TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Toyota Sienna powertrain problems
severe 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
6crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 powertrain 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.
Among the 16 model years of Toyota Sienna in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
"DEALER LETTER: SAFETY RECALL COMPLETION IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY IN SATISFYING GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS, BUT ALSO IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR COMMITMENT TO MEET CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS OF TOYOTA PRODUCTS. TOYOTA WILL BE SENDING SAFETY RECALL FOLLOW-UP NOTICES TO REMIND OWNERS WHOSE VEHICLES HAVE NOT YET HAD CAMPAIGN REPAIRS COMPLETED. WE REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE IN COMPLETING THE APPLICABLE CAMPAIGN REPAIRS AS OWNERS RECEIVE THE FOLLOW-UP NOTICE AND CONTACT YOUR DEALERSHIP. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY MAY CAUSE AN INCREASE IN YOUR CURRENT CAMPAIGN OWNER APPOINTMENTS. TOYOTA WILL CONTINUE WITH ADDITIONAL FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES IN THE MONTHS TO COME. PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN ANAL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗REGION LETTER: TOYOTA WILL BE SENDING SAFETY RECALL FOLLOW-UP NOTICES TO REMIND OWNERS WHOSE VEHICLES HAVE NOT YET HAD CAMPAIGN REPAIRS COMPLETED. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR REGIONAL AND PD ASSOCIATES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) was introduced to reduce maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled maintenance checks. Here are some important tips when working with ATF-WS in Toyota vehicles requiring it's use.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Sienna's powertrain generates recurring complaints across multiple systems. VVT-i actuator failures are among the most serious: owners report the variable valve timing gear coming apart and spreading debris, or the rubber oil supply hose degrading over time, both causing oil leakage and engine damage. Toyota issued TSB-0047-10 for the hose problem but has not recalled it; one owner paid $4,295 for repairs after Toyota offered only a $2,400 goodwill credit requiring 10-week reimbursement.
Shift lever defects create rollaway hazards. Multiple owners report children shifting the van out of Park without the ignition key or brake pedal engaged, causing the vehicle to roll. NHTSA recall 13V429000 addressed this, but owners say the fix is incomplete and some dealers refused to perform the work, citing unavailable parts.
Transmission hesitation is widespread and reproducible: owners report 1–2 second delays when accelerating from a stop or after a slow turn, with the engine revving while the vehicle hangs in neutral. Dealers cannot replicate the problem and claim it is normal drive-by-wire behavior. More severe failures include unintended acceleration surges without pedal input and complete transmission failure requiring replacement, documented as early as 78,000 miles. One owner's transmission Park pin degraded completely, requiring full transmission replacement; another's transmission cable bushing failed during parking.
Owners also report engine knock present since new, ignition coil and spark plug failures with violent shaking, and a VSC light issue accompanied by power loss on inclines.
Same Toyota Sienna powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
VVT-i system gear failure and oil hose degradation
VVT-i actuator gear material degradation causes internal damage. Rubber portion of VVT-i oil supply hose degrades over time, causing oil leakage. Debris spreads throughout camshaft gears and housing. One owner reported VVT-i gear coming apart; another cites TSB-0047-10 describing hose rubber degradation affecting 2GR-FE/FXE engines.
When: Failures reported between 65,000 miles and 90,000+ miles; TSB applies to 2008-present 2GR-FE/FXE engines
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine, VSC, and Trac Off lights illuminate; Abnormal engine noise; Oil pressure light illuminates; Oil leakage from VVT-i hose; Engine seizing risk due to oil loss
Codes mentioned: VVT-i system inspection required (diagnostic indicates VVT-1 actuator bolts and alignment issues)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $4,295 for partial engine disassembly and VVT-i gear repair. Another owner paid for preventative hose replacement. TSB addresses replacement with metal hose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota TSB-0047-10 (referenced as SaferCar.gov document) addresses hose rubber degradation for 2GR-FE/FXE engines. One owner reported Toyota offered $2,400 goodwill contribution (requiring paid receipts and 10-week reimbursement). Another owner's vehicle was claimed not affected by CSC-10033553-6074, despite seepage diagnosis.
Shift lever assembly failure—vehicle rollaway when shifted out of Park
Shift lever assembly fails to properly engage or maintain Park position. Vehicle rolls away when shifted from Park by light contact, with or without ignition key. One owner reports recall repair 13V429000 did not fully correct the problem. Multiple owners report children able to shift vehicle out of Park without key or brake pedal engagement.
When: Reported from 50,000 to 135,000 miles; NHTSA recall 13V429000 issued but reported as incomplete fix
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls away after being placed in Park; Gear shift can be moved without ignition key; Shift lever disengages with light pressure or child contact; Vehicle rolls without brakes applied; Inability to shift into Park—lever moves but transmission does not engage Park
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 13V429000 (Powertrain)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced shift lever; another replaced transmission due to damaged Park pin ($10 part replaced, labor $510 reported; full transmission replacement in another case per warranty). TSB repair involved adjustment, but owners report inadequate remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 13V429000 issued for shift lever assembly. Owners report dealers could not replicate problem, refused to perform recall work citing unavailable parts, or stated recall repairs were insufficient. One owner reported manufacturer exceeded reasonable repair time with unavailable parts.
Transmission hesitation and delayed engagement at low speed
Transmission hesitates or hangs in neutral when accelerating after slowing or stopping, particularly during low-speed turns or at stop signs. Engine revs but vehicle does not move for 1–2 seconds. Occurs intermittently or nearly every drive. Multiple owners unable to get dealer reproduction or diagnosis.
When: Reported from <1,000 miles to 178,000 miles; most common during low-speed maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: 1–2 second hesitation after pressing accelerator; Engine revs without corresponding acceleration; Transmission appears stuck in neutral briefly; Particularly occurs after complete or partial stops; Most pronounced during left turns across traffic or right-hand turns; Transmission feels stuck in low gear on downhill sections
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers could not reproduce problem in most cases. One service manager attributed it to drive-by-wire delay and stated no TSB existed. No parts or repair costs cited by complaining owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny defect, citing normal drive-by-wire system operation and inability to replicate. Service managers advised delays are expected with electronic throttle systems.
Unintended acceleration—engine races or surges without pedal input
Engine unexpectedly accelerates at high RPM without driver depressing accelerator pedal. Occurs while braking or at stop lights. One owner reports RPM shot to 7,000 on interstate; another reports mild racing at stop light; third reports high-speed surge in parking lot causing collision.
When: Reported at 65 MPH on interstate, at stop lights, and during parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Engine races to high RPM (up to 7,000 RPM reported); Occurs without foot on accelerator pedal; Vehicle surges forward in Park or Drive; Happens while braking or at stop lights; No warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: One owner shifted to Neutral to control surge; another applied brake firmly. One collision resulted from unintended acceleration in parking lot. No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Transmission failure—complete transmission breakdown
Transmission fails completely, requiring replacement. One owner reports RPM surge followed by transmission failure on interstate at 65 MPH. Another owner's transmission went out at 78,000 miles. Third owner reports transmission locked out of normal gears and could only move in Reverse.
When: Reported at 78,000 miles and 178,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: RPM surge followed by loss of power; Inability to shift into normal gears; Transmission will only operate in one gear or Reverse; Complete loss of drive capability
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $3,500 for used transmission (90,000 miles) replacement. Another owner's transmission required complete replacement per dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Vehicle rollaway while parked on incline without brake or parking brake engaged
Vehicle rolls away when parked on slight incline despite being placed in Park and brakes applied. Vehicle rolls backward as if in Neutral. One case involved children in vehicle with parent away from driver's seat.
When: Reported at 53,000 miles (4 years of ownership); incident occurred after full day of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls back on incline despite Park position; Brakes do not engage upon Park selection; Vehicle behaves as if in Neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission Park pin found completely degraded; entire transmission required replacement under warranty. Dealer stated pin damage typically only occurs from sudden shifting to Park at high speed while driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Corporate reviewed case and approved full transmission replacement under warranty.
Transmission cable failure
Transmission shift cable breaks during parking maneuver, preventing proper transmission engagement. Vehicle remains in Reverse despite shift lever moved to Park position.
When: Reported at unknown mileage during parking attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever moves to Park but transmission does not engage; Vehicle rolls when placed in Park; Engine cannot be started regardless of shift lever position; Cable rupture or bushing failure
Repairs/costs cited: $10 bushing replacement on transmission cable; labor charge $510 at independent shop. Transmission shift cable identified as cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Engine knock/piston slap noise from new
Persistent piston slap noise present since vehicle was new. Owner notes excessive wear indicated by noise and concerns about potential future failure.
When: Present since vehicle was new
Symptoms owners cite: Audible piston slap/knock noise; Noise indicates excessive internal wear
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs attempted or authorized by owner due to lack of documented failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota reportedly aware of flaw in 3.5L V6 engines but chooses not to address due to lack of documented failures and few complaints.
Multiple ignition coils and spark plug failure with engine shaking
Engine shakes vigorously during acceleration, requiring replacement of three ignition coils, spark plugs, and manifold gasket. Problem recurred approximately three years later.
When: First reported around 2012 at approximately 65,000 miles; recurred in 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Vigorous engine shaking during acceleration; Vehicle limited to speeds below 65 MPH; Loss of power during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Three ignition coils, spark plugs, and manifold gasket replaced; costs not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
AWD transfer case gear oil leak onto exhaust system
Gear oil leaks from AWD transfer case onto exhaust system, causing oil to burn.
When: Reported but specific mileage not provided
Symptoms owners cite: Gear oil leaking from AWD transfer case; Oil burning on exhaust system
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
VSC light activation and power loss on inclines
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light illuminates on inclines, accompanied by clicking noise near steering column and loss of power. Multiple mechanic visits did not resolve issue.
When: Reported at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: VSC light illuminates; Clicking noise near steering column; Loss of engine power on inclines
Repairs/costs cited: CV joint and ball bearing replaced, but problem persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Unintended acceleration in Reverse during parking maneuver
Vehicle suddenly accelerates while being maneuvered in Reverse, causing collision with guardrail. Separate incident of vehicle shifting into Reverse from Park without brake pedal engagement and rolling.
When: Reported during low-speed parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration while in Reverse; Vehicle shifts into Reverse from Park without brake engagement; Vehicle rolls during reverse maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Toyota sienna. The contact stated there was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 13v429000 (power train); however, the contact was unable to have the vehicle serviced because the remedy part was not available to perform the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The contact had not experienced a failure. Rk
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota sienna. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v429000 (power train). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Don mcgill Toyota of katy (21555 katy fwy, katy, tx 77450, (832) 772-1000) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 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 powertrain problem on the 2008 Toyota Sienna?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 31,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 55,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2008/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.