2021 Toyota Redundant Sienna

I purchased a 2021 Toyota Sienna from United Access Mobility in Sacramento. The vehicle was sold and delivered with multiple serious pre-existing safety defects. The exhaust system was unsafe. The catalytic converter had been stolen prior to sale and replaced with a non-OEM catalytic converter that was improperly welded and mounted too low. This caused exhaust leaks, loud exhaust noise, poor acceleration, and safety concerns including potential exhaust exposure. Multiple professional repair facilities confirmed the exhaust system defect. The electrical system was defective. The vehicle was sold with the wrong size battery that was not properly secured. This caused electrical instability, warning lights, and vehicle failure. The battery was not adequately supporting the vehicle’s electrical system. The airbag and restraint system showed warnings caused by third-party wiring, indicating potential airbag or seatbelt malfunction. The fuel system was defective. The gas cap was broken and required tools to refuel the vehicle. Structural and body components were unsafe. A bumper bracket was loose and flapped while driving, and the passenger seat was unstable. Accessibility systems were also defective, including lift and door malfunctions affecting safe operation. United Access was notified immediately but did not correct these safety defects. Instead, they attempted to have the vehicle repaired using an extended warranty for pre-existing conditions. The vehicle was not safe to operate at the time of sale.

Simalar issue to Toyota T-SB-0121-20 December 14, 2020 Sloshing or Splashing Noise Caused by Water Inside Doors The lower door seals are to tightly fitted and obstruct the door drainage holes. Debris builds up inside the drainage hole. In hard rain or car wash the door fills full of water causing potential for corrosion and damage to electrical components inside door.

I went on a trip to Missouri to visit my son and family. When going through St. Louis on 5/18/2022 I ran through a thunderstorm with a lot of rain. After I stopped, I noticed a puddle of water between the front seats. I could not find out where it came from. Later that same day I went through another storm. Again I found a puddle of water between the seats. This is a vehicle that was modified by VMI into a handicapped accessible van. Water coming in is concerning due to all the electrical components that could be shorted out. I don't want to find out later that there is rust damage nor damage to the electrical systems because of water entering the vehicle.

While driving during snowy weather suddenly smoke began to billow from steering column area and vehicle slowed down, then stopped, while simultaneously several malfunction indicators lit, I tried to restart the vehicle to pull to a berm, it was unable to restart or even shift into neutral, the vehicle lost all power and had to be towed. This alone could have caused an injury or accident. The problem was from an electrical short from a hole in the firewall made by VMI which permitted snow, road water, and road salt to enter into the cabin area of the vehicle which shorted out the Hybrid ECU circuit board. It also caused electrical arcing to the aluminum cover of the NiMH hybrid battery which had been relocated by VMI to underneath the drivers and passenger seats and can produce electrical shocks of 800 volts or more (the aluminum alone conducts electricity), this alone could have caused injury or death. Furthermore, several relays were shorted-out, the smart key computer. There were burn, arc and water marks on many components noticed. The vehicle has been undriveable and cumulatively in a repair garage for 43 days as of date of this report

Both side power doors become inoperable if they sit open for more than a few moments. They do not close by switch, key fob, or by pushing. Starting vehicle does not activate or reset. Doors must physically be forced closed. It takes considerable force to close the door. Two complaints to dealer were ignored or Toyota Dealer claims this is an intentional design. But has no rational reason for the defect being a design feature. This is a danger to people unable to physically close the door and presents a security flaw for users.