general problems of the 2013 Toyota Sienna

The 2gr-fe engine on my Sienna has experienced a front timing cover leak. It's slowly leaking oil out of my vehicle and I'm afraid it will get worst over time. My vehicle has less than 100k miles and if the leak persists, I down want my vehicle breaking down and leaving me stranded.

Anyone: in 2013 I bought a new Toyota Sienna from fiore Toyota in hollidaysburg, PA. It was advertised with a lifetime engine and powertrain warranty. I thought that I had made a wise purchased. Fast forward to 2022. In early June I noticed a loud humming from the rear differential area and since I had a family vacation planned with my son’s family I decided to take it in for diagnosis to my local dealer, colonial Toyota of indiana, PA. They said that it was the electromagnetic control unit but could not get me in for over a week and that it was not advisable to drive long distance. This resulted in my rented a replacement vehicle – an unanticipated expense. When I returned I took the vehicle into colonial on July 7th and asked if the part would be covered under the lifetime warranty. They said they would check it out. There were several slow responses between the garage and the warranty company. Requests for additional service records, VIN numbers and what not. Meanwhile I am without a vehicle. Colonial had said that the part should be covered under the contract. Also colonial’s lifetime warranty was a different company than fiore’s insurer. Who knew? I had assumed that it was all a Toyota thing. Meanwhile after 8 days of no vehicle and another trip to colorado approaching, (granddaughter living alone while her husband is deployed in poland. ), I pulled the trigger and said fix the vehicle as I needed it. My thoughts were that it was a Toyota vehicle, serviced by Toyota “certified” techs at a Toyota garage what else would I need? the day after repairs were initiated, the warranty company says that they will need a 3rd party inspection to verify the defect. Just reinstall the broken part so they can hear it and then reinstall the new part or no coverage. Also this was to take place after I should have been half way across the country. Needless to say I didn’t do it. What good is a warranty that doesn’t trust Toyota techs? out over $2500.

Grinding noise began from the rear of the vehicle increasing as acceleration increased. Took to the shop and found at the rear differential failed at 75,000 requiring replacement for thousands of dollars. The same year rav4 has been recalled for this already - the Sienna should have a recall also. The dealership had the part on the shelf, surprise surprise.

I have been notified by my Toyota dealership that the rear viscous coupler on my Sienna has failed and that the rav4s have been recalled for this same part as a safety issue ( years ago). This part is a known manufacturing defect. Forums are wallpapered with complaints about this for years, I've already lodged a complaint with Toyota but they are doing nothing. Customers should not be on the hook for a $2500 repair that is a known manufacturing defect. The coupler recall should be extended to the Siennas!.

The viscous coupling on the rear axle of my awd Sienna started making noise and needed to be replaced. Apparently there has been a recall for the rav4 for the same part, but not the Sienna. My auto shop has told me this is a fairly common problem. The bearings in the coupling fail and start to make a very loud whine. Toyota says the bearings cannot be replaced and must be serviced as a unit. . . To the tune of $2300 parts and labor.

As I was pulling on to the highway the traction control light and the engine light came on. I then noticed the vehicle was underpowered, like one cylinder was deactivated. Called my dealer from highway who advised that they were closing in 5 mins and to not turn it off as it may not restart and I may be stranded on highway. Dealer felt that it was just bad gas, but I made an appointment to have them check out the car the next day. Drove at reduced speed to my house, turned car off and a few minutes later restarted van and all the lights went out and the car performed as normal. The dealer inspection the next day indicated a cylinder engine code, and not to worry as it was probably bad gas. This doesn't seem right since the car corrected itself with a restart and no change to the gas.