TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Toyota Sienna steering problems
severe 61 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 61 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Toyota Sienna, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 61 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Toyota Sienna in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A new repair procedure and overhaul kit have been developed for repairing the power steering rack to improve the overall serviceability and reduce ownership cost. This repair procedure only applies to vehicles where the steering rack leak is originating from the right (passenger) side and is the OEM steering rack assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0030-14 .
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TOYOTA: INFORMATION BEING PROVIDED REGARDING REPAIR PROCEDURE TO CORRECT OIL LEAKAGE FROM BOOTS OF STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Sienna steering system shows a pattern of failures that owners describe as design flaws rather than wear items. The most common complaint is power steering rack seal failure, typically discovered between 60,000 and 85,000 miles during routine service or alignment checks. Fluid leaks from the boot on the passenger side; Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0097-12 in 2012 and a limited 2011 recall covering only certain VINs, leaving many owners out of pocket for $1,100 to $1,600 replacements. Toyota changed the rack design after 2006, confirming awareness of the defect.
A distinct and alarming pattern emerges around stability control false activations. VSC and ABS systems engage unexpectedly on dry roads during normal driving, triggering loud alarms, brake lock-up, and loss of steering control—most dangerous on curves or highway ramps at speeds between 20 and 70 mph. Drivers report multiple incidents over months or years. Mechanics cannot reproduce the fault or pull diagnostic codes, even with computer hooked up during an event. No dealer has supplied a fix; one owner considered disabling the entire system.
Owners also report steering wheel lock-up on cold starts or low-speed maneuvering, vehicle drift to the right despite repeated alignments, and isolated cases of sudden total loss of steering and brake function. Several owners note corrosion, torn boot rubber, or high steering effort appearing prematurely. Most shops and dealerships acknowledge these are common issues but dispute responsibility, leaving owners bearing repair costs.
Same Toyota Sienna steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Rack/Pinion Seal Failure and Fluid Leaks
The power steering rack develops internal or boot seal failures that allow power steering fluid to leak into the boot or driveway. In many cases, the entire rack and pinion assembly must be replaced, as separate seal replacement is not possible. Leaks typically appear on the passenger side; fluid loss can eventually cause complete loss of power steering assist.
When: Reported from 38,000 miles to 96,000 miles; one case at 200,000 miles; most common between 60,000–85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid visible on driveway or under vehicle; Lower-than-normal power steering fluid level; Fluid pooled or visible in steering rack boot; Loss of power steering assist when fluid drains completely
Repairs/costs cited: Complete rack and pinion replacement required; typical cost $1,100–$1,600 including alignment. Part number 44250-08040 replaced with 44250-08041. Labor $1,000; parts $1,200–$1,400.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0097-12 (July 2012) addressing early rack failures under 3/36K factory warranty; later issued 2011 recall covering certain 2004–2007 model year Siennas (not all VINs); no full recall or broad warranty extension for post-warranty failures. One owner noted 2011 recall but VIN was excluded.
Unexplained VSC/ABS/Stability Control False Activations
Vehicle stability control (VSC), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control engage without warning on dry roads and normal driving conditions. System activates beeping alarm, applies brakes unexpectedly, and causes steering to lock or pull sharply in one direction, severely limiting driver control. Activations occur most often during gentle or moderate curves at speeds 20–70 mph but can happen while driving straight. Mechanics and Toyota dealers cannot reproduce or diagnose the issue; no diagnostic codes appear even when computer is connected during an event.
When: Reported from approximately 79,000 miles onward; many cases indicate recurring incidents over 1–2+ years
Symptoms owners cite: Slip indicator light or VSC light illuminates; Alarm sounds with loud beeping; ABS brakes activate unexpectedly, slowing or jerking the vehicle; Steering becomes very stiff or locked; severe pulling to one side; Loss of vehicle control during activation; Incidents occur most often on curves or highway ramps, also on straight dry roads; Vehicle slows dramatically without driver input
Codes mentioned: VSC light, Traction control light, ABS warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No confirmed repair; mechanics unable to reproduce. Some owners have replaced struts, wheel bearings, brakes, tires, and steering components without resolving issue. One owner considered disabling entire VSC system. Suggested next troubleshooting: rack and pinion inspection, yaw sensor reset (attempted but unsuccessful in one case), loose suspension inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota customer service reportedly stated they have never heard of the problem; dealers unable to provide remedy or recall. One owner reported Toyota sent vehicle to arbitration without resolution.
Steering Wheel Lock-Up or Stiffness on Startup or During Turning
Steering wheel becomes stuck, locked, or extremely stiff, preventing normal turning or return to center. Lock-up occurs most often when first starting vehicle or when attempting to maneuver at low speeds (backing out driveway, parking, making turns). In some cases, steering feels normal after a brief delay or minor corrective turn.
When: Reported from early 2006 onward; often noted on Sunday mornings after vehicle sat overnight or all day
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked as if turned to extreme end (but wheels are not); Steering extremely stiff or unresponsive at startup; Requires manual forcing of wheel in opposite direction to free it; Occurs most often at low speeds or during parking/backing maneuvers; Steering returns to normal after forcing or brief delay
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported cases; owner still driving vehicle.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side (Usually Right)
Vehicle drifts or pulls sharply to the right (or occasionally left) when driving straight, particularly at highway speeds or when accelerator applied from dead stop. Pulling persists despite multiple wheel alignments and repairs. One owner noted dealer service manager claimed drift was normal for Sienna model, contradicted by comparison drive in dealer courtesy van.
When: Reported from early ownership; cases documented from 2008 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts or pulls to right when driving straight; Sharp pull when releasing steering wheel; Pulling occurs at dead stop when accelerator applied; Persists despite multiple wheel alignments; Pulling continues even after front-end repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment checked multiple times (up to three times) without resolving issue. No confirmed repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota refused to address in one documented case; vehicle sent to arbitration without resolution.
Steering Rack Boot Damage/Torn Rubber Boot
The rubber protective boot that covers the steering rack joints tears or develops holes, allowing contaminants to enter and power steering fluid to leak out. Owners suspect debris from nearby belts or other engine components may sling-strike and damage the boot. Torn boot exposes steering joints to rust and potential failure.
When: Reported at various mileages; one case at 85,000 miles with knocking noise
Symptoms owners cite: Torn or frayed rubber boot on rack and pinion; Visible fraying or bare spots on cable sheathing (in one related case); Fluid leakage through torn boot; Knocking or clunking noise when turning steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Boot damage is a symptom of the larger rack failure; most repairs involve full rack replacement ($1,100–$1,600).
Sudden Total Steering/Brake Failure Under Load
In rare but severe cases, steering wheel seizes completely and brake pedal fails simultaneously, leaving driver with no control. Vehicle may spin multiple times before engine can be shut off. Injuries sustained; police reports filed. One case occurred at 140,000 miles; another at approximately 50 mph with no warning.
When: Reported at high mileages: 140,000 miles (one case); 59,363 miles (another)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly seizes/locks completely; Brake pedal becomes unresponsive; Vehicle unable to be steered or slowed; Vehicle may spin uncontrollably; No warning lights observed
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; manufacturer and dealer not made aware. Other case not diagnosed.
Steering Shaft Corrosion or Increased Turning Effort
Steering shaft develops corrosion resulting in significantly increased effort required to turn the wheel from neutral or return to center after turning. Condition emerged in vehicle less than 4 years old and reported to Toyota customer service; dealer agreed it is not typical for a vehicle of that age.
When: Reported at approximately 3.5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: High steering effort required to turn from neutral; High steering effort required to return steering to center after turn; Steering shaft corrosion visible/confirmed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota customer service was made aware but did not provide remedy; local dealership acknowledged as atypical failure.
Steering Column Partial Fracture
Steering column develops a partial fracture, causing steering to become uncontrollable when driving over road bumps and during parking attempts. Vehicle hesitates abnormally when decelerating.
When: Reported at 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal hesitation when decelerating; Steering becomes uncontrollable over road bumps; Steering uncontrollable during parking attempts; Partial fracture in steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no assistance provided.
Power Steering Pressure/Return Line Damage or Rubbing
Metal tube on return line for pressure line rubs against engine and oil pan, eventually fracturing the oil pan and causing power steering fluid to leak. Represents a design or mounting issue.
When: Reported at 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal pressure/return tube rubbing on engine and oil pan; Oil pan fracture; Power steering fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; awaiting diagnosis at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified.
Synthesized from 61 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 steering rack and pinion sector is leaking from the passenger side boot and the steering has a knocking noise when turning the steering wheel
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Toyota Sienna?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
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?
Across the 48 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 63,634 and 140,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 63,634; a quarter make it past 140,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Toyota/Sienna.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.