Three problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Sienna. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Power steering fluid leak while vehicle was stuck in snow and ice caused a fire in the right front wheel.
Hit on driver side at 30mph--van rolled over.
Beginning at 4,000 miles, this vehicle has had a recurring, intermittent problem with the power steering mechanism. When making a left hand turn, the steering locks and continues to turn the vehicle in a circle. It releases only when manually forced back to center. During the colder, winter months, this would happen 2 or 3 times a day in heavy city traffic. I have had the power steering checked by the dealer on different occasions. The dealer insists there is nothing wrong. The vehicle now has nearly 19. ,000 miles on it and the problem is getting worse. On Friday, July 2, 1999, because of a lock up of the steering mechanism, I nearly caused an accident by being forced into the cross traffic which was stopped at an intersection, while making a left hand turn. It happened again on Sunday, July 4, 1999. The power steering was checked again by the dealer on July 8, 1999, who insists there is nothing wrong!.