Are transmission and powertrain problems common on the 2011 Toyota Sienna?

NHTSA lists 30 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sienna, making up 5% of its 614 total complaints for the model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Toyota Sienna drive shaft?

Yes. Recall 11V306000 covers certain 2011 Sienna vehicles where the front right drive shaft may break due to insufficient heat treatment; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.

At what mileage do Sienna transmission problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 81,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 Sienna.

Did any 2011 Sienna transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 4 crashes and 2 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sienna.

2011 Toyota Sienna Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 30 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Toyota Sienna, 5% of its 614 total complaints, with 4 crashes and 2 injuries reported. A related recall (11V306000) covers a front right drive shaft that could break due to insufficient heat treatment, with median failure mileage at 81,000 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 30; 5% of 614
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 81,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a whining or scary rear-end noise diagnosed as viscous coupler or rear differential coupling failure, often near 86,000 miles.
Some drivers describe the transmission slipping on the highway, losing the ability to hold speed unless the engine was revved to high RPM, reported at 81,000 miles.
Several complaints describe the front right drive shaft fracturing or being faulty, matching the issue covered by recall 11V306000.
One owner reported the vehicle rolling away and causing injury after being started in park with the sliding door open.
A driver reported sudden loss of power and stalling while driving 65 mph, with the vehicle unable to accelerate past 5 mph afterward, at 16,000 miles.

When 2011 Toyota Sienna transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 6, 2011, latest Oct 23, 2025.

30 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2011 to Oct 2025; peak Mar 2019 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Toyota Sienna

NHTSA 11V306000Jun 1, 2011Transmission & Powertrain50 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 venza and sienna passenger cars manufactured from march 7, through march 10, 2011. There is a possibility that the front, right, drive shaft may break due to insufficient heat treatment.
Risk: Should the drive shaft break during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose power without prior warning. Loss of motive power without warning may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will inspect the drive shaft, and, if the drive shaft is identified as one that may not have been correctly manufactured, it will be replaced with a new one at no charge. The safety recall began on june 22, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sienna model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201017 (10%)
201130 (5%)
201217 (7%)
201314 (8%)
20147 (4%)
201512 (5%)
20163 (4%)
201737 (24%)
201820 (28%)
20197 (16%)
20208 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

Are transmission and powertrain problems common on the 2011 Toyota Sienna?: NHTSA lists 30 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sienna, making up 5% of its 614 total complaints for the model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Toyota Sienna drive shaft?: Yes. Recall 11V306000 covers certain 2011 Sienna vehicles where the front right drive shaft may break due to insufficient heat treatment; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do Sienna transmission problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 81,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 Sienna.
Did any 2011 Sienna transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 4 crashes and 2 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sienna.