# Toyota Sienna check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 24 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (10) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 24 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota Sienna (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (10). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Toyota Sienna check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 5 | 233 | 2% | | 2016 | 1 | 76 | 1% | | 2017 | 10 | 159 | 6% | | 2018 | 2 | 72 | 3% | | 2019 | 2 | 47 | 4% | | 2020 | 4 | 38 | 11% | 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 check engine light **[20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000)** (2017-2020 models, reported 2020-11-04): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be... **[20V012000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V012000)** (2017-2019 models, reported 2020-01-13): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. 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 check engine light has turned on and off. This issue matches the known defect related to the Denso fuel pump recall affecting many Toyota vehicles from similar model years. However, my VIN is not included in the recall. This is a serious safety concern because the engine can shut off unexpectedly while driving,..." -- owner of a 2020 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2026 - "After several attempts, the vehicle restarted with the check engine warning light illuminated. Prior to the failure the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v012000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the parts to do the recall repair was not yet available. Stapp interstate toyota (8019 raspberry..." -- owner of a 2019 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2020 - "After getting gas, the car wouldn't start several times and that same day the check engine light came on. We took it to Autozone to check the code and they said it was showing fuel pump failure. Today I'm taking it in to the dealer for service. It has started and run twice since the initial episode." -- owner of a 2018 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2022 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Sienna check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (20V682000, 20V012000) covering 2017-2020 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 check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2020 Sienna model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 10 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-sienna): 6 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Toyota Sienna - [Toyota Sienna specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-sienna) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-sienna Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.