Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Toyota Sienna owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Power steering light came on while driving causing the steering system to lose power suddenly. Almost got into an accident because I couldn't effectively turn the wheel. Mechanic inspected and found the steering motor was bad and that CPU needed to be replaced costing almost $4000 in repairs. Now my car is not driveable unless this is fixed. Car has only 140k miles. This is a VERY common problem with Toyota Siennas around these model years
The steering wheel is too lose. Even with all the full suspension replace. It not safe at all. It need to recall the steering shaft , and the rack and pinion. Some time it feel hard, sometimes it very loose, uncontrollable. Please recall the steering system.
8/27/21 Friday, 5:30PM The steering wheel tightened up, making it extremely hard to maneuver, while the vehicle was in motion. Almost got into an accident when I couldn't turn in time to avoid drifting into adjacent lane. Brought it to my local dealer and they claimed the motor failed, needed to be replaced and since it's attached to the steering column and shaft, I would need to replace the complete system, $4600 before NYS tax, which means it will cost me over $5000 before I can get my vehicle back. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other entity or agency. The issue happened on Thursday night, 8/26/21, very suddenly, as I was pulling out of a parking space, suddenly the steering got really hard, almost hit another vehicle as I pulled out, then the steering wheel light came on as I was avoiding the other vehicle. …
My Toyota Sienna 2011 was on parked and stationary. When I restarted vehicle electric power steering failed. My steering became manual. It is hard to turn. I had to tow my car to Toyota dealer. After the check and based on their experience, Toyota dealer said that it is an electric failure in power steering system and I have to replace the whole power steering system. I have to pay $2032. Based on internet search, Toyota Sienna 2011 has this issue on the market. Other Toyota cars which used the same system and built in 2011 had the recall. Only Toyota Sienna 2011 in not in recall. Called manufacturer and Toyota disagreed to call as a recall item. Rather they paid me $750, and I had to pay $840 for the fix. Toyota Sienna 2011 power steering electric failure is common, should be a recall item. Toyota Sienna 2011, mileage 63000.
For every maintenance service through Toyota care, I pointed my concerns on a steering "pop" sound while making u-turns under very low speed, and a sense of steering instability on highways under windy conditions, as well as wearing tires rapidly. All the time the dealers technicians answer was: "a green report for every safety point, suspension and alignment was proof of no problems at all". I am replacing 4 tires (to serve 65 000) at 45 000 miles totally worn out with uneven patterns specially the ones at front wheels, even following regular rotation program. I think would be good to post this information, knowing others concerns in the same matter and to bring the manufacturers attention for possible recall in this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. While making a right turn, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound and the air bag warning indicator illuminated. When the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel left, it was manual/stiff and the horn failed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer (fred anderson Toyota of sanford, 3321 nc hwy 87 s, sanford, nc, 27332) where it was diagnosed that the steering spiral cable assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts had to be ordered. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1710102139. The manufacturer stated that only Canada was included in a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The van has extreme outer tire wear on the front of the vehicle. Driver's side front seems to be to worst. Tires are being rotated at recommended intervals (5000-6000mi) and an alignment check and adjustment is done at the same time. 60,000mi rated tires are lasting 10,000-15,000mi before requiring replacement and causing very poor turning/steering, excessive steering wheel vibration and pull, and dramatically increased hydroplaning in mild rain conditions.
Steering locked while leaving a parking spot making it impossible to steer right or left. Steering warning light appeared on dashboard. I was a able to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle and tow car to repair shop. They found error code 1524 and after troubleshooting they advised that steering column had to be replaced. Car has 58K miles. Rare for this to go bad short of a defect in manufacturing in my opinion.
The power motor would turn off for a week or so then come back on for several weeks. The power motor now doesn't work at all. The final time it went out was when I was driving. I took it to a dealership they told me the steering column need to be replace at a considerable cost. I have read on-line on many forums that this is a common occurrence.
2011 Toyota Sienna, front suspension making noises and clicking. Air conditioning not working when car is idling. Rear backing camera does not work only in the night time. . And it has been at the multiple Toyota dealerships and they can. Not figure it out.
Steering complaints in other Sienna years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Toyota Sienna?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Toyota Sienna, 4% of the model year's 615 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota Sienna steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Toyota Sienna, though it has 14 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 2011 Toyota Sienna steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
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.