2016 Toyota Sienna Safety Report
2016 Toyota Sienna: Strong Crash Ratings, but Numerous Sliding Door and Brake Recalls Raise Real-World Safety Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Toyota Sienna
Reliability Score
The 2016 Toyota Sienna receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Toyota Sienna
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Toyota Sienna:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Sliding Door Malfunction Doors fail to latch, open spontaneously while driving, or close on occupants. This is a widespread issue leading to NHTSA recall 16V569000. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Brake System Issues (Mobility Conversions) Recalls for incorrect brake hose fittings or pressure drops in rear braking system, specifically affecting mobility-converted Siennas, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Steering Seizure Reports of steering wheel seizing while driving or stopped, requiring towing and costly repairs, with one complaint leading to a crash. |
High | Occasional | 20000-60000 miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment At least two complaints detail significant crashes where airbags failed to deploy, despite high impact forces. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
| Excessive Tire Wear Numerous complaints about premature and uneven tire wear, particularly on front wheels, requiring early replacement. |
Medium | Common | 10000-20000 miles |
| Seat Belt Detachment/Failure One recall (16V108000) for incorrect seat belt height adjuster installation and a complaint of a seat belt attachment detaching from the B-pillar. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Toyota Sienna:
Primarily related to power sliding door malfunctions, including doors opening while driving, failing to latch, or closing on occupants. This component category has 19 complaints.
A variety of miscellaneous issues, including exploding windows/sunroofs, rodent damage to wiring, and general mechanical failures not fitting other categories. This component category has 9 complaints.
Complaints of airbags failing to deploy in significant crashes. This component category has 4 complaints.
Issues related to excessive and premature tire wear. This component category has 3 complaints.
Reports of steering seizing or becoming stiff, leading to loss of control or requiring towing. This component category has 3 complaints.
Includes issues like exploding windows/sunroofs and dashboard instrument visibility problems. This component category has 3 complaints.
Problems such as blowing fuses, A/C malfunction, and rodent damage to wiring. This component category has 3 complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Toyota Sienna
Is the 2016 Toyota Sienna safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Toyota Sienna received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has 75 total complaints, 7 crashes, and 6 injuries reported to NHTSA, with significant concerns around power sliding door malfunctions and steering issues, as well as multiple recalls for brake systems and seat belts.
What are common problems with the 2016 Toyota Sienna?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Toyota Sienna are related to the 'STRUCTURE' (19 complaints), primarily concerning power sliding door malfunctions, which can open unexpectedly or fail to latch. Other common problems include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (9 complaints) covering various mechanical and electrical issues, and 'AIR BAGS' (4 complaints) with reports of non-deployment in crashes.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Toyota Sienna?
Yes, the 2016 Toyota Sienna has 5 recalls. Key recalls include those for power sliding doors (NHTSA 16V569000) that may open while driving, brake hose/fitting issues on mobility-converted vans (NHTSA 17V545000, 17V546000), and incorrect seat belt height adjuster installation (NHTSA 16V108000).
How does the 2016 Toyota Sienna perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Toyota Sienna performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2016 Toyota Sienna?
When buying a used 2016 Toyota Sienna, pay close attention to the operation of the power sliding doors, ensuring they latch securely and do not open unexpectedly. Also, check if all recalls, especially those related to the sliding doors and any brake system modifications for mobility conversions, have been addressed. Inspect for signs of premature tire wear and listen for any unusual noises from the steering or suspension.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2016 Toyota Sienna boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous complaints and recalls, particularly regarding the power sliding doors and brake systems, and ensure all recall repairs have been completed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Toyota Sienna
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Toyota Sienna. The data includes 75 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Toyota Sienna an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.