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 seal, I needed a new rack and pinion system installed, plus a four-wheel alignment after the installation totaling $1187. I mentioned to the technician that I recently had noticed the power steering reservoir lower than usual and recently noticed fluid on my driveway, so that seems to be the cause of those observations. The original problem I brought my Sienna in for of the bearing noise seemed to be a fortunate situation, as it resulted in the revelation of the steer system problem before it led to a more serious situation. After getting the repairs done, I researched the rack and pinion issue and realized that this seems to be a common problem with this make, model, and year. It also seems that with the predictable and regular occurrences of this failure, addressing this through a recall would be a reasonable action Toyota can make in its efforts to continue mitigating potential catastrophic safety events for customers and their families. Thank you for your time in considering this concern. I continue to find that Toyota provides a quality product. I have been a Toyota customer since 1984 and do appreciate Toyota's efforts in maintaining their reputation as a reliable and consumer-focused company.

- Kentwood, MI, USA

Stability and/or traction controls (yaw ?) seemed to want to believe the vehicle was in an understeer -- causing the vehicle to want to brake automatically, sounding a traction control alarm. On a bone - dry road !!!

- Bailey, CO, USA

Steering rack is leaking and this is a danger to people a serious danger. People with vans usually have children and I am reading of all these complaints with the steering tack leak. Toyota is being absolutely ridiculous. We as consumers need to voice more because the more we speak and voice our concerns for our lives the less costs effective it would be for them to ignore us. Remember they do not care about who dies from their lack of concern it is about how much they make and I want a recall for this defect!!!

- Somerville, MA, USA

Steering has handled fine since I bought new March 2006 from Toyota capital dealer; 1st reported on 2/16/13 at 43,123 miles Sienna power steering rack & pinion leaking--cost to repair $1,542.38 (with alignment). Have not repaired yet as fluid level has not changed. Power steering fluid was reported dirty on 3/1/09 at 22,321 miles. Online research shows leaking problem is common & has occurred with other 2006 Sienna's--please recall all the 2006 Sienna's. attached is current mechanic with picture of problem at end of report.

- San Jose, CA, USA

2011 @38000 miles car was diagnostic at dealer with leak power steering rack pinnon assembly, cost roughly $1400 to repair 2016 @65000 miles car was diagnostic at dealer with the same problem for the same part again, dealer want another $1400 for repairing. Called Toyota, customer service was nice and gave me a case number but found no solutions in Toyota's database and want me to contact dealer for financial discount for repair. Searched google and found many similar complaint regarding to steering issues and wonder can this be a design faults or a oem component quality for a safety concern - was warned that "lose of steering capability can cause a accident." Also repeat charging customers for the same expensive assembly of 27000 miles interval should proof the case - it is either a quality or design related problem

- Sammamish, WA, USA

Failure of the rack and pinion boot causes a leak of lubricant and contamination of the rack and pinion system. Since a failure of the boot can lead into not being able to control the steering, this could cause an accident on this minivan and should be recalled bytoyota in order to fix it.. I've seen many complaints online of this specific problem,

- Apopka, FL, USA

Crack or sticky dash due to stick dash sun reflect to your eye which blind you while driving that is dangerous for an accident

- Bedford, TX, USA

Visited the dealer to check the noise, TPMS and vibratingsound when making turns and driving over 35 mph. Tech informed me that the front passenger side tire had bump and found that 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. Miles 85K

- Chandler, AZ, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the metal tube on the return line for the pressure line was rubbing on the engine and oil pan. As a result, the oil pan fractured and caused the power steering fluid to leak. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was awaiting a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

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

- Saint Cloud, MN, USA

On turns, there has been a "clunk" noise under right front driver side. Upon being examined by a local mechanic, I was informed that the right front tie rod is loose and the rack and pinion boot is torn and leaking. Estimated cost of repair was $ 1000. Upon researching this matter I have discovered that this is an extremely common occurrence. I contacted Toyota customer service and was informed that although several Siennas fall under a service campaign to fix this issue, mine does not. They were not willing T O budge on that this is a manufacturer defect. I am understanding that they issued a psb009112 on this issue but not a full recall. I also understand that they changed design after 2006 so obviously a manufacturer issue. Very disappointed in Toyota, as I've had Hyundai and suburu stand by manufacturer defects several times even without a recall via safety campaigns. This seems like a dangerous issue for Toyota not to be concerned.

- Ashford, CT, USA

2006 Toyota Sienna's steering rack and pinion had suddenly developed a leak in a side seal which caused a total loss in power steering assist when the fluid drained out. Dealer has noted the problem but says the failures they've seen are not to be concerned over? Toyota does seem to have a tsb addressing the early failures by issuing a repair or replacement of the rack and pinions for cars under their 3/36K factory warranty, but nothing addressing any kind of compensation to customers who experience the failure who are outside of warranty.

- Iowa City, IA, USA

Driving various speeds, up hill or down and into corners especially the traction control or stability control system would engage the brakes and cut engine power, alarm beeping. Happened several times over a one hour trip. Streering would pull to the right. Driving conditions were such that the system should not have engaged at all. Dry, warm, newer tires driving recommended speeds for the road. All drivers on the road were at risk with the sudden breaking and steering pulling into another lane.

- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

My 2006 Sienna has a low mileage, 38K. A couple of days ago, when replacing the front brake pads, I noticed the power steering rack boot on the front passenger side is leaking. I googled it online and found so many 2nd generation Siennas are having the same issue. So it much be a design flaw. Toyota needs to issue a recall for this.

- Riverwoods, IL, USA

Noticed leak in front passenger side of Sienna van. Took to dealership, who identified the leak source as the steering rack. Part was not replaced under warranty, as too many years and 423 miles beyond warranty period. Broken part 44250-08040 replaced part as Toyota 44250-08041 failure of part, if not caught soon, enough, could cause loss of steering control while driving. Toyota is well aware of the problem and even issues a service bulletin as tsb-0097-12 in addition to a new replacement part. There are many complaints about the failure of this part not long after warranty period is over. I believe the part was defective as installed. I add my voice to the many who have replaced this part and wish to complain about the lack of response from Toyota corporation. Dot should investigate this and similar steering rack parts. After Toyota brushed off my complaint via phone support, I received written usps mail identifying a warranty enhancement notification for a separate problem with the dashboard/instrument panel, due to cracking and sticky dashboards. Obviously, if enough affected owners document their complaints about failing steering racks, Toyota might become serious about the problem. Typical cost of part is $1200-$1600.

- San Diego, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair and the technician noticed that the rack and pinion was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 7/7/15 updated 9/15/15

- Newport News, VA, USA

1) August 2013 during an oil change the dealer technician notified me the steering rack needed replacing due to oil leaks from the rack and pinion ($1000 repairs). 2) September 2014 asked dealer to check air conditioning ac right center console blower. After recharging the system with dye, found the ac lines to the rear cabin corroded under the wheel wells -- recommended $1500 to replace entire lines (I declined pending further inspection summer 2015). 3) February 2015 noticed right side power sliding door stopped working electronically, with key fob, interior switches, etc., and would only work when pulling open/closing manually by hand. Actuators still worked to "lock" the door during the last inch closing/opening. Noticed black cable sheathing frayed and bare in spots, showing steel cable inside, but cable still intact. Found online forums stating many having similar issues. Located my extension to warranty enhancement notice from Toyota mailing stating "certain 2004-2007 model year Sienna rear sliding door latch assemblies and power sliding door cable assemblies" may be covered (up to 120K or 9 years from original date of purchase, whichever came first), via the Toyota customer support program. However, this "enhancement" does not cover door motor assembly failures, which my dealer technician identified as the probable main cause of the door not working properly (after having removed part of the door for inspection). I declined the $1000 labor + $1200 parts ($2200 total) motor, but accepted the free cable assembly warranty coverage. Am now using the door in manual mode only. My concerns: These parts are wearing out prematurely under normal use/wear and tear.

- Madison, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Sienna. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.

- Los Altos , CA, USA

Rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. Mechanic at Firestone indicated that he used to work at a Toyota dealership where he witnessed dozens and dozens of Sienna's whose rack and pinion steering was leaking and required replaced. We had the work done at Toyota but it cost over $1,400. The rack and pinion steering should not have been leaking. Our car was garage kept for 100% of its life, and was well cared for. I believe this item should be a formal recall handed down to Toyota. Thank you.

- Hagerstown, MA, USA

My 2006 Toyota Sienna has only 66,500 miles on it and when I took it to the dealer for inspections, I was told that it needed a new power steering rack and a wheel alignment to go with it. The charge for the same is $1300 plus. I am seeing several people having the same issue with the 2006 Toyota Sienna. When I called Toyota about it, they mentioned that my vehicle is not under recall for this purpose. It does seem to be a design issue and I believe Toyota should take ownership of this issue.

- Downingtown, PA, USA