2004 Toyota Sienna

The 2004 Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan known for its reliability and spaciousness. It came standard with a 3.3L V6 engine producing 230 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its comfortable ride, smooth engine, and overall practicality. However, some common complaints include issues with the sliding doors, premature brake wear, and some electrical problems.

Engine

3.3L V6 (3MZ-FE)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks often develop around the valve cover gaskets and the timing cover. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets and/or reseal the timing cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The knock sensors can fail, triggering the check engine light and potentially reducing engine performance and fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty knock sensor. Replacing both knock sensors simultaneously is recommended, as they are both likely to fail soon, and labor costs are similar whether you replace one or both.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ depending on location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failed oxygen sensors can cause the check engine light to come on, poor fuel economy, and rough idling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (U151E)

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or failure to shift gears. Check engine light may illuminate with transmission-related error codes.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ depending on how many solenoids are replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds, or abnormal noises coming from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during turns, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts/shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per axle (front or rear).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the worn sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per pair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, or may exhibit intermittent operation. This can be caused by motor failure, cable issues, or sensor problems.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause of the failure (motor, cable, sensor) and replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the specific part that needs replacing.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power door locks may fail to lock or unlock, or may exhibit intermittent operation.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate/Liftgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulties opening/closing tailgate. Tailgate motor issues.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming in the dashboard, often near the airbags.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard, or use a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (for a dashboard cover) - $1500+ (for a new dashboard)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Toyota Sienna is generally reliable, but common issues include oil leaks, sensor failures, and power sliding door problems. Suspension components like struts and sway bar links are also prone to wear. Dashboard cracking is a prevalent cosmetic issue. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs. Overall, prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common problems and factor potential repair costs into their purchasing decision.