What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Sienna?

Structure is the biggest group, with 117 complaints. Owners describe sliding doors, the hood and the lift gate. Speed control and engine follow with 51 complaints each.

Does the 2008 Toyota Sienna have any recalls?

Yes, the file shows 9 recalls for this year. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

How many complaints are there for the 2008 Toyota Sienna?

NHTSA has 429 owner complaints on file. They are unverified and not adjusted for sales.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Toyota Sienna get?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2008 Toyota Sienna reliable?

The complaint file is sizable at 429 reports, with structure the largest group. See the by-year comparison on this page to put it in context.

2008 Toyota Sienna Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 429 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Toyota Sienna^[1]. The biggest group names the structure of the van, with 117 complaints^[2].

429owner complaints^[1]

9recalls^[3]

18–19MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in NHTSA's file, biggest first.

Structure. 117 complaints^[2]. Owners describe sliding doors that stick, slam shut or will not stay open. Others describe a hood that came loose, a lift gate that would not hold itself up and a sunroof that broke on its own.
Speed Control. 51 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe the van surging ahead on its own, sometimes while braking or while using cruise control.
Engine. 51 complaints^[6]. Owners describe loud noises when the engine is cold, oil that ran low or leaked, warning lights and in a few cases smoke or fire.
Electrical System. 45 complaints^[7]. Owners describe a dead battery after lights were left on, a garage opener that would not pair and a speedometer that seemed to read off.
Brakes. 41 complaints^[8]. This group is named in the file, and we did not read its stories closely.
Power Train. 38 complaints^[9]. This group is named in the file, and we did not read its stories closely.
Unknown Or Other. 34 complaints^[10]. These reports do not fit a clear component.
Steering. 33 complaints^[11]. This group is named in the file, and we did not read its stories closely.

These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2008 Sienna is necessarily included.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler (16V396), June 2016. About 7,749 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler (14V743), November 2014. About 3,233 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, burns. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire (14V273), May 2014. About 419,520 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Power Train › Automatic Transmission (13V429), September 2013. About 614,722 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking, the car rolling away. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Structure (10V160), April 2010. About 600,000 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, parts separating.^[16]
Equipment › Other › Labels (10V036), February 2010. About 153,418 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Equipment › Other › Labels (10V035), February 2010. About 271,417 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Equipment › Other › Labels (09V234), June 2009. About 2,204 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Equipment › Other › Labels (09V223), June 2009. About 27,080 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[20]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Sienna 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	17 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Sienna 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[21]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
5 HB AWD/RWD^[22]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	16.9%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
SIENNA AWD XLE AWD LIMITED^[23]	201 in	77 in	69 in	119 in	4,365 lb
SIENNA FWD CE/LE^[24]	201 in	77 in	69 in	119 in	4,145 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sienna model year. The 2008 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1998	294	2
1999	215	2
2000	363	1
2001	180	2
2002	181	1
2003	105	1
2004	2,062	10
2005	1,130	12
2006	1,017	11
2007	364	10
2008	429	9
2009	207	10
2010	172	8
2011	615	14
2012	247	9
2013	183	6
2014	163	6
2015	233	6
2016	76	5
2017	155	10
2018	72	7
2019	45	7
2020	38	2
2021	45	4
2022	21	4
2023	71	2
2024	69	3
2025	267	5
2026	17	0

NHTSA's counts for the Sienna show 429 complaints and 9 recalls for 2008^[3]. Among the 29 model years listed, 24 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 4 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (17) and the most are for 2004 (2,062)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2008 Sienna?

The 2008 Sienna has a large complaint file at 429 reports^[1]. Structure leads the list at 117 complaints^[2], so check the doors, hood latch and lift gate on any van you look at. Speed control and engine each have 51 complaints^[5]^[6]. The file also shows 9 recalls for this year^[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide to what owners reported and not as a score.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Sienna?: Structure is the biggest group, with 117 complaints^[2]. Owners describe sliding doors, the hood and the lift gate. Speed control and engine follow with 51 complaints each^[5]^[6].
Does the 2008 Toyota Sienna have any recalls?: Yes, the file shows 9 recalls for this year^[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
How many complaints are there for the 2008 Toyota Sienna?: NHTSA has 429 owner complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified and not adjusted for sales.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Toyota Sienna get?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2008 Toyota Sienna reliable?: The complaint file is sizable at 429 reports^[1], with structure the largest group^[2]. See the by-year comparison on this page to put it in context.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Toyota Sienna

2004 2,062 complaints, 10 recalls
2005 1,130 complaints, 12 recalls
2007 364 complaints, 10 recalls
2008 this page
2011 615 complaints, 14 recalls
2012 247 complaints, 9 recalls
2013 183 complaints, 6 recalls
2014 163 complaints, 6 recalls
2015 233 complaints, 6 recalls
2016 76 complaints, 5 recalls
2025 267 complaints, 5 recalls
2026 17 complaints, 0 recalls

Compare all model years of the Toyota Sienna

Other Toyota models from 2008

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser 124 complaints, 9 recalls
2008 Toyota Highlander 602 complaints, 12 recalls
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 8 complaints, 5 recalls
2008 Toyota Prius 1,497 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 Toyota Sequoia 67 complaints, 8 recalls
2008 Toyota Yaris 247 complaints, 10 recalls

All Toyota models

Similar cars from 2008: minivans

2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 302 complaints, 2 recalls

All minivans we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 429 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Toyota Sienna (37 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
117 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,850). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Sienna model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Sienna 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
51 complaints name the speed control component group (22 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
51 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,650). NHTSA vehicle records
45 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,010). NHTSA vehicle records
41 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,000). NHTSA vehicle records
38 complaints name the power train component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
34 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,718). NHTSA vehicle records
33 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 16V396, filed June 2, 2016: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V743, filed November 19, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V273, filed May 22, 2014: Tires › Temporary / Emergency Spare Tire. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V429, filed September 26, 2013: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V160, filed April 20, 2010: Structure. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V036, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V035, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 09V234, filed June 25, 2009: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 09V223, filed June 15, 2009: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Sienna 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB AWD/RWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIENNA AWD XLE AWD LIMITED: length 201 in, width 77 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,365 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIENNA FWD CE/LE: length 201 in, width 77 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,145 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2008 Toyota Sienna: problems, recalls and fuel economy