2016 Toyota Sienna

The 2016 Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. It comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 266 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the Sienna for its smooth engine, ample cargo space, and available all-wheel drive. Common complaints include its somewhat bland styling and less engaging driving experience compared to some competitors.

Engine

3.5L V6 (2GR-FE)

• Oil Leak from Timing Cover
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the front timing cover, especially near the top. This can lead to oil spots on the driveway and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing cover gasket and resealing the timing cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the water pump area, overheating engine, and possible engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the water pump and coolant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (U660E/U660F)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, especially between lower gears. May be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and refill may help. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid Flush $150 - $300, Valve Body $800 - $1500+, Rebuild $3000 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid from rear shock absorbers, bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding doors not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises. This can be due to motor failure, cable problems, or issues with the latch mechanism.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific cause (motor, cable, latch) and replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the part.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera displaying a blank screen, distorted image, or not working at all.
  • Solution: Check the camera connection, replace the camera unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Sliding Door Cable Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors failing to open or close. Often accompanied by a snapping sound, indicating a broken cable.
  • Solution: Replacing the power sliding door cable assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing or Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation or infotainment system freezing up, becoming unresponsive, or crashing unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Attempting a system reset. In some cases, a software update or replacement of the unit might be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Toyota Sienna generally exhibits good reliability, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues such as oil leaks from the timing cover, water pump failures, and rough shifting from the 6-speed automatic transmission. Electrical issues with the sliding doors and backup camera, along with potential suspension problems, can also occur. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but addressing them promptly can help maintain the Sienna’s overall dependability.