The steering column is rotting on my 2005 Sienna. This began slowly about 3.5 years after purchase of the new scienna...grew steadily worse until wheel was difficult to turn.
Update from Oct 12, 2010: The van was recalled due to the spare tire bracket being corroded. We were experiencing steering problems so had the vehicle inspected for a problem. It turns out the U-joint on the steering column was also corroded, causing the steering rack and shaft to corrode and rot. Toyota declined to address the issue, although the connection between the corroded bracket and the corrosion of the steering u-joint after only 36 months seemed obvious to us.
This is a very serious safety issue as the power steering would intermittently freeze up as you were driving. It turned out that the "enclosed" shaft had a rusted universal joint that prevented it from rotating properly. It was way to expensive to fix! Toyota should issue a recall for this.
Otherwise this has been a great vehicle with regard to comfort, handling, convenience, gas mileage (we average 25mpg including city & highway) and low maintenance.
- Sally B.,
Shelburne, NH, US
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The steering column is rotting on my 2005 Sienna. This began slowly about 3.5 years after purchase of the new scienna...grew steadily worse until wheel was difficult to turn.
Update from Oct 12, 2010: The van was recalled due to the spare tire bracket being corroded. We were experiencing steering problems so had the vehicle inspected for a problem. It turns out the U-joint on the steering column was also corroded, causing the steering rack and shaft to corrode and rot. Toyota declined to address the issue, although the connection between the corroded bracket and the corrosion of the steering u-joint after only 36 months seemed obvious to us.
- Rebecca P., Amelia, VA, US