Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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
The bushing for the gear shift is broken causing the lever to disconnect from the cord preventing the vehicle from shifting gears. This caused the vehicle to become stuck in reverse. The car was stuck in reverse when attempting to shift to drive, nearly causing my wife to crash into another vehicle. There are multiple videos on YouTube demonstrating this problem, it is a known issue. The vehicle/component has not been manufactured. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms.
Car was in motion, turning to park on slope parking area then gear fall out and rolling backward, therefore try to shift into parking gear, all gears didn't work, gear shift was not working at all then car rolled downhill to other side of curve. To prevent accident I got out to stop the car from rolling by holding on to the rear door handle, could'nt stop it, in the process I had injury to my left shoulder and back.
All four alloy wheels on this vehicle have the paint bubbling and chipping off leaving the wheel exterior exposed to weather and further corrosion. Underneath the chipped paint the alloy is corroding, potentially compromising the strength and overall integraty of the wheels. I have experienced air loss in both front tires over the course of just a few days. My local tire shop checked both front tires for punctures but found nothing. They then removed the tires from the rims and indicated the rims had corroded around the outer diameter of the rim where the tire bead is supposed to seal. They cleaned the corrosion from the rim interior and applied a bead sealing compound that fills in the corroded and pitted bead area of the rim allowing the tire bead to seal and hold air. …
Currently there is a recall out for the shift lock solenoid assembly in certain Toyota Sienna van models from 2004-2005 and 2007 to 2009. I own a 2005 Sienna le and have no problem with my shift lock solenoid. However, I have a 2006 Sienna le and upon shutting off the car after driving, I can move the automatic transmission selector out of park when the key is out of the ignition and the brake pedal is not depressed. This condition can happen 50 percent of the time and is quite reproducible on my van. I will be contacting Toyota USA today, but I thought it pertinent that your agency is aware of the problem as well. I have 3 small children, 2 of whom could easily take the car out of gear from a parked position. Thank you.
Driver upon shifting from neutral into drive, car accelerated at top speed, eventually colliding with an earthen embankment 80 yards beyond the exit from a car wash structure. Accelerator pedal was not pressed at anytime. Brakes were ineffective. No floor mats., experienced adult male driver with no history of accidents. No passengers. Car was totaled from collision. No injuries, driver avoided hitting a number of parked cars, by steering around them. Accident occurred at 10 am as driver emerged from a car wash structure. Driver not ticketed. Car was inspected by Toyota and deemed in perfect mechanical condition and that Toyota was not responsible. Driver's insurance company provided coverage.
The car was in park in the driveway with the engine running. Without putting the car in drive, the car rolled forward after I exited the vehicle. I quickly turned to get back in the car to stop the vehicle, as it was rolling towards my other car in the driveway. In doing so, I suffered a knee injury, fell to the ground I injured my knee and was unable to stop the vehicle before it made contact with my other car. The injury to my knee was significant, required surgery, and I have still not returned to work.
I was traveling at 65mph on interstate 90 east. The car while driving when I was giving gas it didnt run forward and it just stopped on the middle of the road with my kids in it. I took it to the dealer and dealer told me that the radiator pipe got corroded so the cooling oil from the transmission didnt flow properly and the transmission failed during the car running.the Toyota has safety recall of excessive corrosion for the spare tire then same thing applies as the corrosion part is underneath of the engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. When the contact placed her vehicle into park, it rolled both forward and backwards. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 17V657000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to lia Toyota of colonie (2116 central ave, schenectady, ny 12304, [phone]) and was repaired per the recall, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. Whenever the contact parked the vehicle and attempted to turn it off, the key would fall out of the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V657000 (power train) and 14V273000 (tires). There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 177,000.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2005-2007 and 2009-2010 Toyota Sienna vehicles. In the affected vehicles, due to a problem within the shift lock assembly, the shift lever may be moved out of the 'Park' position without depressing the brake pedal.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift lock solenoid and reapply the grease, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0V.
Transmission complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Toyota Sienna, 4% of the model year's 1,017 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Sienna transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-657 (automatic transmission, Oct 18, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Sienna transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.