On back door of minivan, the outside handle broke when we squeezed it to open. The door cannot be opened. Why is there no release from the inside? the quote to fix is $275-300. Also, on the rear sliding door (driver side, not an automatic sliding door), the push-button latch "sticks" so the door will not latch when closing; we have to pry the push-button out with a key or screw driver so the door will latch.

- Glendora, CA, USA

This compliant is regarding two specific safety issues with a 1999 Toyota Sienna vehicle. On numerous occasions the rear hatch handle has broken. (3 handles so far) there is no release mechanism from the inside, so there is no way to get out the rear of the vehicle in case of fire or accident disabling the side doors. The part in question is poorly designed and is made of plastic. The plastic handle is under spring tension and accuates a metal part to release the door latch. The plastic is too weak to push against the metal part in normal use. The handle should also be made of metal to cure this defect. The latest and second safety defect involves the rear removable pod seats. The seat today will not lock in the normal seated position. An occupant can pull the seat up and out of the track if they lean forward enough. I would assume in an accident the entire seat would fly forward and cause serious injury in an emergency situation.

- Lilburn, GA, USA