Sienna engine rattle

capitalfederal

I have a 2010 Sienna LE with 23,000 miles on it.
All services done as per the book at dealer.
When the engine is cold it has a rattle like that of a lifter, I have taken it to the dealer, left it overnight so they can hear it in the morrning and the engine is cold.
I was told that this is normal, not to worry that in any case I have a warranty till 50,000 miles on it.
Has anybody expericed this rattle, it does go away when it reaches the normal operating temperature.?

ateixeira

The chain-driven 2007 and later models are a bit noisier than the belt-driven 2004-2006 ones, but not much. My 2007 doesn't sound the way you describe.

Is the oil level ok? It takes more than 6 quarts.

Also, the powertrain warranty is actualy 60,000 miles.

norhalice

My 2008 xle limited does the same thing since the day I bought it new. It now has 30k miles and still does it. The dealer does all the oil changes so I would assume they are filling the oil to proper level. I have a feeling it's a very common complaint but one that they (Toyota, not dealer) have a easy and cheap remedy for. I've had to just accept it unfortunately. I definitey agree with you - I also believe the overall noise level coming from the engine compartment while driving is too loud. I've owned tundra's and camry's for the past 5 years and now the sienna. the sienna is so loud compared to even the truck. I beleive they also know this is a frequent complaint but again not much they can do to fix it. It has to do with the overall design of the engine compartment and noise level inside. Probably could have used some additional time spent on insulating the inside from the engine. Perhaps they have implemented a change on the 2011.

ateixeira

I would assume they are filling the oil to proper level

Check the dipstick! You never know. Goodyear Auto service under-filled mine, then topped it off when I checked and complained.

capitalfederal

Engine Oil level is correct.
Dealer has also made the oil changes.
The rattle goes away once the engine is running at normal temp.
Could it be a piston that is sloppy and when its warm has expanded ?
Dealer said it was a normal noice, it just seems that Toyota has forgotten their reputation for quality. I have a 98 Avalon with 190,000 miles it runs Great, very few problems, all normal ware and tare problems. The experience with the Avalon was the influence to buy the Sienna, I hope it gives me the same satisfaction as the Avalon.

ateixeira

One difference I can think of is that Avalon probably had a timing belt, which is certainly quieter than a timing chain.

Toyota added some sound insulation to the firewall the year they switched to a timing chain (model year 2007 on the Sienna) to compensate somewhat.

I wonder if the new van has less insulation? Automakers try to save on weight and cost all the time.

capitalfederal

Unfortunatlly Toyota tech representative has told me that the rattle is caused by PISTON SLAP and that this is normal. Who are they kiding. Piston slap is a serious problem and it will cause a problem for me in the future. Wow how Toyota has gone down in quality.

fibber2

Those of us who also own Subaru vehicles are well acquainted with piston slap. A number of other high performance engines (like that in the Corvette) also suffer from it. Shortening the piston skirt makes them prone to rattling around in the bore until they expand enough to ride straight.

My '08 Sienna does it when cold, but it quiets down within a few minutes. I don't like the fact that some do it, and others don't, but I'm willing to accept that any potential damage to the bore or rings probably won't be significant until after a few hundred thousand miles down the road.

If it doesn't go away when warm, then you have legitimate cause for concern.

Net - turn up the radio until the engine warms up and try to ignore it.

kitcloudkick3r

Had this issue, are you sure you didn't or aren't using a poor quality fuel? This happens when i use cheap gas.. or when they change to the winter blend in the north east, then i need to run mid-grade..

4grandsons

This is not normal! Search for technical service bulletin T-SB-0094-09, which defines the problem. Our 2010 Sienna XLE is showing the same behavior and we had the check engine, VSC, and Trac Off lights all come on last weekend. We had the diagnostic code read and it was "P0015 - Camshaft position “B” – Timing over-retarded (Bank 1)." If your powertrain warranty expires this could be an expensive repair!