# Toyota Sienna traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 19 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (8) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 19 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Toyota Sienna (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (8). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Toyota Sienna traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 7 | 233 | 3% | | 2016 | 1 | 76 | 1% | | 2017 | 8 | 159 | 5% | | 2019 | 1 | 47 | 2% | | 2020 | 2 | 38 | 5% | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Toyota Sienna traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Toyota Sienna has 18 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Toyota Sienna page](/vehicles/toyota-sienna) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Toyota Sienna owners report - "Additionally, the "Check Vehicle Stability Control System", "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", and "Lane Departure Alert" messages were displayed. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then notified of the..." -- owner of a 2020 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2023 - "...out of any actions, luckily it's downhill, managed sliding to the shoulder stopped, The warning light says" turn off traction control", and " check engine " It was rush hour, it was dangerous, after parked few minutes turn off and turn on the engine shift to drive gear the transmission only shifting to lower gears..." -- owner of a 2019 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2022 - "ESC light illuminates. Happens when in traffic causing the van to try to stop in traffic without warning. Thus far mechanic has not been able to duplicate." -- owner of a 2017 Toyota Sienna, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Sienna traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Toyota Sienna years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2020 Sienna model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 8 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 traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### 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 - [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 on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Toyota Sienna - [Toyota Sienna specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-sienna) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-sienna Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.