Toyota Sienna power steering loss problems

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 Sep 15, 2025 · Steering · AL

The battery light came on suddenly and the power steering went out making it extremely difficult to steer the vehicle. An accident was narrowly avoided. We replaced the battery, alternator, and serpentine belt. The problem resolved for over 6 months, then reappeared. It starts with no issue, is charging properly, the serpentine belt is intact. The power steering will come on and go off sporadically, the only warning being the battery indicator on the dash that comes on first. This creates a substantial hazard and risk as the steering is severely impacted with little warning.

Filed Jul 26, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I was driving around 30 MPH when the vehicle suddenly turned off. The engine stopped running, all instrumentation turned off, no power steering and no brakes. The car became uncontrollable until it coasted to a stop.

Filed Sep 29, 2023 · Steering · MA

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist. Additionally, the "Check Vehicle Stability Control System", "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", and "Lane Departure Alert" messages were displayed. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no open recalls on the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V532000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 10, 2022 · Driver assistance, Engine · 115,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart while in Park; however, the vehicle restarted when he shifted into Neutral. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as there were no open recalls associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Nov 12, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 180,000 miles · VA

The traction control, stability, and ABS engage in turns (steering input) ranging from speeds of 25-55 MPH. It happens on flat surfaces, inclines and declines. The turn range from sharp turns to slight turns that there is no reduction of speed to navigate the turn. When it occurs the vehicle rapidly decelerates and pulls to the right. When trying to accelerate in a turn the vehicle will not accelerate until there is no steering input. Dealers and mechanics can not determine the cause. It has been occurring daily for about 6 months. This has caused many near crashes.

Filed Aug 29, 2019 · Steering · 67,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 toyota sienna. While driving, the steering wheel made a beeping noise and became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the beeping noise grew louder. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to palm beach toyota (200 s congress ave, west palm beach, fl 33406, (561) 701-9306), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering failed and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a toyota dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Steering · 76,000 miles · IL

When at low speeds, turning left or right...there is a clunking sound. Forums suggest that the issue is either the intermediate steering linkage. If this fails will it cause lock up or loss of steering? This should be looked into. So far, I have had only this 'clunking' sound.

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 150,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota sienna. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the traction control warning indicator illuminated and a warning chime sounded. The vehicle lost steering and braking ability, and the steering wheel started to jerk from left to right. The contact continued to drive and the failures went away after thirty seconds. The contact stated that the failures randomly started approximately one year ago and grew worse. The contact also mentioned that the lock on the sliding door showed that it was unlocked; however, no one could exit the vehicle when attempting to open the door from the inside or the outside. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2018 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NC

The vehicle made thumping / popping noise when turning steering - mostly turning left, but not exclusive to left turns. The sound was recognizable more during lower speeds, and less noticeable at higher speeds. This went on for a couple of months, and fearing safety issues and loss of steering, I got it fixed at the dealership. The dealership replaced the steering mid-shaft and had to perform the alignment at a cost of approx $650. It has been 3 weeks since, and the issue has not occurred again.