RACK AND PINION FAILURE. DEAR SIR/MADAM: I BROUGHT MY 2006 SIENNA (PURCHASED NEW) TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO WHAT I SUSPECTED WAS A BAD WHEEL BEARING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE BEARING PROBLEM, BUT ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THE SEAL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RACK AND PINION HAD GONE BAD AND HAD LEADED INTO THE BOOT ON THAT SIDE, AND SINCE THERE WAS NO WAY TO JUST REPLACE THE…
2006 Toyota Sienna steering problems
severe 61 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
THE STEERING RACK AND PINION SECTOR IS LEAKING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BOOT AND THE STEERING HAS A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Toyota Sienna?
It's a meaningful issue. 61 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.