Service Brakes Problems of Toyota Sienna - part 1

When braking to a stop at low speed (stopping at stop sign or at light), then car accelerates forward even though my foot is on the brake attempting to slow the car down. This unintended acceleration is dangerous and can cause an accident.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

Brakes will intermittently lurch when coming to a stop with normal braking pressure. The lurch feels like the brakes have stopped working and the driver has to press harder on the brake to avoid rear ending the vehicle in front. Brake pedal feels normal the entire time. Dealership is unable to duplicate on a test drive since the issue is intermittent.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

Brakes release briefly when slowing to a stop. While slowing to a stop with steady pressure on the brake pedal, the braking action will momentarily give out, resulting in the vehicle lurching forward beyond the anticipated stopping/slowing distance before the braking action re-engages. This has resulted in near collisions with cars, bikes, and pedestrians as the vehicle suddenly stops slowing without warning and unexpectedly increases stopping distance. The problem is intermittent and difficult to reproduce, but has occurred repeatedly over at least 6 months of ownership. No warning lamps, error messages, or other related symptoms from the vehicle either before or after occurrences of the problem. Has been taken to the dealership for an update to the vehicle but it didn’t fix it. There are multiple reports online and multiple lawyers talking about this.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

When braking and coming to almost a complete stop, the vehicle will randomly lurch forward. This situation has caused me to run stop signs and almost hit pedestrians on crosswalks. This failure has been independently observed by myself, wife and mother. The vehicle did not display and warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle has not yet been inspected or reproduced by a third party.

When braking downhill, the car will lurch forward causing me to have to break harder.

On rare occasions (about once every 500 miles), when uniformly applying force to the brake pedal, the deceleration suddenly ceases and the vehicle seems to jerk forward. To a passenger, it feels like the driver's foot slipped off the brake pedal, but the driver continued to provide the same uniform force to the brake pedal and lost all deceleration. Typically, the driver is startled and presses significantly harder on the brake pedal jerking all occupants forward. The brakes re-engage and continue the deceleration at a much higher rate. Toyota addressed this problem with TSB 4724 which involved reprogramming the brake actuator assembly. This corrected the problem for about 3 months, but it is now occurring again. When the car was taken to the Toyota dealer again, the technician stated that TSB 4724 was cancelled, he could not duplicate the action (even though he was told it only happened on rare occasions), and claimed that the "brakes function properly as they should. " fortunately these loss of braking incidents have only occurred on dry pavement so that the driver did not lose control of the car when slamming on the brakes to compensate for the loss of deceleration. Coming down a hill on a snow covered road could have caused the vehicle to slide into an oncoming lane. It is my speculation that there is a null spot that exists during certain circumstances which causes there to be a "gap" between when this hybrid vehicle transitions between the dynamic hybrid brake and the friction wheel brake. Both braking systems independently work fine, but the transition between them (on rare occasions) does not occur continuously. This causes the driver to experience an unexpected loss of braking which, under the right conditions, could cause the driver to loose control of the forward motion of the car. As an engineer, I feel it is unacceptable for a safety system (braking) to not properly operate 100% of the time! on a Toyota owner's site, others have seen the same.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

Intermittent unexpected acceleration during braking. This has occurred while braking into a downhill as well as at low speeds when turning into a parking space. Additional braking is required to stop vehicle or maintain desired braking.

When I go to brake the brakes seem to malfunction and skip engagement. I’ve had acceleration happen in the vehicle when I brake. At one time this caused my speed to jump while braking, I went from 5 to 10 mph. This now happens several times a week.

Brake transition issues: I have noted frequent jolts of power when braking, which creates at least the sensation of, if not actual acceleration while breaking. Web research suggests this may be linked to the vehicle switching between regenerative and mechanical braking systems, and that the problem is acute with 2021 and 2022 Toyota Siennas, which, if accurate, means Toyota has applied a fix to subsequent model years, but has not systematically addressed the first two years of the current Sienna generation.

When braking there is a lunge forward sensation that causes the van to propel forward a little. The happens intermittently and can cause scares especially when driving with children. A t-sb-0047-24 was applied and still experiencing the same issue as it did not solve the issue.

When break to slow down the car it accelerate instead.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? consistent deceleration during braking how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? consistent deceleration ceases for period of 1-2 seconds has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? not yet has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, although other owners have experienced the same.

Brakes randomly feel like they are slipping when I go to stop, could be a flat surface, but almost always if I am coming to a stop on a bumpy surface.

During braking, I occasionally get the unexpected feeling that the car isn't stopping. It presents a risk to safety. The problem remained even after I paid for the TSB. There is no pattern to it.

Unexpected sudden acceleration (when braking) as I was slowing down from exiting a highway, just as I was approaching full stop, it felt like the regenerative braking stopped grabbing momentarily and I violently lurched forward for what seemed like a feet or two. I thought it was a fluke back then and thought nothing of it. It just happened again today as I approached a stop sign - again as I neared complete stop with brake depressed it felt like the brake stopped working for a second and the car again lurched forward violently as if I had lost control for what seemed like a foot. Would have hit the car in front of me if there was one.

Occasionally the brakes seem to stop working briefly, and the van even accelerates while the brakes are engaged. It happened again today but has happened since we got the van new in 2021. The dealer cannot replicate the problem. The problem is discussed on this thread: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle suddenly accelerates when depressing the brakes (lurches).

In general the braking system on this vehicle is poor. The van does not seem to want to stop unless you apply a lot of pressure on the brake pedal. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership who explained to me that the braking operation is normal. I replied “so the poor brake design was intentional”. The dealer said the braking system takes a little while to get used to. I have contacted Toyota corporate 5 times to express my concern about the brakes. The customer service representatives say that they will pass my concerns along. I personally own 6 vehicles. The brakes on this Toyota are by far the worst. It is not even close. I do not feel like this vehicle is safe. This is a minivan that is used to move families around. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and most importantly I am worried every time my wife drives this vehicle that someone will slam on the brakes in front of her the van will not stop in time. Toyota is the world’s largest auto maker, they can and should produce a better braking system than what is available with this van. This is unacceptable with braking technology available at this time in automotive history. Their lack of response to my concerns in also disappointing. Thank you for hearing my concerns.

On may 18, 2025, 4:00pm, my wife was applying brakes to stop for a stop sign at a t-intersection. Suddenly, the car lurched forward and accelerated uncontrollably. Despite her attempts to stop, her vehicle crossed four traffic lanes, vaulted over curb, nosedived into turf, and then crashed through brick wall into a fire station. My wife was unable to brake and stop the forward progression of the vehicle. My wife steered to avoid hitting trees but could not avoid the brick of the fire station wall. The airbags did not deploy. My wife sustained back injuries and bruising of the front torso. Her right foot is bruised from pressuring the brake pedal. The vehicle sustained heavy damage as did the fire station.

Multiple times this has been an issue. I stepped on the break and the car essentially leaps forward typically when going up down or straight. In November 2024 it happened while going up a hill slowly and I bumped into the vehicle ahead of me. My vehicle had no damage, but the car in front of me had to get a new skid plate and my insurance doubled because of it. Since the incident in November 2024, my car has unintentionally accelerated intermittently. Finally, April 2025 this happened my car started shaking jolted forward, engine revving, and then my check engine light came on then immediately contacted my local dealership and scheduled an appointment to get my car in. They have had my vehicle since then and have said it is not safe to give it back to me so I am currently driving a loaner vehicle.

When slowing down the brakes work at first, but the slip and the vehicle rolls freely, then once you press them harder it engages and brakes. But for about 2 seconds there is no breaking! this has happened several times prior to today.

My van been giving me some weird issues lately. When I’m going downhill, my brakes don’t seem to work well! I have to push it all the way down, like a spongy. It doesn’t break until I put on the emergency brake. The seat broke only weighed 185 pounds! the wiper blades don’t do a great job cleaning the driver’s side after I bought new ones. Dealership wipers.

When I am rolling to a stop, or lightly pressing in the brakes, the car will occasionally jolt forward and I have to slam on the brakes. It is not every time but has happened many times since buying the car new. I brought it into the dealership and they could not replicate it, but it makes me so scared to drive. This could result in an accident or the hitting of a pedestrian. No warning lights.

When pulling into a shopping center parking space, my mother applied the brakes to slow down, but the vehicle seemed to surge and hit the car in front. It then surged again and pushed that car into another. No airbags deployed, and no one was injured, but someone could have been hurt either by the van itself or one of the other 2 vehicles. The dealer is scheduled to look at the vehicle, but stated on the phone that they "hadn't heard of this happening". There were no warning lights showing. My daughter stated that after the impact, she looked at my mother's feet, and her foot was clearly on the brake. I looked on the internet later, and found several threads of people complaining about their Toyota Sienna hybrids doing similar things.

When decelerating either for a traffic light or otherwise at the slow speed when the break is applied before coming to a stop, the car accelarates and then I have to slam on the breaks. This is very dangerous.

I have had this car for 7 years. Started having issues a year ago and despite bringing it to Toyota 2x, they cannot tell me what the issue is. I will be driving on a regular flat paved road when the car will suddenly brake and pull me towards the side of the road. I get the abs code sometimes and also the slip indicator light. I've explained this each x I've brought it in and they have told me it's due to me "driving too fast" or "accidentally having my foot on the brake. " lol I am a typical soccer mom and drive conservatively and don't brake when I don't have to. It will do it on curving roads as well as straight roads. When this happens, it is terrifying! I have gone to different mechanics as well and no one can determine this issue. I've replaced the abs sensors on this and am still having this issue. I don't know what else to do, as this is unsafe and unsafe to the extent that I no longer allow my 17 year old to drive it. Please help!!!!!!!!.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

When braking, the brakes will unexpectedly slip. There is generally a loss of brake and a split-second surge that is rather like acceleration (since the car is no longer being slowed down by the brakes). This occurs unexpectedly, unpredictably and without any warning. Having the car suddenly move forwards without brakes is dangerous and could cause the car to hit a pedestrian or another car. This has also happened multiple times while angle parking which almost caused a collision. Two Toyota dealers and a firestone tire center have been unable to replicate the braking issue and tell me that there is no problem with the braking system. I have had both of them inspect the car multiples times, and the issue continues to happen.

The brakes temporarily let up and the vehicle lurches forward before the brakes re-engage, resulting in an unpredictable, delayed stop. It is unpredictable and can result in the driver's stop being dangerous. This usually takes place at stop lights, stop signs, and parking spots, where the vehicle is under 20mph. The car sometimes does not brake as it should, meaning that the nose of the vehicle or the majority of the vehicle will extend past a stop sign or stop light, or contact in a parking lot could occur. The dealer was unable to reproduce the problem. The dealer inspected the vehicle twice. They turned the rotors (unrelated to the issue) the first time I took it in. The second time I took it in, I made them apply the t-sb 0047-24 software update. The t-sb 0047-24 update says that some drivers might be "sensitive to the momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking under certain driving conditions. " the update to the software was designed to "improve the feeling" for the condition. The brakes are not slowing the vehicle predictably. There are no warning lights or errors given by the vehicle.

Vehicle often applies brakes on its own . At first it was only in turns . However now it does it when driving straight on the the freeway or just down the street at 45mph. I have fixed my alignment ,new tires, all of the front suspension and nothing prevents the car from trying to brake for me. It is a safety feature that is not safe at all. A car slamming on your brakes at any speed is dangerous in addition to that it seems to cut off your fuel , leaving you unable to accelerate until its done beeping which can take a long time. The vsc , chenk engine and trac off flash there is no crash to report I have been lucky so far.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

The traction control system commonly malfunctions while making turns on curving road sections. I will lose power through turns as the tcs light blinks on my dashboard and makes a beeping sound. On some occasions the brakes will automatically engage in the tire that the car perceives as experiencing slippage. This problem is continuously worsening and commonly endangers me and my passengers, as the car engages brakes or cuts power to the engine at unexpected and in opportune times.

During braking the vehicle will lose braking force and “lurch” forward before regaining braking power. It usually happens at about 15-20mph decelerating. There are no warning lights associated with this. The dealer recommended we brake harder to prevent the issue. It still happens and the extra braking force leads to unnecessary wear on braking and suspension components. This caused us to have a near-mis accident while braking in traffic. It also causes quite a distraction during deceleration because it’s unpredictable and uncomfortable when it happens.

I was driving home from the grocery store going roughly 40 mph. I turned into a turn lane going into our neighborhood and started to press the break. Instead of breaking my car accelorated. It happened quickly, maybe 2 seconds. But it was very concerning. A warning flashed on my dash board that said, "break accelorating. " I continued to push the break and started to slow down.

I have had the traction control go on while driving on the highway even when I turn it off. Sometimes the vsc and trac off lights go on while driving. The roads are dry. Whenever I take it in to the mechanic, all the lights are off. They pulled a zero calibration code and recalibrated. It still kept happening. Then I was driving around a curve on highway speeds when the traction control light went on and the van suddenly braked on its own and I almost lost control. The tires are new and the roads were dry.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

Intermittent brake issues, primarily characterized by a "brake release" sensation where the brakes momentarily disengage while slowing down, causing the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly, sometimes happening during turns or on uneven roads and downhills and even while stopping at any light or a normal road sometimes.

The contact owned a 2024 Toyota Sienna hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was unstoppable. The contact stated the option was to crash into the three vehicles which were coming from the opposite direction or to crash into the pole to bring the vehicle to a stop and avoid injuring pedestrians. The paramedics and the police department arrived at the scene of the crash. The contact's wife, who was the occupant of the front passenger's seat, was transported to the local hospital. The contact sustained bruises and an open wound which was continuing to heal. The contact's wife sustained bruises and bumps. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer ordered an investigation of the black box. The investigation was completed, and the contact was provided a copy. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.