Toyota Sienna Steering and Brake Defects

The owners of certain Toyota Sienna minivans will be contacted regarding problems affecting the steering and braking of their vehicles.

The first recall affects certain 2017-2020 Sienna minivans with steering shaft extensions manufactured by a Braun supplier between February 19, 2019 and April 18,2019.  According to the defect report, the steering shaft extension may have been produced outside specifications and could have a reduced wall thickness. These thin walls can be prone to cracking and the steering shaft extension could fracture, resulting in loss of steering. The recall condition may occur without warning, so owners are encouraged to have repairs done immediately. Braun has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions, free of charge.

The second recall involves AMS Genesis wheelchair access built on certain 2012-2018 Toyota Sienna vehicles. The rubber brake hose attaching the hard line to the rear wheel assembly may be too short after the van has been converted. The hose could chaff on the rear axle trailing arm, eventually leading to hose failure and loss of braking. Signs that there could be a problem include visible chaffing on the hose, a soft brake pedal or a brake pedal that goes to the floor when pressed. Vantage Mobility International will notify owners to return to their dealers to have a new set of rear brake hoses installed.