Vsa Warning Light On problems of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. While turning the vehicle at various speeds, the electronic stability control light illuminated and the vehicle became very difficult to control. The contact stated that this was a longstanding issue with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Summary: sensor in stability control failed and falsely reported crisis situation, causing computer to seize control to slow vehicle and change course. Long version: while driving straight on city street, suddenly vehicle slowed and pulled to side, stability control light and audio alarm activated, heard grinding noise that sounded like abs. Condition persisted if driving over 5-10 mph. Crawled to nearby non-dealer repair shop. Diagnosis/solution: steering angle sensor reporting wheels at 250 degrees when actually straight ahead, would not recalibrate, circuit integrity othewise good, sensor was replaced. No residual problems noted so far since then (one day). I have the failed sensor. This sensor problem was cause of a production change and TSB br008-04 in the first year. Obviously Toyota has known about this problem for years, but no recall. Other accounts exist on line of people who have had this happen. This is a major safety hazard. It's the mechanical equivalent of riding with a driver on lsd who is braking/swerving to avoid hallucinations. I was lucky to be going slowly on an uncrowded street, but at higher speed or crowded conditions this could be a disaster. Toyota has not been terribly helpful so far, but discussion will continue. . . .