Toyota will be recalling over six hundred thousand 2004-2005 Sienna minivans manufactured between January 10, 2003 to August 10, 2005; and 2007-2009 Sienna minivans manufactured February 20, 2007 to December 12, 2008. These vehicles could have a problem within the shift lock solenoid that could result in the shift lever being moved out of “Park” without depressing the brake pedal.

According to the recall report, the subject vehicles are equipped with a shift lever assembly which contains a shift interlock system. Inside the system is a shift lock solenoid that is mated with a slider and stopper to prevent the shift lever from moving out of “Park” unless the ignition is on and the brake pedal is depressed. Due to a manufacturing variation in the dimensions of the stopper or the existence of a burr on the slider, there is a possibility that the stopper could be damaged and the shift lever could be moved out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal. This could result in the vehicle unexpectedly rolling away.

All owners will be notified by first class mail to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for replacement of the shift lock solenoid. For more information about the problem contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.