The Lemon Index2012 Toyota Sienna.
The 2012 Toyota Sienna is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 48 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Toyota Sienna year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 247 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Sienna year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 25K to 95K miles on the car (119 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 30K–81K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 3K–72K miles
Recalls 9
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- brakes 2019
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.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 9 recalls
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- body structure 2016
If door opens while the vehicle is moving, there would be an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
- equipment 2013
These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight ad.
- airbags 2013
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk…
- equipment 2012
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 4RUNNER AND SIENNA VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH NON-ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT REMOTE ENGINE STARTERS.
- equipment 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 THROUGH 2012 SIENNA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 110, "TIRE SELECTIONS AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 372 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Charging system inoperative
- Condition where a rattle or squeak type noise
- Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which the power…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna VAN AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Sienna VAN FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The intermittent wiper is reveresed. The slow is running fast and the fast running slow. Took it to the dealer and they advised that they could not do anything. Also the dash is not flush with the instrument cluster.
2012 Toyota Sienna owner · NHTSA complaint 10495220
More owner reports
No dashboard lights when van is started, only come on when light switch is activated. Dashboard on visible on cloudy days.
NHTSA complaint 10489555
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Toyota Sienna reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Sienna year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2012 Toyota Sienna problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (27%), body structure (27%) and speed control (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Sienna have?
9 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Sienna get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Toyota Sienna safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Sienna problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 25,000 and 95,000 miles. The middle report was at 58,000 miles, from 119 complaints.
Does the 2012 Toyota Sienna have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Toyota Sienna cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Toyota Sienna have?
2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Sienna year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2013 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works