Research · Minivan - 2WD

2002 Toyota SiennaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 207 owner complaints for the 2002 Toyota Sienna. Most complaints involve structure (43) and latches/locks/linkages (31). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2010
Owner complaints
207
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure

Remedy pending

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2010 SIENNA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 7, 1997 AND JANUARY 4, 2010, CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THE COLD CLIMATE REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS FREQUENTLY USED, WATER SPLASHED BACKWARDS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT CAN REACH THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND CORRODE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY CABLE.

StructureReported Apr 20, 2010NHTSA 10V160000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

207 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2001 – Feb 2026
  1. Structure43
  2. Latches/locks/linkages31
  3. Electrical system25
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic23
  5. Power train17
  6. Tires17
  7. Engine and engine cooling17
  8. Steering11
  9. Vehicle speed control10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sienna model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1998302
1999217
2000374
2001185
2002207
2003116
20042,062
20051,130
20061,017
2007364
2008429
2009207
2010172
2011615
2012247
2013183
2014164
2015233
201676
2017159
201872
201946
202038
20240
20250
Crashes reported
19
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
21
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

43 reports1 crash
“WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IT WOULD NOT OPEN ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY. AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO OPEN I CUT THE CABLE AND WAS ABLE TO THEN OPEN THE DOOR. AT THIS POINT IN TIME BOTH SLIDING DOORS WILL NOT OPEN ELECTRONICALLY BUT WILL OPEN MANUALLY. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 8, 2015Electrical system, StructureODI 10704379

Latches/locks/linkages

31 reports
“WHEN THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM ERUPTED I REMEMBER SEEING AN INTERNAL DOCUMENT WHICH RELATED TO THE REAR DOOR LATCH FOR SIENNAS. I OWN A SIENNA AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR LATCH TWICE SO FAR. IT JUST BRAKES APART AND IT BECOMES A REAL HUZZLE SINCE THE REAR DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED. TOYOTA MUST REPLACE THIS LATCHES WITH A GOOD WELL MANUFACTURED MATERIAL. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 15, 2011Structure, Latches/locks/linkagesODI 10440048

Electrical system

25 reports3 fires
“Dear Sir, On April 2026, I need to do the semiannual smog check. Right now, I face DTC P0420 error code and I can't pass the smog check inspection. Note that I don't have the engine light on indicating the a/m error code. Only my OBD2 shows the error DTC Code P0420. I did some searhing and noticed that the ECM for Sienna should be updated to erase the a/m DTC code. I would appreciated to help me how the resolve this issue ASAP. It will enable me to renew my registration.You may contact on my cell phone 747 217 7254 or my email at [email protected]. Regards, Massey”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 15, 2026Electrical systemODI 11718059
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sienna 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172319$3,300468
  • Sienna 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Toyota Sienna as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 4656
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2002 Sienna questions

How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Sienna have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2002 Toyota Sienna problems?

Owners filed 207 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (43), latches/locks/linkages (31), electrical system (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2002 Toyota Sienna get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Toyota Sienna at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026