Makes›Toyota›Sienna›2012

2012 Toyota Sienna

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Toyota Sienna
Pictured: 2021 Toyota Sienna XLE Hybrid, front 12.21.21. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minivan - 2WD
Body styles
Le AWD, Le FWD 4cyl, V6/Le V6/Se V6 FWD, Xle AWD V6
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
Length
200 in
Curb weight
4,189–4,663 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Toyota Sienna is a minivan offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 200 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,508 lb (Le AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 1% worse than the 2012 minivan average of 21.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 208 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Sienna — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Sienna →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Le AWD200 in78 in71.3 in119.3 in67.7 / 67.3 in4,508 lb56/44
Le FWD 4cyl200 in78 in68.9 in119.3 in67.7 / 67.3 in4,189 lb56/44
V6/Le V6/Se V6 FWD200 in78 in70.9 in119.3 in67.7 / 67.3 in4,277 lb57/43
Xle AWD V6200 in78 in71.3 in119.3 in67.7 / 67.3 in4,663 lb56/44
Xle FWD V6200 in78 in70.9 in119.3 in67.7 / 67.3 in4,453 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sienna 2WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-1%$3,200423
Sienna 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-1%$3,200423
Sienna AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19–$3,550468
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.3 MPG2012 Minivan - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Toyota Sienna.

Similar 2012 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Toyota Sienna (this car)21 MPGNot rated9
2012 Kia Sedona21 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Odyssey22 MPGNot rated5
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan20 MPGNot rated6
2012 Chrysler Town and Country20 MPGNot rated5
2012 Nissan Quest21 MPGNot rated1
2012 Volkswagen Routan20 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (9)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 17, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V741000 · 928,220 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jul 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V553000 · 303 vehicles

Problem
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2012-2018 AMS Genesis wheelchair vans, built on a Toyota Sienna vehicles. The rubber brake hoses that attach to the rear wheel assembly may be too short, causing them to rub against the rear axle trailing arm.
Risk
The contact may cause failure of the rear brake hoses, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Vantage will notify owners, and dealers will install a set of rear brake hoses that will provide the proper clearance, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2019. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V005000 · 1,299,448 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V006000 · 577,875 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Structure › Body › Door · Nov 29, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V858000 · 744,437 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna minivans manufactured January 4, 2010, to August 12, 2016. If the power sliding door is unable to be opened when commanded, such as if the door is frozen shut, the door may subsequently open unexpectedly, possibly while the vehicle is moving.
Risk
If door opens while the vehicle is moving, there would be an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the junction block, rear sliding door wire harnesses, and install two sub wire harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G04.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Equipment › Electrical · Mar 23, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V120000 · 363 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 4RUNNER AND SIENNA VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH NON-ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT REMOTE ENGINE STARTERS. A MALFUNCTION IN THE AUDIOVOX ELECTRONICS BRAND REMOTE ENGINE STARTER MODULE CAN PREVENT NORMAL COMMUNICATION OF THE VEHICLE’S CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK (CAN).
Risk
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, ANTILOCK BRAKING AND STABILITY CONTROL MAY BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. DRIVERS SHOULD RECEIVE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WARNING THEM OF A MALFUNCTION.
Fix
GULF STATES TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REMOTE ENGINE STARTER WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-444-1074.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 30, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V560000 · 210,000 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 THROUGH 2012 SIENNA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 110, "TIRE SELECTIONS AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENT FOR DISPLAYING THE CORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT AS THE RATED LOAD FOR THE COMBINATION OF CARGO AND OCCUPANTS.
Risk
INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD MAY LEAD TO TIRE OVERLOADING AND POSSIBLY CAUSE TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL PROVIDE A REMEDY WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL OUT A CORRECTED PLACARD TO CUSTOMERS ALONG WITH REVISED OWNER MANUAL INFORMATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2013. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Toyota Sienna is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

208Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
80,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags83
Structure › Body48
Unknown Or Other27
Electrical System16
Power Train15
Steering14
Structure › Body › Door10
Wheels10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/07: 120/08: 220/10: 120/12: 121/01: 221/04: 121/07: 122/04: 122/05: 122/06: 122/12: 223/01: 123/02: 123/03: 223/04: 123/06: 123/11: 124/07: 125/04: 125/07: 225/09: 225/10: 126/01: 126/07: 120/0720/1221/0722/0623/0223/0625/0425/10max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Toyota Sienna buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 83 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 48 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Sienna. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sienna years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Sienna36203.5 inNot rated118
2025 Sienna36203.5 inNot rated6268
2024 Sienna36203.5 inNot rated469
2023 Sienna36203.5 inNot rated371
2022 Sienna36203.5 inNot rated522
2021 Sienna36203.5 inNot rated445
2020 Sienna21200 in★★★★★238
2019 Sienna22200 in★★★★★745
2018 Sienna22200 in★★★★★772
2017 Sienna22200 in★★★★★10156
2016 Sienna21200 in★★★★★576
2015 Sienna21200 in★★★★★6233

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →