NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Sienna Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Sienna scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 33 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota Sienna achieved a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA. This strong performance is supported by a fully standard crash-avoidance suite. The model's NHTSA Safety Index score of 88/100 places it in the Strong band. Two recalls have been issued, neither requiring a do-not-drive order.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Sienna ranks 47 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 33 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 47 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Sienna?
The 2021 Toyota Sienna earns an 88/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. This is the first model year for the re-engineered Sienna, now sold exclusively as a hybrid AWD platform, and it maintains the same Safety Index score as the 2020 model. The Sienna received a 5-star overall rating. Within the crash protection sub-score, which stands at 61 out of 70, the Sienna received a 5-star rating for side impact. Frontal crash tests resulted in a 4-star rating, as did the rollover resistance assessment. The avoidance technology sub-score achieved a maximum 10 out of 10, reflecting standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The vehicle's defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20 is based on two recalls. One recall, issued in 2025, addresses third-party mobility equipment. The second recall, from 2022, involves an electronic stability control software update. Neither recall relates to a structural or powertrain failure mode that would broadly impact the fleet or necessitate a do-not-drive directive. Owner complaints total 33, with allegations concerning the air bags being the most frequent, a detail to note for future assessments.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Sienna perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Sienna achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, anchored by a perfect 5-star score in side-impact protection. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars. The Sienna also earned 4 stars for rollover resistance, with a 13 percent risk of rollover in the agency's evaluations, though its dynamic tip test resulted in No Tip. All categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15928
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Sienna have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued in 2022, addresses electronic stability control module software affecting certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles including this Sienna. The second, issued in 2025, involves wheelchair restraint latch and anchor equipment on mobility-equipped units from a third-party converter. Neither recall carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, but both warrant VIN verification for remedy completion.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:25V877000
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
Reported 2025-12-17
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V239000
Risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Reported 2022-04-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has logged 33 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Sienna. Alleged problem areas include Air Bags (12 reports), Service Brakes (4), Visibility and Wipers (4), Engine (3), Seats (3), and Structure (3). One fire and one injury are alleged among those reports. All are unverified consumer allegations.
33 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Sienna?
Potential purchasers of a 2021 Toyota Sienna must verify the status of two open recall campaigns. The electronic stability control software update and the mobility wheelchair restraint repair both warrant confirmation through a Toyota dealer, using the vehicle's VIN, prior to purchase.
- The 2021 model year is the first Sienna sold exclusively as a hybrid AWD configuration, and NHTSA still awarded it a 5-star overall crash rating in that new form.
- An ESC control module software recall issued in 2022 covers this specific model year and should be verified as completed via VIN lookup before purchase.
- A 2025-issued recall targets wheelchair restraint latch and anchor hardware on mobility-converted units of the 2021 Sienna, making this check especially important for any van with aftermarket accessibility equipment.
- Air bags account for 12 of the 33 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year, the single largest complaint category and worth discussing with a dealer during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Sienna places
The 2021 Toyota Sienna qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Sienna safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Sienna crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Sienna, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota Sienna crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota Sienna earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Sienna have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Sienna. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Sienna?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 33 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota Sienna. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sienna years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15928), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Sienna 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 47 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.