Hatchback/liftgate problems of the 2004 Toyota Sienna - part 2

: the contact stated the automatic rear hatch comes down without pressing the remote. The hatch hit the contact multiple times, but caused no injury. The dealership determined this is normal when the temperature is between 15-25 degrees, although this occurred at 30 degrees. The manufacturer determined this was within manufacturer specifications and no repair or action could be taken. The dealership suggested the contact try to manually hold the rear hatch open.

The rear hatch is reversing and coming back down on its own without pressing on the remote. The consumer anticipates that an injury can occur because it comes down with great force.

I had a problem with the hatch door on my 2004 Toyota Sienna closing without warning and continuing to close when it came in contact with my back. I wrote to my dealer (sloane Toyota in glenside, PA) about the problem in March 2005 (I have copied the text of that message at the bottom of this complaint), and they told me to take it in to have it checked out. I took it to a local dealer (peruzzi Toyota in hatfield) and they "fixed" it, by replacing a switch, I believe. I asked if this was a known defect and they told me no. I recently saw an article in the philadelphia inquirer that identified this as an issue that has injured some people. I believe that this is a threat to cause serious, potentially, fatal injury. Text of message from March 2005: to sloane Toyota sent via e-mail on March 22, 2005 I bought a 2004 Sienna from michael liss at sloane in may 2004. I recently had a problem occur with the rear hatch door closing without being prompted and without audible warning. It came down on my back and could have seriously injured me. It did not go back up when it came in contact with my body, but rather continued to shut. We have scheduled service with local Toyota dealer, but I wanted to notify Toyota of this issue. I could not find a way to submit an e-mail note to Toyota corp. , so I'm sending one to you. Is this a known defect with the 2004 Sienna? has their been a recall notice issued? this defect could cause permanent injury (or death to a young child).

"clunking" noise noted on steering the 2004 Toyota Sienna just a few months after it was bought. It had gone through 3 recalls already when first the fuel tank, then the door sills, then the middle row seatbelt bezel, and finally recently, the rear hatch struts were all replaced. Vehicle was test driven, but no mention of "clunking" documented. However, all this time, the clunking had become more noticeable, and vehicle had gone through 2 alignments already, with only about 42,000 miles on it. Last serviced for alignment, dealer did note clunking and recommended replacement of intermediate steering shaft. It is now becoming more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and "k-turns" now require more maneuvers, and the steering radius has increased potentially causing collisions with objects or pedestrians if compensatory action is not initiated. (steering output has sometimes been unpredictable). Second component is lack of tpms sensors when tires were changed at a facility, and I had the facility document the lack of sensors.