1998 Toyota Sienna XLE from North America - Comments

On 7/17/00 on my way to work, the engine started to run very rough and the power reduced like the car was going to die on the road. Then the engine warning light came on. I took the car to nearest Toyota dealer - Arlington Toyota - in Jacksonville, Florida (less than 2 miles). No car loan was offered this day.

Arlington Toyota found the problem, replaced all six fuel injectors (fp2320920010) still under warranty. I received the car back (11:00am July 18). The car ran fine for 2 days. However I noticed white smoke for 5 seconds when first started in the morning, or when making a fast right turn.

I took the car back to Arlington Toyota at 7:00pm July 20. Complained to the General Manager. He drove the van and acknowledged the lack of engine power. Later, they found a new problem with the cam sensor. The parts had to be ordered, and a loan car was provided (Toyota Camry SE) on July 21. The car was held for repair until July 25. A new cam sensor was installed; however they could not find the reason for the smoke.

The dealer kept the car for further investigations. On July 27 Arlington Toyota found the problem. They opened the engine valve cover and discovered oil sludge. The dealer called and stated that the problem is not covered under warranty. They said this was due to lack of oil changes and then took back the loan car. They suggested I rented the car on my own from another place and waited for a Southeastern Toyota representative to evaluate my warranty on Aug. 03, 2000.

I provided the dealer proofs of receipts of all the 5 oil/filter changes that the car had over a period of 2 years and 2 months (approx. 1 oil change every 6 months following the manufacturer's recommendations), the first 2 with a Toyota dealer, and the subsequent ones done by my workers.

According to the manager, Toyota will not consider this problem to be under warranty.

The car is unreliable:

1. Electrical: 2 out of 3 cig. lighters don't work (short circuit when something is plugged in). The dealer repaired them but the problem came back and they are still not working.

2. Batteries: died after 22,000 miles. Dealer replaced new batteries.

3. Tire alignment problem: from the beginning. all 4 tires had to be replaced at 5,500 miles.

4. Tire balancing: vibrations in steering wheel while driving. Tire balance sensor light constantly came on.

I encountered the same problem with my Sienna Engine. I bought an used Sienna with 66,000 mileage. I realized the white smoke coming when the engine is started. I wrongly thought the previous owner didn't get the oil changed at recommended mileage. After reading your comment, now I realized it is an inherent problem with Sienna Engine. The Toyota service center in my city opened the engine and cleaned the sludge, etc.. My van has been in the service center for more than one month now, because the valve covers are back ordered and they don't expect the valve covers to be available for 3 more weeks. This makes the stay of my Toyota Sienna Van in service center for about two months - I never expected or imagined the cars will be service center this long - that too for the inherent problem with the automobile. Hari Jefferson City.

The Sienna has very serious engine problems no matter how often the oil is changed. To imagine Toyota is number 1 and won't admit this is a shame. No other purchase of a Toyota will be made ever. Toyota seems to be worse in many areas than other manufacturers.

I have a 1998 Toyota Sienna XLE, 90,000+ miles, which interestingly only had problems after it was out of warranty, and after an oil change at a local dealership. Yes, I am suspicious that the mechanics were tinkering with my Sienna and causing problems so I would have to bring it back to have something fixed, but I had no way to prove it.

Our 1998 Sienna has been amazingly reliable since I stopped taking it to the dealership for oil changes and it has always been our favorite vehicle. We currently own 2 other vehicles, but we just don't want to sell it because it is so reliable! When I read about others having so many problems with their Siennas, I am astounded.