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Vans & Minivans Toyota Sienna Toyota Sienna Sliding Door Problems
326 messages, Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 9:46 AM
You are in the Toyota Sienna Forum. Your Host is Karens
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Hello, my name is Chris Mitchell, We own a Toyota Sienna XLE 2004. Back in November 2008, the driver sliding door cable snapped, making the door jam and unusable in "power" mode. Cable dangling out of its socket, we drove to our dealership to have it serviced. The repair came to over $1800!!! After researching this issue on the internet, I'm finding that MANY people are experiencing the same problem!! I'm thinking that it doesn't necessarily have to do with mileage but perhaps more with age of vehicle ie: 4-5ish years old. The PROBLEM: The cable which drives the sliding door is completely exposed to elements. (you'll find it within the groove located under the rear side windows) This cable is made of some kind of metal (steel? who knows.) then coated with a black plastic/acrylic/rubber casing (such as an electrical wire). With time, the casing begins to dry and be brittle, causing it to crack and fall off the wire, leaving the wires completely vulnerable to getting wet, rust, freeze, etc, also rubbing extensively unprotected against the gears. Within a few months or even weeks, the metal cable wires snap thus getting caught in the mechanism. One thing leads to another and the whole cable snaps, making the door jam altogether. The FIX: Per my own experience at the dealership, and subsequently reading and researching many blog sites, the ONLY way to fix this issue is as follows: remove the entire door, remove and CHANGE the entire mechanism. Extremely costly, there's just no way around this. Asked if there was a way to simply change the cable, I was informed that the cable is part of the motor and that it is not a part that can be purchased OR repaired separately. Any “RECALL” in sight? We can only hope!! But here’s where we need your help. After speaking with Toyota’s Customer Service Relation (Headquarters), she explained that “recalls” happen when “enough” people call in and bring up issues (complaints) with their vehicles. Local Service Managers can also help petition to HQ on your behalf if they see a problem that may be a repetitive pattern. Service managers can relay this information to a factory representative and such. What can you do? First off, call this number: 1(800) 331-4331 (Customer Service Relations… they were VERY pleasant and helpful!) and tell them about your experience with the sliding door defect. They will give you a case number and send your issue higher up. Who know how many complaints they need before they consider recalls, but at least we’ll have done our best. WHEN YOU CALL: It can be very helpful to mention other case numbers relating to this issue so far: #0903125843 (March 2009), #200806060609 (June 2008)... I will add more as time goes and people contact me with theirs. Second: If you haven’t already fixed your door, DO call your Service Manager in your area to set up an appointment to have the door fixed, AND open the lines for discussion for him to petition on your behalf about this problem which SO many people are having issues with. Third: If you’ve already had the door fixed, DO NOT throw away your receipts!!! Cust. Serv. Rel. told me that if down the line Toyota comes out with a recall, YOU WILL BE RETROACTIVELY ENTITLED TO A FULL REFUND OF YOUR REPAIRS WITH PROOF OF PAYMENT!!! (aparently that goes for any problems which arise with Toyota vehicles! Good to know!) If by chance you’ve misplaced/lost/thrown out your receipt, I suggest you call your dealership ASAP and ask them to reprint one for you… they should be able to as long as you’re still in the system. BOTTOM LINE: You are NOT alone! If Toyota can see fit to recall a “clip” which is used to hold carpets, they SHOULD deal with this bigger issue too. Our voice must be heard, force in numbers people!!! Thank you so much for your help and attention! Chris Mitchell (nazalys  attglobal.net)
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| I am also having problems with my drivers side sliding door. First it wouldn't close properly and now it won't open. Toyota dealer wanted $460 just to take the panel off to see the problem. I have a call in to the Toyota corporate office to see if they can offer an help or suggestions. Would appreciate any new info anyone has. I will let you know what happens. Overall I am not satisfied with my Sienna - with 65,000 miles, too many things are falling apart, especially the trim. | |
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Hi, I am not sure if this is the same problem. The right sliding door works fine on my 2004 Sienna XLE Limited when I pull on the handle but if I use the remote or any of the buttons to open or close that door, it tries to go but seems like a latch isn't releasing. If I pull on the handle first to release it, I can then reverse direction with any of the buttons or the remote. Any ideas how I get the latch to release WITHOUT pulling the handle first? Thanks in advance.
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Replying to: familymandan (Apr 05, 2009 9:28 pm) they want $800 to replace this latch all for the sake of a little plastic bushing. If you keep cycling the door and the latch dosnt release you will soon break the cable and motor assembly. thats a $2400 bill. Mine mtor/cable assy broke and toyota replaced it but they did not fix the root problem which was the broken bushing in the latch. Its a very poor design.
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Replying to: tillsonburg (Apr 06, 2009 4:07 am) Where is the "rear latch" and the latch cover you are referring to? If it is what you suggested, how is that repaired?
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Replying to: kanukgirl (Mar 30, 2009 8:18 am) Is there any more news? I really can't afford this. We are moving to a smaller home so that we don't have to pay as much rent, now this? Sheehs. Thanks! I will be here looking for answers. 
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Replying to: occasita (Apr 18, 2009 3:04 pm) I know it's a real bugger of a problem... and you won't find a better price to fix it either. *frown* I am VERY irritated with this issue, even though I still love our Sienna. This is just ONE part of it which I think is doomed to break and needs to get some attention by the maker. Since my letter, we have paid for the repairs.... we wanted it fixed ASAP. The most important thing I can say to you is, PLEASE call the 1 800 number I mentioned on my first post and PLEASE open a case with them. Also, if you tell them our case numbers (also posted in my letter) they can keep building a bigger case... it's good to link them. If they decide after many complaints to make it a recall, they will refund... "IF" *sigh* but I guess we'll at least be able to say we tried. Thanks and good luck to you! Chris Mitchell |
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Replying to: familymandan (Apr 06, 2009 9:01 am) |
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Replying to: familymandan (Apr 06, 2009 9:01 am)
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Replying to: pamula (Apr 18, 2009 8:19 pm)
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