Sienna (XL40)
Verdict Test the brakes first, feeling for a soft or uneven pedal as the van blends regenerative and hydraulic stops. Confirm the third-row seatback bolt recall is closed, plus the second-row seat rail weld recall on a 2025.
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
A25A-FXS, 5NM, 4NM
2.5L 4-cyl / 189 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota Sienna Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The fourth-generation Toyota Sienna did something no rival minivan had tried: it dropped the V6 entirely and shipped as a hybrid-only vehicle from its 2021 launch. What stands out in the reliability record is where the 631 complaints land. On most vehicles the powertrain leads the list. Here it does not. The heaviest concentrations sit in the interior and the brakes, an unusual profile for a minivan and a reassuring one for anyone worried that a hybrid-only drivetrain would be the weak point.
The single 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system carries the whole lineup, and with only one powertrain the per-engine complaint tally says less than the component breakdown does. That breakdown is the useful read. It shows the drivetrain staying largely out of the top failure categories, which matters on a van families buy to keep for a decade or more. The hybrid setup delivers fuel economy the old V6 never approached, and the reliability data suggests the hardware is not the compromise some shoppers feared.
The two clusters worth knowing are interior and brakes. Interior complaints lead at 225 and center on interior lighting and the seats. Brake complaints follow at 178 and carry a critical severity flag, tied to the service brakes and the hydraulic system. On a hybrid that blends regenerative and friction braking, pedal feel and brake behavior draw more scrutiny than on a conventional van, and the volume here says it is worth a close look. Safety systems, body and trim, and the electrical system round out the list at lower counts.
The recall history reinforces the seat theme. Three separate campaigns address seats: third-row seatback bolts (25V086000), improperly welded second-row seat rails on 2025 cars (25V668000), and a seat belt issue on eight-passenger 2022 vans (21V889000). Two more recalls in the file come from aftermarket mobility-conversion companies, Rollx and Vantage Mobility, and apply only to wheelchair-accessible Siennas those firms modified, not to standard vans.
For a family that wants minivan space with hybrid efficiency and plans to keep it long-term, the Sienna's reliability profile is encouraging where it counts, at the drivetrain. The homework is in the cabin and the brakes rather than under the hood.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna
That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.1 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 33 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Sample complaint excerpts
Regenerative Braking
- [2021] Acceleration or surge seemingly while transitioning from regenerative braking to friction braking. Observed numerous instances where at slower speeds, after removing my foot from the accelerator and beginning brake application, a surge or acceleration occurs. In these instances I ensured that my foot was NOT contacting the brake and accelerator simultaneously. There is a distinguishable surge in d
- [2021] went to stop, so I pressed on the brake pedal. as I slowed down, the brakes released and the vehicle surged forward suddenly as if the accelerator pedal had been pressed. i panic stomped the brake pedal and the vehicle started braking again with a sudden hard stop. The pedal had to be lifted and depressed again for the brakes to reactivate. during this short time, the vehicle surged forward an
- [2021] 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The following has been true from the beginning of ownership of new Sienna. When braking for a turn or stop, as speed drops below about 10-15 MPH, there can be a sudden power/speed surge and lurching forward that lasts for 1-2 seconds. This feels as if there are no brakes at all for those 1-2 seconds Dealer says that that's just the way that hybrids are, that once yo
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2021] I was driving my Toyota Sienna on a busy 6 lane highway in the second to the left lane, on a bridge. Suddenly without any warning AT ALL, my vehicle lost all power and came to an abrupt halt in the middle of high speed traffic. My wife and children were all in the car and we were in imminent danger of getting hit by another vehicle. It took the police approximately 10 minutes to arrive during whic
- [2021] The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Soon after the malfunctioning hybrid system "pull over immediately warning message displayed. The contact stated while he was driving the vehicle to a nearby parking lot he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact then parked the veh
- [2021] My car became inoperable because Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault:Internal electronic failure.Code P0AA6-49..Well known problem to Toyota about corrosive electrical connections(cables)..which needs to be replaced under Hybrid system warranties..but dealership and Toyota refusing to replace it under warranties..even they know some owners started class action against Toyota
Thermal Events
- [2021] The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Soon after the malfunctioning hybrid system "pull over immediately warning message displayed. The contact stated while he was driving the vehicle to a nearby parking lot he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact then parked the veh
- [2021] After being parked for 4 hours the vehicle caught on fire. Burnt passengers rear corner and rear tailgate
- [2024] Excessive heat coming from all vents and under steering wheel after long time driving. I am very concerned that the vehicle may be caught on fire and then cause injuries or casualties.
High-Voltage Battery
- [2021] My car became inoperable because Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault:Internal electronic failure.Code P0AA6-49..Well known problem to Toyota about corrosive electrical connections(cables)..which needs to be replaced under Hybrid system warranties..but dealership and Toyota refusing to replace it under warranties..even they know some owners started class action against Toyota
- [2022] The complaint was the failure mode of a no start condition while traveling. The issue was related to partial or improper function of the DSM which caused a drain on the battery and battery cell damage requiring full replacement. The fix was a software update to prevent recurrence which cost several hundred dollars (according to the Toyota Service Bulletin or TSB-0089) along with approx $200 for di
- [2022] Over the past 18 months, this vehicle has exhibited the following actions approximately 30-40 times. When slowing the vehicle, with brake pressure applied, the vehicle reacts appropriately until, at the slow speed( approximately 5-10 mph) it suddenly accelerates or surges ahead for approximately 1-2 seconds. The has occurred while in the process of turning as well as moving straight ahead. I have
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2022] I my Sienna had its 12 volt battery depleted over night with no reason. After it was jump started, literally every single piece of equipment was malfunctioning and producing an alert (hybrid system, brake pressure, RCTA, BSM, AWD,tire pressure and so on). After several restarts of the engine (about 15 min after running engine), all systems went to normal except hybrid drive system, that still aske
- [2022] I am reporting a recurring safety-related defect involving driver-assistance and steering-wheel controls on my 2022 Toyota Sienna Limited, VIN [XXX] ry 8, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Parkway Toyota in [XXX] bec [XXX] tion” warning appeared and cruise control stopped working. The dealer diagnosed the issue as related to the 12V battery, replaced the battery, and advised that the condition was r
- [2023] The vehicle has a standard installation of a kick sensor for the rear hatch. I purchased the vehicle used and was able to start the vehicle and drive it for a period of time hoping to charge up the 12V battery. However, upon stopping the vehicle I could not restart it. Even after repeated jumpstart and driving the vehicle for over 45 minutes, the 12 V battery could not restart the car. I read abo
Electric Propulsion
- [2021] While driving my 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, the vehicle suddenly displayed a low oil pressure warning, immediately lost power, and entered limp mode. I was able to pull over safely, but the engine then suffered a catastrophic failure — a connecting rod blew through the engine block, leaving large metal fragments inside the engine compartment. The vehicle is completely inoperable. Prior to this ev
- [2021] I BELIEVE THE COMPUTER CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AS PERSONNEL AT GETTEL TOYOTA IN PUNTA GORDA CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T TOUCH THE COMPUTER AND HAVE DONE NOTHING. Purchased Sienna in August 2021. In October at about 5:30 a.m. we were in the far left lane on a PA interstate, traffic came to a stop for construction. A delivery truck in front of us rolled backward a bit.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: Toyota Sienna hybrid pack (NiMH, 2021 on)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 10 yr / 150k mi.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Sienna, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
Every fourth-generation Sienna is a hybrid, so there is no engine choice to weigh, which simplifies shopping. Model year matters more for recall completion than for any powertrain difference, since later cars carry the same 2.5-liter hybrid as the 2021s. Before buying, run the VIN through Toyota's recall lookup and confirm the seat-related campaigns are closed, particularly the third-row seatback bolts (25V086000) and, on 2025 vans, the second-row seat rail weld recall (25V668000).
At inspection, put the brakes first. Drive at a range of speeds and test both light and firm stops, feeling for a soft or inconsistent pedal as the van transitions between regenerative and hydraulic braking, since brake complaints are the critical-severity cluster on this generation. Work every seat: fold and latch the third row, slide the second-row chairs through their full travel, and confirm all seatbacks lock firmly given the recall history. Check the interior lighting and the power accessories, the other high-complaint area.
If the van has been converted for wheelchair access, identify the upfitter, because two recalls on file trace to mobility-conversion firms rather than Toyota. A standard van is not affected by those campaigns, but a modified one may be. Otherwise the Sienna is a sound long-term family choice, with the caveats sitting in the cabin and the brake system rather than the hybrid drivetrain.
What to check on a used 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna
On a used 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the seats, seat belts and interior (268), the brakes (199) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (76). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 268 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna about the seats, seat belts and interior.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 199 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna about the brakes.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 76 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna about the body and structure.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna about the electrical system.
- Lift off the accelerator at 40 mph in the strongest regeneration setting, then brake to a stop.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna about regenerative braking.
Recalls (8)
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat rails may be welded improperly.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The bolts for the seatbacks on the third-row seat assemblies may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints," 207, "Seating Systems," and 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Show 3 older recalls
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Sienna vehicles equipped with seating for eight passengers. An incorrect seat belt webbing guide may have been installed on the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna complaints?
Owners have filed 741 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna. The systems they name most often are the interior, the brakes and the safety systems.
Is the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 741 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna have?
NHTSA has 741 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Sienna?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the interior, the brakes and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sienna?
The 2025 Toyota Sienna received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (12.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 741 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.