1999 Toyota Sienna XLE 3.0 V6 from North America
Summary:
A remarkably poor highly rated van
Faults:
This vehicle has had a severe steering pull problem since new. Two new tires were required at 7,500 miles due to excessive wear on the original tires.
There are numerous rattles in the doors and the interior of the van.
The brakes make loud clunking sounds as the vehicle comes to a stop in reverse gear.
There is a persistent leak in the rear window washer unit.
A piece of plastic trim on the rear lift gate separated from the paint within the first few months of ownership.
The paint is so thin that when traveling a highway speeds even a grain of sand can do considerable damage.
Finally, the baffle directly below the engine oil filler cap has a thick deposit of blackened, gritty oil. The oil in the engine itself has been determined to contain a very high level of silicon. This problem was confirmed by analysis of an oil sample sent to the Blackstone Laboratories.
With the exception of the loose piece of trim, all attempts to have these deficiencies corrected have been met with arrogant indifference on the part of both of my local Toyota dealers.
General Comments:
This is not a vehicle I would ever recommend to a young family with a tight budget and concern for the safety of their children. In fact, it would be an excellent vehicle for all prospective buyers to avoid especially if they are interested in owning a trouble free van.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 18th April, 2002
12th Dec 2002, 09:59
The owners manual says to change the oil every 5000 to 7500 miles. You should not have to change the oil every 3000 miles to prevent sludge.
9th Aug 2003, 12:24
I don't care what the owners manual says. Any mechanic will tell you that a vehicle's oil should be changed every 3 months or 3000 miles... whichever comes first. They only exception to this rule would be if the majority of your miles were highway miles. I don't care if you drive a Toyota or a Yugo. Oil needs to be changed every 3000 miles or it begins to break down and you'll develop a sludge problem. It's your vehicle. Oil is one of the least expensive items you'll ever put in your vehicle. If you want to be stubborn and run it 7500 miles between changes, go right ahead. You'll pay for it later.
9th Aug 2003, 20:20
First of all, I change the oil and filter in my Citation ONCE a year!! Not every 3000 miles!! Don't be ridiculous!! Still on original engine and transmission!! Still going strong at 300,000 miles!! My friends and family do the same and have the same results!!!
The only exception is if you are off roading frequently!!
6th Jul 2007, 20:47
I agree with the comment. I have a 1998 van that I bought because of "legendary Toyota quality". Not only rattles like a old pickup truck since it was new, had to change the transmission at around 60k miles, blows fuses, all the door handles have broken, the list goes on and on. I will NEVER buy another Toyota and am cancelling my subscription to consumer reports.
13th Nov 2002, 08:30
Actually, this van is rated number one in saftey for its category. I have had my Sienna for 5 years, and 100,000 miles. No problems, no rattles. I do agree about the tires. Got to rotate them and balance every 7500 miles, or they do wear out faster than normal. I do see a leak under the engine now, so I will have it checked out, but sounds like you got a rare lemon.
Got to change the oil every 3000 miles, could get engine sludge if not.
My friends are replacing transmissions and engines in their fords and chryslers. Plan to drive this van 300,000 miles or more.