2011 Toyota Sienna: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~204,800 Incident Date: [XXX] Recent Service: Oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and multipoint inspection performed on November 10, 2025 at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg (Maryland). Description of the Defect: On [XXX] while driving with my child in the vehicle, my 2011 Toyota Sienna experienced a sudden and dangerous failure. A strong burning smell entered the cabin, the ABS warning light illuminated, and then wheels locked up while the vehicle was in motion. At the same time, the steering wheel locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer. The engine immediately lost power and shut down in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed. This failure occurred four days after dealership service at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg, which included an oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The dealership initially claimed the failure was due to a “dead battery,” and the following day changed the explanation to a “shorted alternator.” A weak battery or alternator failure does not explain a mechanical wheel lock or steering wheel lock while driving. The dealership has refused to provide diagnostic documentation or photographs of the components involved. This incident presents a significant safety hazard, and if it had occurred at highway speeds, it could have resulted in a severe crash. I am reporting this to request investigation into a potential safety defect involving the steering system, braking/ABS system, electrical system, or related components. Safety Risk: High. Loss of steering control + wheel lock + engine shutdown presents an immediate crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Steering · NC

Power steering light came on while driving causing the steering system to lose power suddenly. Almost got into an accident because I couldn't effectively turn the wheel. Mechanic inspected and found the steering motor was bad and that CPU needed to be replaced costing almost $4000 in repairs. Now my car is not driveable unless this is fixed. Car has only 140k miles. This is a VERY common problem with Toyota Siennas around these model years

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Electrical · 24,800 miles · FL

I was backing out of my driveway and heard a clunk. The area was clear so I didn't hit anything. Lost power steering and power brakes. The information screen flashed messages to check brakes and contact dealer. I drove back into driveway with difficult steering and slow enough to not need brakes. The engine was running fine. I shut it off thinking something needed to reset. It would not start again. Hat it towed to dealer. They replaced a fuse ($445.00 + towing). My concern is that if this had happened while in traffic at a higher rate of speed, it would be difficult to steer or stop. The dealer stated they had never seen this before where the engine would continue to run and the fuse is usually blown if someone reverses polarity during a jump start. I have had the vehicle for over 1 year and have never jump started it.

Filed Jun 6, 2012 · Transmission · 16,000 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota sienna. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power and decelerated to 25 MPH before stalling without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but the vehicle would accelerate over 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was test driven. The dealer was able to recreate the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 16,000.

Filed May 12, 2012 · Transmission · 14,000 miles · CA

Vehicle would expectedly slow down when you accelerate. The loss of power would last between 2 to 7 seconds. I have already taken the car to the dealer since the 15k-mile service. The dealer could not find anything. Nonetheless, the issue is still occurring on a weekly basis. This is a very serious hazard. Affected vehicle could get rear ended as it accelerate from stop lights when it suddenly slows down. What's worse? Imagine your family in the car when you want to make a left turn, you press the gas pedal to accelerate, but it slows down before you can clear the on coming traffic. I hope toyota is listening to this!!! This defect could have very dire results. I have found similar complaints in various forums online. I am certain more people are experiencing this and don't know where to report it. The federal safety agency, please request similar complain data from toyota dealers about this very dangerous defect.