Is the 2018 Toyota SIENNA reliable?

The 2018 Toyota SIENNA has 85 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Toyota SIENNA?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (17 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (16 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (13 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Toyota SIENNA?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, WHEELS. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Toyota SIENNA?

The 2018 Toyota SIENNA gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Toyota SIENNA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Toyota SIENNA is approximately $1,432/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.

2018 Toyota SIENNA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Toyota SIENNA has 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 207. The most common issue is transmission problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: my 2018 sienna le is experiencing acceleration problems. i had the software up dated but after approximately 1,000 miles the problem is returning. this problem is especially unsafe when merging onto the highway.. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

17 complaints

20%

• MY 2018 SIENNA LE IS EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. I HAD THE SOFTWARE UP DATED BUT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES THE PROBLEM IS RETURNING. THIS PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY UNSAFE WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY.
• THE VAN STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE. THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN OFF ECO MODE. NO BUTTON IS AVAILABLE. VAN STRUGGLES TO GO UP HILLS , EXCELERATE THRU INTERSECTIONS AND ALWAYS HUNTING FOR GEARS OR STUCK IN A GEAR AND SOUNDS AND ACTS VERY HEAVY ON POWER TRAIN END. THERE IS AN OPTION TO TURN OFF ECO LIGHT.TUR
• 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA LE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DELAYED ACCELERATION WHICH IS CAUSING TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. *AS *TR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“MY 2018 SIENNA LE IS EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. I HAD THE SOFTWARE UP DATED BUT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES THE PROBLEM IS RETURNING. THIS PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY UNSAFE WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Toyota SIENNA

Based on 47 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 16K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 5 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 (7)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP04/11/2020

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.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 Cost Calculator for 2018 Toyota SIENNA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/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 2018 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

$1,432

Full coverage / month

$119

Liability only / year

$559

vs US avg

-14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (minivan)0.91x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1432

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 2018 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 85 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: MY 2018 SIENNA LE IS EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. I HAD THE SOFTWARE UP DATED BUT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES THE PROBLEM IS RETURNING. THIS PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY UNSAFE WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 3RD ROW SEATING PASSENGER SIDE CUT HOLDERS AND SIDE PANEL GET HOT AFTER 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR HEATING UNIT IS ROUTED ALONG THE 3RD ROW SEATING PASSENGER SIDE CUT HOLDERS AND SIDE PANEL. SINCE THE LINES FOR THE REAR HEA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 3RD ROW POWER SEATS ARE MALFUNCTIONING AND ARE OPERATING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. MULTIPLE TIMES, AND ON DIFFERENT DAYS, THE POWER SEATS HAVE STARTED TO CLOSE WHILE PASSENGER IS SEATED AND BUCKLED IN THE SEAT. OCCURRED TODAY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHILE MY WIFE WAS SEATED IN THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)