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 2006 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
My vehicle steering/control has frozen a few times in the past 18-24 mos. This happens for me in wet conditions at slow speeds while trying to turn, usually to the right. The car also seems to slow on its own and pull to the side at these times. This has also happened while reversing out of a parking spot. I do not recall seeing any lights engage but I am more focused on steering the car safely and exterior factors at these times so I haven't noticed the dashboard. It feels like the power steering fails, and I have no control. Thankfully, I have not been moving at high rates of speed, nor been in a position to go into the lane of on-coming traffic or had someone in a lane near me, and have been able to hold in position or manually turn as much as needed. Steering seems to return once the turn is complete. I have been fearful of hitting someone or being hit from behind each time. …
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
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.
My Toyota Sienna XLE 2006 VSC and ABS comes on when I drive uphill or downhill mostly when I steer to the left. This is a situation common on freeway ramps in or out. When this happens the car slows down abruptly beeps a loudly. This is an issue reported by many owner of that vehicle model across several years.
VCS lights activate, alarm sounds and auto breaking while traveling at posted speeds while going around curved roads. Creates loss of control. Dealer has no remedy, mechanic has no remedy. Many similar issues found on on-line forums.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, the steering wheel seized. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle, but the brake pedal failed to operate. The vehicle spun around at least four times to the left and crashed into a parked vehicle twice while spinning. The contact quickly powered off the engine to stop the vehicle from spinning. The contact waited one hour before the vehicle was restarted and was able to drive home. The contact stated that she was in shock and was not aware of any warning indicators illuminated. The contact sustained foot, right hip, and back injuries. The front passenger also sustained back injuries. Both occupants required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. …
Noticed leak in front passenger side of Sienna van. Took to dealership, who identified the leak source as the steering rack. Part was not replaced under warranty, as too many years and 423 miles beyond warranty period. Broken part 44250-08040 replaced part as Toyota 44250-08041 failure of part, if not caught soon, enough, could cause loss of steering control while driving. Toyota is well aware of the problem and even issues a service bulletin as TSB-0097-12 in addition to a new replacement part. There are many complaints about the failure of this part not long after warranty period is over. I believe the part was defective as installed. I add my voice to the many who have replaced this part and wish to complain about the lack of response from Toyota corporation. Dot should investigate this and similar steering rack parts. …
The slip indicator light (car with swerve lines) started coming on intermittently while turning on highways etc. (but not when any risk of tire slipping). Then vsc light also came on and alarm sometimes sounded. Visit to our own mechanic, no problems found. In the last 2 years the ABS system has activated (daily) it unexpectedly applies the brakes while in motion. It is on specific types of curve and while driving at least 30mph, but has done at 35, 55, 70 MPH, on slight or medium turns (not real sharp turns), going uphill or downhill and left or right. Took my mechanic for a ride with the diagnostic computer hooked up, it did the ABS braking, warning light, and beeping 5 times but computer showed no codes. Suggested resetting yaw which we did, it did not help. …
Sometimes when starting for the first time, I try to turn the wheel but it is locked (as if it is all the way to one side but it is not) - the wheels are turned the opposite side. The times I have noticed this behavior my wheels have been turned to the right, and when I try to back out of the driveway I am trying to turn the wheel to the left but the steering wheel is locked up as if it is all the way left and cant go any more. To free it up I need to turn the wheel slightly to the right (maybe a quarter turn) then I can turn the steering wheel back to the left a couple turns if I like and everything is normal. I usually notice this on Sunday mornings - the car May have been sitting all day Saturday .. I am trying to put my finger on it but can't seem to. I have not noticed any issues while driving down the road .. But it is a little concerning. …
NHTSA investigations
Steering intermediate shaft binding
Odi's analysis of warranty data shows that the alleged defect has occurred in just 0.2 percent of the subject vehicle population.when the analysis is limited to salt-belt states, the rate is still well below one percent of the population (0.4 percent).in addition, tests conducted by odi and Toyota have shown that the alleged defect has a minimal affect on steering efforts.odi interviews of owners who experienced the…
Steering complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Toyota Sienna, 6% of the model year's 1,017 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Sienna steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.