2012 Toyota Sienna

The 2012 Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. Available with either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque) or a 3.5-liter V6 engine (266 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque), both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Sienna for its family-friendly features, smooth ride, and reputation for longevity. However, some common complaints include issues with certain electrical components, sliding door malfunctions, and occasional engine-related problems, depending on the engine choice.

Engine

2.7L 1AR-FE Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include low oil light illumination, engine knocking, and potential engine damage if oil levels are not maintained.
  • Solution: Regular monitoring of oil levels and potential engine rebuild or replacement of piston rings and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L 2GR-FE V6

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail prematurely, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine overheating. Symptoms include coolant leaks near the front of the engine, high engine temperature readings, and engine knocking.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump, coolant, and possibly the thermostat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Cooler Line Leakage
  • Description/Symptoms: The rubber hoses connecting the oil cooler to the engine block can deteriorate over time, leading to oil leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler lines with updated or reinforced lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (U660E/U760E)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or delayed shifting, especially between 1st and 2nd gear, or slipping during acceleration. These issues may be more pronounced at higher mileage.
  • Solution: Diagnose and address the issue by potentially flushing the transmission fluid, replacing the valve body, or, in more severe cases, rebuilding the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of rear shock absorbers can lead to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sliding Door Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors can experience malfunctions, including failing to open or close correctly, getting stuck, or emitting warning beeps. This is often related to issues with the door motor, cables, or sensors.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause and replace the faulty components, such as the door motor, cable, or sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Outlet Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V power outlets may stop working due to blown fuses or wiring issues.
  • Solution: Check and replace blown fuses. Inspect wiring and repair as necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5 (fuse replacement) - $200+ (wiring repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Mirror Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power folding mirrors sometimes fail to fold properly or stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Replace the power folding mirror assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can develop cracks, especially in sun-exposed areas.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or use of dashboard covers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) - $1,500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seatbelt Retractor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Seatbelts may retract slowly or fail to retract completely.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the seatbelt mechanism or replace the seatbelt assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cleaning) - $300+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Toyota Sienna is a generally reliable minivan but can suffer from some issues, particularly with the electrical components like the sliding doors. Engine issues, such as water pump failures in the V6, and excessive oil consumption in the four-cylinder, are also potential concerns. Transmission issues, while less frequent, can be costly to address. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, like transmission rebuilds or engine repairs, can be quite costly. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, as well as budget for potential maintenance and repairs.