Steering Rack And Pinion Problems of Toyota Sienna - part 1

While on an on-ramp; the vehicle at about 35 mph started blinking the slip light and slowed the van down, also causing I think the brakes to engage with force. Happens while driving normally and on ramps. I had the rack and pinion replaced and still has done this.

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In motion, on dry, off-camber highway curves, with slight acceleration, the abs/vsc /trak engages, briefly jerking the steering to one side. Dash warnings: "vsc" "trak off" + "check engine". Reducing mechanical "slop" (wheel bearings, steering rack & pinion, etc. ) tends to reduce frequency of occurrence. Toyota dealer diagnosis: "steering control system fault". >"Toyota knows about -- but, does not know how to fix this problem. "< dealer-suggested workaround: "pull fuzes to disable vsc and abs systems. . . " dealer repair documents are with previous owner. . .

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While driving my steering locked up. I took it to a local garage and they informed me I need a new rack and pinion.

When traveling around 30 to 35 mph (well under speed limit) on dry clear roads, on left turns (often slightly downhill) suddenly the vsc and slip/trac lights up, the abs system is activated / brakes engage. Foot is not on the brake and speeds are not excessive. I am not using run-flat tires, but that doesn't seem to make a difference for others online. I see dozens of similar complaints online about this same thing from 2001 to 2015 Siennas. Two say that replacing rack & pinion fixed it; 1 says it does not. This started happening about 3 months ago, but is now happening more often. Approx 156k miles. Other fixes that have not worked: replace front speed sensors, changed all pads and rotors, and replacing the steering angle sensor. None of those worked. On person says, "most common prob seems to be the rack bushing where the rack is mounted. They wear out and cause the rack to move when turning. . . Bushings are hard to replace so just replace the rack and it will solve the problem if it is loose. ( although its a bit expensive) the yaw sensor or steering sensor has also been the culprit in some cases. " another says, "steering linkages could be another culprit - control arm bushings were severely worn and could potentially be another source. Alignment and zero-point calibration sometimes help, but not for long. " I don't feel safe driving myself or my children in this car, but can't afford another. And can't afford a $1k fix - especially if others have this issue. What can I do?.

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The slip indicator light (car with swerve lines) started coming on intermittently while turning on highways etc. (but not when any risk of tire slipping). Then vsc light also came on and alarm sometimes sounded. Visit to our own mechanic, no problems found. In the last 2 years the abs system has activated (daily) it unexpectedly applies the brakes while in motion. It is on specific types of curve and while driving at least 30mph, but has done at 35, 55, 70 mph, on slight or medium turns (not real sharp turns), going uphill or downhill and left or right. Took my mechanic for a ride with the diagnostic computer hooked up, it did the abs braking, warning light, and beeping 5 times but computer showed no codes. Suggested resetting yaw which we did, it did not help. Suggested calling Toyota, they were no help, said they had never heard of that problem and my mechanic probably did not know how to read the computer. When abs activates it's very dangerous - thinking about deactivating entire vsc system. I believe the rack and pinion may play a role, there are rattle and bump sounds, perhaps a loose suspension is the culprit, that is our next option. I have already replaced struts, front wheel bearings, all new tires, had it aligned, did new brake pads, and rotors. Absolutely fed up with this problem!.

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Toyota 2008 Sienna le 2wd power steering rack & pinion seal failed and leaked on the passenger side at 120,000 miles. The rack boot tore and broke as a result. Repair cost is estimated at approximately $2,000. Numerous complaints are posted by other owners on the internet all pointing to the same defect. If drivers are unaware, or if the defect is not resolved, power steering could freeze and potentially cause life threatening situations. This should require a safety recall or extension of power train warranty to cover this issue. Failure has not occurred yet and will take steps to repair.

When entering a slight curve in the road at moderate in town speeds there is a clicking sound to the left of the steering wheel in the dash then the traction control sensor lightt goes on. While freeway driving, it has happened 3 times out of the blue and warning buzzers sounded vsc light and traction control light went on and the steering jerked. . . Engine lost power . . . Very scary. I had rack and pinion steerling assembly replaced at about 40,000. The problem started at about 110,000 miles. I had all the wheel sensors replaced at about 115,000. I took it into Toyota dealership they said they couldn't find a problem. Took it to 2 different mechanics . . . One changed the sensors. Company says it hasn't been a problem but on the internet there are lots of identical posts. Definitely a safety issue. I've had the car 11 years and always did scheduled maintenance. Please see what the issue is.

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Rack and pinion failure. Dear sir/madam: I brought my 2006 Sienna (purchased new) to the dealership due to what I suspected was a bad wheel bearing on the front passenger side. The technician confirmed the bearing problem, but also informed me that the seal on the passenger side rack and pinion had gone bad and had leaded into the boot on that side, and since there was no way to just replace the seal, I needed a new rack and pinion system installed, plus a four-wheel alignment after the installation totaling $1187. I mentioned to the technician that I recently had noticed the power steering reservoir lower than usual and recently noticed fluid on my driveway, so that seems to be the cause of those observations. The original problem I brought my Sienna in for of the bearing noise seemed to be a fortunate situation, as it resulted in the revelation of the steer system problem before it led to a more serious situation. After getting the repairs done, I researched the rack and pinion issue and realized that this seems to be a common problem with this make, model, and year. It also seems that with the predictable and regular occurrences of this failure, addressing this through a recall would be a reasonable action Toyota can make in its efforts to continue mitigating potential catastrophic safety events for customers and their families. Thank you for your time in considering this concern. I continue to find that Toyota provides a quality product. I have been a Toyota customer since 1984 and do appreciate Toyota's efforts in maintaining their reputation as a reliable and consumer-focused company.

Toyota 2009 Sienna le 2wd power steering rack & pinion seal failed and leaked on the passenger side at 85,000 miles. The rack boot also tore broken. Repair cost is estimated at approximately $1,300. Numerous complaints are posted by owners on the internet all pointing to the same defect. If drivers are unaware, or if the defect is not resolved, power steering could freeze and potentially cause life threating situations.

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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.

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My Toyota Sienna with 82,000 miles on it suspension has several noises and the rack and pinion steering boots are leaking, on the Toyota nation web site and Toyota Sienna owners web site, there are about 75 to 90 other persons with this problem, plus the ones that do not bother to post like us. Whey haven't the government force Toyota to recall this vehicles? I have changed struts, shocks, the tires are new and it is aligned. Toyota is risking the lives of its clients and no one can do anything about it, due to the apathy and human disregard of lives. !.

While driving & turning, heard noises from front end. Found that rack and pinion boots were leaking, had to replace entire assembly, around $900.

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.

The dealer (american Toyota located in albuquerque, nm) has advised during a scheduled service on the minivan that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced because it is leaking. The car has 41124 miles on it, and the estimated cost of the repair is $1093. 00. I looked this problem up on the internet and it sounds common to this model. I have never had this problem on any other vehicle that I have owned, so I was wondering if it was something that might be covered by a recall.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair and the technician noticed that the rack and pinion was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Pam.

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.

Toyota dealer said the rack and pinion steering unit was leaking had to be repaired, at a very high cost. Looking online, I find that a lot of other people have had this issue, but there has been no recall. Apparently most people do not know how to report such issues. There is no reason why a vehicle only five years old should be having this problem. I would suspect that newer and older models may also be affected.

Steering rack boot on the passenger side has a leak. I was told that I need to replace the whole steering rack and pinion costing almost $1400. This is a very common problem in Toyota Sienna 2006 and Toyota issued psb 0097-12 for this but not a recall. Toyota even changed the design in the newer models after 2006. Even though it is a defective design but Toyota does not seem to care and own responsibility for this. Customers are paying for this.

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.

Failure of the rack and pinion boot causes a leak of lubricant and contamination of the rack and pinion system. Since a failure of the boot can lead into not being able to control the steering, this could cause an accident on this minivan and should be recalled bytoyota in order to fix it. . I've seen many complaints online of this specific problem,.

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.

1) August 2013 during an oil change the dealer technician notified me the steering rack needed replacing due to oil leaks from the rack and pinion ($1000 repairs). 2) September 2014 asked dealer to check air conditioning ac right center console blower. After recharging the system with dye, found the ac lines to the rear cabin corroded under the wheel wells -- recommended $1500 to replace entire lines (I declined pending further inspection summer 2015). 3) February 2015 noticed right side power sliding door stopped working electronically, with key fob, interior switches, etc. , and would only work when pulling open/closing manually by hand. Actuators still worked to "lock" the door during the last inch closing/opening. Noticed black cable sheathing frayed and bare in spots, showing steel cable inside, but cable still intact. Found online forums stating many having similar issues. Located my extension to warranty enhancement notice from Toyota mailing stating "certain 2004-2007 model year Sienna rear sliding door latch assemblies and power sliding door cable assemblies" may be covered (up to 120k or 9 years from original date of purchase, whichever came first), via the Toyota customer support program. However, this "enhancement" does not cover door motor assembly failures, which my dealer technician identified as the probable main cause of the door not working properly (after having removed part of the door for inspection). I declined the $1000 labor + $1200 parts ($2200 total) motor, but accepted the free cable assembly warranty coverage. Am now using the door in manual mode only. My concerns: these parts are wearing out prematurely under normal use/wear and tear.

Rack and pinion had to be replaced because of leakage.

Rack and pinion bellows on the passenger side torn due to coming into contact with the adjacent fuel/vapor line; (observed while changing the tire. ). Bellows rubs against the fuel/vapor line when vehicle turns left. Vehicle serviced regularly by the delivering dealer; defect not reported to me.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Sienna 🔎.

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.

Rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. Mechanic at firestone indicated that he used to work at a Toyota dealership where he witnessed dozens and dozens of Sienna's whose rack and pinion sterring was leaking and required replaced. We had the work done at Toyota but it cost over $1,400. The rack and pinion steering should not have been leaking. Our car was garage kept for 100% of its life, and was well cared for. I believe this item should be a formal recall handed down to Toyota. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the steering was defective. The tires were protruding in different angles inward and outward. The abs system would engage independently, the air conditioner was leaking inside the vehicle and the driver's side seat belt would not work because the seat was actually designed for the passenger side, but was installed to the driver's seat . The contact also stated that the rack and pinion was leaking grease. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 2,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the steering rack alternated between manual and power. The failure occurred twice and seemed to occur only in winter months. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the steering rack from the firewall to the tie rod ends were replaced at the owners expense. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the problem was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The current mileage was approximately 81,500.

While making a sharp left turn, I can hear clunk, clunk from the steering column. Dealer says the steering column (rack-pinion) joint is bad, need replacement, not under warranty, will cost 500 to 600 $, not an immediate safety threat , can wait until the noise gets too bad. I am not happy that such things break down at 45,000 miles.

Rack and pinion failure caused excessive tire wear and vehicle pulling.

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