TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Toyota Sienna cruise control problems
critical 47 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
16crashes
5injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 47 cruise control complaints filed for the 2005 Toyota Sienna, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 11 model years of Toyota Sienna we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 47.
Owners have filed 47 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TOYOTA: ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION, IF LUBRICATION OR OIL, IS APPLIED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2005 Sienna minivans consistently report sudden acceleration without pedal input during parking, backing out of driveways, and low-speed turns—often resulting in property damage or collisions. Victims describe the vehicle lunging forward at full throttle, with brakes failing to stop it initially. Dealers repeatedly state they cannot duplicate the failure and cite no recall.
Cruise control problems include abrupt jerking when resuming after deactivation, and speeds climbing 10–25 MPH above the programmed setting. One owner reported the vehicle accelerating from 40 to 95 MPH during resume; pulling the ignition key at speed was the only way to stop it.
The vehicle stability control (VSC) system activates unexpectedly on dry roads during gentle curves and lane changes, triggering false anti-slip warnings, alarm sounds, and sudden braking that can jerk passengers and pull the van toward oncoming traffic. One owner noted this occurred almost daily.
A dealership tech acknowledged throttle hesitation—delayed pedal response of 1–2 seconds—as a known Toyota issue they could not fix. One owner reported cruise control refusing to hold speed downhill; Toyota service confirmed the 2005 model is not designed to do so.
Multiple incidents resulted in injuries, totaled vehicles, and crashes into buildings. Owners cite complaints documented on Sienna forums since purchase and reference other Toyota recalls without explanation for why this model remained unaddressed.
Same Toyota Sienna cruise control reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input while parking, backing up, or making turns at low speed. Engine revs to full throttle; brakes may not stop the vehicle immediately. Occurs in parking lots, driveways, and residential areas.
When: Primarily during parking, U-turns, backing out of driveways/parking spaces, and low-speed turns; mileage varies widely (28K–145K miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden forward lunge or jerking acceleration without pedal input; Full throttle engagement despite driver not depressing accelerator; Brake pedal may feel ineffective initially; Engine RPM needle climbs to maximum; Loud roaring sound from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate failure in most cases; no repairs completed. One owner reported vehicle taken to dealer for inspection pending diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota claimed floor mats were the cause (narrative #9, #11); dealerships stated vehicles not under recall. Some owners reported dealerships stated this was a known issue but unable to correct it at the time (narrative #3).
Unintended acceleration while cruise control active or resuming
Vehicle accelerates beyond set cruise speed or jerks abruptly when cruise is disengaged and re-engaged. Speeds climb unexpectedly; owners report difficulty controlling acceleration once it begins.
When: Highway driving; occurs when deactivating and reactivating cruise control, or during normal cruise operation. Mileage 90K–105K reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration after deactivating cruise control; Vehicle climbs to 80–95 MPH when resuming cruise; Abrupt jerking motion that throws passengers backward; Speedometer climbs while vehicle shakes or bucks; Vehicle surges 10–25 MPH over programmed speed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers could not duplicate the issue. No repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told one owner (narrative #12) that the vehicle was designed to jerk quickly back up to speed. Owners report this behavior contradicts normal cruise control design.
Vehicle stability control (VSC) / traction control false engagement
VSC and traction control systems activate unexpectedly on dry roads and gentle curves, causing vehicle to self-brake, lose acceleration, and pull to one side. Warning lights and alarms activate; system may disengage and re-engage repeatedly.
When: Dry paved roads; occurs during gentle curves, lane changes, and downhill driving at speeds above 20 MPH. Frequency noted as almost daily or multiple times in short periods.
Symptoms owners cite: Anti-slip indicator light and VSC off warning light illuminate; Alarm/beeping sound activates; Vehicle jerks to the left (toward oncoming traffic); Loss of acceleration; vehicle slows instead of speeds up; ABS engages; sudden braking occurs; Vehicle pulls steering in one direction; Brake lock occurs
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported told skid control unit ECU needed replacement (narrative #7) at 62K miles. Independent mechanic found no mechanical cause. No repairs completed in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #7 references TSB on vehicle stability control for the 2005 Sienna; owner notes other complaints and injuries in NHTSA database but no recall issued.
Cruise control fails to hold speed on downhill roads
Cruise control does not maintain programmed speed when driving downhill; vehicle accelerates uncontrollably past set speed. Toyota service acknowledged design limitation.
When: Downhill driving at any speed; occurs since vehicle purchase for at least one owner.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control set at one speed (e.g., 60 MPH) but climbs to 80 MPH downhill; Brakes must be applied to control speed; Vehicle continues accelerating despite cruise engaged
Repairs/costs cited: None; Toyota stated this model is not designed for cruise control to hold on downhill roads.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer contacted Toyota tech support (narrative #17); Toyota stated the 2005 Sienna is not designed for cruise control to hold on downhill roads. Owner disputes this as unusual design flaw.
Throttle response hesitation / delayed pedal engagement
Accelerator pedal does not respond immediately when pressed; delay of 1–2 seconds before engine engages. Owner must apply additional pressure to achieve acceleration, resulting in surge once throttle finally responds.
When: When accelerating from stop or slowing down and reaccelerating. Frequency increases over time; started 2 months before complaint in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal unresponsive to initial pressure; Delay of 1–2 seconds before throttle engages; Unanticipated engine surge once throttle finally responds; Hesitation during normal acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Service department at Lombard Toyota (Illinois) unable to correct the problem (narrative #3).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lombard Toyota dealership acknowledged this was a known issue by both Toyota and the dealership but stated they were currently unable to correct it (narrative #3).
Engine speed surge during curves or lane changes
Engine RPM climbs unexpectedly when driving through curves or switching lanes; vehicle may feel like it is fighting to maintain power or may lose power temporarily before surging.
When: During sweeping turns and lane changes on dry roads; occurs at speeds 20–50+ MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surging and shaking; RPM needle climbs and falls erratically; Vehicle feels like it is losing and regaining power; Vehicle pulls to one side during curve
Repairs/costs cited: None reported.
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2005 sienna was driven to a parking garage and parked for two hours. Upon returning to the sienna and starting the engine, three lights came on; check engine, vsc, and trac off. Drove vehicle home (150 miles), the 3 lights remained on as well as loss of cruise control and an intermittent compass display. Took vehicle in for inspection at a local Toyota dealer and was told the skid control unit…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2005 Toyota Sienna?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 Toyota Sienna?
It's a serious issue. 47 complaints have been filed, including 16 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 36 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 49,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 79,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Sienna.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.