# Toyota Sienna brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 6 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (3) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 6 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Toyota Sienna (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (3). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Toyota Sienna brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 233 | 1% | | 2016 | 1 | 76 | 1% | | 2017 | 3 | 159 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Sienna recalls related to the brake warning light **[19V553000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V553000)** (2015-2018 models, reported 2019-07-25): The contact may cause failure of the rear brake hoses, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Vantage will notify owners, and dealers will install a set of rear brake hoses that will provide the proper clearance, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2019. **[19V410000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V410000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2019-06-04): The reduction in the braking system pressure may cause a loss of braking power in the rear braking system, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Braun has notified owners, and dealers will install an adaptor to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. **[18V211000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V211000)** (2017 models, reported 2018-04-03): A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Sienna owners report - "The brake warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer she purchased the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and..." -- owner of a 2017 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2021 - "The contact was not able to stop the vehicle and the electronic brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact crashed into a road sign. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but..." -- owner of a 2016 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2016 - "In addition, the brake override malfunction indicator illuminated and "visit your dealer" appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to poway toyota (13631 poway rd, poway, ca 92064, (858) 486-2900) to be diagnosed, but the results were pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not..." -- owner of a 2015 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2019 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Sienna brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (19V553000, 19V410000, 18V211000) covering 2015-2019 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Sienna years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Sienna model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 3 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Sienna with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Toyota Sienna has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Sienna warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-sienna): 5 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-sienna): 24 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-sienna): 5 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-sienna): 19 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Toyota Sienna - [Toyota Sienna specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-sienna) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-sienna Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.