Nine problems related to engine have been reported for the 2000 Toyota Sienna. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Toyota Sienna based on all problems reported for the 2000 Sienna.
Car has oil sludge problem - Toyota settled class action law suit - but I was never notified - and it appears a recall was never initiated?.
Oil gelling related damage-2000 Toyota Sienna w/v6 with oil gelling. This engine was repaired under Toyota's special repair program. The issue is that the repair does not include enough parts to properly return the unit into service without compramising the main and rod bearings, as well as the rear and front seals. I am now faced with a $1400 repair bill for the rear main seal at 65k miles. I beleive that this portion of the engine was comprimised do to lack of oil casued by the oil gelling. The screen was 85% blocked and since the main and rod bearings are the first to be fed oil from the pump, they have experienced accelerated wear. I base this on my discovery when at the dealer. I am an ase certified automotive technician with engine speciality ratings, so I can speak as an expert on this matter. I tried to discuss with Toyota corp at the local level and they do not see any reason to continue the discussion.
2000 Toyota Sienna experienced serious sludging problem and had "sludge/gel repair" done by Toyota at 58k miles. Service dates: oct 14 and 15, 2002. On July 18, 2004, the Sienna (with 81k miles) broke down during a vacation trip. Diagnosis: residual engine damage from sludge problem and inadequate repair led to failure of a thrust washer/bearing that caused extensive damage to the engine from metal fragments that spread throughout the engine. Estimated repair cost: $7,300. I am currently trying to get Toyota to repair the engine at their cost and to cover all of my related costs due to the failure (e. G. Hotel costs, rental car).
Ltr fwd fm fhwa re their defective 2000 Toyota Sienna xle, the van has problems with engine sludge. . . The vehicle started to blow blue smoke and ran rough. The dealer discovered engine gel deposits. The malfunctioning light had come on due to the oxygen sensor per dealer, the brakes squealed when stopped at low speeds(problem continued), and pulled to the left. The dealer could not duplicate. The engine sludge had come back again due to a burnt hole in the valve which was in the piston. The tachometer illumination appeared to be out and the bulb was replaced. The consumer requested reimbursement for the hotel stay and the vehicle rental.
White smoke comes out of the tailpipe when the engine is started. Toyota dealer says that the rings are bad due to sludge in the engine. They, and Toyota corporate office, say that the sludge is due to negligent maintenance. However, oil changes were made at the proper intervals according to the owner's manual. The dealer says that repairs will cost between $2300 and $5700 and that the warranty is voided by the presence of sludge. I tried, unsuccessfully, to convince them that this level of sludge build-up was not reasonable for an engine of this age. I'm at a loss as to what to do to get Toyota to honor their warranty. This seems like fraud to me. Is there anything that NHTSA can do? given the number of complaint that I've seen on this site regarding this problem, I think some governmental pressure would help to get Toyota to do the right thing.
I took my new Toyota Sienna to be repaired because it was smoking. I was told that the engine had sludge in it and Toyota was denying any warranty claims. How does a brand new engine get sludge in it? there are literally hundreds of similar instances reported on various sites on the internet. The pattern is similar - low mileage Toyota vehcles (especially Siennas) suddenly smoking and having sludge in their engines, depsite proper maintenance and regular oil changes. There clearly is a coverup here by Toyota. They are declining warranty claims rather than trying to deal with the problem.
Sludge build up leading to camshaft failure - fast oil level drop.
Ltr fwd fm fhwa re his defective 2000 Toyota Sienna xle that emits a loud bearing whine, the transmission randomly shifted into neutral. The tires were replaced 3 times due to tracking & pulling problems. The consumer was told by the rep that 31k miles on a michelin was all to expect on this vehicle. The vehicle was on it's fourth set of tires at 55k miles. The tracking problems were resolved on the two sets of four within the first 15k miles. The vehicle downshifted when going between the second and third gears. There were results form an engine oil analysis that may indicate early sludge build up.
The engine developed engine gel deposits, the oxygen sensor and the brakes squeaked.