Best & Worst Toyota Sienna Years | Years To Avoid

Are you having trouble deciding which Toyota Sienna to buy? To determine which year of the Toyota Sienna to buy and which one to avoid, we’ve broken down the model years.

With its spacious interior and excellent safety ratings, the Toyota Sienna is a popular family vehicle.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each model year of the vehicle since each generation has a long history of production.

All Sienna model years are covered in detail in this guide, from the best to the worst. The middle ground between the best and the worst is also introduced by the term ‘neutral’.

There have been four generations of the Toyota Sienna:

Generation	Years
Toyota Sienna (4th generation, XL40)	2021-Present
Toyota Sienna (3rd generation, XL30)	2011-2020
Toyota Sienna (2nd generation, XL20)	2004-2010
Toyota Sienna (1st generation, XL10)	1998-2003

The key differences between each generation must be understood by potential buyers before making a decision. The categories ‘Best,’ ‘Neutral,’ and ‘Worst’ have been determined based on a thorough review of data from several reliable sources.

The term neutral year refers to a year that does not exhibit significant problems or excel when it comes to reliability and owner satisfaction. On the basis of all the factors we considered, we may find that they are evenly balanced between pros and cons, or that they are simply average.

Following is a list of model years:

Generation	Best Years	Neutral Years	Worst Years
XL40 (2021-Present)	20212023	2022	N/A
XL30 (2011-2020)	201120122015201620182020	2013	201420172019
XL20 (2004-2010)	20052006	20042009	200720082010
XL10 (1998-2003)	200020012002	19981999	2003

In determining the rankings in the table above, a variety of factors were taken into account, including:

Safety can be adversely affected by some of these factors, such as NHTSA recalls. Consequently, cars with high recall rates have lower reliability scores.

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Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 4th Generation [2021 to Present]

After the fourth generation, Sienna became a hybrid while retaining its spacious and comfortable interior.

2021 and 2023 are the best years

With hybrid powertrains, fuel efficiency has been achieved without sacrificing performance in recent years.

These years are among the best of the current generation due to their modern interior design and comprehensive safety features.

2022 is the Neutral Year

This year’s Sienna received no significant updates, but it offered solid performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, earning it our ‘Neutral’ rating.

Since this generation is still relatively new, there haven’t been any ‘worst’ years, as all models have demonstrated strong reliability and performance.

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Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 3rd Generation [2011 to 2020]

An interior redesign in 2011 made the Sienna more comfortable and entertainment-focused.

2011-2012, 2015-2016, 2018-2020 are the best years

A 3.5L V6 engine, which was more fuel efficient and delivered more power, distinguished them from the rest.

A cutting-edge safety system, Toyota Safety Sense P, was introduced in 2018 along with improved interior materials and an advanced infotainment system. This results in their third iteration receiving the “Best” label.

2013 is the neutral year

Even though the 2013 model did not deliver significant improvements, it still delivered good performance, comfort, and reliability. Consequently, this year falls into the ‘Neutral’ category.

2014, 2017, and 2019 were the worst years

Some lingering problems with the entertainment system as well as interior quality issues occurred during this time period. Due to their increased frequency, these problems were considered the worst for the third generation.

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Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 2nd Generation [2004 to 2010]

The second generation Sienna was unveiled in 2004 and featured a sleeker design, larger interior, and more features than its predecessor.

2005 and 2006 were the best years

With its 3.3L V6 engine, the Sienna was able to provide increased horsepower and smoother performance during these years.

The best years of the second generation were also marked by third-row seats that fold flat and all-wheel drive.

2004 and 2009 were the neutral years

Initial release issues plagued the 2004 model, even though it introduced many new features. There were no significant improvements or disadvantages to ownership experiences with the 2009 model.

Therefore, these years are considered neutral.

2007-2010 were the worst years

The number of problems associated with power sliding doors and air conditioning systems has increased over the past couple of decades.

These years are also considered the ‘worst’ because of a number of recalls on the Sienna.

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Best & Worst Years For Toyota Sienna 1st Generation [1998 to 2003]

Toyota introduced the Sienna in 1998 as an attempt to break into the minivan market.

2000, 2001, and 2002 were the best years

The Sienna earned its place as ‘Best’ during these years due to its highly reliable 3.0L V6 engine and safety features.

In terms of comfort and drive quality, these model years are among the highest points of the first generation. There have been fewer reported issues, and consumer feedback has been positive. According to crash test results, the 2002 model earned the highest rating among the models tested in 2002.

1998 and 1999 were neutral years

During these years, Toyota attempted to establish a presence in the minivan market with the Sienna.

Vehicles from these years were reliable and safe, but they lacked the advancements that would follow. ‘Neutral’ was the rating because no major defects were reported.

2003 was one of the worst years

According to reports, the 2003 model year had more problems.

Oil sludge caused engine failures and steering problems, among other things. These problems cause the first generation of this year to fall into our ‘unfavorable’ category.

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Are Toyota Siennas Generally Reliable?

It is a reliable minivan, but there are more reliable ones on the market than the Toyota Sienna. Withclutch.com ranks the Toyota Sienna as highly reliable, scoring 74.05 in comparison with other cars.

It is also helpful to get a second opinion. In terms of reliability, the Toyota Sienna receives 3.5/5 stars on repairpal.com. It is ranked 6th among eight minivans on the market.

Sienna drivers report average repair costs of $554 per year, which is lower than average. Issues with major or severe severity are 15% likely to occur if there is a problem.

There are approximately .4 unexpected repairs performed on Toyota Sienna vehicles a year. It is the same number for similar minivans. 

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Which Sienna Years Are The Least Reliable?

If you are considering buying a used car, you should make sure it is as reliable as possible. When you compare the least reliable Toyota Sienna years, you will be able to avoid cars that will cost a lot to repair over time.

In terms of reliability, the Toyota Sienna has the following years:

To find out which Toyota Sienna year is most reliable, you should stay away from these models.

Despite the fact that these models may be cheaper, it is not worth your while. It is more likely that you will have to pay more for repairs during these years, which ultimately hurts your wallet. 

There are common problems with Toyota Siennas no matter which year they were made. Having an understanding of how they work is a good idea before you purchase one.

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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Toyota Sienna?

No matter what version of the Toyota Sienna you own, you can determine what the most common faults are. It appears that these problems are widespread among owners.

These problems are reported by motorbiscuit.com about the Toyota Sienna:

Electric sliding door troubles

When they are manufactured between the mid-2000s and early 2010, particularly in the mid-2000s model, the Toyota Sienna’s electric sliding doors can have issues. 

Most doors have problems opening and closing correctly, getting stuck, or not working at all. It can be caused by a malfunctioning door motor, misaligned tracks, or worn-out hinges and cables.

Dashboard cracks

There has been an increase in the problem in Siennas since the mid-2000s. As a result of these factors, cracks can form in the interior construction, which can be unsightly and indicate deeper concerns about the quality and durability of the materials. By exposing yourself to intense sunlight and heat, you can exacerbate the problem.

Failing oxygen sensor

Especially in Siennas from the mid-2000s and early 2000s, oxygen sensors may fail. By optimizing fuel combustion, the oxygen sensor reduces emissions. It is also possible for an oxygen sensor to fail, resulting in poor fuel economy and rough idle, as well as increased emissions. An oxygen sensor that is malfunctioning and requires immediate replacement should illuminate the check engine light.

Oil leaks and engine issues

The valve cover gaskets, timing cover seals, or oil cooler lines of certain Sienna engines can leak oil over time, especially those with V6 engines. There have also been reports of excessive oil consumption in certain engines.

If these issues persist, trips to the shop may be necessary.

These issues are less likely to occur if you purchase a Toyota Sienna from a reliable year. No matter what quality you choose for your car, you will always have problems.

In addition to the reliability of the Sienna, there are a few other things you should know about it. Is it worth it in the end?

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Is The Toyota Sienna Worth It?

Used Toyota Siennas are reliable for a long time, so if you need a minivan, this is the vehicle for you. Due to its reliability, millions of dollars will not be spent on repairs.

Although it has a few flaws, the Toyota Sienna is still an excellent choice for anyone. Toyota Siennas are among the best minivans, and they must be reliable.

Choose a reliable year, or you might end up paying a lot for unexpected repairs. Be wise in your decisions, and don’t rush them.

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Conclusion

It has been a great journey for Toyota so far, but there have been a few bumps along the way.

Throughout this guide, we provided you with a list of Toyota Sienna years that you should avoid and those that you should choose.

How long has it been since you parked your Sienna on your driveway? Was it like living with them during what year? It would be very helpful to those considering purchasing a Sienna if they knew your story.