2018 Toyota Sienna: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2018 Toyota Sienna has 67 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls, with transmission issues being the top concern. Current data includes 67 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2018 Toyota Sienna Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2018 Toyota Sienna trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2018 Toyota Sienna Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Toyota Sienna VAN FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
TOYOTA SIENNA 2018 has 67 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls. The top issue is transmission/drivetrain with 16 complaints, followed by uncategorized issues (13) and fuel system problems (9). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Sienna
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 67
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Toyota Sienna Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Toyota Sienna?
The 2018 Sienna has a moderate complaint volume, but transmission concerns warrant caution. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and recall check before purchase.
Transmission problems can lead to costly repairs, and uncategorized issues may indicate hard-to-diagnose faults. Checking recalls is essential for safety.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who are willing to invest in pre-purchase inspection and have a mechanic verify transmission health.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free minivan with minimal mechanical risk should consider other model years with fewer transmission complaints.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Toyota Sienna
Inspection Focus
- Test drive for transmission smoothness, especially shifting and slipping.
- Check for any open recalls related to fuel system or airbags.
- Inspect electrical system for faults like battery drain or warning lights.
Before You Close the Deal
- Test drive and inspect transmission for smooth operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, fuel system, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Toyota Sienna, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Toyota Sienna shows 67 complaints and 7 recalls. The most reported issue involves the transmission/drivetrain with 16 complaints, followed by uncategorized issues (13) and fuel/propulsion system problems (9). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other Sienna years, 2018 has a higher complaint count, particularly in transmission, but data for adjacent years is not provided.
Recall context: With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Transmission/drivetrain accounts for 16 of 67 complaints, the highest category.
- Uncategorized issues total 13 complaints, indicating potential diagnostic challenges.
- Fuel/propulsion system has 9 complaints, suggesting possible fuel delivery or emission issues.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 16 complaints of shifting, slipping, or failure.
- Uncategorized Issues: 13 complaints with unspecified symptoms.
- Fuel/Propulsion System: 9 complaints including fuel pump or tank problems.
All 2018 Toyota Sienna Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota Sienna. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 4 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota Sienna. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My 2018 Sienna had developed a whining noise when accelerating. After taking it in to the mechanic, they advised the transmission was failing. Estimated price tag of $6500-7000 to repair. The vehicle has less than 140K miles. Looking at different issues with this make/model …
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and ascending a hill, the vehicle started making an abnormal whining sound and hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with tr…
Transmission has been whining. A P27137F Code appeared and the vehicle is only in 2WD mode currently. Concerned to drive vehicle due to further damaging transmission or getting stuck while on the road.
My husband and I bought this van brand new 6 years ago. We have taken very good care of it and have had it serviced only at the dealership. We haven’t had any problem with the van outside of regular maintenance. On 10/29/25, I had a van full of children when I felt a slip in my a…
Transmission Whine and Hesitation. Low gear it will hesitate from stop. Know issue with this transmission. There should be a recall on all ua80 transmissions.
Hi, I’d like to report a serious issue with my 2018 Toyota Sienna related to the recent fuel system recall. Since the repair, the vehicle has leaked all of its gasoline not once, but three separate times. One of those times, my family was inside the vehicle, and the smell of gas…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 57,000, and at the…
Whining sound coming from vehicle while in drive and accelerator is depressed. Confirmed by dealership that the transmission is failing and needs replacement.
Power Sliding Door Cable broke but not covered on current service bulletin POL19-02 dated 06/19/2019 The door affected is the passenger sliding door on the drivers side of the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle shut off independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, t…
This is a reoccurring issue on numerous occasions but the transmission programming is a danger to drivers when it is in economy mode (the default setting when car starts up). The transmission constantly starts at a higher gear (3rd or 4th) and reduces throttle input from a stop. …
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Sienna The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact was rear-ended and the vehicle lost control and the vehicle rolled over multiple times and fell into a ditch. The contact stated that the side air bags did deploy but the front air bags di…
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sierra equipped with a Joysceer USA Inc, Hand Control Unit. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message advising to "Stop immediately" was displayed with the error code: 4209 BSM. The contact stated that later a second error cod…
There has been a "whining" noise or "hum" upon acceleration noticed for several months to a year, could be longer, but getting worse over time. There is also a delay when pressing on gas for the vehicle to actually accelerate. I have had many instances where I am almost hit from …
I am an owner of a 2018 Toyota Sienna LE. The Vehicle has an issue with the safety connect system. Dealer first states that the cause is the data handling being off, called Toyota turned it on and waited for a few days and still did not work. Called Dealer to make an appointment …
When accelerating, both from a stop and/or at speed, there is a definite hesitation. When gas pedal is pressed down, there is a noticeable pause before acceleration begins. This causes safety issues especially when accelerating to merge with moving traffic. Have owned this van si…
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The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded without impact while closed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof glass…
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the "Pull Over - Take to Dealer" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken …
The fuel line under the intake ruptured when I started my car on 2/21/23. The repair shop said they had never seen one fail like this. I do not have the parts. I was fortunate to be at home and that the engine wasn't hot when this happened so there was no fire. I had an is…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Toyota Sienna.
2018 Toyota Sienna Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Toyota Sienna. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Toyota Sienna Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Toyota Sienna reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 67 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Sienna has a moderate complaint volume, but transmission concerns warrant caution. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and recall check before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Sienna?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (13 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Toyota Sienna?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Toyota Sienna?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Toyota Sienna, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 67 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Toyota Sienna have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Toyota Sienna. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Toyota Sienna?▾
The 2018 Sienna has a moderate complaint volume, but transmission concerns warrant caution. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and recall check before purchase. Transmission problems can lead to costly repairs, and uncategorized issues may indicate hard-to-diagnose faults. Checking recalls is essential for safety. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Sienna reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Toyota Sienna based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.