The 2012 Sienna lasts over 300,000 miles with only minor alignment and sliding door issues. At $11,982 – 17,046, it’s expensive, but worth it for outlasting the competition.
Is the 2012 Toyota Sienna a Good Used Van?
- Yes, 2012 is a good year. Owners like the Sienna’s passenger space, comfortable seats, and dependable engines.
- Reliability ratings are great. Models from 2010 and newer all have outstanding long-term reliability.
- Performance is good from the V6, but the 4-cylinder is weak given the van’s size.
- The Sienna is a safe minivan getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award. There’s an optional back-up camera and pre-collision system.
- Fuel economy is excellent at up to 21 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Sienna?
- Consumer Reports finds the Sienna to be comfortable and smooth, and has high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Sienna a 4.0/5 liking the powerful V6, but finding a lot of cheap plastic parts.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sienna a 4.4/5 and like the entertainment system, but note it’s more expensive than rivals.
What Common Problems Does the 2012 Toyota Sienna Have?
Problems with the 2012 Sienna are relatively minor and include premature tire wear, a broken sliding door, and cracking seats.
Premature tire wear is the most common complaint at around 30,000 miles. Original tires tend to wear out quicker than aftermarket options, and an alignment can help them last longer. New tires cost about $700 and an alignment is an additional $200.
Sliding door failure is another problem mentioned by owners at around 67,000 miles. The roller hinge wears out over time in some vans, costing about $450 to replace.
Cracking seats show up at around 70,000 miles in some vans. The driver’s seat is the most susceptible. Replacing the seat upholstery costs about $600, or some buyers purchase a seat cover for under $100.
There are 9 recalls, with the most serious one being for the rear brake hoses which reduce braking ability. Most of the other recalls are for labels and airbags which are not serious once replaced.
How Long Will the 2012 Toyota Sienna Last?
A properly maintained 2012 Sienna should last over 300,000 miles, which is nearly twice as long as rivals including the Town & Country. Maintenance costs are similar to other vans according to Repair Pal at $566 per year.
As a Sienna reaches 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace items including the steering knuckle for $600, belt tensioners costing $650, and battery cable which costs $100.
It is very reliable so far. I have not had any problems whatsoever. The gas mileage is good, wish it were better, but is a v6 engine.
Yes it is very reliable and no problems. We had one issue with a sliding door but was fixed promptly at no charge due to a recall.
Yes very reliable the only thing we have had problems with is the battery draining quickly when doors are left open or lights are left on.
Very reliable. No issues but we service it regularly doing the oil changes and any other recommend services.
Yes, ours has 90,000 miles and has only had recalls, tires and oil changes. No problems and no mechanic works has been done. Always starts and ready to grow. No road noise
It is reliable as long as it is maintained regularly. We have started to run into issues around 90,000 miles.
How Much Is the 2012 Toyota Sienna Worth?
Blue book values range from $11,982 – 17,046 making the Sienna $5,000 more expensive than a Grand Caravan or Nissan Quest. When new, the price range was $34,710 to $50,910. Depreciation is better than average, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Sienna?
There are five different models of the Sienna. Technology is good with a brand new navigation system added for 2012, with some major entertainment updates coming in 2015.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Three-Zone Air Conditioning
- Power Windows And Locks
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
LE is a step up adding good features such as:
- Power Sliding Doors
- Power Lumbar Supports
- 3.5-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Rearview Camera
- 6-Speaker Stereo With Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, And USB
SE is in the middle of the lineup and has:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leatherette and Cloth Interior
- New Bumper With Fog Lights
- Sport Suspension
- Power Liftgate
XLE offers some good luxury items including:
- Full Leather Seating
- Wood Grain Interior Trim
- Automatic Headlights
- Sunroof
- Power Driver And Passenger Seats
Limited is the luxury flagship model and offers:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Keyless Ignition
- Premium 2-Tone Leather Seating
- 10-Speaker JBL Surround Sound Stereo
What Engines Come In the Sienna?
- The base engine is a weak 2.7L 4-cylinder with only 187 horsepower getting up to 21 MPG combined.
- A powerful 3.5.L V6 is more common with 266 horsepower which also gets 21 MPG, and takes only 7.9 seconds to go from 0-60 miles per hour.
What Colors Does the Sienna Come In?
How Big Is the Sienna?
The Sienna is an average-sized minivan, similar to the Odyssey and Sedona. Passenger space is fantastic throughout the cabin, and comfortably fits adults in all three rows. There are optional second row captain’s chairs, which offer more luxury and comfort.
Cargo space is great for a minivan with 39.1 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 87.1 behind the second, and a maximum of 150 cubic feet with all seats folded flat.
How Does the Sienna Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Odyssey is one of its closest competitors at about $2,500 cheaper. Where the Odyssey stands out is with more technology, but the Sienna lasts longer. We recommend the Sienna with fewer complaints.
The Chrysler Town & Country is another rival costing $4,000 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Town & Country, but the Sienna has lower ownership costs. We recommend the Sienna since it will last significantly longer.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Sienna?
Yes, very smooth ride, spacious, and reliable. I love the automatic doors which are very convenient when trying to control 3 kids. Its spacious and stores all we need for vacations. The gas mileage is not too bad even though its a v6.
Yes, very good. It has never had any major problems. Has 100,00 miles on it. Runs great, rides good and is an all around vehicle. Will carry 8 people or a big load from home depot. Good gas mileage. We love it!
It drives well, handles a variety of road conditions nicely. I feel safe in it. Nice and roomy for a family. With seats laid down there is a lot of cargo space to haul things around.
Yes I use it daily and we take it on long road trips. My family takes a yearly trip to Sedona Arizona and also Colorado. Comfortable and safe.
It has been reliable, and we haven't had to have any mechanic work on it. The inside is roomy and comfortable. We are able to use it at Home improvement stores, groceries and large items. Holds all the grandchildren, all five of them and us.
Yes, as it has a comfortable and spacious interior that is perfect for travel and families on the go with seats that fold into the trunk for extra room.