Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota sienna. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for unrelated repairs when the mechanic stated that the motor mount bracket was fractured and would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
2007 Toyota Sienna engine problems
severe 46 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 46 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Toyota Sienna, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 12 model years of Toyota Sienna we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 46.
Owners have filed 46 engine 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2007 Sienna has a well-documented rubber oil cooler hose that fails without warning, draining the engine completely and often destroying it; expect piston-slap noise on cold starts, transmission delay issues, and other drivetrain problems that Toyota has largely refused to acknowledge or fix. Buying one of these used carries real risk of a $10,000+ engine replacement bill.
The 2007 Sienna's most serious issue is premature failure of rubber oil cooler hoses. Owners describe sudden ruptures or pinholes that drain 5–6 quarts of engine oil in minutes—often with zero warning. No check-engine light, no low-oil indicator, no smell until failure occurs. The hose fails while driving at highway speed, leaving owners to discover oil on the ground after the damage is done. Several owners report complete oil loss, engine seizure, and repair bills exceeding $10,000. Toyota issued a service bulletin in 2011 (TSB-0201-11) to replace rubber hoses with steel ones, but only covered vehicles under 36k-mile warranty with seeping (not burst) hoses. Many owners had the rubber replacement fail again years later. Dealers refused coverage on out-of-warranty vehicles, leaving owners to pay $250–$532 per repair.
The engine also produces a loud diesel-like knocking noise on cold starts below 40°F—called "piston slap" by Toyota. The noise persists 3–5 minutes and diminishes as the engine warms. Toyota acknowledges it, refuses to repair it, and insists it is normal.
Transmission problems include 1–3 second delays when accelerating from a stop or after slowing down, described by owners as a slip or hesitation before engagement. Dealers blamed a "memory transmission" that learns driving habits and offered no fix. One owner's transmission required rebuild at 82k miles.
Additional failures include water pump failure causing sudden engine overheating and loss of power, ignition coil misfires, uncontrolled acceleration with brake failure at both low and highway speeds, and a persistent humming noise at 2500 RPM that Toyota confirmed affects all vehicles with this engine and will not address.
Same Toyota Sienna engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Oil cooler hose rupture/pinhole leak
Rubber oil cooler hoses (part no. 15767-31010 and VVT-i lines) develop pinholes or rupture suddenly, causing rapid oil loss and engine damage. Owners report complete oil loss with no warning lights, smoke, or burning smell until failure is imminent. Some hoses were replaced in 2011 under TSB-0201-11 with rubber hoses again; these too failed subsequently. Toyota later switched to all-metal hoses (post-2009 models), acknowledging the defect but not covering owners outside warranty or seepage-only conditions.
When: Varies: some at 20k–70k miles on original hoses; some at 90k–130k miles; recurrence 5–10+ years after first replacement hose installed
Symptoms owners cite: White or black smoke from under hood or rear; Burning rubber or burning oil smell; No check-engine or oil-pressure warning until hose ruptures; Rapid oil loss (entire 5–6.4 quart capacity can drain in minutes); Oil puddles or trails under vehicle; Engine noise or knocking after oil loss; Engine stalling or loss of power at highway speed; Flames visible under engine compartment
Codes mentioned: P0300 (misfire), Check engine light (may illuminate after rupture, not before)
Repairs/costs cited: Rubber hose replacement costs $250–$532; owner reports full engine replacement cost $10,000+ when total oil loss occurs at highway speed. Replacement hoses are now all-metal but not provided under recall for customers outside 36k-mile warranty or with prior seepage. One owner bought used hose from junkyard; it failed again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota TSB-0201-11 (dated 12/21/2011) covers replacement with all-steel hose, but only for vehicles still under 36k-mile warranty with 'seeping' hose. Limited Service Campaign (LSC) expired 3/31/2013. No formal recall issued for rupture failures. Dealers told owners there is no fix or it is 'normal.' Goodwill payment offered in one case ($750 toward new vehicle at 20% interest rate, which customer rejected).
Piston slap / cold-start diesel-like noise
Engine produces loud, distinctive noise on cold start below 40°F that resembles diesel engine knock or valve lifter rattle. Noise persists 3–5 minutes after cold start and diminishes after 45–60 seconds of idling/warming. Some owners report noise turns heads on street. Toyota factory engineers acknowledge the condition as 'piston slap' but refuse to repair it, saying no fix exists.
When: Occurs immediately upon cold start; develops around 20k miles in some cases; present from new in others
Symptoms owners cite: Loud diesel-engine-like grinding or knocking noise on cold start; Noise louder in colder ambient temperatures; Noise diminishes as engine warms
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered by Toyota. One TSB attempted to address the issue but did not eliminate the noise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota acknowledges the noise as 'piston slap' after factory engineer inspection. Dealer states no repair exists and vehicle is operating normally. Owner complaint filed in 2007; Toyota acknowledged issue but refused to fix.
Transmission delay/hesitation and slipping
Transmission exhibits 1–3 second delay when accelerating slowly or after slowing down (at intersections, in traffic, during U-turns). Owners report feeling like slip before transmission engages, resembling a defective or learning transmission. Dealers blamed 'memory transmission' that learns driving habits and told owners no fix exists. One transmission failed completely at 82k miles after multiple complaints to dealer.
When: Present from day one of ownership in some cases; complaint escalates over time
Symptoms owners cite: 1–3 second delay before transmission engages during acceleration; Feels like transmission slip in lower gears; Rubbing sound from front of vehicle when slipping occurs; Vehicle slows instead of accelerating when coasting downhill; Vehicle lurches when shifting into gear with cold engine; Vehicle rolls 3–6 inches when shifted into park before brake released
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission required rebuild/replacement at 82k miles; cost quoted at $4,000 by dealer, repaired for $3,100 at independent shop. No parts or repair procedure documented in complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota dealers blamed 'memory transmission' that learns driving habits and said vehicle operates as designed. Third-party arbitration confirmed vehicle operating 'exactly as it should.' No TSBs or recalls issued for transmission delay. No fix offered.
Water pump failure
Engine water pump fails suddenly, leading to rapid engine overheating and severe damage. Owner lost power steering and brakes at 70 mph on freeway; engine seized.
When: 66,860 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine check light illuminates; Engine heat indicator fluctuates; Loss of engine power; Loss of power steering and braking assist
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; quoted at $10,000 USD.
Ignition coil misfire / spark plug misfire
Ignition coils fail, causing check-engine light and misfire codes. Coils 1 & 6 fail first, then coils 2–5 fail. Dealer initially replaced all 6 spark plugs and coils 1 & 6 in August, but check-engine light returned and misfire codes persisted. Warranty expired before full issue diagnosed.
When: Failure occurs within warranty period but not fully diagnosed until after expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Misfire codes (P0300 series implied)
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Total replacement cost $961 (spark plugs and ignition coils 2–5). Dealer initially replaced all 6 spark plugs and coils 1 & 6 without fixing root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota refused assistance after warranty expired, despite issue beginning during warranty period.
Uncontrolled acceleration / brake failure
Engine accelerates unexpectedly while in low gear, and brakes fail to respond, forcing vehicle forward uncontrollably. Occurred in slow-speed conditions (5 mph) and also at highway speed (70 mph on freeway). On freeway event, driver lost power steering as well.
When: One event at 66,860 miles; one event at low speed, mileage unstated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine accelerates without pressing accelerator pedal; Brakes do not respond; Vehicle lurches or pushes forward; Loss of power steering (at highway speed in one case); Check engine light may illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one event attributed to water pump failure.
Engine valve cover / baffle fracture
Valve cover baffle fractures, damaging engine internals. Requires engine replacement.
When: 27,646 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required.
Catalytic converter sulfur odor
Catalytic converter emits strong sulfur smell into passenger cabin, causing headaches. Toyota rep suggested problem may be fuel-station related and could take multiple visits to resolve.
When: Mileage unstated
Symptoms owners cite: Strong sulfur smell in cabin; Headaches for occupants
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota rep told owner to monitor gas stations and expect multiple diagnostic visits.
Exhaust fumes in cabin
Exhaust fumes leak into passenger compartment. Dealer unable to diagnose cause.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust fumes detected in cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired.
Engine thumping noise / stalling
Thumping noise from engine followed by check engine light and engine stall. Vehicle stopped on exit ramp; engine would not restart.
When: 93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Thumping noise from front of engine; Check engine light illuminates; Engine stalls; Engine will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; vehicle towed.
Motor mount bracket fracture
Motor mount bracket fractures, discovered during unrelated repair.
When: 48,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Bracket replacement required.
Engine humming noise at 2500 RPM
Engine produces audible hum at approximately 2500 RPM. Dealer and regional Toyota reps confirmed all vehicles with same engine have the same problem and stated it will not be fixed.
When: Present from new
Symptoms owners cite: Humming noise at ~2500 RPM
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and regional reps confirmed all affected vehicles have same problem; stated it will not be fixed. Owner filed multiple complaints; same response received.
Engine tracking / valve spring noise during acceleration
Engine produces tracking noise during acceleration, described as sounding like bad valve springs or clamps. Begins after 60k miles.
When: After 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tracking noise during acceleration; Noise resembles bad valve springs or clamps
Engine stalling in hot weather with A/C
Engine stops and fails to restart for ~15 minutes when ambient temperature exceeds 95°F with air conditioning running.
When: Mileage unstated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls; Engine will not restart for ~15 minutes
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Back on august 7, my vehicle was brought to balise Toyota because of a check engine light. They replaced all 6 spark plugs and iginition coils 1 & 6. On october 24, the check engine light came back on and I brought it back to balise Toyota. They saw misfire codes. The cleared the codes and couldn't duplicate it, so nothing was fixed. On december 7, the check engine light came on again. This time,…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2007 Toyota Sienna?
It's a meaningful issue. 46 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 49,000 and 115,187 miles, with the median around 98,382. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 115,187. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.