Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Toyota Sienna body problems
severe 91 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
91
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1crash
10injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 91 body complaints filed for the 2007 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
Owners have filed 91 body 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.
Body accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body 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.
To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial ar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Sienna has a pattern of serious body-related failures. Power sliding doors—on both driver and passenger sides—consistently fail to latch, snap their cables, or malfunction electrically, leaving occupants unable to exit safely or forcing families to use only one door. Repair costs run $1,400 to $3,700 per door. The power liftgate's hydraulic struts regularly fail, causing the gate to slam shut with force; owners report it striking heads, arms, and nearly injuring children. The 2004–2006 models had a recall for this exact strut issue (NHTSA Campaign 08V244000), but the 2007 model—with identical struts—was excluded despite identical failures.
The rear liftgate handle rubber melts to a tar-like gunk in warm climates and becomes non-functional in cold, trapping owners unable to open the gate. Dashboards crack prematurely (some splits spanning 16 inches) and become reflective with glare that impairs visibility. A spare tire fell off one vehicle while driving and damaged a trailing car's air conditioning system; Toyota's recall fix merely moved the tire to the rear, secured with a bungee cord—an inadequate solution.
Owners with Braunability wheelchair modifications report catastrophic rust limited only to the aftermarket metal, with one owner spending $7,000 on repairs at 105,000 miles. Toyota denies warranty responsibility and some customers have totaled their vans over rust damage. Door and liftgate failures are intermittent and often cannot be reproduced at the dealer, complicating diagnosis.
Same Toyota Sienna body reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Premature rust on aftermarket wheelchair-accessible modifications
Owners report extensive rust damage occurring on metal components added by Braunability (a wheelchair-accessibility modifier) to the vehicle's subfloor and interior. The rust is localized to only the aftermarket metal used in the modifications, while original Toyota parts remain in good condition. One owner paid approximately $7,000 for sandblasting and undercoating repairs at 8 years/105,000 miles. Other owners reportedly totaled their vehicles due to rust damage. Braunability has denied warranty coverage citing out-of-warranty status.
When: 8-10 years of ownership; rust discovered at 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Extensive premature rust on exterior modified subfloor; Interior floor rotting due to rust; Rust damage only on Braunability-installed metal components
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid ~$7,000 for sandblasting, rust repair, and undercoating at a Braunability dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Braunability denied warranty coverage; no Toyota responsibility acknowledged for aftermarket modifications
Unintended acceleration in reverse with brake failure
Owner reports sudden, severe unintended acceleration while backing up at low speed in a parking area. Van lurched backward at high speed across a sidewalk and struck a bridge railing, dislodging concrete. When attempting to brake, pedal felt locked and unresponsive. Owner was only able to stop by shifting into park after the vehicle bounced off a concrete block. Van was totaled.
When: During normal parking maneuver; no mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration in reverse at high speed; Brake pedal felt locked and unresponsive; Van continued accelerating despite brake attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; no repairs attempted
Power sliding door latch failure – door does not close and latch
Owners report that power sliding doors (typically rear passengers doors) fail to latch when closed, despite multiple attempts to cycle them. The doors slide but do not engage the latch mechanism, causing warning beeps and creating a potential safety hazard if a child or object were to fall out. Dealers acknowledge this is a very common problem on Siennas and attribute it to faulty latch components. Toyota issued a warranty extension for this defect to 120,000 miles, but owners whose vehicles exceed that mileage or fall outside the coverage window are denied repairs.
When: Various; one vehicle at unknown mileage; some in later years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door slides closed but does not latch; Requires multiple cycling attempts to close; Warning beep sounds when vehicle is in gear with unlocked doors; Door remains unsecured
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quote of $3,700 for repair; dealers identify faulty latch parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty extension issued to 120,000 miles under customer support program; owners outside this window denied coverage
Power sliding door cable failure – snap and disconnection
Owners report that the power sliding door cable (particularly on rear passenger doors) snaps, breaks, or suddenly disconnects, rendering the door inoperable or stuck in an unsafe position. In one incident, a snapped cable whipped backward and injured a child's face. The cable failure occurs during normal door operation or while loading the vehicle. Stranded owners report being unable to access one side of the vehicle, forcing them to use the opposite-side door or enter/exit through other passengers' seats. Toyota issued a warranty extension for cable failures on 2004–2010 Siennas, but some owners fall just outside the cutoff date and are denied coverage.
When: Various; one at 9 months past warranty extension cutoff; one at ~100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cable snaps or disconnects without warning; Door becomes inoperable or stuck in open position; Cable may whip or snap back, causing injury; Door sheathing becomes frayed before complete failure; Door cannot be closed or opened securely
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs quoted at $1,405 to $2,000; one owner paid $1,405 and was denied reimbursement under warranty program
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty extension issued to 120,000 miles for 2004–2010 models; some owners denied coverage due to VIN exclusion or being outside extension period; Toyota customer service declined to provide written explanation for denial
Power sliding door motor or release mechanism failure
Owners report that the power sliding door motor or door release mechanism fails, preventing the door from opening electrically. Doors may be stuck closed or unable to open at all. In some cases, manual operation is still possible but requires significant force. The issue appears to be related to electrical or mechanical degradation of the door motor or its control circuit.
When: Various; one at ~60,000 miles; one at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not open electronically; Manual operation possible but may be difficult; Door motor or control system inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis indicates motor or cable replacement needed; repair costs not specified for all cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered; vehicle not under recall
Power sliding door automatic closure – safety hazard
Owners report that power sliding doors close unexpectedly or prematurely while passengers are entering or exiting, creating a risk of injury. The door closes on occupants' bodies (arm, head, face) without warning. The automatic closure function cannot be reliably disabled or controlled. Occurrences are intermittent and unpredictable, making diagnosis difficult for dealers.
When: Various; intermittent failures over months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door closes abruptly while passenger is exiting; Door closes on occupant (arm, head, face); Automatic closure occurs without warning; Safety feature fails to prevent closure; Intermittent and unpredictable failures
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate problem; no repairs completed in most cases
Power sliding door – gas pump interference hazard
Owner reports that the automatic power sliding door malfunctions when the fuel door is open. While pumping gas with the fuel door open, a child pressed the door button inside the vehicle. The door opened automatically, slamming into the gas pump and fuel tank opening while fuel was actively pumping. The fuel door was bent, and now the door fails to deactivate properly when the fuel door is open, causing repeated door/pump contact.
When: During refueling; no mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Door opens despite fuel door being open; Door strikes gas pump and fuel tank opening; Door fails to deactivate safety interlock with fuel door; Fuel door now difficult to close fully; Door and fuel door repeat interference
Repairs/costs cited: Owner bent door back into place; fuel door requires forceful closing
Rear power liftgate – strut failure and uncontrolled closure
Owners report that the hydraulic struts supporting the power liftgate fail, causing the gate to close unexpectedly and with force. The gate may open fully and then immediately or gradually close on its own, or may slam shut when manually opened. The safety feature that should stop the gate when an obstacle is detected may not function reliably. Multiple injuries are reported, including a child nearly struck, an adult struck on the head and back. Manual operation becomes extremely difficult as the struts weaken. Research indicates 2004–2006 models had a recall for the same strut issue (NHTSA Campaign 08V244000), but 2007 models with identical struts were excluded from the recall.
When: Various; one at 36,000 miles; others at higher mileage; intermittent occurrence over years
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate closes unexpectedly and with force; Gate opens fully then immediately closes; Safety obstacle detection feature fails; Gate slams shut when manually opened; Extremely difficult to hold gate open manually; Struts fail to support gate weight
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost ~$362 for two new struts (15 minutes labor); 2004–2006 models covered under recall; 2007 models denied warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim 2007 models are not covered under recall despite identical strut design to 2004–2006 models (NHTSA Campaign 08V244000)
Rear liftgate handle – rubber pad melts and becomes nonfunctional
Owners report that the rubber pad on the liftgate handle switch melts, softens, or becomes tar-like due to heat exposure, even when the vehicle is parked in a garage. The melted rubber becomes difficult or impossible to grip and leaves black tar-like residue on hands. In cold weather (below 35°F), the softened handle becomes too stiff to press, preventing the liftgate from opening. The condition is particularly common in warm climates. Dealers confirm this is a widespread issue but refuse to cover it under warranty, and owners report Toyota refusing to issue a recall despite numerous online complaints.
When: Summer months in warm climates; also during cold weather affecting operation; one owner with van never parked in sun
Symptoms owners cite: Rubber pad softens and melts to tar-like consistency; Pad pulls off like chewing gum; Black residue difficult to wash off hands; Handle becomes non-functional in cold weather (below 35°F); Handle difficult to grip in warm weather
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quotes $200–$350 to replace handle; part# 84840-08010; MSRP $58.53 plus labor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota refuses to recall despite widespread complaints; dealers confirm it is a common problem but not covered under warranty
Dashboard cracking and degradation – safety and aesthetic concerns
Owners report cracks in the dashboard that develop prematurely, particularly around the steering wheel and airbag areas. The dashboard also becomes sticky, shiny, or reflective, creating glare that impairs visibility. Some owners describe the dashboard as 'breaking down' or 'melting.' One crack split 16 inches across the dashboard. Owners express concern that airbag deployment could be compromised or that cracked pieces could become projectiles. A local news station covered the problem. Dealers have identified this as a recurring manufacturer defect and placed complaints in 'suspense status.'
When: Various; one at 28,000 miles; others at higher mileage; progression over years
Symptoms owners cite: Cracks develop across dashboard; Cracks extend to airbag area; Dashboard becomes sticky or shiny; Reflective glare impairs driver vision; Dashboard material breaks down or melts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicates dashboard replacement needed; repair costs not specified; recall has expired for some vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists but has expired for some vehicles; one dealer refused to process complaint, placing it in 'suspense status'
Spare tire bracket and mounting system – rust, corrosion, and inadequate repair
Owners report that the spare tire bracket, cable, or suspension mounting system rusts, corrodes, or fails. One owner's spare tire fell off the vehicle while driving on the highway, lodging under a following vehicle and damaging its air conditioning system. Toyota issued recalls (notably NHTSA Campaign 10V160000 in 2011 and Campaign 14V273000) to address the problem, but the repair solutions were inadequate: the tire was moved to the rear of the vehicle and secured only with a bungee cord or strap, creating an unstable mounting that did not restore full functionality. Owners report the spare tire stays in the rear for extended periods due to parts unavailability. The subframe and carrier assembly rust and corrode despite recall repairs.
When: Various; spare tire fell at unknown time; rust/corrosion noted at various mileages; recalls issued 2011–2014
Symptoms owners cite: Spare tire falls off vehicle while driving; Bracket or cable rusts or corrodes; Tire mounting system fails; Inadequate repair (bungee cord strap only); Subframe and carrier assembly rust
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair moved tire to rear and used bungee cord/strap; parts unavailable for months; permanent repair delayed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaigns 10V160000 (2011) and 14V273000 (2014) issued; recalls incomplete due to parts unavailability; no estimated repair timeline provided
Sliding door lock mechanism failure – door does not stay closed
Owners report that the rear sliding door latch or lock mechanism fails, preventing the door from staying closed. The door either pops open or fails to latch securely, creating a hazard where a child or pet could fall out. The manufacturer has a service bulletin addressing this issue since October 2010. Dealers sometimes misdiagnose or lie about the cause (claiming lack of lubrication). Owners report the issue recurs even after repair attempts. Toyota's warranty extension covers only certain latch failures, not cable failures, and extends to 120,000 miles.
When: Various; first reported at 56,000 miles; some failures at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Door fails to latch and stay closed; Door repeatedly pops open while closed; Latch mechanism does not engage; Door becomes inoperable or unsafe
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service bulletin exists since October 2010; repair costs not specified; Toyota denies coverage above 120,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued October 2010; warranty extension to 120,000 miles for latch failures; coverage denied for owners exceeding mileage
Sliding door – rubbing noise and mechanical wear
Owner reports a persistent rubbing noise emanating from the driver's side sliding door that began within one month of purchasing the vehicle new. Multiple repair attempts over the first year (at least monthly) failed to resolve the issue. Dealer replaced door locks, and a factory representative was brought in who suggested a makeshift fix (baby powder). The noise worsened in summer and became intolerable. Dealer claimed no other Sienna had reported this problem.
When: Within 1 month of new purchase; persistent throughout first year; worsens in summer
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rubbing noise from sliding door; Noise persists after lock replacement; Noise worsens in summer; Becomes increasingly annoying over time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced door locks; temporary fix suggested (baby powder); no permanent resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed no other Siennas reported this issue; no recall or service bulletin mentioned
Sliding door – cracked bracket causing noise and failure
Owner reports a clicking noise when opening or closing the rear driver's side door. Upon inspection, the door bracket was found to be cracked. Dealer indicated the entire door assembly would need replacement.
When: At 61,150 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise when opening or closing door; Door bracket cracked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicated door replacement required; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not under recall and could not provide assistance
Sliding door – detachment from track
Owner reports that the passenger's side sliding door detached from its track while the vehicle was parked. When attempting to unlock the door, it came off the track entirely, preventing secure latching.
When: At 149,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door detaches from track; Door cannot be securely latched
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; dealer not contacted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no response documented
Power sliding door mechanism – frayed cable sheathing
Owner reports that the passenger-side power sliding door has frayed cable sheathing, indicating imminent failure. The driver's side door previously failed and would not close properly (repeatedly reopening instead of latching) and then would not open at all, forcing the owner to crawl over infant car seats to access the other side. Toyota quotes $3,400 for repairs and will not address the issue under warranty.
When: During active use with infants in vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Cable sheathing frayed on passenger door; Driver's door previously failed to close and latch; Driver's door then failed to open; Both doors potentially non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota quote $3,400 for repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota will not address issue; no warranty coverage
Synthesized from 91 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Occasionally, the driver's side automatic sliding door will close before it should. This has happened approximately 20 times in the last nine months (four times on 12/28/08). It has closed on my son, my mother, my granddaughter, my wife, and me. There is no pattern for when this will happen, so when we take it to the dealer for repair, they can not duplicate the problem. Therefore, they have not…
2007 Toyota sienna. Consumer writes regarding spare tire recall *tgw the consumer stated his wife took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall. However, when she brought the vehicle home, he noticed the spare tire had been placed in the rear part of the vehicle and secured with a strap. So, when the rear seat was placed in the stored position, the spare tire would be placed on top of the stored…
In approximately the summer of 2012 (I do not recall the exact date),Toyota recalled the spare tire suspension cable, but did not have a repair at the time. I was inconvenienced for months with the spare tire in the back of my van. The repair was eventually completed, however, a recall for the repair was issued in the summer of 2014. The spare tire was removed and again placed in the back of my…
The automatic closure on the rear sliding door does not close and lock the door in place. The sensor beeps but allows you to drive even though the door is not shut all the way and latched.
Rear lift gate fails after opening and closes on your head. No safety sensor and continues to crush you if you get stuck under it.
Both sliding side doors fail to click to stay in open position. Happens often even on flat surfaces. *tr
The rear hatch rubber door handle melted due to heat during the summer. I had to cover the door handle with plastic in order to open the rear hatch. During cold weather, the rear hatch cannot be opened due to the melting door handle. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer where the dealer advised that the door handle needed to be replaced at a pretty high cost. The vehicle was not repaired. I…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Toyota sienna xle. The contact stated that while pressing the trunk release and putting her groceries in the vehicle, the trunk automatically released and she injured her nose while she attempted to move her head out of the way of the trunk lid. The vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota sienna. The contact stated that both rear sliding doors failed to open correctly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the electronic switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.
Had body trouble with your 2007 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 body problem on the 2007 Toyota Sienna?
It's a meaningful issue. 91 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 68 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 50,000 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 72,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 107,000. 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 $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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/2007/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.