Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2005 Toyota Sienna

While driving around curves with dry pavement on highways and exit/entrance ramps at highway rates of speed (55-65 miles per hour or less) the anti-lock brake system engage,s causing the van to pulse and slow down unexpectedly. It disengages once the wheel straightens. We first tried to trouble shoot with our local mechanic with no success, prompting us to have our local Toyota service department attempt to diagnosis. Initially they said they were not able to diagnosis the problem or replicate it on a local highway (as it does not occur on every curve encountered) and were ready to send us home without any remedy. This was unacceptable. With our persistence they hooked it up to a computer and determined(without guaranteeing) it was the steering angel sensor and replaced it. Now without returning the van to us, they want us to replace the rack and pinion system for even more cost, again, without guaranteeing this will alleviate the problem. Per our reading up on this problem, we have found that this appears to be problem for other 2005 Toyota Sienna minivans.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Sienna. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle shook without warning. When accelerating over 40 mph, the shaking worsened. The vehicle made a loud noise whenever turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.

Very stiff when turning. Steering seems to lock and making a turn and returning to normal driving position is faulty, I took it to two mechanics and they both said it was the rack and pinion that had to be replaced. In looking at the database I see that this problem does exist with the Toyota Sienna. Recall should be initiated as this poses a very serious problem.

When backing out of driveway steering wheel locked (wouldn't turn); had to wait about a minute before steering wheel would turn. Took it to the dealer to fix a couple of recalls and they did an inspection at which time they told me the power steering rack & pinion was leaking and it would cost $1800 to fix. Checked online and found a lot of people are experiencing same problem.

First, I noticed some oil stains on my drive way, then I drove my minivan to a local Toyota car dealer for check up and routine oil change. Next day, I noticed a bigger oil stain. Anyway, I had an appoinment and have to drive my minivan to my dentist office, on the highway, I saw smoke came out of my front hood. Then, I drove it to the same Toyota dealer afterwards. It was quite scary driving and seeing smoke came out of my front hood especially with my young daughter on board today. At one moment, I thought my car will be on fire. On the paper, I was told that my leaking is from rack and pinion steering system. I called Toyota customer service, and the person who assisted me state his surprise of this rack and pinion leaking for such a low mileage car. I would like to file a mechanical damage report toward Toyota defective parts.

During a routine oil change, I noticed the passenger side, power steering rack and pinion boot had a tear and was leaking. I have read that the leaky seal eats into the boot to deteriorate over time. As I searched the internet for this problem, I noticed their were several other causes of this same issue. I think this demands for a recall.

My 2005 Toyota Sienna started giving problems of rack and pinion leak for power steering around 90,000 miles. Asked the dealer if this could be covered under warranty or power train but was denied. Looking around various forums online, I came across that many of 2005 Toyotas have this type of problem. I also own 2005 Toyota camry and it also have the exact same problem at about similar mileage. Cost to repaid was mentioned as $1300. I have 2 2005 Toyota vehicles and both have exact same problem wanting me to spend $2600 total to repair the rack and pinion unit of both of my cars. I understand a lot of other 2005 Toyota owners also have similar complaints. It should be a recall or it should be enhanced warranty work and Toyota should fix this.

Rack and pinion had to be replaced because of leakage.

First of all, this vehicle has had all routine maintenance performed on a timely basis, and is in very good condition. Car was taken in for routine oil change, and to have a review of a noise coming from the right, driver's side. Was told rack and pinion steering was leaking, and needs to be replaced for a cost of $1200.

The boots of the rack and pinion leaked and it seems that it is a common problem. They even have a TSB for it and Toyota said replace the whole rack and pinion which is very expensive.

Toyota Sienna 2005 was taken into dealership for regular maintenance service which included a check of the brakes. Was told rear brakes needed to be replaced and that was performed. Was told by dealer that front brakes were fine. 1 month later having problems with brakes still. Took it to private mechanic and was told that master brake cylinder needed to be replaced. I would think this problems would have been detected when it was at the dealership. I am lucky that my brakes did not fail and cause an accident. Other issues with this 2005 Toyota Sienna include having to replace the a/c compressor twice, rack and pinion replaced, and now the rear struts on the tailgate have failed. This vehicle is a serious safety risk.

Power steering appears to be failing, steering is getting stiffer. Has been going on for almost 2 weeks and appears to be getting worse. Had it checked out at Toyota dealership yesterday and they can't pinpoint it at this point but believe that it is either the power steering pump or the entire rack and pinion mechanism. Minimum of $1,000. 00 to fix.