Ten problems related to gasoline engine have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Sienna. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I had oil changed in the van in September ,2001 less than three thousand miles later it began to smoke. I took it to the dealer and they told me that I had engine sludge, in researching this subject on the internet I discovered that there are many complaints similar to mine. I was told at the dealership that my van was no longer under warranty however, that due to the low mileage I have on my van the dealership would be willing to help with the cost of repairs. The van was in the repair shop for two weeks, when I went to retrieve it I was told that the Toyota rep. Had also agreed to take care of part of the expenses. Needless to say that Toyotas' and the dealerships' generosity have made me somewhat suspicious since I was informed at the beginning that the van was no longer under warranty. Furthermore the complaints that I encountered from other owners on the internet lead me to believe that Toyota may be trying to cover-up something. Repairs cost me $1430. 81.
Engine locked up. Dealer tells us no oil was present in the engine at the time of their inspection.
Engine sludge at 25,000 miles.
According to dealer, engine is sludged up (as many other owners have expereinced). They said they will repair it (w/o guarantee) for $2000, or $5500 (guaranteed).
This engine is under warranty. I provided more than the number of receipts requested by the dealership. Toyota says the oil change outlets must not have actually changed the oil. Vehicle was purchased as used with 153 miles on it. It was purchased at bale Honda in little rock. Bale Toyota had used it as a demonstrator. Bale Toyota is in conway, ar which is 35 miles away. Landers Toyota is the only Toyota service center in little rock. After I provided them with all the records requested, they still maintain that too few oil changes is the only cause of this problem. The vehicle smoked so bad that I thought it was on fire.
Engine is full of sludge, there was never any warning light or system check that indicated the engine had any problems.
Engine developed sludge despite maintenance; warranty coverage denied. Dealer and distirct representative for Toyota refused to look at oil change receipts or discuss the matter. Automation revocation of warranty without consideration of maintenance records.
Engine sludged at 35000 miles, and again at 79000 miles. Warranty coverage was denied even though we presented evidence of regular maintenance. We were recently offered reimbursement for the first repair by Toyota in the amount of $2300. They denied reimbursement on the second repair in the amount of $7100 because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The engine has sludged twice in spite of regular oil changes. Total repair and incidental costs have exceeded $10,000.
Accepted for arbitration by wa state atty general.
Our dealership has one person doing the work which three did at my girlfriend's old dealership; they keep telling us to "keep a log" of problems. She went in and told them the car had to be fixed; they said okay, and it sat for a week while they ordered parts which we thought they already would have in, due to our previous/numerous complaints. So now it's going _back_ in Monday morning, although they continue to insist they don't think they have parts for the inside door locks; she's going to ask them about it. It is very frustrating to have the dealership say "we don't have the parts" and/or "keep a log" when Toyota must have the parts -- it's their vehicle!! -- and we don't need to. 1 qt. Of oil per every 100 miles travelled for the last six-twelve months is insane. And Toyota continues to insist that it's from "lack of maintenance" when the oil changes were done primarily at dealerships in mi and FL . . . Does not sit well with me. Please contact me any developments pertaining to the Sienna . . . Thanks!! -- george seger, (231) 932-9501.