Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Toyota Sienna Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Toyota Sienna scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 66 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2018 received a facelift update for the Third generation (XL30; 2010).
Recalls
7
Complaints
66
Complaint Rate
7.5
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$554
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
15%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
7 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 received a facelift update for the Third generation (XL30; 2010).
- Changes: New front grille; Updated headlights; Minor interior updates.
- Year 8 in this generation (2011–2020).
- 3rd generation Sienna (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
Third generation (XL30; 2010)
Should You Buy the 2018 Toyota Sienna?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 received a facelift update for the Third generation (XL30; 2010).
With 66 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (15). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2019 Toyota Sienna, which scored 1 points higher.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $93 cheaper to maintain than avg minivans
- Low major repair risk (15%)
- Below-average complaint rate for Minivan
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (15 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (11 complaints)
Compare 2018 Toyota Sienna With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (15)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- AIR BAGS (4)
- STRUCTURE (4)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
- ENGINE (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- SEATS (2)
- EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- CHILD SEAT (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- TIRES (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2018 Toyota Sienna has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.5
per 10k soldSegment avg: 46.8
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
6
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Toyota Sienna Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota Sienna. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. 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 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2012-2018 AMS Genesis wheelchair vans, built on a Toyota Sienna vehicles. The rubber brake hoses that attach to the rear wheel assembly may be too short, causing them to rub against the rear axle trailing arm.
Consequence
The contact may cause failure of the rear brake hoses, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Vantage will notify owners, and dealers will install a set of rear brake hoses that will provide the proper clearance, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2019. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
2018 Toyota Sienna NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.0%
Safety Technologies
Toyota Sienna Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$554
vs $647 avg for minivans
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
15%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Toyota Sienna
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect transmission for whining sounds and hesitation during acceleration
- Verify air bag system functionality, especially front air bags
- Check for fuel leaks and ensure fuel system recall repairs are completed
- Test sliding doors for proper operation and staying open
- Examine front bumper for secure attachment and damage
- Test vehicle acceleration from a stop and at speed for hesitation
- Inspect rear seat mechanisms for unintended movement
Check Any 2018 Toyota Sienna's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Sienna in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Sienna with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Toyota Sienna Common Problems by Component
66 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
15 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna frequently report transmission issues, with common symptoms including a whining sound, hesitation during acceleration, and delayed downshifting. Several complaints indicate these problems often occur around or after 89,000 to 132,000 miles. Some owners describe warning lights and messages prompting immediate service, with diagnoses often pointing to transmission failure or solenoid issues. Safety concerns are noted, as hesitation and delayed acceleration can pose risks during merging or navigating intersections. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these issues, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna frequently report issues with the vehicle's sliding doors, including broken cables and doors that do not stay open, posing potential safety concerns for passengers. Complaints also mention significant problems with the vehicle's performance, such as struggling on inclines and poor acceleration, which could lead to rear-end collisions. Additionally, there are reports of abrupt stops due to the Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunctioning, which resulted in an injury. Some owners also describe issues with the rear heating unit causing excessive heat in the third-row seating area. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges, and buyers should be aware of these potential safety and usability concerns.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly following a recall repair. Common symptoms include fuel leaks, hesitation during acceleration, and stalling. Some owners describe fuel leaks severe enough to prevent the vehicle from starting and causing a strong gasoline odor, with one owner reporting repeated leaks post-recall repair. Hesitation when accelerating is noted by multiple owners, occurring both from a stop and at speed, which can pose a safety risk during traffic maneuvers. Complaints also highlight a lack of available replacement parts for the recall, leading to unresolved issues and concerns about the risk of driving the vehicle. These problems are reported at various mileage points, with one owner mentioning the issue at 35,000 miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna report issues primarily related to the electrical system, with problems including odometer discrepancies and malfunctions in the safety connect system. Complaints frequently mention the master warning light illuminating and the vehicle stalling at approximately 56,000 miles, with one incident linked to a recall involving the electrical system. Additionally, multiple owners describe malfunctioning power seats in the third row that activate unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, posing a safety risk. These issues occur at varying mileages and can impact vehicle operation and passenger safety.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna frequently report issues with air bag deployment during crashes. Complaints highlight that in several incidents involving both high-speed and low-speed collisions, the front air bags did not deploy, although side air bags did in one case. These incidents often occur at mileage ranging from 60,000 to 117,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes leading to injuries, including bruises, concussions, and potential fractures. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported air bag deployment failures in the event of a frontal collision.
STRUCTURE (4 complaints)
STRUCTURE
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna frequently report issues related to the vehicle's structure, specifically with the front bumper and sliding doors. Multiple owners describe the front passenger side bumper snaps coming undone, leading to damage of the supporting plastic frame, particularly after contact with curbs. Complaints also highlight problems with the automatic sliding doors, which lack an emergency stop feature, posing a potential safety risk if something obstructs their path. Additionally, one report mentions the driver-side carpet being loose and interfering with pedal operation at around 4,700 miles. These issues, particularly with the sliding doors and bumper, could have safety implications if not addressed.
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna report issues related to the fuel system, with primary concerns involving vehicle acceleration and recall repair delays. One owner describes a scenario where the vehicle fails to respond to the accelerator pedal while driving at highway speeds, occurring at approximately 52,350 miles, even after a recall repair was reportedly completed. Another owner notes the vehicle surging forward unexpectedly when idle, with an unknown warning light illuminated, at around 2,000 miles. Multiple complaints highlight the unavailability of parts needed for recall repairs, with some owners expressing that the manufacturer has taken an unreasonable amount of time to address these issues. No reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in the complaints.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna report issues related to engine performance and oil levels. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle jerking and losing power while driving, with some instances of the vehicle shutting off independently, even after a fuel pump replacement. These issues appear to start as early as 2019 and persist despite multiple attempts at repair. Another reported issue involves the oil warning light illuminating and low oil levels being detected, occurring at low mileages around 3,700 miles. There are no reports of crashes or fires associated with these complaints, but the loss of power could potentially affect vehicle control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna report issues related to vehicle speed control, with two distinct problems emerging. One complaint describes a malfunction involving the torque converter clutch pressure control solenoid circuit, which occurs when the vehicle reaches speeds of 85 mph. Another owner reports unintended acceleration while reversing, resulting in a crash when the van unexpectedly went full throttle. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly in scenarios involving loss of control during reversing maneuvers. Buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially if considering a vehicle with similar mileage or usage patterns.
SEATS (2 complaints)
SEATS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Sienna report issues with seat movement, particularly in the rear rows. Complaints frequently mention that the rear seats move independently, even when the vehicle is stationary, with some describing lateral and twisting movements. One report highlights concerns about potential safety implications, noting that the seat movement could affect the integrity of the LATCH system and seat belts, particularly in the third row. These issues are noted at low mileages, around 1,000 miles, suggesting they may occur early in the vehicle's life. Used car buyers should be aware of these symptoms and consider inspecting the seat mechanisms, especially if the vehicle has been used to transport children or multiple passengers.
When Do 2018 Toyota Sienna Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Sienna Years
Best Toyota Sienna Years to Buy
The best Toyota Sienna year is 2023 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (74/100) and 2022 (74/100).
Toyota Sienna Years to Avoid
No Toyota Sienna years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Toyota Sienna years-to-avoid analysis →Toyota Sienna Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Sienna reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
Toyota Sienna Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Sienna?
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Sienna have?
Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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