The Toyota Sienna was equipped with the A541E transmission in certain models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Toyota Sienna transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Toyota Sienna Transmission Models
Toyota Sienna: A541E Transmission
Toyota Sienna Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Toyota Sienna transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0770 | Shift Solenoid 'E' |
| P0773 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Electrical |
| P1705 | Nissan DTC: Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction |
Toyota Sienna Transmission Recalls
None Found
Toyota Sienna Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Toyota Sienna Transmission Problems
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Toyota Sienna can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Toyota Sienna transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Toyota Sienna transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Toyota Sienna transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Toyota Sienna transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Toyota Sienna transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Toyota Sienna transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Toyota Sienna transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Toyota Sienna transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Toyota Sienna transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Toyota Sienna Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Toyota Sienna Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Toyota Sienna Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Toyota Sienna Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Toyota Sienna Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
After fully researching how to change the transmission filter I bought the parts and set about checking out if they did the flush and change the filter. First off trans cold alot of fluid came out of the drain hole about 2 quarts. I removed the pan and found out the filter was dirty as well as the fluid and magnets were covered with fine debris.i replaced the filter and added the same amount of oil that came out. Based on my research the transmission needs to be at a range between 104- 114 deg C. When it reached the appropriate temp I checked the fluid level. It was over filled by 3 quarts. This causes the fluid to churn and foam and loose its ability to cool properly. Not it down shifts better when I stomp on it and I haven’t had any issues. Have not done a road trip yet but expect the problem to be solved so much for dealership service. And I paid up the a** for the trans
Flush and follow up diagnostic at 2 different toyota dealerships and endured them trying to talk me into a trans rebuild or purchase a new vehicle.