TT: Some 2014-2021 model year vehicles equipped with Dynamic Torque Control AWD system may experience a ?Noise? or ?Abnormal Operation? condition from the rear differential front coupling. In some cases, even an ?AWD System Message? with or without a DTC may be present with or without other conditions present.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Toyota Sienna powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Toyota Sienna have filed 34 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Sienna | 14 |
| 2014 Sienna | 6 |
| 2015 Sienna | 10 |
| 2016 Sienna | 3 |
| 2017 Sienna (this page) | 34 |
| 2018 Sienna | 18 |
| 2019 Sienna | 7 |
| 2020 Sienna | 8 |
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 34 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Toyota Sienna, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 34 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.
Powertrain accounts for 22% 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 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.
TSB: Some 2017 model year Sienna vehicles may exhibit one or more the following conditions: ?Lack of power from stop. ?High RPM shift point at 2 ? 3 shifts. ?Hesitation in low gears. ?Holds gear too long. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address these conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Sienna's UA80 and UA80E automatic transmissions are generating consistent complaints across the fleet. The most common issue is transmission whining—a high-pitched or whirring noise that starts anywhere from 10,000 to 150,000 miles and progressively worsens. Dealers universally recommend full transmission replacement when this noise appears.
Power delivery problems run a close second. Multiple owners describe sudden loss of acceleration while driving highway speeds—engine revs to 6000 RPM with no power transfer. In at least one case, the transmission display went blank during the incident. Hard, jolting shifts and hesitation before engaging are also widespread complaints, some present from the first few thousand miles.
Transmission slipping (failing to hold gear) and shift-flare events (engine revving without corresponding power) are reported at various mileages. One owner experienced the vehicle rolling backward out of Park on an incline, which resulted in injury.
Toyota issued Customer Support Program ZJC to address UA80 transmission whining in 2017–2018 Siennas and Highlanders within 10 years of first use. However, many owners report their VINs are excluded despite matching the manufacture window, transmission type, and symptoms. Diagnostics cost $180 to $200. Repair costs quoted or estimated at $10,000-plus, with transmissions backordered for months. Owners outside the 60K-mile/60-month warranty receive no manufacturer assistance.
Same Toyota Sienna powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Whining Noise
High-pitched whining or whirring sound emanating from the transmission, typically during acceleration or gear shifting. Owners report progressive loudening or constant whine while driving. Multiple owners correlate this to UA80/UA80E transmission failure and cite Toyota's Customer Support Program (CSP) ZJC or TSBs, though their VINs are often excluded from coverage.
When: Occurs across wide mileage range: 10 miles, 40,000 miles, 45,000 miles, 110,000 miles, 120,000 miles, 136,000 miles, 150,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched or abnormal whining sound from transmission; Whirring noise when starting, reversing, or driving; Progressive loudening of whine; Accompanied by harsh shifts or choppiness in gear changes; Some reports include jerking or jolting during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P2714, P0741, P2757
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships recommend or perform full transmission replacement; one owner reports independent shop repair; some quote $10,000+ for replacement; transmission backordered for months in some cases; $180 diagnostic fee cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Support Program ZJC (CSP ZJC) for certain 2017–2018 Sienna and Highlander with UA80 transmission, within 10 years of first use; TSB-0160-18 issued for transaxle whine noise, harsh shift, MIL ON, or reduced power; however, many owners report their VINs are excluded despite matching manufacture date, transmission type, and symptoms; TSB pol19-04 also cited but coverage denied for some VINs
Loss of Power / Transmission Failure to Engage
Vehicle suddenly loses all or most acceleration capability while driving, engine revs but no power transfers to wheels, or transmission fails to select appropriate gear. In several cases, the transmission display goes blank or shows incorrect gear indication. One owner experienced complete loss of movement in all gears despite engine running.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 5,000 miles (immediately after first service), 14,000 miles, 35,000 miles, 45,000 miles, 65+ mph highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power/acceleration while driving; Vehicle will not move in Drive, Reverse, or other gears despite engine running; Engine revs to 6000 RPM with no corresponding power delivery; Transmission display goes blank or fails to show gear indicator (P/N/D); Sudden deceleration without driver action; Transmission slips out of gear; Hard jerking when attempting to accelerate
Codes mentioned: P2714, P0741, P2757
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's dealer recommended software fix followed by transmission replacement if needed; one case was repaired (software failure corrected); transmission replacement recommended in several cases; independent mechanic unable to diagnose in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: dealership advised software fix may address issue; one case (mileage ~14,000): manufacturer agreed to cover repair under UA80 transmission program; other cases: no assistance provided or claim outside warranty (60K miles/60 months); some owners cite CSP ZJC coverage criteria but denied by manufacturer
Hard Shifting / Jerking / Jolting
Transmission shifts harshly, jolts abruptly during acceleration, or responds with hesitation followed by forceful gear engagement. Some cases involve transmission selecting incorrect gear while already in appropriate gear. Owners report jolting in fits and starts, especially from stops or when accelerating.
When: Ongoing throughout vehicle life per some owners; specific incidents at 10 miles, 40,000 miles, and various speeds including 25 MPH, 35 MPH, 65+ MPH highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerk or jolt when accelerating, especially from stops; Hesitation before shifting hard into gear; Jolting in fits and starts when applying throttle; Transmission unresponsive or responds intermittently to accelerator pedal; Engine makes whirring sound during jolting episodes; Sluggish shifting or hanging at higher RPM before downshifting
Codes mentioned: P2714, P0741, P2757
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: dealer diagnosed stuck solenoid (torque converter lock); one owner: independent mechanic unable to provide specific diagnosis; software update performed in one case but failure persisted; transmission replacement recommended in several cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: Toyota bulletin ZJC cited as consistent with codes but vehicle transmission not on affected list; software ECU update offered in one case (unsuccessful); one case: manufacturer provided case number 171130377 and repaired vehicle (software failure corrected improper gear selection); CSP ZJC cited by owners but coverage frequently denied
Transmission Slipping Out of Gear
Transmission fails to maintain selected gear, slipping out or losing engagement. Vehicle continues to experience power loss or jerking as transmission cycles through multiple gears or refuses to hold gear under load.
When: At 45,000 miles (60 MPH); at 62,000 miles (40 MPH); highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission continuously slips out of gear; Vehicle jerks and decelerates independently; Forward and reverse slip; only neutral engages reliably; Transmission appears to engage two gears simultaneously (reverse and forward)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: repaired under manufacturer coverage (UA80 program); one case: internal failure per dealer but vehicle not included in recall; one case: currently unrepaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case (45,000 miles): manufacturer agreed to cover repair; other cases: repair not covered; one case denied because VIN not on recall list despite same year/make/model
MIL and System Disablement (AWD, Cruise Control)
Check Engine light (MIL) illuminates along with messages such as 'Check AWD System.' Vehicle disables cruise control and AWD functionality. Display may also show 'Check Charging System' warning. Codes are pulled but Toyota advises they fall outside affected transmission bulletins.
When: At 78,793 miles (MY17 XLE AWD); at ~4,100 miles (check charging system / start issue); at various mileages with check engine light
Symptoms owners cite: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates; 'Check AWD System' message displayed; Cruise control disabled; AWD system disabled; Eco indicator no longer displays during constant-speed driving; 'Check Charging System' warning displayed; No other obvious drivability symptoms initially
Codes mentioned: P2714, P0741, P2757
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed stuck torque converter lock solenoid; software fix recommended with transmission replacement to follow if unsuccessful; diagnostics cost $180 in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota advised codes are consistent with service bulletin but vehicle transmission not on affected list; Toyota unwilling to provide warranty coverage (outside 60K miles/60 month warranty); manufacturer opened case in one instance but no assistance detailed
Vehicle Rollaway While In Park
Vehicle rolls backward out of Park position while parked on incline or driveway with engine off or running. In one case, vehicle rolled across street and struck neighbor's house, injuring a pregnant passenger. Transmission may fail to hold Park gear.
When: While parked on driveway/incline; one case with engine on in Park
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when parked on incline; Park gear does not hold vehicle; Vehicle may continue rolling into street or obstacles
Repairs/costs cited: One case: 30-minute dealership inspection found nothing wrong; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed no defect found; no manufacturer action documented
Brake Pedal Failure and Unresponsiveness
Brake pedal becomes rigid and unresponsive, failing to slow or stop vehicle. Warning lights illuminate in some cases. One case describes brake pedal failing to respond while driving 35 MPH and approaching a stop.
When: At 14,500 miles; occurred while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal rigid and unresponsive; Brake warning light illuminated; Traction control warning light illuminated; Failure to slow vehicle when brake applied
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine cause; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but referred contact to dealer where vehicle was purchased; no assistance documented
Start/Crank Failure
Vehicle fails to start despite push-button start being pressed. After multiple attempts, vehicle eventually starts. 'Check Charging System' warning appears on display. Side doors may not open.
When: At ~4,100 miles; recurring two weeks later
Symptoms owners cite: Push-button start acts as if engaging but engine does not turn over; Multiple start attempts required before success; 'Check Charging System' message displayed; Side doors fail to open (power door locks malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection stated everything looked good; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota contacted by owner but did not respond; dealer did not respond to follow-up concerns
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
after hearing wining noise from transmission as driving down highway at full speed with out warning car suddenly and quit violently came to a stop . no waring lights ! transmission appears to be in two gears at once reverse and forward will only roll if put in neutral .internal failure in the transmission according to the dealer . The car not included in the recall issued for the same year…
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH and releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound that progressively became louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Toyota Sienna?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 14,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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/2017/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.