2006 Toyota Sienna: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 4, 2023 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Bought the van used last year. Previous owner said mechanic could not diagnose the issue. On slight curves similar to on-ramps while accelerating the Vehicle stability control (VSC) will engage unexpectedly, sound an alarm and jerk the steering wheel. Some times to the point of pulling the vehicle out of its lane. Road speed is decreased dramatically as it feels as though the ABS is engaging. This has happened to me at least half a dozen times since June 2023. The condition will continue for maybe five or ten seconds until the wheel is straightened and speed reduced. Searching the Internet seems it's a fairly common problem. The fix might be to replace the steering rack or disable the VSC system. It's reported by those experiencing the issue get little to no help from the dealerships which strikes me as quite strange... From what I've read it seems to affect 2004-2009 Siennas

Filed Sep 11, 2021 · Brakes, Steering · WA

When driving on a curve traveling about 30 to 45 MPH. The traction control engages in perfectly dry road conditions. It automatically brakes and jerks the car one way or the other. Very dangerous, especially since you're traveling on a curve when it most often happens and you basically lose your ability to control the vehicle. I won't even let my wife drive the car. There's no known remedy for this problem and I can't even sell the car.

Filed Nov 12, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NC

The tcs is malfunctioning, causing the brakes to lock up. I.e.-going 35mph, in a wide curve, the steering "jerked" side to side as the van lost traction and then came to a full stop as the brakes kicked in. The traction control alarm and dash light came on during the event, but then went off as soon as the brakes released. This has been on-going for 3 weeks, but the most recent was today.

Filed Jan 20, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 81,937 miles · NY

Approaching slight right turn on a park way at about 40mph,down hill of the right turn suddenly the slip icon light on the dash board was on and off with beeping sound alarm and observed grinding or braking sound on the vehicle which made jerking like on and off power of the vehicle. Road condition was dry and sunny at about 11:30 am.

Filed Aug 10, 2012 · Suspension · 68,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota sienna. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised that the suspension and front struts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 68,000 and the current mileage was 89,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2010 · Acceleration · 68,000 miles · TN

I was going down an off ramp in my sienna, braking gradually as I came to the bottom of the ramp. There was another car stopped about 6 ft ahead of me. I still had my foot on the brake when the engine surged and the van lurched forward. I stomped down on the brake and the van did stop before it hit the car in front of me. I have taken the van into the local dealer (toyota of knoxville) but they could find no problems. I have also reported the incident to the toyota consumer hotline.

Filed Mar 11, 2010 · Transmission · 200 miles · KY

I bought a new 2006 toyota sienna van. From the beginning, the transmission drops into neutral as the vehicle slows for stops. Upon acceleration to move through a stop sign or light, the transmission hesitates in neutral, leaving those following about to rear end the vehicle. Or, if you accelerate, the vehicle lurches into gear throwing passengers forward. I have mentioned this problem every time I have had the vehicle serviced. The serviceman acknowledges the problem, and states that toyota claims it is a means to save the transmission. The jerking on the transmission as the vehicle goes into gear after a stop cannot be good for the vehicle. The serviceman further stated that other car models made by toyota had experienced the same problem, but that a "computer patch" had been made available that solved the problem. He said that no such patch has been made available for the sienna vans. My concern is that I will end up rear-ended because of the hesitation or that the transmission will fail.

Filed Mar 9, 2010 · Acceleration, Body · 10 miles · LA

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota sienna. The driver stated that while driving 10 MPH in an attempt to increase speed, the vehicle began to hesitate and surge. The dealer stated that there was nothing they could do to assist him since the failure was electrical which was also a normal function of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 10 and the current mileage was 75,000. The consumer stated when slowing down between 5- 10 MPH and then speeding back up again, the van would hesitate and then surge forward to the point of jerking the consumers neck. The vehicle would slow down once the accelerator was released. Also, the drivers side door was exhibiting a popping/scrapping noise when it was being opened or closed. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed there was a recall regarding the thinness of metal which allowed the cracking of the metal where the door stop was attached to the door. Updated 04/21/10

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Acceleration · 30,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota sienna. Whenever the contact drives the vehicle at any speed she noticed that the accelerator pedal is depressing on its own causing the vehicle to slightly jerk forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that there was a calibration issue. There were no prior warnings and the current and failure mileages were 30000.

Filed Apr 19, 2009 · Body · 30,494 miles · MD

Since purchasing our 2006 toyota sienna xle we have experienced problems with the power sliding doors - a grinding and/or rattling sound as well as jerky operation (as opposed to opening and closing smoothly). The dealership greased the cables and track which seemed to eliminate the sounds. Last week the door stopped opening all the way - it would open about a quarter of the way and then automatically close on its own. This problem occurred whether the door was operated with the key fob remote or the interior button. I checked the track and there were no obstructions. We took the car to the dealership where it was purchased and although they could replicate the problem only once (naturally) they replaced the power door motor and clutch assembly under warranty (we are within the warranty period). Important to note is that the reason they replaced the motor and clutch assembly is because we had brought the vehicle in complaining of the door operating poorly in the past. Had we not had problems previously and brought them to the attention of the dealership I suspect they would have claimed there were no problems with the operation of the door. Therefore, I strongly recommend that anyone having issues with their power sliding doors report their problems to the dealership and document their problems/complaints with the dealership.