general problems of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the power steering assist failed without warning. The steering wheel became hard to turn. The contact also stated that both passenger side windows were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the problems. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

I own a 2004 Toyota Sienna. I bought the van when it first came out, had to wait a couple of weeks to get it (because of demand) and paid full sticker price. Last year, while driving, my air condition unit went. It is blowing warm air. I took it to a garage to get it looked at and was told that compressor was working and freon is full. I did some research on my own and found out there are numerous complaints from people, with the same year and make. Some of these people have spent up to $4,000 to get repairs with still no satisfaction. Apparently, Toyota was aware of the problem with the air conditioning units in the 2004 and 2005 models and made the corrective changes in the following year. However, never informed the owners of potential repairs.

Vent window blew off Toyota Sienna van while parked in driveway, no vandalism was involved my husband was in garage, potentially dangerous situation if I had been driving on highway or kids were in the car.

My 2 year old (at the time) pulled on the sunscreen of our 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan and both of the plastic clips popped off of the window. These clips are small enough for the toddler to swallow and choke on. I have only been able to find one clip to have the window screen repaired (I was lucky enough to pull it out of her mouth). Over the past months, I have been in contact with many Toyota dealerships to fix this potential hazard. These dealerships have been trying to have Toyota do something, but it doesn't seem to be happening. Toyota is aware of this flaw and even has a tech service bulletin on it. Ironically called - "window shade clips falling off" (bo006-04) I have found out that the dealerships at one time were able to order this part for roughly $3. 00. Now it is not available, because of the design flaw. Toyota is telling the customers who complain that the entire back vent window must be replace. The cost for that is over $400. 00 per window. In my case the have agreed to split the cost with me. I am afraid that this may happen to another child and may not be a happy ending. Toyota advertises this vehicle as a safe minivan for kids. It may not be as safe as they would like to think.