Which Years Of Used Toyota Siennas Are Most Reliable?

Published April 1, 2023 by CoPilot Staff
Updated March 11, 2024 in Reliability

We've rounded up 17 of the most reliable Toyota Sienna years. See which ones (as well which Sienna years are considered least reliable) so you can choose a dependable minivan.

The Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan option from the Toyota brand. It’s been around since 1997, providing room for families and singles alike to cart kids and luggage. If you’re interested in a used version to save money, you might wonder - what year is the most reliable Toyota Sienna?

It’s critical to pick the right car. If you’re wondering - what year is the most reliable Toyota Sienna - you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the most reliable years, the overall reliability of the Toyota Sienna, and other valuable information about this car. The more you know, the easier it will be to pick a used model that will last for years to come.

THE TOYOTA SIENNA YEARS TO AVOID

We’ve compiled a list of Toyota Sienna years to avoid based on commonly reported problems associated with the vehicle.

Most Reliable Years For The Sienna

The Toyota Sienna has been in production for more than two decades, providing a growing number of options to customers. With so many selections, it might be tricky to pick the most reliable year. We’ve compiled the best of the best to make the decision process easier.

If you’re curious about what year is the most reliable Toyota Sienna, here are the best of the best:

1998 Toyota Sienna
1999 Toyota Sienna
2000 Toyota Sienna
2001 Toyota Sienna
2002 Toyota Sienna
2003 Toyota Sienna
2009 Toyota Sienna
2010 Toyota Sienna
2012 Toyota Sienna
2013 Toyota Sienna
2014 Toyota Sienna
2015 Toyota Sienna
2016 Toyota Sienna
2017 Toyota Sienna
2018 Toyota Sienna
2019 Toyota Sienna
2020 Toyota Sienna

These will last on the road and require fewer repairs than in other years.

There is some variation in reliability over the years with the Toyota Sienna. The period from 1998-2003 is solid, then there’s a gap until 2009. Reliability pushes forward with success from that point, skipping over 2011, until 2020. Any of these will serve you well.

Of course, the quality of these years doesn’t determine the reliability of the Toyota Sienna in general. It’s helpful to know the average reliability of the Sienna as a whole before deciding on this car.

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Are Toyota Siennas Generally Reliable?

Although there are more reliable minivans out there, the Toyota Sienna offers an average performance. According to withclutch.com, the Toyota Sienna scores 74.05, which puts it in a very reliable position compared to other cars.

It’s helpful to have a second opinion, too. According to repairpal.com, the Toyota Sienna scores 3.⁵⁄₅ in reliability. This number puts it at 6th out of 8 when compared to other minivans on the market.

Drivers report an average of $554 a year in repairs for the Sienna, putting it below average for repair costs. If there is an issue, there is a 15% chance it will be major or severe.

On average, drivers take their Toyota Sienna to the repair shop .4 times a year for unexpected fixes. This number is right on average for similar minivans.

Which Sienna Years Are The Least Reliable?

To get the most out of your investment in a used car, you should pick the most reliable vehicle for your money. We have a list of the least reliable Toyota Sienna years to help you stay away from cars that will cost you lots of money in repairs as time goes on.

Here are the least reliable years for the Toyota Sienna:

2004 Toyota Sienna
2005 Toyota Sienna
2006 Toyota Sienna
2007 Toyota Sienna
2008 Toyota Sienna
2011 Toyota Sienna

If you’re wondering what year is the most reliable Toyota Sienna, stay away from these.

Although you might be able to find these models for less money, it isn’t worth it. These years are more likely to cost a lot in repairs and will eventually be worse for your wallet, rather than better.

No matter how good your year of the Toyota Sienna is, there are common issues with this vehicle from Toyota. It’s helpful to know what to expect before purchasing one.

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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Toyota Sienna?

Whether you have the most reliable version of the Toyota Sienna or the least, it’s critical to check customer complaints to determine the most common faults in the vehicle. These are common across the board according to owners.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are the most common issues with the Toyota Sienna:

Electric sliding door troubles: The Toyota Sienna’s electric sliding doors are convenient but can experience issues, particularly in models from the mid-2000s to early 2010s. Problems include doors that won’t open or close correctly, get stuck, or operate intermittently. These issues can stem from faulty door motors, misaligned tracks, or worn-out cables and hinges.
Dashboard cracks: This has been a concern particularly in Siennas from the late 2000s. These cracks can be unsightly and reflect deeper issues related to material durability and interior build quality. Exposure to intense sunlight and heat can exacerbate this problem.
Failing oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor, crucial for optimizing fuel combustion and reducing emissions, can fail in Siennas, particularly those from the early to mid-2000s. Symptoms of a failing oxygen sensor include poor fuel economy, rough engine idle, and increased emissions. If the check engine light illuminates and diagnostics indicate an oxygen sensor issue, prompt replacement is recommended.
Oil leaks and engine issues: Some Sienna engines, particularly the V6 models, have been known to develop oil leaks over time, often related to valve cover gaskets, timing cover seals, or oil cooler lines. Additionally, there have been reports of excessive oil consumption in specific engines.

These may cause necessary trips to the repair shop in time.

If you stick with the most reliable years for the Toyota Sienna, you are less likely to experience these troubles than with the least reliable ones. No matter what quality of car you get, there is sure to be trouble at some point.

We’ve gone over the reliability of the Sienna and other features you should know. Now, the ultimate question is - is it worth it?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?

Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last? How often should you replace your brakes? We’ve got answers

Is The Toyota Sienna Worth It?

There are plenty of reliable years for the Toyota Sienna, so it’s worth it if you’re hunting for a used minivan. It has average reliability and won’t cost a million dollars in repairs.

Although there are flaws, the Toyota Sienna will work for anyone. It’s critical to have reliability if you want something like a minivan, and the Toyota Sienna is solid.

Ensure you pick one of the most reliable years, or you may pay a decent amount for unexpected fixes. Make wise choices, not rushed ones.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a minivan, the Toyota Sienna is one of the best options. It provides decent reliability and low repair costs on average per year. The most commonly reported troubles aren’t too severe, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket by purchasing one of the most reliable years.

We hope this information was helpful! Minivans are one of the best modes of transportation if you have lots of stuff or a large family to transport from one location to the next. If you want to stick with Toyota, the Sienna is one of the best. It’s reliable and won’t cost too much if you choose the right year.

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