaints have dropped significantly to just 160 from close to 600 that was recorded a couple of years back. Being mechanically reliable mostly, the 2013 Toyota Sienna has been a blind option for many and will continue to be that way. However, there are minor issues that buyers need to be aware of just to keep you on the safer side which has been discussed in detail in this section. So, should this $28,675 van be on your purchase list instead of something like the Honda Odyssey, the Dodge Grand Caravan, and the Chrysler Pacifica? Let’s find out.
2013 Toyota Sienna User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Rear differential problems- Rear differential (viscous coupling) failure has been a common problem reported on the 2013 Toyota Sienna. Owners complain about high pitches and whining sound proportional to the vehicle's speed while in some cases the users report a complete loss of drive. If diagnosed, the rear differential does need to be replaced and unlike the RAV4 of this time, which had a recall for this issue, Sienna owners had to fix it at their own expense. The failure mileage is reported to be around 50,000 miles and the average cost of repairs ranges from $2,500 to $3,000.
Electric System complaints
- A/C blower issues- Blower failure resulting in no air from the rear vents have been an issue pointed out by a few owners. The problem could arise due to a faulty junction box, wiring harness, or even something simple as the fuse. Issues with the blower itself are rare and most failures are reported to occur due to unsteady power flow to the blower motor.
- Radio/ Screen issues- Media screen (if equipped) glitches are a known complaint on the 2013 Toyota Sienna. Mostly reported complaints include frozen screen, no display or backup camera, unresponsive buttons, intermittent restarts, or the unit failing to switch on during ignition. Software issues are the most common cause here which are mostly sorted out through updates. However, issues reappear after a while and certain cases require the replacement of the entire unit.
Structural issues
- Sliding Door issues- Sliding door issues have been one of the most recorded complaints against the 2013 Toyota Sienna by owners. Problems range from structural issues to electronic component failure. Some of the issues noted are rusting of the hinges, misalignment of the door from the rails, broken door handle mechanism, and the most common being the malfunctioning of the power sliding mechanism. Although the former issues are dealt with on a customer basis, the power sliding issue has a recall (ID-16V858000) rolled out to replace affected wiring harnesses and junction blocks.
Safety Complaints
- Airbags Issues- Airbag issues are something to watch out for on the 2013 Toyota Sienna. In addition to the ongoing Takata recall for faulty replacement units, the occupant sensing system on the passenger seat also has calibration issues which might lead to the airbag light remaining on or worse, prevent the airbag from deploying in the event of a crash. Recall (IDs-19V741000, 19V005000, 18V024000, and 13V014) have been initiated over multiple years to rectify all issues that may occur in this department.
2013 Toyota Sienna Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
17th October 2019 |
19V741000 |
The frontal airbag may explode |
Previously replaced inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began on November 20, 2019. |
|
2 |
25th July 2019 |
19V553000 |
Rear brake hoses may be too short |
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, possibly resulting in a leak and reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash, |
The dealers will install a set of rear brake hoses that will provide the proper clearance, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2019. |
|
3 |
9th January 2019 |
19V005000 |
The frontal airbag may explode |
Previously replaced inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, or replace the airbag assembly. The recall began on February 15, 2019. |
|
4 |
9th January 2018 |
18V024000 |
The frontal airbag may explode |
Previously replaced inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, or replace the airbag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. |
|
5 |
29th November 2016 |
16V858000 |
The power sliding door may open while driving |
If the power sliding door is unable to be opened when commanded, such as if the door is frozen shut, the door may subsequently open unexpectedly, possibly while the vehicle is moving, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant. |
The dealers will replace the junction block, and rear sliding door wire harnesses, and install two sub-wire harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. |
|
6 |
16th January 2013 |
13V014000 |
Occupant sensing system calibration |
During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters, or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested, possibly causing it to not work as intended, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant. |
The dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. |
Should you buy a used 2013 Toyota Sienna?
The Toyota Sienna has always been a reliable family hauler and continues to be that way. Even though there were a few niggles with the vehicle given its recent introduction, the manufacturer has been quick on its feet to bring all problems under a leash. Apart from the few electrical niggles that have been mentioned above, the 2013 Sienna, in true Toyota fashion, is a mechanically reliable proposition as all the reports suggest. So if you are on the lookout for a dependable and long-running family midsize van, the 2013 Toyota Sienna would probably be one of the better choices out there, new or used.
