NHTSA Complaint #11707717 — 2014 TOYOTA SIENNA

The passenger-side power sliding door system failed to stop or reverse when it encountered physical interference with the vehicle’s open fuel door. The door continued opening under power despite clear obstruction by a fixed exterior body component. The affected components, including the sliding door mechanism and damaged fuel door latch, remain available for inspection upon request. A powered sliding door continuing to operate against an obstruction creates a foreseeable risk of injury to occupants or bystanders, as well as vehicle damage. If a person’s hand, arm, or clothing had been in the same position as the fuel door, injury could have occurred. The incident occurred during normal vehicle use and demonstrates inadequate safeguards against obstruction. The issue has been formally reproduced or confirmed by an independent service center which noted that the incident occurred as described during normal operation of the power sliding door, and no abnormal conditions were present at the time. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms appeared prior to the incident. The power sliding door operated normally and without indication of malfunction until it failed to stop when encountering the open fuel door. Fueling the vehicle with the fuel door open is routine and expected vehicle use. The absence of any interlock, sensor logic, or safeguard preventing a powered sliding door from operating against an open body panel represents a design deficiency rather than a maintenance or wear issue. This condition may affect other vehicles equipped with similar power sliding door systems and warrants evaluation.