2004-'05 and 2007-'09 Toyota Sienna Minivans Recalled for Rollaway Risk

TORRANCE, California — Toyota is recalling 615,000 2004-'05 and 2007-'09 Toyota Sienna minivans in the U.S. because problems with a shift lever assembly could result in a vehicle rollaway, the automaker said on Thursday.

There are reports of 21 minor accidents and two minor injuries in the U.S. related to the defect, said Cindy Knight, a Toyota spokeswoman, in response to an Edmunds query.

The recall is part of a larger recall of 690,000 Sienna minivans in North America and Mexico.

"Because of the potential for damage to the shift lock solenoid installed in the involved vehicles, there is a possibility that the shift lever could be moved out of the 'P' position without the driver depressing the brake pedal," said Toyota in a statement. "This could result in a vehicle rollaway."

The affected vehicles were produced between January 2003 and August 2005 and between February 2007 and December 2008, Knight said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees vehicle recalls in the U.S., has not posted any information about this Sienna recall on its Web site.

Toyota dealers will replace the shift lock solenoid in the affected minivans. The recall is expected to begin in mid-October. Owners can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Edmunds says: If you own one of the aforementioned Toyota Siennas, this is a problem you'll want to address as soon as you get your recall notice.