This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The steering binds during turns. I have noticed that the problem gets worse over time to a point that it seems dangerous to drive. When you turn the wheel, the wheel catches and turns the van real quickly in an uncontrolled manner. My mechanic has stated he needs to replace the steering rack.
2004 Toyota Sienna: Problems with the power steering. I live in MA and during the winter the power steering will intermittently work. There is not power steering from between 10 and 2 O'clock and then it will kick in. Also it will not return to zero on its own. Trying to make a turn you have to pull hard and then it will kick in and you almost run into the guardrail. After pulling back the other way it is hard and then once it kicks in I almost drive into oncoming traffic. I have read other readers complaints on "aboutautomobile.com" and there is a problem with the intermediate power steering shaft have corrosion issues in high salt area. Toyota has changed this on later models so they know there is a problem. I feel this is a major issue that will lead to an accident.
Steering problem on 2004 Toyota Sienna. Steering will jerk as the wheel is turned - requires extra effort to turn the wheel and then will jerk through that direction. It then has tendency to stick, so vehicle continues turning when steering wheel grasp is relaxed. Operator needs to quickly respond to avoid loss of control. Problem is most pronounced when vehicle is cold but still noticeable after it has warmed up. The problem came on suddenly about one week ago. Vehicle has ~82,000miles.
Approximately 20 months ago, began experiencing very difficult steering. Steering acted as if loss of power steering. Difficult to turn and would not return to neutral always, especially in cold weather. Near accident when steering would not return to neutral as expected. Last summer, steering improved in warm weather. This winter, constant problem and did not go away with return of warm weather. From what I have seen on this website, very common and expensive problem.
- Parma, OH, USA
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The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. When the contact started the vehicle, she noticed that the steering column became very stiff and difficult to maneuver when turning. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that a shaft was failing. The repair would cost $375. The contact is currently waiting for the parts to arrive for the repair. She is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 111,000 and current mileage was 112,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the steering was binding. The steering wheel locks in different positions while driving, which makes steering difficult. The dealer will repair the vehicle, but not under warranty. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 58,000.
2004 Toyota Sienna steering. Steering suddenly binds while attempting to turn. Very hard to steer at times. Hard to control. There is 2 to 3 seconds delay and slight acceleration lag even when taking off from a stop. Couple of times I was close to run into accident.
The universal joint at the bottom of the intermediate steering shaft has rusted and is seizing. This problem occurs at varying degrees dependent upon temperature and humidity. At its best, steering is a little difficult and unpredictably responsive. At it's worse, steering is nearly impossible. It feels as though the power steering is alternating between working correctly and actually working against the driver. This alternation occurs in about 30 degree intervals as the wheel is turned. This makes for very unpredictable driving and may lead to a crash. I have researched this online and found that many people, particularly people in high road salt regions, are having this problem. Toyota has created tsb ST001-07 concerning it, but does not consider it a big enough problem to cause a recall. I am amazed that a known problem that could cause the car to be un-steerable is not serious enough for Toyota or NHTSA to designate a recall.
Steering binding or increased steering effort on Toyota 2004 Sienna. Steering requires extra effort while turning, and does not always return by itself (requires effort to return to 0 degrees). This condition varies (different effort at different points in the turning arc) from turn to turn, making it a hazard for driving. It is similar to partial loss of power steering midway through a turn. Seems to be getting worse. I understand there is a tsb to fix this problem, which I am trying to obtain so the problem can get fixed correctly. (don't want to be overcharged for unnecessary work).
Steering suddenly began to bind when turning at low speed and increasing difficult to steer, especially in cold temperatures. Dealership found rusting knuckles on steering shaft and installed new shaft. Vehicle had only 42,000 miles. Never had a problem like this with 2 previous Toyota, one of them eleven years old! very unsafe and expensive to repair. My opinion Toyota should recall.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Sienna. While driving 5 mph, the contact noticed that the steering was tighter than normal. A repair shop checked the steering fluid level for leaks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the rack and pinion failed. The dealer replaced the rack and pinion at the cost of $1,500; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they stated that the failure could be due to the intermediate shaft pump. A report was filed with the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that there was no tsb to explain how to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 41,000 and current mileage was 41,500.
Steering is binding on my 2004 Toyota Sienna. The dealership that I brought the vehicle to said they found no tsb for this vehicle yet this sight said two tsb's exist. The dealer charged me over $1400 and the steering problem still is not fixed.
I have 67,000 miles on my van and I am presently on my 3rd set of 4 tires (12 total) averaging 20,000 miles for one set. I have a lifetime wheel alignment on the car when purchased new and have alignment checked every 5,000 miles. Never had a vehicle with this type of horrendous tire wearout which must be the suspension on the vehicle, I appear not to be alone due to numerous complaint. Can a recall be done based upon the unusual tread wear and frequency of customer complaints.
We have a 2004 Toyota Sienna. Once the weather turned cold we experienced severely hard turning. It is ok in the neutral position, however when steering left or right it is not only hard to turn but it will not return to neutral without much effort. Very dangerous.
2004 Toyota Sienna. When turning the steering wheel in either direction, it becomes difficult to turn, jams, and fails to turn back to the correct driving position.
Corrosion of steering intermediate shaft universal joints. Steering got progressively worse and would bind when turning the vehicle. Very hard to control the vehicle while driving and making turns.
2004 Toyota Sienna steering binding, does not return to neutral position. NHTSA PE08041 addresses this problem as corrosion of universal joint on intermediate steering shaft. Muller Toyota of Washington, NJ 908-638-4100 confirmed intermediate shaft needs to be replaced, cost $575 invoice #L75877. Have not replaced shaft yet, is Toyota going to recall this defect?
I began experiencing a stiffness in my power steering on 12-15-08. I checked the power steering fluid level and it appeared to be low. I added a few ounces. Two days of driving later and there was no change. I took the van to the Toyota dealership today, 12-18-08, and they identified the problem as corrosion to the flex joint of the intermediate shaft of the power steering rack and pinion. They did tell me that the situation could degrade to the point where power steering could fail. Cost of repair was quoted as $500 plus $70 for related/required front-end alignment. The root cause was said to likely be water entering the seal of the joint, causing rust to form on/around the bearings. Other reports of road salt being the cause, seem to suggest that under-carriage cleaning would, in fact, prevent the corrosion. This dealers position is that the high-pressure spraying of the under-carriage was, itself, causing the corrosion to begin.
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- Erie, PA, USA