Brake Sensor Problems of Toyota Sienna

Toyota Sienna owners have reported 25 problems related to brake sensor (under the service brakes category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota Sienna based on all problems reported for the Sienna.

1 Brake Sensor problem of the 2005 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 09/15/2020

I've only had the van for 5 months and this problem has occurred over a dozen times, beginning with the day I bought it. And every time this problem has occurred I've been driving on dry roads. It usually happens when driving around a corner, anywhere from 35-65 mph, far. All of a sudden the traction control light starts beeping, the brakes engage on their own, and then engine makes a loud noise (likely downshifting itself). It's as though the vehicle thinks it is slipping, even though it is not, I drive very cautiously so it's not me flying around a corner super fast, it also happens when my partner drives the van as well. I finally took the van to a mechanic and they told me it was the steering angle sensor that was faulty and needed to be replaced, so I spent $900 to have it replaced. I've had the van back for less then 2 weeks and just tried to take it on a road trip, got about an hour from our house and it did it again 3 times in less then 15 minutes, again driving on dry pavement and when driving on a windy highway. It's terrifying when this happens especially because it always happens when we're going around a corner, it's very dangerous and scary. It seems to be happening with a lot of other Sienna�s, even newer ones. This is an expensive problem that desperately needs to be addressed, someone is going to wreck and die from this if they haven't already.

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2 Brake Sensor problem of the 2009 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 06/11/2020

On dry pavement driving about 35-40 miles an hour the vsc traction sensor came on lights and sound and hit my brakes my steering went to the right I almost got in an accident this is the third time this has happened and they can't figure out what's wrong with it.

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3 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 07/29/2019

When driving in dry conditions at various speeds over 25 mph, the vsc warning light comes on, an alarm sounds and the antilock brakes engage for no reason. This is a terrifying and extremely dangerous issue that is well documented by so many Toyota Sienna owners but to date has not been addressed or acknowledged by Toyota. When taken to a dealership, they claim (as other owners have also stated) that they cannot replicate the problem and it does not register through the obd2 sensor so there is no record of it happening. With as many people as this is happening with, it is not a question of whether there will be accidents, injuries and ultimately deaths caused by this issue. The only question is when and how many have to occur before Toyota acknowledges this is a problem. Driving down the road, in traffic at 65 miles an hour when for no reason, the car slams on the brakes without warning. It is happening all the time at this point making the car completely unsafe to drive for the owner, the vehicle's occupants and any unsuspecting vehicle in the vicinity. I am begging you. Please get Toyota to issue a recall before tragedy strikes. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I am submitting the date below as today's date as the car is now sitting in my driveway until I can figure out what needs to be done. It has happened over the past 6 months every time I drive it and the $750 steering position sensor that Toyota replaced did nothing to address the problem.

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4 Brake Sensor problem of the 2006 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 06/04/2018

The vehicle was in motion . Driving up the mountain . When the traction control sensors went on and braked and began moving the steering wheel . Alarms where going off when no danger occurred . The next two hours the sensors would alarm. Did not matter how slow or fast we drove it would brake going up and down the hill. Took car to dealership and they stated that it was a yaw sensor malfunction part number 89180-45010. $900+ charge.

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5 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 07/09/2017

When I drive my van the vsc and trac off lights come on intermittently and cause the vehicle to bog down and pull towards oncoming traffic. I took my van to the dealership and they suggested replacing the steering sensor. We replaced the sensor and the problem persists. With no codes coming up they say they can't fix my van. It happens while driving around corners at 35 mph mostly but has also happened a few times on the freeway at 70. All times it has happened so far has been on dry pavement. Toyota doesn't seem to think that there is really a problem since no codes are coming up on their code reader. Due to the frequency of the issue I am having it could be disastrous and end up in a head-on collision. How come this vehicle hasn't been recalled. I have included a photo of my service report from the dealership. Also there are multiple complaints in different forums regarding this same issue and as far as I have read there is really no resolving it.

6 Brake Sensor problem of the 2008 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 06/28/2017

Tl the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sienna. When the contact switched lanes or made a turn, the brakes activated on their own. The failure occurred on flat or curved roads and while driving 30 mph. Sometimes the brakes worked properly, but sometimes they did not work at all. The contact also stated that the vehicle would occasionally accelerate and decelerate on its own and the steering wheel made an abnormal ticking noise. Furthermore, the vsc and traction control indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Toyota knoxville (10415 parkside dr, knoxville, TN 37922), but they did not assist. The vehicle was then taken to fox Toyota (228 fox family ln, clinton, TN 37716) where it was diagnosed that a steering angle sensor needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and provided a case number. The failure mileage was 170,000.

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7 Brake Sensor problem of the 2010 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 11/01/2016

Our 2010 Toyota Sienna recently had a cel go on. No codes were found by local repair shop so took the car to Toyota dealer. Dealer gave us error code u0123, u0124, u0126 and said we would have to replace the abs actuator pump which will cost $3600+. I searched online and many have/had the same problem. Also read that Toyota has already covered a extension warranty for the camry hybrid with the same problem part. One of the code was for the yaw rate sensor which was also part of a recall on some Toyota and Lexus cars.

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8 Brake Sensor problem of the 2005 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 07/12/2016

While driving around curves with dry pavement on highways and exit/entrance ramps at highway rates of speed (55-65 miles per hour or less) the anti-lock brake system engage,s causing the van to pulse and slow down unexpectedly. It disengages once the wheel straightens. We first tried to trouble shoot with our local mechanic with no success, prompting us to have our local Toyota service department attempt to diagnosis. Initially they said they were not able to diagnosis the problem or replicate it on a local highway (as it does not occur on every curve encountered) and were ready to send us home without any remedy. This was unacceptable. With our persistence they hooked it up to a computer and determined(without guaranteeing) it was the steering angel sensor and replaced it. Now without returning the van to us, they want us to replace the rack and pinion system for even more cost, again, without guaranteeing this will alleviate the problem. Per our reading up on this problem, we have found that this appears to be problem for other 2005 Toyota Sienna minivans.

9 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 07/04/2016

The vsc sensor is activating during normal driving conditions without warning. This is causing the van to aggressively apply the brakes and lose acceleration. This issue mainly occurs when turning down while going down hill, however it happens randomly in other instances as well. I have been in several life threatening instances where the brakes are being applied while traveling through mountains with large semi trucks behind me. . Nearly causing several accidents. My research points to a few things that could possibly be the culprit: the yaw sensor stearing wheel rotational position sensor vsc computer module this video captures exactly what is happening to my vehicle. . Read more...

10 Brake Sensor problem of the 2008 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 03/22/2016

While driving the vsc/abs system comes on unexpectedly causing vehicle to brake and effect steering. It is most frequently noticed when steering on curves 30-40 mph. I have replaced tires, front steering components and dealer cannot duplicate. I believe wheel speed/yaw sensor calibration is affecting the vsc system. This is a very scary situation to be in that could lead to a serious accident. Your braking and steering affected all at once unexpectedly is dangerous. Please investigate and provide solution ASAP.

11 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 11/14/2014

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the brakes seized. The vehicle resumed to normal after sittng for a couple of minutes. This was a recurring issue. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering angle sensor possibly had to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 143,339. Mc.

12 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 11/07/2014

While driving on interstate vsc warning light came on, beeping and alarms heard. Engine slowed down and I felt like the vehicle was out of control. The vehicle swerved like it was hydroplaning on a dry highway. Called our repair shop immediately. Car was towed and research was done on the history of the problem in other Toyota Mini vans. I was told there were reports of this happening in other vehicles but not enough for a recall to be issued by Toyota, recommendation by the report they found was to replace a sensor which is what was done. That was just over a month ago and the same problem occurred again tonight on a side road going approx 30 mph on dry road. Van is back at shop again tonight. I will be calling the 1-800 number for Toyota, I do not understand why there is not a recall on this issue. Both incidences could have resulted in an accident. Tonight I was driving with my child in the van. This issue could have placed her life in danger had there been an accident.

13 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 03/07/2014

In this initial incident, I was travelling on a curvy road at posted speed limit of 30mph. My vehicle suddenly slowed, as if I was applying the brakes, which I was not, and my steering was compromised. In addition the vsc indicator and symbol flashed on my dashed and beeped. The road was dry. This has occured 10+ times since. I have brought it to my mechanic, without turning the engine off after the occurance so that he could "read" the computer but there is no evidence available. We have brought it to the Toyota dealer. They "rebooted" the sensors and said it should be fine. It has continued to happen, on the freeway going uphill at 55 mph, going downhill at 60 mph and has been close to causing a rear end collision each time.

14 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 02/28/2014

Summary: sensor in stability control failed and falsely reported crisis situation, causing computer to seize control to slow vehicle and change course. Long version: while driving straight on city street, suddenly vehicle slowed and pulled to side, stability control light and audio alarm activated, heard grinding noise that sounded like abs. Condition persisted if driving over 5-10 mph. Crawled to nearby non-dealer repair shop. Diagnosis/solution: steering angle sensor reporting wheels at 250 degrees when actually straight ahead, would not recalibrate, circuit integrity othewise good, sensor was replaced. No residual problems noted so far since then (one day). I have the failed sensor. This sensor problem was cause of a production change and TSB br008-04 in the first year. Obviously Toyota has known about this problem for years, but no recall. Other accounts exist on line of people who have had this happen. This is a major safety hazard. It's the mechanical equivalent of riding with a driver on lsd who is braking/swerving to avoid hallucinations. I was lucky to be going slowly on an uncrowded street, but at higher speed or crowded conditions this could be a disaster. Toyota has not been terribly helpful so far, but discussion will continue. . . .

15 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 06/13/2013

My car is a 2004 Toyota Sienna awd xle limited. The vehicle will activate the vehicle skid control (vsc) without warning while driving on smooth dry roads. The effect is for the vehicle to apply brakes strongly to specific wheels pulling the car strongly to one side. This happens most frequently while driving winding roads and in corners. It has become more regular it it's occurnce and has happened on relatively straight sections of highway most recently. A similar situation occured approx 2 years ago. At that time the retailer repaired it by adusting the steering sensor used by the vsc and stated that this should be done periotically dependant on alignment work done on the vehicle. This solved the issue at that time. It is very dangerous both to the vehicle which requires great effort to maintain control and the vehicles following it which are at risk of rear ending the effected car. The Toyota retailer initially indicated that a catalyst failure was the cause (yes they said this). I was told that the cat failure could induce other brake and engine related failures. The cat was replaced and the vsc failure has resumed. At this time no failures of any kind are indicated. I have researched this topic and find about a dozen identical failures on 2014 Toyota Siennas documented in various user forums. As there are only a few documented on the NHTSA site I am concerned that the situation is under reported. Many of these user forums indicate that the symptoms were reported to the manufacturer. My most recent trouble report case number from Toyota is 1308160316.

16 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 07/04/2012

Traction control unexpectedly engaged while I was driving on the curvy hwy 17 from santa cruz to san jose, California on July 04, 2012. The traction control light came on with sound "bip, bip. Bip. . . . I lost control of the car in a very short moment and cars adjacent to me veered away to avoid me. I almost caused an accident. I had both Toyota dealership and qualified auto shop test my van, replaced a fault sensor (recemended by Toyota dealer) but the same problem remains. I had Toyota dealership and private qualied auto technician test the van again and they could not repeat the same problem, and determined that there was nothing wrong with it. During the past 12 months I experienced traction control problem around 10 times, the last 2 times were in July 2013. The problem happens only on curvy roads, at any speed, and in a very short moment, around 1-5 seconds before the traction control light and sound go off. This is a very serious safety problem.

17 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 11/04/2011

2004 Toyota Sienna van has been having intermittent vsc. At 10-20 mph the anti-skid warning light will activate with warning beep and the anti-lock brakes will active and begin to stop the car. When the anti-lock brakes activate the car pulls violently to the right and is difficult to control. Toyota issued a TSB br008-04 in November 2004 stating ¿some customers may experience an intermittent vsc activation after starting the engine and driving straight from a stop position. This condition is always accompanied by the instrument panel vsc light and audible warning buzzer turning on at the same time. To prevent this condition, the steering angle sensor has been changed. ¿� this is an obvious recall malfunction. Why was there not a recall?.

18 Brake Sensor problem of the 2011 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 09/11/2010

The contact was driving a 2011 Toyota Sienna. While driving 20 mph attempting to apply the brake pedal, it extended to the floor; however, the vehicle did not stop. He continued to apply the brakes and eventually they started working properly. Two days later while driving the vehicle and depressing the brakes the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there were fifteen error codes informing them to contact the manufacturers engineering department. The dealer informed her that there was a metal bracket that covered the brake sensor and when the brakes were depressed the sensor informed the computer to turn on the hydraulic brakes in order for the brakes to function normally. The metal bracket on the vehicle was damaged; therefore, the computer did not work properly. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer since they were responsible for the repairs. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who exchanged back her old vehicle to her. The failure mileage was 3,900.

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19 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 08/31/2010

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph around a curve, the brakes engaged independently. In addition, the contact heard a beeping noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that a sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Pam.

20 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 07/30/2007

Our family is deeply troubled and worried about the safeness of our 2004 Toyota Sienna le-8 every time we use it on the road. Our van has been having intermittent vsc, kicking which started early this year. First, it will hesitate to accelerate followed by vsc kicking then automatic braking engages then sudden pull of the steering to the left. The vsc keeps flashing and beeps continuously unless I slow down to around 20mph. I even showed the dealer copies of Sienna owners complaints with similar problem and tsbs regarding yaw rate sensor and steering column sensor. But still could not fix or duplicate the problem. Nothing was done to correct the problem and no parts replaced or repaired.

21 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 11/21/2006

: the contact stated while driving 40 mph or at various high speeds on normal braking conditions, the automatic braking engaged intermittently and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who upon examination determined that the steering angle sensor failed. The dealer also stated that there was a NHTSA service bulletin # 10011806 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further repairs.

22 Brake Sensor problem of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 12/28/2005

Brake pads worn down to damage rotors with no warning at 30k miles. New pads and rotor and still hear noise from right front. Black brake dust on outside hub caps started appearing at 3k miles, mechanics said it's normal. Mechanic hears noise but maintains it is not indicative of a problem. Two tires already replaced due to wear. Tire sensors worked sometimes for flats.

23 Brake Sensor problem of the 2000 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 12/05/2002

Ltr fwd fm fhwa re their defective 2000 Toyota Sienna xle, the van has problems with engine sludge. . . The vehicle started to blow blue smoke and ran rough. The dealer discovered engine gel deposits. The malfunctioning light had come on due to the oxygen sensor per dealer, the brakes squealed when stopped at low speeds(problem continued), and pulled to the left. The dealer could not duplicate. The engine sludge had come back again due to a burnt hole in the valve which was in the piston. The tachometer illumination appeared to be out and the bulb was replaced. The consumer requested reimbursement for the hotel stay and the vehicle rental.

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24 Brake Sensor problem of the 1999 Toyota Sienna

Failure Date: 11/15/2001

All the above data is an estimate becuase we are waiting for copies of all maintenance and repair records from Toyota - - but we have had multiple problems with this vehicle including screeching brakes, left veer when driving, bad transmission (replaced twice),smog check failure due to oxygen sensor and/or engine problems, clunking noises in engine, a shuddering of vehicle when driving or braking. The car has been at dealers for as long as 3 weeks; dealer admits not knowing what is wrong. Failed.

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25 Brake Sensor problem of the 2000 Toyota Sienna

The engine developed engine gel deposits, the oxygen sensor and the brakes squeaked.


Other Common Service Brakes related problems of Toyota Sienna


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Sienna Service Bulletins
Sienna Safety Recalls
Sienna Defect Investigations