Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
2012 Toyota Sienna airbags problems
severe
Owners of the 2012 Toyota Sienna have filed 83 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 61,400 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Q1 48kmed 61kQ3 99kn=12
Complaints
83
Recalls
4
Avg fix
$1,100
airbags complaints on the Toyota Sienna, by model year
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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.
Service BulletinTSB003220Aug 2023
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.
TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and
CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Toyota?s agreement to provide a Customer Support Program (?CSP?) for 2002-2019 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators or repaired under a recall with Takata airbag inflators to provide coverage for repairs of the airbag inflator contained in the airbag module. This CSP letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a recall or a campaign, but is provided to reassure owners that Toyota stands behind the reliability of our vehicles.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Sienna's Takata airbag recall (campaign 17V006000) created a nightmare for owners: the replacement parts simply weren't available. From early 2017 through much of that year, every owner who called a dealer heard the same story—parts not in stock, no ETA. Toyota issued multiple interim notices telling families not to use the front passenger seat, which is absurd on a minivan. Large families with car seats had no practical solution; Toyota offered $35-a-day small sedans that wouldn't fit their needs, or loaner vans for one day only. One dealer even contradicted the safety notice, telling an owner the propellant wouldn't degrade until summer—meanwhile the recall warning said don't use it.
Two owners reported airbags that didn't deploy during serious collisions: one at 55 mph (rear-end plus front impact, vehicle destroyed, injuries to passenger and driver) and another during a three-roll-over after rear-end at 55 mph (emergency transport, ongoing chiropractic care). Neither vehicle was diagnosed.
Separately, sliding doors on some Siennas opened unexpectedly while driving or parked (campaign 16V858000). One dealer disconnected the power function as a temporary fix, but the door kept opening anyway. These parts were also unavailable for extended periods.
One owner discovered a Yaris airbag had been installed temporarily without being told—the receipt listed a different vehicle's part number—and Toyota gave conflicting information about whether the repair was actually complete.
Same Toyota Sienna airbags reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Airbag Recall Parts Supply Shortage
Widespread shortage and prolonged unavailability of Takata airbag replacement parts for NHTSA campaign 17V006000 (and earlier campaigns 16V340000, 16V858000 structure-related). Owners received recall notices but dealers could not schedule repairs for months or over a year because parts were not in stock or ETA unknown. Distribution disconnect between manufacturer and dealers.
When: Recalls issued January–June 2017; parts still unavailable through 2017 for most owners
Symptoms owners cite: Parts not available at time of recall notification; No estimated delivery date provided by dealer or manufacturer; Multiple dealer contacts across regions confirmed parts unavailable; Multiple interim recall notices received but no remedy scheduled
Codes mentioned:17V006000, 16V340000, 16V858000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement airbag installation required; dealers unable to perform due to parts shortage. Some owners quoted 3–5 month wait or 'fall 2017' remedy availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notices issued (17V006000, 16V340000, 16V858000); interim guidance to not operate vehicle with front passenger occupant; loaners offered sporadically at $35/day or limited availability; some loaner offers rescinded or not honored. Toyota stated it was waiting for parts from Takata.
Inadequate Temporary Recall Remedy and Misinformation
Temporary or incorrect airbag installations completed without owner awareness; misleading information from Toyota and dealers about whether repairs were complete. One owner received a Yaris hatchback airbag (bag 0.8 for 2007–2009 Yaris) in a 2012 Sienna without being told, and was given conflicting information about whether the temporary part was a real fix.
When: During recall repair appointments
Symptoms owners cite: Temporary/substitute airbag installed without explicit owner notification; Receipt shows part number for different vehicle (Yaris airbag in Sienna); Dealer and Toyota recall team gave conflicting accounts of repair status; Owner concerned about legal liability and actual safety compliance
Codes mentioned:17V006000
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary airbag (Yaris part) installed; owner required to return for permanent replacement when correct part became available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota recall team was confused; directed owner to obtain written statement from dealer confirming work was completed, but did not clarify whether the temporary part was adequate or explain the substitute.
Frontal Airbag Non-Deployment in Collision
Two documented collisions where front airbags failed to deploy despite impact severity warranting deployment. In one case, vehicle was rear-ended at 55 mph and rolled three times; in another, vehicle was struck twice at 55 mph from passenger side and rear. Both resulted in injuries; one vehicle was destroyed.
When: 11,000 miles (complaint #6); 230,000 miles (complaint #10)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during high-speed rear-end collision; Vehicle rolled over (complaint #10); No warning lights or diagnostic indicators illuminated; Passenger and driver sustained injuries (facial, back, neck, leg injuries)
Codes mentioned:<UNKNOWN>
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles deemed destroyed; not diagnosed post-incident. Complaint #6 filed police report. Complaint #10 owner transported by ambulance and received chiropractic care.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of at least one incident (complaint #6); other incident (complaint #10) not reported to manufacturer or dealer.
Power Sliding Door Unintended Opening (16V858000 Structure Recall)
Driver-side and passenger-side sliding doors opened unexpectedly without occupant action while vehicle was in use or parked. Related to NHTSA campaign 16V858000 (structure/latches). Some owners reported dealer disconnected the power function as interim measure, but door continued to open.
When: One incident at 48,000 miles; others unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Sliding door opened without warning or occupant input; Door opened while driving (occurred at speed; owner had just left home); Door opened while parked; Door continued to open even after power function was disconnected
Codes mentioned:16V858000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer disconnected electronic door function as temporary fix, but reported failure continued. Parts for permanent remedy were unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notification 16V858000 issued; interim remedy was to manually operate door. Permanent parts and remedy still under development per dealers; no ETA provided.
Prolonged Recall Wait Time and Inconvenience to Families
Owners with large families requiring minivans reported severe practical hardship: recall directed them not to use front passenger seat, yet they needed the seat for children and car seats. Toyota offered small sedans (Corolla) or limited loaners unsuitable for family needs. Some owners waited over a year with no remedy date, unable to use their vehicle as intended.
When: Recalls issued 2016–2017; wait extended into late 2017 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice stated 'Do not operate with occupant in front passenger seat'; Owners unable to seat additional family members or caregivers; Large families had no alternative transport option suitable for multiple car seats; Indefinite wait with no manufacturer-provided remedy date
Codes mentioned:17V006000, 16V858000
Repairs/costs cited: No repair parts available; interim workaround was to restrict front passenger use.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota offered limited loaners at $35/day (unsuitable for large families), some dealerships offered single-day loaner (e.g., Chrysler Town & Country) with no hold time. One dealer told owner to 'go ahead and use front passenger seat' based on data that propellant would not degrade until summer—contradicting recall warning. Projected remedy dates given (e.g., September 2017) were frequently missed.
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
1 most recent
airbags
· filed 12/30/2022
I was at a full stopped and rear Ended at 30 miles an hour and the air bags did not deploy and I am suffering many injuries pain and loss The air bags didn’t deploy at all
Had airbags trouble with your 2012 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 airbags problem on the 2012 Toyota Sienna?
It's a meaningful issue. 83 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 48,000 and 99,000 miles, with the median around 61,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 99,000. 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
Yes — 4 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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/2012/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.