Four problems related to power steering fluid have been reported for the 2005 Toyota Sienna. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Sienna based on all problems reported for the 2005 Sienna.
My steering has been getting stiff for the past few weeks. About a month I noticed that my steering was stiff and then smooth a few days later. Now it feels stiff at cold start and even after warm up from normal driving. I have new belts and no power steering fluid leak. I've read many blogs online and people claiming that the (u-joint) aka "steering knuckle" is the cause. Due to water/dirt/salt from the road - causing rust on the u-joint. Toyota manufacturer should have thought of installing a rubber boot to protect the u-joint from exposure of weather elements. If the u-joint is badly rusted, it can break off and cause an accident. This should be considered as a safety recall.
Steering has become intermittently stiff. Steering wheel doesn't self center. It's difficult to turn the wheel either way. After turning the wheel very hard, it suddenly becomes easy. This phenomenon occurs when the vehicle is stationary, and at all speeds. The problem started approximately two months ago, and has gotten progressively worse. The power steering pump is working properly, the belt is in good condition, there are no power steering fluid leaks and the power steering fluid level is correct.
During inspection and repair of other vehicle recalls, it was determined that power steering assembly was severely leaking fluids, that radiator was leaking in 3 places, and air conditioning coils hoses\brackets were corroded and cracked due to manufacturer using two dissimilar metals (such as steel bolts in aluminum assembly) and thereby requiring immediate replacement for safety. Toyota dealership upon inspection declared steering assembly a "critical" repair and issued written documentation. I took vehicle to another shop and they confirmed Toyota's dealers conclusion and also found radiator and conditioning coils problems missed by dealer. All problems have been fixed at owners expense - a recall should be made by manufacturer.
1. Second row seat belt locked tight to passenger (unable to loosen) during steady speed as well when in standby. Need to unlatch and fullly retract in order to extend it out again. 2. Rack and pinion starts leaking power steering fluid and starts generating noise when making a turn. 3. Passenger side slide door fails to open from inside and by remote. Further research confirmed failure of lock release actuator.