Last updated: 2026-03-04

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good
2018 Toyota Sienna

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$554

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

15%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
68/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
63/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
84/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

POWER TRAIN (15)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)

7 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

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)

2011redesign
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018selected
2019
2020

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 46.8

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

20V6820002020-11-04

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.

20V0120002020-01-13

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.

19V5530002019-07-25

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 14.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Air Bags)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota Sienna Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

Sienna
$554
Category Avg
$647
All Vehicles
$652

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.

15
11
7
13
POWER TRAIN (15)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)AIR BAGS (4)STRUCTURE (4)FUEL SYSTEM (4)ENGINE (2)Other (13)

POWER TRAIN

15 complaints

Owners 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.

15 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 complaints

Owners 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.

11 complaints total1 injury

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 complaints

Owners 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.

7 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)

AIR BAGS

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

4 complaints total4 crashes5 injuries
STRUCTURE (4 complaints)

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total1 crash
SEATS (2 complaints)

SEATS

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

When Do 2018 Toyota Sienna Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

89,000–132,000 milesTransmission failures
60,000–117,000 milesAir bag deployment issues
35,000–52,350 milesFuel system failures

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.

avg 73
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Sienna reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201870/100Good
201971/100Good
202073/100Good
202172/100Good
202274/100Good
202376/100Good
202474/100Good
202572/100Good

Toyota Sienna Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202674/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202572/100-2Good5134
202474/100-2Good346
202376/100+2Good152
202274/100+2Good11
202172/100-1Good225
202073/100+2Good232
201971/100+1Good741
2018(selected)70/100Good766

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna reliable?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 7 recalls and 66 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Sienna?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Toyota Sienna include: POWER TRAIN (15 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), AIR BAGS (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Sienna have?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna has 7 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Toyota Sienna has estimated annual repair costs of $554/year, which is $93 less than the minivans average of $647. With a reliability score of 70/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue