1. Toyota Sienna
  2. Problems
  3. 2005
  4. Steering

2005 Toyota Sienna Steering Problems

72
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 72 stored complaint records:

  • 0 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 1 indicate fire

What owners report

  • power steering · 21 records
  • steering wheel · 14 records
  • rack pinion · 11 records
  • steering shaft · 9 records
  • hard turn · 6 records
  • steering rack · 6 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi24
60–100k mi19
30–60k mi13
150–400k mi5
1–30k mi4

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • January 11, 2014 · 800,000 miles

    Steering

    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. *tr

    ODI 10692748

  • January 9, 2014

    Steering

    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…

    ODI 10911063

  • January 1, 2014 · 128,000 miles

    Electrical System · Steering · Vehicle Speed Control

    On hwy 1 from pacifica to santa cruz, driving approx, 45-50mph around the bends and curves, the van's vsc light would come on along with warning beeping and the car would try to "correct" itself by steering straight when i needed it not to. This happened again approx. 1-2 months later while driving along hwy 50, at approx. 45-50mph up to south lake tahoe on the same dry, but winding/curvy roads, the car would try to…

    ODI 10604813

  • November 11, 2013 · 125,000 miles

    Electronic Stability Control · Steering

    Vehicle's traction control engages without cause when traveling more than 35 mph on a curve or bend. Road speed limit is somewhere between 55-60 mph. If vehicle is traveling more than 40 mph, car's traction control and brakes engage, slowing car down to [redacted] conditions are normal. Vehicle has been seen by local toyota dealership over 5 times in the last year. They are unable to diagnose issue or reproduce it.…

    ODI 10653263

  • October 7, 2013 · 78,000 miles

    Steering

    Steering problem involving a "freezing" of the wheel and then a gradual ability to resume steering. Today the problem occurred while making a turn and not just at start up. *tr

    ODI 10680471

  • August 8, 2013 · 128,888 miles

    Service Brakes · Steering

    I was backing out of space in parking lot. With engine still on and running, the steering column locked and the brakes became inoperative. Fortunately i was able to jam down on emergency brake to keep from backing into other vehicles across the aisle in the lot. *tr

    ODI 10536310

  • July 17, 2013 · 56,320 miles

    Steering

    Rack and pinion had to be replaced because of leakage. *tr

    ODI 10533481

  • April 23, 2013 · 103,310 miles

    Steering

    My wife started the car and claimed how hard it was to turn the steering wheel. We drove to a location using the expressway and the problem continued. It made turning under motion very difficult. I took the wheel on our return and confirmed how awkward it was. So we drove to our garage. They called us later and said the input shaft malfunctioned. Cost of part from toyota $374.19 plus tax and labor. Only one left in…

    ODI 10511112

  • February 22, 2013 · 147,333 miles

    Steering

    Vehicle had been parked. When we backed out i turned the wheel to the left. There was a "clunk" and it felt like i just went over some object with the right front tire. We could find nothing in the parking lot that would contribute to this. I drove the car that day without further incident. The next day we went on a 430 mile trip. Several times that we parked we heard the same "clunk" and felt a slight drop in the…

    ODI 10504635

  • September 27, 2012 · 116,000 miles

    Steering

    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. *tr

    ODI 10479728

  • September 24, 2012 · 84,000 miles

    Steering

    Upon routine oil change appointment, vehicle was found to need the power steering rack replaced. It appears this has been a common problem in toyota sienna minivans model years 2004 through 2006. Repair requires replacing power steering rack and aligning car, totaling more than $1000.00. *tr

    ODI 10477152

  • September 7, 2012 · 120,000 miles

    Service Brakes · Steering · Vehicle Speed Control · Wheels

    2005 toyota sienna's vehicle stability control engaged for no reason while in many different conditions (dry, wet, curve, straight, it didn't matter) making me lose control of the car. The vsc, trac off and check engine lights came on and a beeping sound engaged while the care took over not allowing driver input. I had to put it in neutral until it turned off. I have read many accounts online of other toyota sienna…

    ODI 10691381

  • August 14, 2012 · 85,000 miles

    Steering

    While i was driving, my steering started locking on me. I was going thru mountain driving and as i try to get control on situation it started to become much harder to control. To avoid any unpleasant incident i decided to move over in right lane and slow down significantly to keep control on the car. Once the mountain driving was over i tried to find reliable shop to get this issue fixed as this was getting worst.…

    ODI 10471883

  • July 17, 2012 · 119,000 miles

    Engine · Steering

    During inspection and repair of other vehicle recalls, it was determined that power steering assembly was severely leaking fluids, that radiator was leaking in 3 places, and air conditioning coils hoses\brackets were corroded and cracked due to manufacturer using two dissimilar metals (such as steel bolts in aluminum assembly) and thereby requiring immediate replacement for safety. Toyota dealership upon inspection…

    ODI 10467041

  • May 16, 2012 · 111,248 miles

    Steering

    My vehicle 2005 toyota sienna xle limited awd is experiencing a serious safety scare and concern, i have noticed the steering wheel column making loud pop noise at idle while turning the wheel, and while driving and turn at the speed 15mph or up. The loud pop and clicking noise is also associated with the feeling the u joint at the steering column shaft is badly design, and causing a real safety concern for the…

    ODI 10460031

  • April 26, 2012

    Steering

    The steering on this vehicle has become very hard. At variuos speeds the steering goes from fluid to hard, and feels as though it's turning on a flat tire. *tr

    ODI 10456527

  • February 8, 2012 · 76,050 miles

    Steering · Vehicle Speed Control

    During the turning of the steering wheel to the left at 5-10 mph, in making a left turn, clicks and clunking noise could be heard and felt through the steering wheel. At one point, i had to apply bigger turning force to the left as if i was overcoming some unusual resistance in the steering column, making the turn uneasy and non-smooth. *tr

    ODI 10471421

  • January 11, 2012 · 70,000 miles

    Steering

    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. *tr

    ODI 10495219

  • October 12, 2011 · 98,000 miles

    Steering

    Steering very hard and "bumpy" during low speed maneuvering when first driven for the day. Internet search revealed many others have very similar problem that improved after spraying "steering knuckle" with penetrating type oil. Appears steering link is becoming corroded and sticky. Vehicle is always garaged when not being driven. Called toyota dealer, they are aware of problem but say toyota hq has not authorized…

    ODI 10498277

  • September 13, 2011 · 54,257 miles

    Door · Electrical System · Seat Belts · Steering

    1. Second row seat belt locked tight to passenger (unable to loosen) during steady speed as well when in standby. Need to unlatch and fullly retract in order to extend it out again. 2. Rack and pinion starts leaking power steering fluid and starts generating noise when making a turn. 3. Passenger side slide door fails to open from inside and by remote. Further research confirmed failure of lock release actuator. *tr

    ODI 10427066

  • August 11, 2011 · 41,882 miles

    Steering

    Vehicle did feel safe to drive because it was very hard to turn and driving was like there was a loose wheel. My wife almost climbed curves when she tried to make turns. Brought the car to the dealer and they replaced the binding steering shaft and binding steering rack. The 2005 toyota sienna had only 41,000 miles on it. The car was not involved in any accident or major repair. I believe this is a safety issue and…

    ODI 10420932

  • August 7, 2011 · 57,000 miles

    Steering

    Steering has become difficult on 2005 sienna. Feels like it is binding and releasing. It is intermediate and can happen during turning or a sticking when adjusting down a straight away. Thru the internet, it seems the intermediate shaft assembly with a universal joint that fails from corrosion is to blame and i will be replacing it soon. After documented cases here and several toyota tsbs this isn't getting as much…

    ODI 10421218

  • May 9, 2011 · 82,438 miles

    Steering

    STEERING LEAKING. *TR

    ODI 10402020

  • August 15, 2010 · 114,672 miles

    Latches/Locks/Linkages · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Steering

    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…

    ODI 10351169

  • July 20, 2010 · 88,000 miles

    Steering

    I noticed that occasionally the steering would be a little stiff. Then the steering became very stiff when turning. Often the steering would jerk to one side or another leading to the car moving suddenly. The car is not drivable now. The entire steering shaft is being replaced at an approximate cost of $1500. *tr

    ODI 10344912