1998 Toyota Sienna Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 15%of 294 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Toyota Sienna, 15% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Started to get clunking/rattling noises on highway that sounded like it was coming from front left driver's side. Reduced speed to 50 MPH. About 5 miles from home brake light came on. Pulled over and found brake fluid leaking around front drivers side tire (about 9pm). Slowly drove to mechanic about 2 miles away and left car overnight. Returned next morning and examined brake fluid reservoir. Found very little fluid in reservoir - distributed across the entire bottom. Mechanic reported the front strut mounting failed (apparently a problem with these cars). …”
NHTSA complaint #10928925, filed 2016-11, 137,500 miles“While driving 5 MPH ABS engaged. This caused the consumer to have extended stopping distance when the brake pedal was depressed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10081801, filed 2004-07, 106,000 miles“My wife was driving on I-5 on our 1998 Toyota Sienna van, when the brakes got locked-up and we started skidding. The vehicle went out of control and swerved to to the median and collided with the cable divider. We all survivived because of the cable, the van is still in body shop. I am worried about the safety of its brake system and the related parts.”
NHTSA complaint #708954, filed 1999-07“Brakes have been noisy since the car was purchased. They have also been spongy and needed a lot of pressure to stop. The front discs were resurfaced and pads were replaced when the car was 7 months old! The noise continued, the car pulses when I try to stop and at 54,000 miles the front rotors are warped. I drive mainly on flat roads and don't ride my brakes. The rotors should not have warped! 1998 siennas clearly have brake problems and it's time Toyota addressed this issue properly!”
NHTSA complaint #766273, filed 2002-08“Front brakes with loud grinding noise especially bad when applied going downhill. Dealer says all the toyotas do that! This is my third Toyota vehicle and have experienced the same problem with brakes on all three vehicles. Guess this will be my last Toyota! Worried about brakes possibly failing as it takes too long for braking to be effective . This has been a problem since aprx. 12,000 miles! Brakes have been checked and are at 70% (30% worn). The rt. …”
NHTSA complaint #723069, filed 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 62 | 52% |
| 2021 | 80 | 48% |
| 2020 | 3 | 8% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 11 | 7% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 18 | 8% |
| 2014 | 10 | 6% |
| 2013 | 12 | 7% |
| 2012 | 11 | 4% |
| 2011 | 32 | 5% |
| 2010 | 10 | 6% |
| 2009 | 8 | 4% |
| 2008 | 43 | 10% |
| 2007 | 27 | 7% |
| 2006 | 73 | 7% |
| 2005 | 68 | 6% |
| 2004 | 88 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 12% |
| 2002 | 24 | 13% |
| 2001 | 19 | 11% |
| 2000 | 39 | 11% |
| 1999 | 15 | 7% |
| 1998 | 44 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Sienna
40 complaintsTires
38 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Toyota Sienna
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology