Three problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Sienna. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The engine needs replacing, apparently sludge and the dealer/manufacturer is trying to blame me for sloppy maintenance. I was at the dealer in 5/01 for a major maintenance which include engine flush, etc. $550. And since I have been back in 8/01 and 1/02 for different issues and was never asked to perform additional maintenance or warned that I should be careful, etc. I'm aware that I have performed oil & filter changes subsequent to the 5/01 major maintenance but I'm having trouble finding the evidence, in part because I moved aroudn 9 mo. Ago and still haven't quite settled in completely. Based on my search in the internet the manufacturer has apparently conceded about a month ago that there is a problem and is paying for the repairs but apparently puerto rico has not heard about this since they are making me jump through hoops to prove the adequate maintenance in order to maybe accept responsibility. I think this is especially sneaky since I have been to the authorized dealer in my new area twice and was never told that I should be doing something additional to the problem observed (in one case I had a check engine light on that they simply re-programmed). Thanks.
While driving 35 mph, the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle stalled on the highway. The dealer examined the vehicle and found a build up of sludge in the engine. A new engine was installed. Two years later, the same problem recurred and a new engine was needed. On March 22, 2004 the check engine light had come on. On March 23, 2004 the vehicle was towed to a service dealer who suggested that sludge was the problem.
In February of 2001 my 1998 Sienna engine froze up. No engine light came on. I had it towed to the fort myers Toyota dealer and they told me it was my fault and I would need a new engine. Mr myers the sevice manager told mr carpenter the new car saleman that a new engine would cost $5,000 minus a $1,000 dollar rebate or a total of $4,000. I told him to go ahead and change the motor. When I went to pick up the van the cost was $6800. 00 not $4,000. 00. I put the charge on my credit card. Later that month I traded the van in for a 2001 highlander. I had trouble with the electrical system in 1999 in ohio and didn't want to have additional problem in fla. This Sienna was a leased van and mr carpenter allowed me to drop the leased van in fort myers. I heard the other day that Toyota was recalling 1998 Sienna because of engine problems. The oil was clogging the engine. Please advise me of the recall. Thanks.