Hatchback/liftgate Support Device problems of the 2012 Toyota Sienna

Two problems related to hatchback/liftgate support device have been reported for the 2012 Toyota Sienna. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Toyota Sienna based on all problems reported for the 2012 Sienna.

1 Hatchback/liftgate Support Device problem

Failure Date: 11/06/2015

I have brought the Sienna into Toyota on 3 separate occasions, as it was clunking when it closed. I was told there was nothing wrong with it each time, but the liftgate was clearly not aligned. Water is now coming through the top of the lift gate. I did back up into a tree, and had damage to the back quarter panel and it was repaired by a body shop. Toyota is stating that this caused the liftgate to be misaligned and that is causing the water to come through the liftgate. However, it was not until I ran the minivan through a touch free carwash and water was applied under pressure that I noticed the water coming in. My complaint is I believe that if the liftgate could be misaligned by quarter panel damage, what would happen under extreme stress of a car accident. I do believe the dealership is avoiding realigning the lift gate, but I am also concerned about the overall safety of the vehicle in the event of an accident. Also, the original tires that came on the vehicle wore very early. I replaced all 4 tires at Toyota because we were taking the vehicle on a family trip. I was looking through the owners manual and noticed that the original tires were to have a 6 year warranty.

2 Hatchback/liftgate Support Device problem

Failure Date: 11/06/2015

I have brought the Sienna into Toyota on 3 separate occasions, as there was clunking when the lift gate closed. I was told there was nothing wrong with it each time, but the liftgate was and is clearly not aligned. Water is now coming through the top of the lift gate. I did back up into a tree, and had damage to the back quarter panel and it was repaired by a body shop. Toyota is stating that this caused the liftgate to be misaligned and that is causing the water to come through the liftgate. My complaint is I believe that dealership is avoiding realigning the lift gate. I originally brought this in under the manufacturer warranty and I have an extended warranty. There was no vehicle damage to the van upon initial visit. At this point, if the liftgate is not realigned and fixed properly and water continues to come in, it will eventually destroy the mechanism that is used for the auto open and close. In addition, I am also concerned about the overall safety of the vehicle in the event of an accident, if what Toyota states is true (the liftgate can be misaligned by quarter panel damage).


Other Structure related problems of the 2012 Toyota Sienna

Body problems
56
Door problems
7
Structure problems
2
Hatchback/liftgate Support Device problems
2
Hatchback/liftgate problems
1


Safety Ratings of Sienna Cars
Fuel Economy of Sienna Vehicles
Sienna Service Bulletins
Sienna Safety Recalls
Sienna Defect Investigations