Is the 2012 Toyota SIENNA reliable?

The 2012 Toyota SIENNA has 331 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Toyota SIENNA?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (84 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (71 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (30 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Toyota SIENNA?

Yes, there are 9 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Toyota SIENNA?

The 2012 Toyota SIENNA gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Toyota SIENNA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Toyota SIENNA is approximately $1,373/year (minivan class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Toyota SIENNA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2012 Toyota SIENNA has 331 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 207. The most common issue is air bags problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota sienna. the contact stated that while traveling 55 mph, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle twice; once from the passenger's side door area and again from the rear. as a result, the contact's vehicle was pushed forward and into the rear of another ve. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 10 crash reports 17 injuries

331

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

84 complaints

25%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TWICE; ONCE FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR AREA AND AGAIN FROM THE REAR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VE
• 45MPH FRONT END IMPACT DID NOT DEPLOY AID BAG. DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES FROM HER FACE IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL.
• MY VAN USES A TAKATA AIRBAG THAT I NEED REPLACED IMMEDIATELY, I AM SCARED FOR MY FAMILY DRIVING THE VAN. NEWS MEDIA HAS SHOWN HOW DANGEROUS THIS DEFECT IS AND HOPE TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED SOON. *TR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TWICE; ONCE FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR AREA AND AGAIN FROM THE REAR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Toyota SIENNA

Based on 165 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 58K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 40K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 9K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 38K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 30K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Earlier than typicalmedian 79K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 53K mi · 32 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (9)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE09/01/2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Toyota SIENNA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Toyota SIENNA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,373

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$583

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (minivan)0.91x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1373

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota SIENNA Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2012 SIENNA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 331 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TWICE; ONCE FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR AREA AND AGAIN FROM THE REAR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR OCCASIONALLY (I.E. NOT ALL THE TIME) MAKES AN ABNORMAL POP NOISE WHEN INITIALLY OPENING WITH THE OUTSIDE HANDLE OR WITH THE INSIDE HANDLE ON THE SLIDING DOOR. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN THE DOOR IS OPENED WITH OTHER METHOD (E.G. REMOTE, OVER-HEAD MOUNT CONTROL,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WE FIRST ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM IN WHICH THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT FUNCTION TO OPEN OR CLOSE AUTOMATICALLY BUT IT STILL WORKED MANUALLY. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE REAR LATCH OF THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR BECAME STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION THUS NOT ALLOWING THE DOOR TO FULLY CLOSE. I TOOK THE V
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: BRAND NEW VEHICLE LASTED ABOUT A WEEK, WIFE PARKED CAR, WENT INTO STORE, CAME OUT AND VAN WOULD NOT START, WIFE AND KIDS WERE STRANDED IN ROUGH PART OF NEIGHBORING CITY, BATTERY DEAD, TOYOTA SERVICE TESTED CHARGING SYSTEM AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG, THEY DIDN'T REPLACED BATTERY AS A PRECAUTION. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)