Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that she heard a strange noise while decelerating and the brake pedal failed to engage. There were no warning lights. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal with force until the antilock braking system engaged but failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the brake pump was replaced but the failure recurred. The contact then had the brake pump replaced for a second time, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS needed to be replaced and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle back to the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Vehicle traction control system will activate around a curve and break the vehicle while the traction control warning system activates. Breaking around a curve in a wet road situation can be very risky. Numerous other Toyota owners have filed similar complaints.
Slip light indicator comes on and alarm goes off, while anti-lock brakes engage. This is happening while I'm driving on the highway never in the city. The car starts pulling to the right sometimes almost pulling me off the road. The road conditions are completely normal and dry no gravel in it no reason whatsoever for the anti-lock brakes to start engaging. When this first started happening it only happens on curves while I was driving approximately 35 mph. After a couple of months it started happening also while I was driving approximately 70 miles an hour going straight on a dry road. It almost pulled me off into a ditch. The steering is affected I can barely steer but I have managed to keep the car on the road. This is now happening more frequently. I was almost pulled into another car to my right once. …
Bought the van used last year. Previous owner said mechanic could not diagnose the issue. On slight curves similar to on-ramps while accelerating the Vehicle stability control (VSC) will engage unexpectedly, sound an alarm and jerk the steering wheel. Some times to the point of pulling the vehicle out of its lane. Road speed is decreased dramatically as it feels as though the ABS is engaging. This has happened to me at least half a dozen times since June 2023. The condition will continue for maybe five or ten seconds until the wheel is straightened and speed reduced. Searching the Internet seems it's a fairly common problem. The fix might be to replace the steering rack or disable the VSC system. It's reported by those experiencing the issue get little to no help from the dealerships which strikes me as quite strange... From what I've read it seems to affect 2004-2009 Siennas
I've had multiple instances of driving along at varying speeds ranging from 35 to 65 mph, where the traction control kicked in abruptly, the slip indicator lights come on along with the traction control light on the dashboard, a beeping sound occurs, and the van brakes suddenly on its own. This has happened on dry pavement without any reason for traction control to kick in whether I'm driving straight or going around a curve. It is very dangerous and I've stopped driving the vehicle since I often drive with my 3 young children and I fear for our safety.
Vehicle Trac Control/ABS system engages periodically especially on winding roads between speeds of 30-60mph. Trac Control alarm goes off and vehicle pumps brakes automatically, then resolves. This is extremely dangerous especially when roads are wet/icy or when being followed too closely by another vehicle. Tried replacing front right wheel speed sensor but problem persists. Research shows this is a chronic problem with Sienna vans and needs to be repaired or guidance provided by Toyota on how to resolve before someone gets hurt. Please help!
Every time I go around a curve, the ABS TRC and vehicle beeps like I'm sliding. It happens on every curve. Its very dangerous. I have unplugged the sensor under the front passenger seat and all problems go away. i have replaced this part and it still has not fixed the problem. with part unplugged i have no ABS TRC Airbags none of the safety equipment is working while unplugged, but is safer than having my brakes slammed in every curve.
When driving on a curve traveling about 30 to 45 MPH. The traction control engages in perfectly dry road conditions. It automatically brakes and jerks the car one way or the other. Very dangerous, especially since you're traveling on a curve when it most often happens and you basically lose your ability to control the vehicle. I won't even let my wife drive the car. There's no known remedy for this problem and I can't even sell the car.
The vehicle stability control system randomly engages and activates the brakes without cause. This can happen on a gentle curve going under the speed limit. It is very scary and I am afraid it is going to cause an accident. Internet research shows many owners with this issue and no information on the cause or a fix
Vehicle shut off when going over the drain pipe I rolled it into a gas station turned it on and off switched gears and it started to roll back on drive I tried to move the gears and turned off the the vehicle after ward no gear worked.
Brake complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Toyota Sienna, 7% of the model year's 1,017 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Sienna brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Toyota Sienna, though it has 11 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 2006 Toyota Sienna brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes 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.