2011 Toyota Sienna: loss of power steering

6 of the 615 complaints about the 2011 Toyota Sienna describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 58,545
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2020
1
2017
2
2015
1
2013
1
2012
2
2011
6
2010
2
2009
3
2008
2
2007
1
2006
4
2005
6
2004
20
2003
1
2002
1
2001
1
2000
1
1999
1

What owners say

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 Oct 13, 2016 · Steering · 63,000 miles · NC

My toyota sienna 2011 was on parked and stationary. When I restarted vehicle electric power steering failed. My steering became manual. It is hard to turn. I had to tow my car to toyota dealer. After the check and based on their experience, toyota dealer said that it is an electric failure in power steering system and I have to replace the whole power steering system. I have to pay $2032. Based on internet search, toyota sienna 2011 has this issue on the market. Other toyota cars which used the same system and built in 2011 had the recall. Only toyota sienna 2011 in not in recall. Called manufacturer and toyota disagreed to call as a recall item. Rather they paid me $750, and I had to pay $840 for the fix. Toyota sienna 2011 power steering electric failure is common, should be a recall item. Toyota sienna 2011, mileage 63000.

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Steering · 158,000 miles · NY

On nov 2, 2014 at around 5:40am, after turning from 7th avenue to w50th st for about 200ft at manhattan, the power steering was suddenly dead. The power steering fault indicating light was on. When trying move the vehicle to a park/stand, the vehicle steering was very difficult to turn.

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 16, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 21,960 miles · WA

2011 toyota sienna. While driving about 40 MPH, the power steering failed as the steering traction control and the vsc warning lights illuminated. Steering wheel is very heavy and hard to turn. When parking or turning at a road cross the steering wheel seized.

Filed May 12, 2014 · Steering · 58,545 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota sienna. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the power steering failed as the steering traction control and the vsc warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,545 and the current mileage was unknown.