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Comments
I have a quote from Toyota for the first door -- $1,800. I am furious they will not fix this defect on a complimentary basis.
Who do I contact? Consumer reports? National Highway commission?
Be nice, trust me - I used to work at a Help Desk. You get more bees with honey. I wouldn't be surprised if they at least offer to pick up half the tab, maybe part or labor. I doubt it'll be a free fix though, otherwise why would anyone ever buy an extended warranty?
Then report the problem to NHTSA's ODI online:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/
Click File a Complaint.
On another issue, I noticed someone video taped Toyota's faulty weld on the driver's door and posted on YouTube. It got 40,000 hits. Then Toyota announced a recall. Someone should do that for the sliding doors. There are 500 posts on this website about sliding door problems. Someone should video tape their problem and post on Youtube.
My driver door broke once and I had my mechanic fix it (before the recall) then after the recall they "repaired" it for free... it stuck closed three times after the dealer repaired it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9XlOA4mhd8
Today, they still won't open. The alarm was sounding that they were open, and then the "open door light" was not coming on, but alarm was still sounding. The door locks are clicking normally when I lock and unlock the doors, and the sliding door main switch is showing red. I pushed on the door to make sure it is closed properly, and heard it click. Again, tried to open the doors, and still no luck.
We also had problem with the driver's door welding; popping sound. My mechanic able to fix it, for now, but want to look into getting the passenger door fixed because I understand the defect is in both doors.
Very frustrating to say the least.
Boo to Toyota! I used to be a fan, but now that we are looking to replace one of our cars we are looking at Hyundai and Ford.
Thing is, some folks paid for those warranties, if everyone gets the same fix, what exactly did they pay for?
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9XlOA4mhd8
Here's one with the sienna sliding door defect...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCGC9V0Jx9E
Mine has done this. I have tried silicone, dry lube and that has not done the trick. I was sent this suggestion but have not given it a try yet.
"Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray! Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel. The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber"
Worth a try.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=conzvuAcF6E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3fxJ4ZkTeU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCGC9V0Jx9E
I purchased a 2011 Sienna in November 2010. Almost immediately, I began experiencing intermittent issues with BOTH rear sliding doors, where they would not open automatically (either with my hand, or by pressing any of the number of buttons one can use to open these doors). It would open about 1/2 inch, issue a high-pitched electronic sound and then stop. The only way to open it at that point was manually - but it only opened in jerks and with great difficulty. Once the door was open all the way, the only way to close it was with the same difficulty. I brought it to the dealer, who politely told me they could not duplicate the problem (of course - it was intermittent!), and they sent me home with my car. The issue kept intermittently reoccurring. I brought the car back again, and insisted they keep it for a period of days and try (and I mean really try) to duplicate the problem. They willingly agreed, and they gave me a loaner car. They apparently tried for several days, with no success. They even called a Toyota rep, who told them he had not heard of this issue, but gave them suggestions of things to try in order to duplicate. Finally, on about the fourth day - success! They duplicated it and got the "error code". I was told it was a problem with the motors. I was a bit suspicious, as I thought it odd that BOTH motors would be defective. In any event, the car went back in early January for the motor replacement. Unfortunately, the day they replaced the motors, the Toyota rep called to tell them that they discovered that the motors are NOT the issue - it is, instead a computer problem. They are now working on getting whatever necessary replacement computer parts (sorry - I'm not a car "techie" so I don't know correct terminology) needed to fix this (hopefully) for good. I understand the parts will be available in late March 2011.
In the meantime, all power doors in my vehicle (including the rear hatch door) stopped working in their entirety and would only operate manually. Unfortunately, the left rear passenger door got stuck in the OPEN position in my driveway. We finally forced it closed, but I took the darn thing back to the dealer the 3rd week of February, and have been in a loaner since then and will be in this loaner until they fix the car.
My dealer is wonderful, by the way. They have been helpful and patient and, most of all, persistent, throughout this process. They truly want to see this problem FIXED. (They are Balise Toyota in West Springfield, MA. Great people to work with!!)
For all of you who have been struggling with the same issue with no help from your dealers - show them this post! Toyota corporate is COMPLETELY aware of this problem, and you should not be told otherwise! According to my dealer, I am apparently the "pioneer" for this issue because my car was the first one for which Toyota correctly diagnosed this issue. Also, please know that my dealer told me they are dealing with this with several other people who bought their Siennas there. You are not alone!!
Thanks for reading this very long-winded post. I wanted everyone to know that a fix is coming - but you will probably need to inform your dealers. Good luck to all!
I am having problem with my driver side seat belt, hard to release after you stop?, they are asking for 400 dollars. They do not have any safety in mind.
These are only some of the problems...
Take to the local mechanics and they might be able to fix it cheaper.
Good luck
Can you please provide more details on the Latch/Hinge (L shape metal) that you are referring to.
I just recently bought used Sienna and both the doors are not closing. they try to close but it opens again before it latches to the lock. I look into the rails and it seem that the plastic coating/cushion over the metal rail seems to peel off and might be causing the door to open again.
I am speculating your mechanic would have replaced that rail, but not sure. If you have additional details like the part number/photos etc, that would be helpful.
Thanks,
Sam
"When the power sliding door detects an abnormality and stops operating, power sliding door brake function may be activated. When brake function is activated, door movement is restricted by the brake and motion may appear to be not smooth. This is not malfunction. Move the door to fully closed position to reset the system and normal power sliding door function will resume"
Hope your issue will be fixed soon.
What can I do if they can't repeat it and I go on with this possessed, phantom door? :sick: :confuse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke6C98uhQ3Y
Please see my post #529 from last week for details, as it sounds like you are having the problem I had with my 2011 Sienna from close to the day I bought the car in November 2010. Toyota is ABSOLUTELY aware of the problem. I should go back and update my post, but I'm not sure how. It turns out that the problem is a defect in the motors and NOT a computer problem, as I had been told in February. It took a bit of time, but Toyota apparently redesigned the motors; my dealer received the parts and replaced both sliding door motors last week. I am hoping the issue is fixed for good, but time will tell. I don't know where you are, but you should ask your dealer to contact Balise Toyota in West Springfield, MA to discuss this. I believe they have several customers with the same issue. They worked VERY hard on my behalf to resolve this issue with Toyota. Good luck.
Below is the e-mail I send to Toyota. The e-mail was sent 24 hours ago and they have not respond yet.
I just bought a 2011 Sienna last Thursday (3-31-11). At the time the Salesperson walkthrough the vehicle with me, the door jammed. The door opened about 1/2 inch, making a high-pitched electronic sound and then stop. I have to push door very hard to close it and the door them back to work. At the time, the saleperson explained to me it's because I did not open the door correctly. I took the car home that night and then on Saturday, the door jammed again. I took the car back to dealer and they can't duplicated the problem. I google search "2011 Sienna Sliding Door Problems", and found many people has exactly same problem with their 2011 Sienna. Please advise if Toyota has aware of this problem on 2011 sienna, and please advise if there is any up coming service bulletin for this issue. Thanks
I will bring your posting to our Toyota dealer.
Thank you for step forward and make Toyota to reconize this issue.
The slidind door is the only complaint I have with my Sienna so far. It's roomy, easy to handle, and has all the gadges we need. I traded in my 2009 Odyssey EX for this V6 Sienna LE, and I I don't miss my ody at all.
By the way, are you still hating your sienna after the door is fixed?
UGH!!!!
I own a 2007 Toyota Sienna LE....we bought it just 2 1/2 years ago. We only have one power door with the button to open and close it....the other is manual but has the motor in the back to pull it in closed. Ever since we got it the passenger side full power door has worked intermittently. One day it works just fine, then one day you have to manually open the VERY heavy door for no known reason. Its not consistent as to when it doesn't work like cold vs hot or rain vs dry....you just never know. The back motor hasn't given us a prolem until recently. However, the drivers sliding door has given us tons of problems. We bought it in August of 08 and in October my mother-in-law was driving down the street with my 4 kids to go to the park when out of nowhere the glass shattered!! NOTHING hit it! It scared the kids and her. At that time I called Toyota to see if there was a defect or recall on the doors but they claimed there was none. So I ended up using my car insurance to replace that. Then recently the motor that pulls the door in on the drivers side sliding door just stopped working....I was driving when it flew open! Luckily I had a bungee cord with me to hold it closed. When it first stopped we were able to push the back end of door in, but then it just stopped all together. Right now it is duct taped shut on the outside with a bungee inside!! Then just yesterday we were closing the passenger side slider....we pushed the button and it closed but again the back motor would not grab it and pull it in....for the moment we are able to push it in to get it to "catch".
Recently, I decided to my own looking and found numerous complaints about the motors on the sliding doors....starting from models years ago. I was surprised because as I said Toyota said there was NO problems at all with the sliders. I do plan to call a dealership today to inquire again. But really what am I supposed to do...the van is the only car of our two that is large enough for the family as my husband drives a much smaller car for his commuting. I plan to trade it in soon....and because of this my car is worth $4000-$5000 less on trade....frustrating! At this point I can't even recoup the amount of our down payment from 2 1/2 years ago....and I was told the Toyotas "retain" there value. If I can't get this fixed I will be forced to consider legal action. My van is no longer safe to have my children in or their friends. :mad:
Any input from anywherer here is much appreciated!
Tomorrow (APR-22) I am taking cat to a Toyota dealer to see what is going on. I also called Toyota customer service and filed complaint. Everyone should do the same by filing official complaint to Toyota.
Good luck.
I do have a part numbers for the middle and upper right hand side power sliding door on my 2004 LE Sienna. You have an XLE and chances are it will be a different part number. Any Toyota dealer will provide you with the correct part number. A friend of mine who works for an Auto Body and Paint shop installed my two hinges for free. I bought him breakfast and also helped. Dealer wanted $500.00 for parts and labor. I paid about $120.00 for both hinges. Hinges do not come painted the color of your van.
But weekand is fine if you want to come to the same above location, let me know what time you are coming? Thanks.
Unfortunately you will have to remove the door to replace the middle hinge. I recommended replacing the upper hinge while your at it also. I have a technical service bulletin (TSB for the 2004 Sienna) that shows how to replace the hinge and motor assembly. My friend and I replaced both hinges upper and middle hinge in about 3-4 hours. The TSB can also be found possibly in post # 43 in this forum. Look for it or google it.