Recent 2006 SIENNA Investigations

• Defect Investigation #EA08024 - STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDING
• Defect Investigation #EA06020 - UNEXPECTED CLOSING OF POWER LIFTGATE

• STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDING Defect Investigation for the 2006 SIENNA

  • NHTSA Investigation #EA08024
  • Investigation Opened October 28 2008.
  • Status Closed

  Vehicle Component: Steering:Linkages*

  Summary: ODI's analysis of warranty data shows that the alleged defect has occurred in just 0.2 percent of the subject vehicle population. When the analysis is limited to salt-belt states, the rate is still well below one percent of the population (0.4 percent). In addition, tests conducted by ODI and Toyota have shown that the alleged defect has a minimal affect on steering efforts. ODI interviews of owners who experienced the alleged defect indicated that in most cases the problem was preceded by months or years of noise or a gradual increase in steering efforts in the initial steering maneuvers after first starting a cold vehicle. The subject vehicles have been in service for 4 to 5 years with no crashes or injuries associated with the alleged defect. Toyota's technical service bulletin provides assistance to service technicians in the early diagnosis and repair of the alleged defect condition. Accordingly, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. For additional information regarding this engineering analysis refer to the EA08-024 closing report.

  More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA08024 »

  Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on July 16 2009 and no recall was issued.

  * This defect investigation is filed under 3 related vehicle components.
  

• UNEXPECTED CLOSING OF POWER LIFTGATE Defect Investigation for the 2006 SIENNA

  • NHTSA Investigation #EA06020
  • Investigation Opened December 01 2006.
  • Status RECALL »

  Vehicle Component: Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate*

  Summary: On May 30, 2008, Toyota initiated a safety recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 196,000 model year 2004-2006 Toyota sienna vehicles equipped with power liftgates (recall 08V-244). The recall will provide the opportunity for vehicle owners to obtain new struts that are more robust. Based on these actions, the Agency has decided to close the investigation. While Toyota has not made a decision that the recalled vehicles contain a safety-related defect, in view of the recall, further use of the Agency's resources does not appear to be warranted. The closing of this investigation does not constitute any finding by NHTSA. The Agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Additional information can be found in the engineering analysis report.

  More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA06020 »

  Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on June 25 2008 and there was a recall ordered: #08V244000

  * This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.