2012 Toyota Sienna

Introduction: The 2012 Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliable performance. It is available with a choice of two engines: a 3.5L V6 producing 266 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, or a hybrid 3.5L V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid engine is paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

People Like:

• Spacious and versatile interior
• Comfortable ride quality
• Fuel-efficient hybrid option
• Reliable and well-built
• Good safety ratings

People Dislike:

• Some interior materials feel cheap
• Engine can be noisy at high RPMs
• V6 engine lacks power when fully loaded
• Limited cargo space behind the third row of seats

Engine:

3.5L V6

• Oil consumption issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, especially during highway driving.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and other affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattle or ticking noise, especially on cold starts.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
• Intake manifold gasket leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, often visible on the front or back of the engine.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Hybrid 3.5L V6

• Inverter failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, vehicle may go into limp mode.
  • Solution: Replace inverter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission:

6-speed Automatic

• Harsh shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips or shifts abruptly between gears.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT

• Transmission slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, transmission may struggle to engage gears.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension:

• Front strut mount bearing failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or rattling noise from the front of the vehicle, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear stabilizer bar bushings worn:
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noise from the rear of the vehicle, especially during turns.
  • Solution: Replace stabilizer bar bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical:

• Battery drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead prematurely, even with a new battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and fix source of battery drain, such as parasitic draw from interior lights or electrical components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, difficulty starting the vehicle, battery warning light on.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior:

• Windshield stress cracks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks that appear spontaneously on the windshield, often starting from the edges.
  • Solution: Replace windshield.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear bumper cover sagging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear bumper cover may sag or detach from the vehicle.
  • Solution: Reattach or replace bumper cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior:

• Dashboard fading:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard material discolors or fades over time, especially in sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control panel failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Buttons or knobs on the climate control panel may become unresponsive or stop working.
  • Solution: Replace climate control panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: Overall, the 2012 Toyota Sienna is a reliable and well-reviewed minivan. However, like any vehicle, it has some potential issues that owners should be aware of. The most significant issue is the potential for oil consumption and piston ring failure in the 3.5L V6 engine. Other issues include transmission problems, suspension wear, and interior concerns. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but most can be addressed with proper maintenance and repairs.