2000 Toyota Sienna

The 2000 Toyota Sienna sits in the third year of the first generation (1998–2003), a generation that emerged from very quiet 1996–1997 predecessor data (just 2–3 complaints and zero recalls each) before climbing to 315 complaints in 1998 and 218 in 1999. Within that first-generation arc, 2000 actually registers the highest annual complaint count at 381, yet it also marks a clear decline in recall activity—from 4 recalls in both 1998 and 1999 down to just 1—while TSBs continued a steady climb to 126, suggesting the bulk of concern centered on the top complaint categories of Engine & Engine Cooling (54), Power Train (49), Structure (35), and Tires (34), with 22 crash-related and 4 fire-related filings on file. After 2000, first-generation complaint volume tapered notably through 2003 (190, 207, and 116 complaints respectively), but the redesigned 2004 second-generation Sienna triggered a dramatic spike to 2,062 complaints, 10 recalls, and 10 investigations—the worst single year in the entire federal record—meaning the 2000 sits on the cleaner side of a sharp generational divide. The data does not specify root causes behind the engine-cooling and power-train clusters, but the relative volume implies these are areas warranting pre-purchase verification. Bottom line: the 2000 is a defensible used buy compared with the troubled 2004–2006 second-generation models, but a buyer should confirm the single recall was performed, have the cooling system and transmission inspected by an independent mechanic, and check for prior structural or crash damage before committing.