2003 Toyota Sienna Engine cooling Problems

“We own a 2003 Toyota Sienna that we bought new in january 2003. During march 2005, noticed knocking sound coming from engine during cold startups. Took to Toyota and after 4 days of various remedies which didn't work (catalytic converter replacement, oil change, engine cleaning), they chalked it up to a known problem with piston slap and said it can't be fixed, that they all do it , and returned van to us.”

“2003 Toyota Sienna, spontaneous, uncontrolled acceleration. First occurrence on or about 7/20/09. At least 3 successive occurrences. Toyota dealer (larry h miller big Toyota city) was able to duplicate problem in road tests. When it happened to me, I threw transmission in neutral. Engine hit redline in time it took to turn key to off.(1-2 seconds) first mis identified as sticking throttle cables. Toyota replaced cables eventually (after recurrence) replaced throttle body. Wife nearly had accident with first occurrence, had to stand on brakes to get car stopped. …”

“Here is a list of mechanical malfunctions indicating manufacturing defects on my Toyota Sienna. The current models recalled by Toyota motors do not cover all vehicles with defects. Based on my personal experience in the past few years, Toyota motors have a lot of lying employees in their authorized dealership. In short, Toyota motors put their business interest way ahead of the life safety of american people. I hope national highway traffic safety administration will check this manner and enforce proper regulation. Updated 03/14/10 the consumer stated the engine would stall. …”

“When picking up my vehicle from Toyota town in stockton, ca, we discovered that the oil light was on following a 60,000 mile service. The mechanic released the vehicle to us without explanation. Then after two visits in the same day to the service department, my husband demanded an explanation. The mechanic said it was our problem that there was sludge or gel in the oil that was released when he removed the head for servicing. After changing the oil himself twice, my husband saw the oil light go off. Thinking that it was safe to drive, we took it on the highway the next day. …”

“Our 2003 Sienna van (Toyota) has begun throwing blue smoke out the exhaust. We took it to a mechanic that told us that it's a valve,ring sludge problem in the motor . He said it's been happening to this particular model . I researched it on google and found this website from other owners of siennas. From what I understand Toyota has not been willing to fix this problem and has in fact found a loophole through an acknowledgement of the problem. So, here I am with my complaint. Hope that you can help us out as I do not have the funds to buy a new engine. Thank you.”