Is the 1999 Toyota Sienna reliable?

Yes, 1999 Toyota Sienna reliability is generally strong for its age, especially with documented timing belt service, cooling system upkeep, and regular transmission fluid maintenance.

What are the most common 1999 Toyota Sienna problems?

Common issues include engine oil leaks (often valve cover gaskets or seals), transmission shifting wear when fluid is neglected, cooling system aging that can lead to overheating, and suspension/steering wear such as struts and bushings.

Are maintenance costs high for a 1999 Sienna?

Costs are usually moderate, but budget for big-ticket catch-up items like a timing belt/water pump service and suspension refresh if the van is high mileage or has unknown history.

What are the best years to buy for a used Toyota Sienna?

Well-maintained examples matter more than the exact year, but many shoppers target later first-generation years (2001–2003) for incremental updates, while still considering a 1999 a good buy if maintenance records are strong.

What should I check before buying a 1999 Toyota Sienna?

Confirm timing belt service history, look for oil leaks and coolant leaks, test for smooth transmission shifts (including cold start), inspect for suspension clunks and uneven tire wear, and verify all power accessories and sliding door operation. For deeper ownership confidence, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, fluid capacities, service intervals, and maintenance schedules tailored to the 1999 Toyota Sienna.

HomeVehicles

Vehicles Compare Blog Get Report

Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

1999 Toyota Sienna Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

88/ 100

LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A legendary family hauler, the 1999 Sienna offers exceptional reliability and value for the savvy used car buyer.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Should You Buy the 1999 Toyota Sienna?

The 1999 Toyota Sienna stands as a testament to Toyota's reputation for durability, offering one of the safest and most dependable used minivan options on the market. With its robust V6 engine and remarkably low incidence of major failures, this is a vehicle you can confidently rely on for years to come, especially if its maintenance history is solid.

Biggest Strengths

Extremely durable 1MZ-FE V6 engine
Robust 4-speed automatic transmission
Overall solid build quality and longevity

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 1999 Toyota Sienna. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Power Steering Systemmoderate

Automatic Sliding Doorsmoderate

Front Suspension Componentsmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

STRUCTURE

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2010 SIENNA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 7, 1997 AND JANUARY 4, 2010, CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THE COLD CLIMATE REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS FREQUENTLY USED, WATER SPLASHED BACKWARDS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT CAN REACH THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND CORRODE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY CABLE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS (TDS) SUPPLIED BY AUDIOVOX CORPORATION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THE ALARM WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE ALARM HARNESS TO COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT. A PERCENTAGE OF THE FEMALE TERMINALS USED IN THE ALARM CONNECTOR WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN 'OPEN CIRCUIT' CONDITION WHEN MATED TO THE MALE IGNITION SWITCH TERMINALS.

What breaks on the 1999 Toyota Sienna?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time

Just bought a 1999 Toyota Sienna? Keep it that way.

Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.

Toyota Sienna by Year

Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Toyota Sienna. Click any year for its full report.

All Toyota Sienna years ranked →Toyota Sienna years to avoid →Toyota Sienna common problems →

If You're Considering This, Also Look At

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by reliability score.

1998 ToyotaLand Cruiser

92/100

1997 ChevroletC1500

88/100

1997 ChevroletCorvette

Relevant Products for Your 1999 Toyota Sienna

Parts and accessories matched to your 1999 Toyota Sienna

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report