Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Shortly after purchasing my 1999 Toyota Sienna minivan, in May, 1999, I noticed a severe pulling to the right. I could not let go of my steering wheel for even a second or this vehicle would pull. I took it to our local Toyota dealership (neill sandler in murfreesboro, tn) and they said there was nothing wrong with it. I took it another dealer and the lady working there just acted like it was in my head. Later I tried taking it to the dealership that I bought it from and they would not diagnose it since I had taken it to the other dealership - would not even look at the problem. Right before the warranty expired, in 2002, my husband took it to the local dealer and the lady there still acted like we were crazy. Luckily, the service manager overheard our conversation and offered to drive the vehicle. …
While driving the driver heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The driver was able to pulled over and noticed that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
Toyota 1999 Sienna ce: steering pulls to left. I have to hold steering tight to keep it to right. I already got alignment done two times and new tires changed but pulling to left starts right away. It is very disappointing.
Upon acceleration and making a left hand turn, steering wheel stuck, causing poor steering control. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has yet to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.
I have a 1999 Toyota Sienna, bought new in April 1999. On November 11, 2005, I had to have the horn fixed because to make the horn function, you had to turn the steering wheel. It cost me $399.35. The dealership listed "poor contacts in clock spring; replace clockspring". I now have the same problem again. I am wondering if this is an inherent problem with this type vehicle. Toyota will not help with the expense as the warranty is only good for 36,000 miles or 3 years. Have you had any other complaints regarding this type of problem with Toyota vehicles? In all the years and with all the cars we have owned (we keep the cars for many, many years) there has never been a problem with horns not working; that is why I feel this problem is inherent with this model if not other Toyota models. …
The van pulls to the left and the steering wheel does not return to a centered position when making turns. I first reported this to the dealer 2 weeks after I bought the vehicle and since have had it in the shop 5 times for this problem. The Toyota salesman acknowledged that there was a problem with the car (since I gave it to him to test drive) yet the service department has not been able to fix it. This is a dangerous problem, an accident waiting to happen. I wrote the president of Toyota a letter about an incident 3 months ago where I almost went into on-coming traffic because I had to pick up some change from the floor and the car drifted to the left. If I don't keep a tight grip on the wheel, in some conditions, it will immediately go into the other lane. Calls to Toyota went unconcerned and the letter to the president of Toyota went unanswered.
In early 2001, this vehicle had binding in steering, returning to center from left turns. Dealer repaired with kit from a service bulletin, at no charge, under warranty. At some point later in 2001, vehicle occasionally lost power assist turning left. Incidents are becoming more frequent. Both problems limit steering control, usually at low speeds, requiring fast driver corrections to avoid collisions. Arrangement is being made to diagnose and correct the latest problem. Both faults seem connected and should be studied, as they are safety hazards, and there was a service bulletin on the earlier problem that does not show up in the NHTSA data base.
While driving steering system malfunction ed,causing loss of steering ability which almost resulted in a crash. Dealer replaced rack guide sub assembly per technical service bulletin. Also, both sliding door power locks malfunctioned was unable to open from inside or outside, which in case of emergency, those sliding doors could not be used. Dealer had to replace locks. But, soda spilled into rubber of door and caused them to stick. They should use bottles. Please provide further information.
All the above data is an estimate becuase we are waiting for copies of all maintenance and repair records from Toyota - - but we have had multiple problems with this vehicle including screeching brakes, left veer when driving, bad transmission (replaced twice),smog check failure due to oxygen sensor and/or engine problems, clunking noises in engine, a shuddering of vehicle when driving or braking. The car has been at dealers for as long as 3 weeks; dealer admits not knowing what is wrong. Failed
The van has a problem with sticky return-to-center after 90 degree left turn. Tends to happen if speed is above 20 miles per hour during turn. Require jerking or swerving to return to center after a left turn. My wife thought I was swerving since the car was swaying but I was just trying to prevent us from making a full circle to the left. The sticking problem happens irrespective of road condition. I have reported it to the dealer, who checked the fluid but did not pursue the problem.
NHTSA investigations
Steering wheel to return to center
There is no summary currently available
Steering complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Toyota Sienna, 10% of the model year's 215 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Toyota Sienna steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Toyota Sienna, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Toyota Sienna steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.