Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 8% | 6,000 miles |
| 2017 | 7 | 5% | 25,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 22,000 miles |
| 2015 | 11 | 5% | 39,000 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 5% | 63,000 miles |
| 2013 | 11 | 6% | 76,000 miles |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% | 54,000 miles |
| 2011 | 24 | 4% | 59,000 miles |
| 2010 | 11 | 6% | 115,000 miles |
| 2009 | 12 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 33 | 8% | 97,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 3% | 93,000 miles |
| 2006 | 61 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
| 2005 | 79 | 7% | 90,000 miles |
| 2004 | 159 | 8% | 81,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% | 2,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% | 80,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% | 35,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% | 126,000 miles |
| 1999 | 21 | 10% | 65,000 miles |
| 1998 | 25 | 9% | 67,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist. Additionally, the "Check Vehicle Stability Control System", "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", and "Lane Departure Alert" messages were displayed. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no open recalls on the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V532000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,200.
Unknown, Steering wheel turns several inches when you engage the steering wheel lock. Causes the steering wheel to be off centered. Which in turn cause the alignment not centered. Dealer confirmed that it needs a steering shaft replacement.
I was driving around 30 MPH when the vehicle suddenly turned off. The engine stopped running, all instrumentation turned off, no power steering and no brakes. The car became uncontrollable until it coasted to a stop.
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel stiffened, which resulted in her crashing the vehicle into the highway side barrier and a fence stopped the vehicle from going into the water. The contact did not seek medical attention and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and performed an investigation. The manufacturer informed the contact that from the inspection, the edr recorded various steering input prior to the impact, however, there was no evidence found of a steering defect that caused the failure, and no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Toyota Sienna. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle and the electronic brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact crashed into a road sign. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.
My 2015 Toyota Sienna has "Sticky" steering. When on a curve, like an highway curved ramp, the steering locks in place. I have to pull the steering wheel back to keep the car on track. When it sticks I can literally let go on a curve and it will hold it's position. Even when driving straight this occurs. The steering wheel will stick in place requiring me to turn it to get the steering wheel to come back to the desired or correct position. I'm seeing that this is a regular problem for Toyota steering across multiple models. Having your steering get stuck in place has the potential to be a very serious safety issue. This may cause an accident and resulting death. The complete repair for this safety issue to the consumer is over $3000.00. This is ridiculous! This is my first Toyota. I think their reliability night be really over rated.
The power steering has a notch or almost a stickiness when turning. In turns around interstate ramps the steering almost locks in place requiring physical effort to get the steering to straighten back out. Even driving in a straight line one can feel this notch like feeling where the steering wheel is not operating in a smooth manner. This gives me a serious concern over the safety of driving this vehicle. In researching this specific issue it is notable that Toyota issued a large scale recall on other models for steering issues exactly as I'm experiencing on my vehicle. It appears this overall safety concern extends beyond the vehicles listed in Toyota's original power steering safety issue recall.
Related recalls (1)
Steering
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain modified 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna vehicles. The steering shaft extensions may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the extensions to fracture.
Remedy: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
NHTSA investigations
Steering wheel to return to center
There is no summary currently available
Steering intermediate shaft binding
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation, pe08-041, to investigate allegations of steering binding or increased steering effort caused by corrosion of steering intermediate universal joints in model year (my) 2004 Toyota sienna vehicles.Toyota's response to odi's request for information in pe08-041 indicated that Toyota has been investigating reports of increased steering effort in…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Sienna years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (159), 2005 (79), 2006 (61), 2008 (33) and 1998 (25) model years. Steering complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Toyota Sienna steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 19V-532 (steering, Jul 16, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Sienna steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the steering wheel/handle bar (16 mentions), followed by the column (11).
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.