On a rainy Sunday afternoon I was driving 65 mph on the interstate when the check engine, vsc and trac off lights came on. The vehicle was taken directly to the dealer the next morning (69 additional miles were driven). When tested the code indicated to inspect the vvt-1 system, including the actuator bolts and alignment. Upon inspection (requiring the engine to be partially disassembled) it was determined that the vvti gear was coming apart causing debris to spread throughout the camshaft gears and housing only for cam bank 1. this is an obvious material quality defect and Toyota's only statement is "we don't have a recall for this". my van is 90 days past the 5 year & 17,369 miles over the 60,000 warranty. (note: Other manufacturer's offer a 100,000 powertrain warranty). This van has only been serviced by this dealer. This single repair bill is $4,295 with no guarantee the other cam bank won't do the same thing, requiring another high service bill. After 3 days of waiting for Toyota to investigate, they only offered a goodwill contribution to the repairs of $2,400... but only after I submit paid receipts and then wait 10 weeks for them to reimburse me. They flat out refused to send the payment to the dealer. This is Toyota's premier family vehicle and if the engine has seized while driving could have killed my family or someone else. I have driven Toyota's for over 15 years and never heard of this kind of materials defect and then to be treated this poorly over a major safety issue that is a direct result of poor quality materials. I guess they would have been more interested if someone had died. I think everyone who owns a 2008 Sienna should be aware that this model has a vvti gear material quality defect that can be expensive to repair or cause the engine to seize while driving and kill someone. Who knows if other 08 models are also affected.

- Cumming, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the vehicle could erroneously be shifted into any gear without having the key in the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would return his call at a later date. The failure and the current mileage was 50,000.

- Milford , MA, USA

We have owned the Sienna for 4 years and 53,000 miles without incidence. We have had it serviced by the Toyota dealer and have had all scheduled maintenance. One afternoon, after driving the Sienna all day, we pulled it into our driveway (which is on a slight incline) and placed it into park. After doing this, instead of the brakes being applied, the Sienna rolled back as though it were in neutral. We brought the Sienna to the Toyota dealer who inspected it. They told us the pin that enables the brakes upon placing the Sienna in park was completely shot and the entire transmission would need to be replaced. The service manager said he has never seen something like this before and that these pins don't wear out over time. The service manager also told us that you would only see damage to the pin if you were driving the car and then suddenly put it into park while moving at a high speed. The service manager contacted the offices of Toyota corporate and had the case reviewed. It was determined by Toyota corporate to be related to the warranty and they are replacing the entire transmission.

- Chelmsford, MA, USA

The car was driven normally in gear "D" at 35 mph but slipped out of gear for no reason. I stopped, put in park, turn off the engine, waited a few minutes and restarted the car. It would then only work in gear "3" but I had to floor the gas pedal. After stopping multiple times, I was able to reach home. My 2008 Sienna can now be driven forward in reverse gear.

- Renton, WA, USA

The contact owns 2008 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated without the keys in the ignition and the emergency brake not engaged her child release the gear shift from park and the vehicle rolled into the mailbox. No one was injured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they cannot duplicate the problem and there was nothing to repair or replace. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,900.

- Auburn, AL, USA

Transmission went out; needs complete replacement. 2008 vehicle with only 78,000 miles should not have this problem.

- Ridgeway, WI, USA

2008 Toyota Sienna hesitation after slow speed turn/stop. After slowing down for a speed bump or for a turn, there is a lag in throttle response after pressing on the gas pedal. When stepping back on the gas pedal, the engine revs but the transmission engagement is delayed. This vehicle consistently behaves in this manner under the above conditions. The dealer stated this is normal operation for drive by wire systems. It does not seem normal to me.

- Austin, TX, USA

2008 Toyota Sienna AWD leaking gear oil onto exhaust system from AWD transfer case. Oil is burning.

- Baltimore, MD, USA