Toyota Sienna Noises, Rattles, and Squeaks

hbandurski

Hi,
I have a 2007 Sienna LE with 10,000 miles on it.

I have this hum noise (no clicking or rattling) just constant pretty loud noise when accelerating.
It only happens when I am going at lets say 40 mph (about 65 km/hr) and engine is at 2000 rpm and then I accelerate so that the rpm goes to about 2500.
The noise gets lauder as it goes to higher RPM.

But note that when I am at 10 mph and engine at 2500 rpm, noice is not there. Similarly when I am driving at 70 mph and just cruising (rpm at about 2500), noise is not there.

It really only happens when accellerating at 3rd and 4th gear. Radio or any music that can interfere is off and I think the noise is lauder on the passenger side.

I went to the dealer and he told me that every sienna has this and the noise is coming from air intake (engine needs much more air when accelerating and that's the noise). I understand that more air is needed when accelerating but how come it doesn't do that when i am accelerating at 10 mph? and it's pretty laud, to the point where it makes me crazy.

What are your thoughts? Do other 2006/2007 siennas have this?

I will take it to the dealer again but I have a feeling they will say the same thing and I would like to go in with some ideas, more educated

Thanks in advance.
Hubert

allez

I have a 2007 Sienna XLE which gets noisy around 2000 rpm with accelerating. I also have not noticed it at slow speeds. It is a kind of metallic vibrating or resonating type of sound. It seems to occur in a relatively narrow rpm band, and does not occur while cruising. From what I've read it seems to be common and normal, although I will bring it up with my next oil change (I only have 3k miles on it.)

hause7

Could one of you guys shoot a 0-60 video of your 07 Sienna? i have one on youtube of my 04 Sienna, but wanna see the new 07's power. Can someone please do one?

ateixeira

The 07+ Siennas have the 2GR 3.5l engine with a timing chain. There's no belt to change, but the trade-off is more reciprocating mass and more noise.

Toyota did add some insulation to the firewall and to the door sills to compensate.

Just a thought.

allez

As long as the noise is normal that's fine - I'll take the extra power.

allez

Could one of you guys shoot a 0-60 video of your 07 Sienna? i have one on youtube of my 04 Sienna, but wanna see the new 07's power. Can someone please do one?

Sorry, not me. Plan to keep my car a long time . . .

hbandurski

the noise is making me crazy... it's a minivan - it should be quite so kids can sleep - just like in the commercial

but on a serious note I am going to test drive new siennas to see if they have it too.

If there is anyone else that knows more info about this noise, please share

anusha

I have the same noise on my Sienna LE and its becoming unbearable.(loud noise at three specific rpm’s and it's similar noise to engine struggling for power on an incline, worst is between 50 to 60 mph) I can assure you its NOT the lack of power here, as I am the only one in the minivan, with 3.5liter engine. It’s some kind of resonating from the engine. If I back off or accelerate form the resonating speed the noise goes away. If I stay at the speed the noise becomes louder and louder - never seen this before in my life and I have been driving for 15 years.

I have taken it back to the dealer a number of times. The technicians have all confirmed the noise is excessive and have tried the following:
Tightened air intake assy
Changed the Exhaust system
Replaced the Air intake assy
Loosened all engine mounts and tried to adjust engine in cradle

All the above DID NOT resolves the problem, so they reported to SE Toyota for their technical specialist to investigate.
He arrived and confirmed noise was EXESIVE and I was informed that he was going to file with TOYOTA ENGINEERING and that there is NO fix currently available. He would NOT give me the reported reference number to Toyota Engineering.

Since then I have spoken to Toyota and raised a Case number so I can update on the problem. But after few days they have contacted me and said there is NOTHING WRONG WITH SIENNA and that the noise inherent. I was NOT happy with the feedback and they have asked me to take up the dispute settlement program
I am disgusted with the feedback as four Toyota technicians have all confirmed the noise is excessive (They would not be happy with this excessive noise in their car)

I am not sure where to go from here!!!!! I wanted to work with them but they have washed their hands

hbandurski

Hi Anusha,
Thanks for your message. Since my original post I took it to the dealer and they said nothing is wrong with that noise, they said all of them do that.
I didn't have time to go for a test drive, but few days later I did take one of their new cars and noise was not there.

So you are right, they are trying to cover things up here but I am surprised more people don't have this problem. It is really bad noise, and clearly something is wrong with it - i have a feeling that by the time it gets to 60,000 miles, the van will be a junk.

I will now take this officially to the dealer and will try to update you - if you hear anything from them as well, please let me know.

By the way, I am in Toronto, Ontario. What about you?

lweeks

My 04 Sienna has water condensation in right headlight I removed the bulbs & blasted with hair dryer for about 45 min., but it came back during !st rainfall.Dealer wants $600.00 to replace Any solutions out there? Lloyd

ateixeira

Must be a seal. Did you try to seal it up with silicone or something? Be very careful not to get any on the transparent areas, of course.

siennami

First of all, let me say that I am sorry that you're having so much trouble with your vehicle. One thing I noticed when I test-drove this 2GR Sienna (not a 1998-2006) is that it is a NOISY little booger! In fact that is the first thing I noticed, as I drove a 2000 Sienna for three + years and never noticed that much engine sound. So, I am willing to guess that it's normal, unfortunately. I say this because not only did I test-drive one, but the one I currently drive is from a totally different dealership, and the engine sounds exactly the same. I am the only one who rides in or drives the car, so I've pretty much gotten used to it, along with a little hesitation on the turns. To me it's a trade off for a bigger engine. I can put up with the noise for that. 'Course, now I do like my country music up loud, too, so that might make a difference! :shades: I'm not trying to make light of your situation; I really enjoy driving the Silver Shadow, so of course I wish that everyone else's experience would be as positive as mine!

Take care,

hbandurski

Hey,
Thanks very much for your message. I guess we will have to get used to it as well, but what bothers me is that this noise is only happening at certain speed and certain rpm - it's just not right.

Thanks

ateixeira

The 2GR V6 uses a timing chain, so it is indeed noiser than the 3.3l V6 predecessor (called 3MZ). Fair enough to get 266hp instead of 215hp.

However, in Car & Driver tests, Sienna was still the 2nd most quiet van at cruising speeds.

Toyota added sound insulation to the firewall and under the doors to compensate somewhat for the timing chains.

Timing belts have a change interval, chains don't, so the 2GR is also lower maintenance.

Here's a pic of the extra insulation from Toyota.

hbandurski

(thank you for the explanation, it looks like you know a lot about these cars, are you a mechanic?)

in my mind these changes would have nothing to do with why there is _NO_ noise when driving 40 km with 2200 rpm vs driving 80 km with 2200 rpm with a weird NOISE.

And most importantly, why this is not happening on all 2007 Sienna LE's - just very few.

ateixeira

You're not coming off that way at all, no worries...

Sounds like something is out of spec with yours. See if you can get a tech to ride with you to demonstrate the noise under those conditions.

Mine is quiet, so I haven't experienced what you describe. Knock on wood, it's been completely trouble free, though the dealer did forget to screw in my antennae at delivery.

rclonch

It does should like you have allot of sienna knowledge. I traded my 2003 sienna symphony in this year for a 2007 Sienna LE. I do like the additional power and improved gas mileage but my engine has a rattle noise when cold. It sounds like a rod knocking or very loose lifters. Once it warms up the noise pretty much (not fully) goes away. The dealer said next time they may have to remove the valve covers to check valve lash. I've had problems with the power sliding doors closing automatically when they reach the full open position. It has almost caught my kids when they get in. I still like the sienna but I wish the limited ones weren't so expensive. rclonch. :surprise:

omle

I too have excessive noise issues with my new 07 sienna. At idle, a low frequency rumble is heard (similar to a motor bike running but not as pronounced) and vibration in the front seats is felt. When accelerating, the seat vibration is fairly strong at about 1300rpm and the engine also exhibits a resonating harmonic sound. It is very annoying and I find myself driving my 1/3 the price chevy to avoid it. Taking it up with the dealer mechanics was fruitless saying it's normal as they can't figure out the problem. The fact is that it's not normal. I've driven a number of these vans on their lot and they acknowledged that other vans did not produce the same noise.

I know it's not easy to isolate delicate issues like this. I need someone who understands the vehicle and how it's put together. I don't think a simple part change is going to fix it.

ateixeira

The good thing for you is that the LE models, for whatever reason, seem to get better mileage than the more loaded models. Mileage reports vary, but I've noticed a distinct advantage for the CE/LE models over the XLE/Limited ones.

Weight? Tires? Not sure why, but that what I (and others) have observed.

siennami

Now that's good news! I knew there had to be an advantage to driving a CE.... :shades:

yatzekcs

Hi, I have the 2006 sienna CE and it drives me creazy. The thing will get so f.. loud at 2500 rpm's. Took it to the dealer, they reset the computer and that is about it. They just called back once to say that they are more ppl complaining about the noise and they are waiting for the fix from Toyota. It has been almost a year now. I tried another Sienna with the mechanic and it made the same noise. I want to get rid of it. I just can't drive a van that when going uphill wakes up everybody or that I have to adjust my driving to avoid 2500 rpm's. If anyone knows how to make Toyota to fix it or how to return it without loosing too much $$$ please let me know.
This is my first and last Toyota.
Jacek.

hallfamily

Hi there.new here and trying to figure out my van. Its an 06 sienne LE and it has about 11,000 miles on it. Its not even 2 years old, and we dont drive it often...obviously!

So, about 4 months ago, while breaking, hitting 20-25mph, a dinging noise starts...and as I continue to break, it gets faster as I break until I stop. It has been in the shop 2 times to figure it out. 1st time, they resurfaced the breaks...then they took the breaks apart. They said nothing is wrong and the noise isnt causing any problems with the car....Obviously, Im quite upset since then noise is there and why it cant be fixed, I dont know! Can anyone help me with this?

lubang1

hi! anusha im alex, and i have the same problem with you. my car is sienna 04, i brought it to toyota dealer twice, at first they haven"t found anything they diagnose it but they didnt find anything, second time they put fuel injector and combustion cleaner but nothing happend, eversince im using 93 octane fuel, i never use 87 or 89, but i dont even know why it happen to my car. When im accelerating i hear knocking at my engine. pls send me email if u already fix your car and how did u did it? pls. this is my email ar rio_daniel25@hotmail.com

lubang1

hi! my name is alex and i live in toronto canada too! I have the same problem with anusha, I have sienna 04 and i heared knocking on my engine while im accelerating, but it was not happen all the time, it is not constant noise. when i accelerate slow knocking engine comes out but when i accelerate hard it does not come out. I brought it to 2 dealer but they didnt find anything, they put combustion cleaner anf fuel injector but it doesnt help. since i bought my sienna i always use 93 octane gas, thats why im wondering why my engine is knocking. and it my engine started to knock when i reach 100,000. I dont know if theres is connection with my milage. pls give me advice regarding this matter. Coz im totally dissapointed with my toyota sienna. Thank you so much!!!!

lweeks

MY DEALER, AND TOYOTA H/O ARE NOT INTERESTED IN THIS. DO WHAT I DID. SOLD THE VAN PRIVATELY, & BOUGHT A NEW HONDA CIVIC. NO MORE HIGH TEST GAS, AND GETTING 42 MPG CANADIAN GALLONS LLOYD 7

yatesjo

I have to wonder why someone would drive a minivan when they could get by with a car as small as a Honda Civic?

That said, how long is it taking for these rattles to become apparent? While I would expect body creaks and rattles to increase with age, intake and engine noise should be evident early, barring a mechanical failure.

yatzekcs

I switched from GM to Toyota and took me sometime to get used to they way the van drives. The first time we noticed it we thought that was just a fluke and it won't happen again. We were wrong, it kept happening so I took it to the dealer. Well, that was around summer time last year.. The problem is not fixed as of now.
For many ppl this will be something that they are willing to accept but not for me. I drive fast, often on the h-way in the range of 140 km and this is about the 2500. There is no way that anyone will keep it at that rpm because it is just too noisy. I have 2 choices go slower or faster. I usually choose the second option. In the city, with normal driving the van changes gears just before it hits 2500 or right after hitting it. But since it is so short time, some ppl wont even know... but if you know about it, you will hear every time it happens. Not sure if ALL Sienna's have it or just some but give it a try, maybe yours doesn't do it. Then you have a good van and maybe a good dealer that will stand behind the product that they sell.

lubang1

hall family ur car is the same with me sienna LE 04. same with your problem. its been 3 shop dealer i brought my van and the last 1 figure out the problem. The problem is thansmission. when u reach at the certain gear the noise starting isnt"? same with me the problem is the transmission on my second gear. good thing I have warranty and I dont have to pay anything. they gonna change the whole transmission and it cost $5000. I ges your problem is your transmission too!!!

ateixeira

"NO MORE HIGH TEST GAS"

Was that ever even a requirement? I don't think so...

lubang1

HI im Alex from toronto! I just want to know if u already fix your sienna? coz we have both same problem. my dealer rest the computer but still der my engine si still diesling, but not much as compare before. Thank you very!

lubang1

hi my name is alex, I just want to know if u already fix ur problem coz i think we both we have the same problem. Thank you!

hbandurski

No, my problem is not fixed. Dealer said that they submitted a ticket to Toyota Engineers and if they will hear from them, they will contact me. If they don't hear from them, it means they think it's not a problem.

It's been few months and I didn't hear from them

The loud hum noice while accelerating still exists, and it is still a BIG PROBLEM

What about others?

lubang1

i brought my sienna to dealer and iask them to go driving with me together with their master technician, I ask them the master technician not just only technician. Then we go fod driving test, the master technician heard the noise. The nosie dosent happen all the time only from specific RPM, and from slow acceleration. He said that my engine is diesling, then he reset the ECU. Just go to your dealer and ask for TSB pinging or knocking noise of engine. They gonna reset your computer.TSB means technical service bulletin

forbidden

Hi
I test drove a 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited last week and was surprised at the road noise. The noise became louder and louder and higher speeds, especially on the parkway traveling at 50-60 mph. Is this normal?? I also heard a slight rattle on the passenger side that concerned me. I drove 2 additional siennas one limited, one xle and the limited was noticeably quieter however the xle seemed to be just as loud. Is this some type of design flaw. I would really appreciate any feedback I can get on this matter because I plan to buy a used sienna and I want to make sure that I'm making the right decision.

siennami

Hi, there,
The road noise could possibly come from the brand of tires that are on the vehicle. I have read that some people have changed out the tires that are original to the vehicle for others. Is the rattling sound coming from the sliding door or the passenger front door? My '07 developed a rattling in the sliding door. It is now fixed. It could be the age of the car and how the previous owner took care of it. I'm surprised that you had a lot of road noise, because normally Siennas are pretty quiet.
Best wishes on your search. I think you'll enjoy the Sienna once you find the right one for you!

forbidden

Greetings,
Thanks so much for responding. The vehicle was a 2005 sienna limited fwd. Initially it sounded as if the rattling was coming from the passenger side rear, and I immediately thought that it may be the jack in the rear compartment, but I also heard it up front on the passenger side. I believe your right about the care of the previous owner because when I test drove 2005 same model it was DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT. The noise was there but it certainly wasn't as pronounced. I plan to continue my search which can be very frustrating at times. I just want to be comfortable with the purchase. Thanks again.

skevin

Just read about your problem regarding the load humm noise from your Sienna. I have a 2000 sienna which just started making a noise that occurs around 2200 rpm, and reminds me of a leaking compressed air sound. I was curious if the problem you had maybe what I am having and what resolution if any did you find. Appreciate your help.

ericnj

I drove my 05 sienna le from NJ to Florida last month. After coming back, I brought it to the oil change and tire balancing in the dealer. After that, I heard the noise coming out from the hood and I figured out the noise is under or behind the running belt. I don't know what happen yet, but will take it to the dealer.

jtoy

Hi there!
I too have 2000 sienna and it also started making the same " leaking compressed air sound " few days ago. I haven't taken it in yet, but am wondering how you made out ? Any help would be greatly appreciated !
Thank You,
Jay

skevin

I will be taking it to a mechanic next Tuesday so good or bad I should know soon. When I mentioned the problem to the mechanic (he is a certified Honda Mechanic) he thought based on what I described he said it might be an engine misfire, although the OBD II does not indicate such. I should mention my van makes the noise between 2000 and 2300 rpm. I will update next week.

jtoy

I took my van to a mechanic and he determined that it was a loose heat shield by the cat converter. A simple gear clamp wrapped around it and tightened fixed the problem. To find out if it's the same problem, tap your rear exhaust tip with your hand (after it's cooled) and if you hear a bumping noise that's the problem. You might need someone else to tap it as you listen for it up front.

He charged me $20 bucks and I haven't heard the noise since.

Good luck with yours. Keep me updated.

skevin

Just a quick update, the noise was from the shield that is near the flexible Y pipes which are up close to the engine, the shield was vibrating and causing the noise. Hope this helps, another place to look to resolve the problem.

ateixeira

Gotta love any $20 fix in this day and age.

prillb

We have a 2004 Sienna. The van shifts well, and it is not the exhaust. It sounds like a loud revving at all speeds over 10 mph. But the trans shifts fine. If we get up to speed and put it in neutral, the noise is still there. Any ideas?

skevin

I would check out the heat shield on the cat or the heat shield by the Y pipe up near the engine(my exhaust system had this but it was an after market) If the heat shield is loose an cant be fixed, remove it but don't park in long dry grass.

toyoto

I know this is a 3 year old post but i am having the same issue, has any of you got the same problem? if so, what was the fix?
this is driving me crazy...

sagars

I recently bought a used 2007 Sienna LE. Since the first day I drove the car home, after I stop and park the car, I hear a metal clanking noise from the hood, it sounds like revolving fan blades hitting some obstacle, the noise subsides gradually. I took the car to the dealer and the mechanics concluded the noise to be "normal" ... is it so? Please help!

ateixeira

You sure it's not the popping sound caused by contracting metals as they cool? Most cars I've had did that to some extent.

tomjones3

I have a 2008 Sienna CE that has had noise in the rear passenger side sliding door since it was purchased. I took it to the dealer early on and they took the door apart and found no loose parts. The noise continues and I would describe it as "body" noise. The dealer sent me to their body shop and they "pulled the door in" with whatever moveable parts allowed it. The noise continued and the body shop gave me a can of drylub to spray the latch and the gaskets which seems to help for a few hours. The noise continues and seems to be worse as the car now has 36,500 miles The noise actually seems to be in both sliding doors. I have had people ride in the back and they believe the noise is in the column with the front seatbelt. I think the noise is more generally around the door or latches. Anyone with any suggestions or recommendations, besides a new car.

vandealhunter

I have a 2008 Sienna LE that has the exactly same problem as your van has. I googled on line ("sienna sliding door rattle noise") and found there were two TOYOTA repair bulletins (pdf files) . It looks like it's pretty common problem. But unfortunately, based on some posts, it seems TOYOTA's solution did not work well.

Searching "2007 Sienna Sliding Door Tick" at FixYa.com also gives some potential solutions for this problem.

I would like to hear if you've fixed that already and if yes, how you fixed it. Thanks.

tomjones3

Finally today(8/10/10) my local Toyota dealer has fixed the sliding door rattles by taking doors apart and replacing the lock assemblies on both doors. Also, I think they installed a new striker and stopper and clips. The noise is absolutely gone but it took them two years to find problem. I have 42,000+ miles and they did the repair under warrantee. Hope this is helpful.