general problems of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Traction control malfunction. While driving on curvy roads there is a beeping alarm, steering locks up, brakes engage. The car seems to think that the traction is off. This has been a problem for over a year. No problems driving in city. Only happens on curvy roads.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle jerked and the traction control indicator illuminated. The tires felt as if they were gripping the ground, which made it difficult to drive. Since the failure, the vehicle started making a popping sound, but stopped when the vehicle traction control indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 138,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. While driving approximately 50 mph, the traction control sensor continuously illuminated and the vehicle decelerated. The contact applied the accelerator pedal, but the speed did not increase. The vehicle accelerated normally after the sensor dimmed, but the failure recurred several more times. An independent mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. While driving 20 mph, the contact noticed the traction control engaged causing the anti lock brakes to engage. The contact stopped the vehicle; however, when resuming regular functions he could not drive more than 5 mph without the traction control engaging. A local technician determined that the wheel speed sensor and reluctor rings were rusty which caused the anti lock brakes to activate, the vehicle was repaired at a cost of $87. 00. The manufacturer stated that they where unaware of the issue and a complaint was taken. The failure mileage and current mileages were 68,000. Updated 6/01/09 updated 06/02/09.

At any speed the traction control/abs system warning light activated causing the antilock breaks to start pumping and making it difficult to steer. This occurred three times during our trip, even at high speeds such as 55 mph, which could have easily caused a collision if someone was driving behind us. It also felt as if it was difficult to steer the vehicle. We brought the minivan to peruzzi Toyota in hatfield PA and explained the problem adding we had paid for an extended warranty, they said it was not covered under warranty. It was caused by battery drainage and that a sensor between the steering wheel and the column had to be recalibrated and we had to purchase a new battery. I find it suspicious and alarming that this safety concern could happen to a vehicle due to low battery - especially since there was no indication of low battery. There were no warning lights and all other vehicle operations functioned properly. Also, no doors were left open and no lights were left on, etc. . . In order to drain the battery. Even if the primary cause was the battery, the breaks should not become activated and the steering difficult while driving down the road at 50 mph with my family in the care. Considering the recent recall of Toyota vehicles, I'm concerned peruzzi Toyota might have given us false information.

Vsc engages at highway speeds: vehicle alarm sounds, brakes deploy abruptly and unexpectedly, steering pulls, accelerator goes dead (pulse races, adrenaline courses). First complained to dealer after four incidents in first 20k miles: had online testimonials of yaw sensor, steering angle sensor and ecm replacements as possible remedies; dealer rebuffed my complaints, denying service to sensors, and suggested my tires had 'gone square'. I have lived with the condition for a total of seven years. The car now 'goes off' maybe three times per every 20 miles driven, unpredictably and always shockingly. My family refuses to ride in the car. I cannot sell it in good conscience, as the defects cannot be confirmed by the dealer (and apparently therefore do not exist), so there is no way for it to be 'made safe' for a succeeding owner. Its remaining $10k+ equity has been nullified by this defect.