My son was driving the van when an individual cut in front of him prompting my son to put on his brakes to avoid contact which he did (thank god). So he continue to his destination ( our house ) but he started to hear the car was making some strange noise coming from the front end and also when pressing the brake the car started to pull to the right.he got home and told me about the situation and it was when I took car to local mechanic.at that time we discover where the noise was coming from. The rotor broke and it was just hanging there. The mechanic told us that he never seen something like it and to be thankful that no one got hurt. This is a big safety concern and need someone immediate attention.

- Easton, PA, USA

Since we purchased the car we have had problems with the brakes squeeking. We have had the brakes replaced multiple times and have even upgraded the brakes to an improved quality brake pads by the dealer. However the brakes have gotten worse as the car has gotten older. The brake pedal is very spongy and tends to go down to the floor when stopping. When stopping in emergency situations the brakes make a horrible crunching noise. Since December 2010 I have had 3 instances where I needed to stop quickly. Each time the brakes made the crunching noise and the braking distance was longer than would be expected.

- San Diego, CA, USA

We have owned this 2002 Toyota Sienna since 2002. The brakes have always squealed when stopping gradually, and the dealer said that Sienna brakes all squeal. There have been only a few instances over the previous 9 years when the ABS has activated and I had always felt that the ABS on this was much superior to the Mazda protege that we owned. However in the past month or two, the ABS activated about 3 or 4 times, on slightly rapid stops, under dry driving conditions. Yesterday evening, under dry driving conditions, when pulling out of a stop light, I noticed the SUV ahead slowing down and began braking, then switched to the accelerator for a fraction of a second when it seemed that they might start accelerating, then when they brake hard, I too slammed on my brakes. The ABS kicked in, but the car seemed to keep moving and the crash happened in slow motion - it was just as I felt in the Mazda protege, when the ABS kicked in while trying to stop on an icy road - the car kept moving without seeming to slow down. I am not sure, but also have a vague sense that the engine continued to work hard to pull the car forward, possibly like the unintended acceleration reported by others in a recent spate of accidents. I was standing on the brake when my car plowed under the rear fender of the Chevy Tahoe ahead, causing the radiator, battery, etc. To get smashed. This was when it was clear that the engine was still racing and trying to pull the car forward - I finally cut the ignition to kill the engine. My insurance company called edy's Toyota, with me on the line, to see if they could read the car computer to check the cause of the accident. The service rep showed a lot of reluctance, seeming to indicate that not much would be gained, and finally declined saying "you're putting me in a spot"...

- Wichita, KS, USA

Is Toyota 2002 Sienna safe to drive? as of februray 2010, we still observe slippage during stops at slow speeds. The brakes pulsate when applied slowly. This is a problem that comes and goes. In December 2007, we reported the following problems to the dealer 1) ABS and low tire pressure warning lights turn on and off 2) crunching sound heard when braking with delayed braking action, particularly in cold, rainy weather. The dealer found no signal at right rear speed sensor, and recommended replacing ABS actuator (which we did) -- total cost approx. $2,000, but insisted that this was a "fluke." Van had 66,481 miles at the time. Problem with braking still occurs, though no warning lights appear. We are concerned that Toyota is selectively recalling newer models and ignoring the fact that there have been reported braking and acceleration problems with older vehicles as well.

- Fairfax, CA, USA

I have taken my 2002 Sienna to the dealership (last winter) because the brakes have failed in very cold weather. The failure has happened three times, most recently this past Sunday morning. The first two times the vehicle had been parked outside in below zero temps for a few hours. I backed out of the driveway (no problem braking in reverse)...all was well. However as I drove toward the stop sign it was as though the power was all gone from the braking system. I pushed them to the floor and held them there and eventually it stopped before I was too far out into the intersection. It has happened twice, under exactly the same conditions over the last two winters. The dealership could find nothing wrong. This past Sunday morning I had my two youngest children in the car and we were headed to church. As I began to brake for the stop sign ahead, again the same thing happened. I had to hold them to the floor and barely escaped entering the intersection. It frightened all of us. This time the car had been inside the garage. The first two times this happened I did research on the internet to see if anyone else was having this problem and found nothing. After this Sunday morning I looked again and now see that different and newer Toyota models have been found to have problems braking in cold weather. I can't help but wonder if I may be dealing with the same issue. I'm really hoping you can help me with this. I am afraid to drive this van, not just for our own safety but that of others. I don't trust it. I would appreciate a reply as soon as possible.

- Rochester, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Sienna. At 34,006 miles, the brakes began to make squeaking noises and the brake warning light illuminated. The failure occurred while driving 45 mph. At 36,000, 46,000, and 49,000 miles, the dealer replaced the front and rear brakes, the rear and front rotors, and also resurfaced the front and rear drums. The repairs were performed under warranty. Nevertheless, the brakes continued to squeak and the brake pedal must be depressed very hard in order for the vehicle to stop. The dealer stated that the noise was due to the brake buster and it needed to be replaced at the cost of $1,000 since the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer stated that they could not be of assistance since the warranty expired. They provided the contact with reference number 2007-0220392. The current mileage was 78,000 and failure mileage was 34,006. The dealer stated arm rests, replaced brake light bulb, squeak in the inside cabin. Updated 11/26/07

- Lilburn, GA, USA

Began having indicator lights on dashboard of my vehicle (Toyota Sienna 2002) come on for no apparent reason; specifically, the csv and brake lights concurrently. It seemed to occur more when temperature was cold outside. Initially thought it was a faulty sensor, but when the intermittent nature of fault became more frequent, was concerned could be a serious brake problem. I took to dealer; diagnosis was a 'faulty sensor' on the wheel's "sensor/hub assembly". apparently, it is impossible to replace the faulty sensor without replacing the complete assembly at a cost of over $600 for the part, not including labor, at $115/hr. (it also took them an hr just to diagnose, so add another $115). They disabled sensor while part on order, which meant that my anti-lock breaks - a key safety feature of the vehicle-- will not work until part is replaced. While my car is over 4 yrs old, it only has 31,042 miles on it. I find it unbelievable that a part of this significance to safety has failed at such a minimal amount of miles. Moreover, it was reported to me by dealer's service tech, that they "hardly ever have failures of this part". it may be a statistical anomaly...or not...perhaps they have discouraged folks from reporting this very costly failure of a key safety related part.

- Reston, VA, USA

: the contact stated while the brake pedal was depressed, the front brakes squeal. The brakes have been properly maintained and the rotors have been replaced, but the noise still occurs. The manufacturer sent a technician, which determined this was normal operating conditions. The contact felt that since the noise came whenever the brakes were applied it was a safety issue. Updated 05/16/2006.

- Westlake Village, CA, USA

2002 Toyota Sienna xle-original owner. Brakes have squeaked since around 5000 miles. Dealer says 'Sienna's brakes just squeak" and shrugged their shoulders. Didn't even inspect brakes. Had brake pads replaced with top of the line pads in Aug 05. Left the parking lot and they continued to squeak. Every time the brakes are applied. Passenger in the rear stated it was very loud in the rear, however, I hear it very pronounced as the driver. Called Toyota another time and they said this is not a safety issue, so there is no recall, etc. On 3 occasions, when brakes pressed suddenly, the brake pedal jumps and wouldn't allow me to press brakes further. Scary. Brakes don't just squeak. I wish I would've discovered this website before my warranty was up. Now, with 58000 miles on my van, I feel they wouldn't do anything. I brought my concerns 3 times with in 5K-25K miles, and was ignored. I wish I would've pursued this earlier. I would've traded this vehicle in a heartbeat, however, I don't have a payment, so that is why I've chosen to live with the squeaking. It is very very very stressful. And very very annoying. (this complaint is for a Sienna, not a sequoia--the complaint only had the sequoia as an option while I was entering data/complaint info)(??)

- Frederick, MD, USA

The rear brakes squeaked excessively when braking. The dealer advised that the problem was caused by the federal government's change in the way manufacturers make brake shoes and were unable to remedy the problem. The consumer is very concerned about the effectiveness of the brakes.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

The brakes failed, which caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle, which resulted in an accident.

- Hays, KS, USA