Problems › Toyota › 2011 Venza
2011 Toyota Venza Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~3.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 7 of 10 Toyota Venza years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Toyota Venza, cited in 15 of 59 filed complaints (25%).
Service Brakes is next (9 complaints, 15%), followed by Seats (8), Air Bags (5), Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (5).
Across all complaints, 5 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 7 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Structure: 2 crash, 4 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota Venza, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 59.
Electrical System 15 2 fire 3 injury
“THE POWER-DRIVEN BACK HATCH CAUGHT SOME FINGERS IN IT AS IT CLOSED. THIS HAPPENED TO ME ([XXX]) SEVERAL WEEKS AGO AND I IGNORED IT. IT HAPPENED TO MY GRANDSON ([XXX]) YESTERDAY. IT DIDN'T BREAK ANY BONES BUT DID DO SOME FLESH DAMAGE AND CAUSED SOME SERIOUS PAIN. IS THERE ANY WAY OF TURNING OFF THE POWER-DRIVEN FEATURE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11051651, 2017 · 2 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT END, BURNING THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSE BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A DISLOCATED SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 7,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10467658, 2012 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT WARMER MODULE CONNECTION MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,162.”
NHTSA complaint #10787954, 2014 · fire
Service Brakes 9 2 crash
“Major brake problem ; we were saved miraculously I have a Toyota Venza 2011 and I am the only owner ; the car drives smooth , however with major brakes issue My brakes and rotors are still in good condition, however; twice in the highway I wanted to slow down and the brakes don’t work , I freak out and my steering wheel looses control and almost hit cars but after a couple minutes it works The worst one was a couple days ago ; was driving at 30 miles an hour trying yo drop off my daughter for her game , hit the curb , brakes completely Lost Control and the car won’t stop We panicked the ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11428931, 2021 · crash
“CAR WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT REVVED ITS ENGINE AND ACCELARATED. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. THE REVVING NOISE WAS LOUD. I HIT A LARGE TREE THAT WAS LUCKILY AT THE END OF THE PARKING SPOT. THE TREE IS WHAT STOPPED THE CAR. WHEN THE CAR STOPPED, I LOOKED AND SAW WAS IN DRIVE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IN REVERSE AND BACK UP AND PARK SAFELY. I SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY.”
NHTSA complaint #11011417, 2017 · crash
“WHILE MOVING, THE VENZA SEEMS TO JERK, AS IF IT'S ABOUT TO STOP, W/OUT ME APPLYING A FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL (MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS). THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES THIS YEAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11124186, 2018
Seats 8 1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT WARMER MODULE CONNECTION MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,162.”
NHTSA complaint #10787954, 2014 · fire
“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the check SRS (Supplement Restraint System) message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the error messages were cleared; however, upon placing her purse on the passenger seat, the messages again became displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the driver’s side harness needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included i…”
NHTSA complaint #11532247, 2023
“HEATED SEAT WIRING WAS DISCONNECTED BY THE DEALER TO PREVENT A FIRE AND NOTED THAT THE PLUG WAS MELTED AND THE SEAT WAS CHARRED, DUE TO A MALFUNCTION, MY HEATED SEAT ON DRIVER SIDE STOPPED WORKING, FOUND A NHTSA CHAMPAIGN ID 14V743000 THAT AFFECTED 2009-2011 TOYOTA VENZA AND ALSO REPORTED TO TOYOTA CORPORATION AT 800-331-4331 SPOKE WITH KHUSHBOO, REGARDING THE RECALL AND SHE STATED MY VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL ON TOYOTA VENZA 2009-2011.”
NHTSA complaint #11266882, 2018
Unknown Or Other 8 1 crash 2 injury
“ON APRIL 11, 2016, A COMPLAIN WAS SUBMITTED UNDER TARAKA: COMPLAINT NUM: 10854818 FOR A TOYOTA VENZA 2011.WHILE CAR IN MOTION AT AROUND 55MPH, ON A HIGHWAY, NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND EXCELLENT CAR MAINTENANCE A LOUD EXPLOSION BURST OCCURRED IN THE CAR. WITH NO VISIBILITY AT ALL, I MANAGED TO CONTROL THE CAR AND STOPPED IT. THEN, I NOTICED THAT THE HOOD SUDDENLY HAD POP-UP WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF ALERT OF FLASHLIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS NO HOOD VIBRATION THAT WOULD SUGGEST IT WAS OPENED. I DID A PANIC STOP AND TRIED TO CONTROL THE CAR AVOIDING A COLLISION; THE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYE…”
NHTSA complaint #10908230, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TAKATA RECALL WHILE CAR IN MOTION AT AROUND 50MPH ON A HIGHWAY, UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND EXCELLENT CAR MAINTENANCE, A MYSTERIOUS LOUD EXPLOSION BURST OCCURRED IN THE CAR. THEN I NOTICED THAT THE HOOD SUDDENLY POPPED-UP WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF ALERT OF FLASH LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, NO HOOD VIBRATION THAT WOULD SUGGEST IT WAS OPENED. ALTHOUGH, I DID A PANIC STOP THE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED AT A POTENTIAL COLLISION. THE BURST BROKE THE FRONT GLASS, HOOD LATCHES, BUMPERS WERE MOVED OUT OF PLACE. A MECHANICAL FAILURE OR AN ELECTRONIC ONE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE HOOD CONTROLS, COULD CAUS…”
NHTSA complaint #10854818, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
“My horn no longer works. My mechanic informed me that it is the part that sits behind the airbag in the steering wheel. I was also informed that this happens to a lot of Toyota's. It is very expensive to repair and have not had it repaired. Since it is a common problem, does this issue fall under a recall? I don't feel safe driving without a horn. You don't realize how often you need/use it until you can't.”
NHTSA complaint #11635843, 2024
Air Bags 5 2 crash 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH IN THE RAIN AND FOG WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL ON A CURVE COLLIDING INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AS THE FRONT AND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11309894, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“RECENTLY IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION ACCIDENT (GOING 65MPH) WITH MAJOR DAMAGE, BUT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11004918, 2017 · crash
“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the check SRS (Supplement Restraint System) message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the error messages were cleared; however, upon placing her purse on the passenger seat, the messages again became displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the driver’s side harness needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included i…”
NHTSA complaint #11532247, 2023
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5
“WARNING CONTROL LIGHTS ARE ON IN 20MINUTES AFTER VEHICLE IS RUNNING”
NHTSA complaint #11174631, 2016
“WHILE I WAS TRYING TO TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A RELATIVE APARTMENT, THE STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY TIGHT AND EVENTUALLY LOCKED UP GIVING VERY LITTLE TO NO TIME TO PULL OVER FOR SAFETY. THE ENGINE THEN SHUTS DOWN. I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW DANGEROUS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 65MPH PLUS ON A FREEWAY. I'VE HAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME BEFORE WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND ENGINE OFF, AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT UNLOCKED BY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH. HOWEVER, THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME AND A SCARY ONE WHERE THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL…”
NHTSA complaint #10915070, 2016
“MY TOYOTA VENZA 2011 ELECTRONIC IN A CAR IS PROBLEM ALL THE LIGHTING IN THE DASHBOARD ON AND THE TRUNK OF THE FRONT ELECTRONIC PROBLEM TOO.”
NHTSA complaint #10861269, 2015
Structure 5 2 crash 4 injury
“THE POWER-DRIVEN BACK HATCH CAUGHT SOME FINGERS IN IT AS IT CLOSED. THIS HAPPENED TO ME ([XXX]) SEVERAL WEEKS AGO AND I IGNORED IT. IT HAPPENED TO MY GRANDSON ([XXX]) YESTERDAY. IT DIDN'T BREAK ANY BONES BUT DID DO SOME FLESH DAMAGE AND CAUSED SOME SERIOUS PAIN. IS THERE ANY WAY OF TURNING OFF THE POWER-DRIVEN FEATURE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11051651, 2017 · 2 injury(ies)
“ON APRIL 11, 2016, A COMPLAIN WAS SUBMITTED UNDER TARAKA: COMPLAINT NUM: 10854818 FOR A TOYOTA VENZA 2011.WHILE CAR IN MOTION AT AROUND 55MPH, ON A HIGHWAY, NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND EXCELLENT CAR MAINTENANCE A LOUD EXPLOSION BURST OCCURRED IN THE CAR. WITH NO VISIBILITY AT ALL, I MANAGED TO CONTROL THE CAR AND STOPPED IT. THEN, I NOTICED THAT THE HOOD SUDDENLY HAD POP-UP WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF ALERT OF FLASHLIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS NO HOOD VIBRATION THAT WOULD SUGGEST IT WAS OPENED. I DID A PANIC STOP AND TRIED TO CONTROL THE CAR AVOIDING A COLLISION; THE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYE…”
NHTSA complaint #10908230, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TAKATA RECALL WHILE CAR IN MOTION AT AROUND 50MPH ON A HIGHWAY, UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND EXCELLENT CAR MAINTENANCE, A MYSTERIOUS LOUD EXPLOSION BURST OCCURRED IN THE CAR. THEN I NOTICED THAT THE HOOD SUDDENLY POPPED-UP WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF ALERT OF FLASH LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, NO HOOD VIBRATION THAT WOULD SUGGEST IT WAS OPENED. ALTHOUGH, I DID A PANIC STOP THE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED AT A POTENTIAL COLLISION. THE BURST BROKE THE FRONT GLASS, HOOD LATCHES, BUMPERS WERE MOVED OUT OF PLACE. A MECHANICAL FAILURE OR AN ELECTRONIC ONE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE HOOD CONTROLS, COULD CAUS…”
NHTSA complaint #10854818, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
Visibility/Wiper 5 1 crash 2 injury
“ON APRIL 11, 2016, A COMPLAIN WAS SUBMITTED UNDER TARAKA: COMPLAINT NUM: 10854818 FOR A TOYOTA VENZA 2011.WHILE CAR IN MOTION AT AROUND 55MPH, ON A HIGHWAY, NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND EXCELLENT CAR MAINTENANCE A LOUD EXPLOSION BURST OCCURRED IN THE CAR. WITH NO VISIBILITY AT ALL, I MANAGED TO CONTROL THE CAR AND STOPPED IT. THEN, I NOTICED THAT THE HOOD SUDDENLY HAD POP-UP WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF ALERT OF FLASHLIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS NO HOOD VIBRATION THAT WOULD SUGGEST IT WAS OPENED. I DID A PANIC STOP AND TRIED TO CONTROL THE CAR AVOIDING A COLLISION; THE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYE…”
NHTSA complaint #10908230, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TAKATA RECALL WHILE CAR IN MOTION AT AROUND 50MPH ON A HIGHWAY, UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND EXCELLENT CAR MAINTENANCE, A MYSTERIOUS LOUD EXPLOSION BURST OCCURRED IN THE CAR. THEN I NOTICED THAT THE HOOD SUDDENLY POPPED-UP WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF ALERT OF FLASH LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, NO HOOD VIBRATION THAT WOULD SUGGEST IT WAS OPENED. ALTHOUGH, I DID A PANIC STOP THE AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED AT A POTENTIAL COLLISION. THE BURST BROKE THE FRONT GLASS, HOOD LATCHES, BUMPERS WERE MOVED OUT OF PLACE. A MECHANICAL FAILURE OR AN ELECTRONIC ONE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE HOOD CONTROLS, COULD CAUS…”
NHTSA complaint #10854818, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
“Purchased a 2011 toyota venza almost 28 days ago. I haven't even made my first payment for my car loan. The rain here in florida has shown that it is raining inside my vehicle. I have contacted the dealer, I have contacted my insurance company. I have done research and it's a known issue with this vehicle. I need help in correcting this. I am not driving the vehicle because it was shorting out the electric in the car. I have a tarp over it now. Can you point me in the direction of where to turn?”
NHTSA complaint #11673809, 2025
Exterior Lighting 4
“Purchased a 2011 toyota venza almost 28 days ago. I haven't even made my first payment for my car loan. The rain here in florida has shown that it is raining inside my vehicle. I have contacted the dealer, I have contacted my insurance company. I have done research and it's a known issue with this vehicle. I need help in correcting this. I am not driving the vehicle because it was shorting out the electric in the car. I have a tarp over it now. Can you point me in the direction of where to turn?”
NHTSA complaint #11673809, 2025
“2011 TOYOTA VENZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BACK UP LIGHTS LACK ADEQUATE LIGHTING WHEN BACKING UP IN THE DARK AND SUN VISORS WERE NOT MADE LONG ENOUGH OR EQUIPPED WITH EXTENDERS, TO BLOCK THE SUNLIGHT. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ISSUE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD”
NHTSA complaint #10838276, 2016
“MY TOYOTA VENZA 2011 ELECTRONIC IN A CAR IS PROBLEM ALL THE LIGHTING IN THE DASHBOARD ON AND THE TRUNK OF THE FRONT ELECTRONIC PROBLEM TOO.”
NHTSA complaint #10861269, 2015
Steering 4
“WHILE I WAS TRYING TO TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A RELATIVE APARTMENT, THE STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY TIGHT AND EVENTUALLY LOCKED UP GIVING VERY LITTLE TO NO TIME TO PULL OVER FOR SAFETY. THE ENGINE THEN SHUTS DOWN. I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW DANGEROUS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 65MPH PLUS ON A FREEWAY. I'VE HAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME BEFORE WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND ENGINE OFF, AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT UNLOCKED BY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH. HOWEVER, THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME AND A SCARY ONE WHERE THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL…”
NHTSA complaint #10915070, 2016
“THE TOYOTA VENZA 2011 HAS PROBLEMS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE CAR IS AT HIGH. THE ABS LIGHT TURN ON MAKING IT HARD TO STEER. THE TRACTION LOST CONTROL LIGHT ALSO TURNS ON. A RED STEERING WHEEL LIGHT TURNS ON. ONCE ALL THESE LIGHTS ARE ON, THEN THE AC DOES NOT WORK AND THE HEAT DOESN'T WORK EITHER. IN THE WINTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS AT HIGH, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. IN THE SUMMER THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS ONLY THE SUN HEATS UP THE CAR CAUSING THE SAME WARNING LIGHT COME ON AND THEN I CAN'T GET ANY AIR CONDITIONING AGAIN. I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS. WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHI…”
NHTSA complaint #11019780, 2013
“MY 2011 TOYOTA VENZA WITH ONLY 10,000 MILEAGE HAD A ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILURE AS I EXITED I695 TOWARDS TOWSON, MARYLAND. AS I TURNED ONTO THE EXIT I LOST MY ABILITY TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. HAD THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 MINUTES EARLIER ON THE SHARP CURVE FROM I95 TO I695, I MAY HAVE CRASHED. FORTUNATELY I DROVE STRAIGHT TO SAFETY TO A PARKING LOT. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME THE POWER STEERING ECU FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS ORDERED AND I WILL PICK UP MY VEHICLE TONIGHT, 9/13/13. SINCE MY VENZA WAS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2014, I WAS ADV…”
NHTSA complaint #10543494, 2013
Suspension 4
“UNSAFE TO DRIVE RUST CORROSION OF SUB FRAME. VEHICLE KEPT IN GARAGE AND BROUGHT INTO TOYOTA DEALER EVERY 5K MILES FOR MAINTENANCE SINCE PURCHASE IN 2011. MY PROBLEM IS THE FAULTY SUB FRAME PART AND THE DEALERSHIP NEGLECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11079513, 2018
“I NOTICED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THAT MY VENZA HAS A VERY BOUNCY RIDE, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER BUT AFTER THEY CHECKED IT OUT I WAS TOLD THAT'S THE WAY THAT SUSPENSION WAS SET UP. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A WAY TO FINE TUNE THE SUSPENSION TO GIVE IT A MUCH SMOOTHER RIDE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10444027, 2011
“UNDER ALMOST ALL ROAD CONDITIONS MY NEW 2011 TOYOTA VENZA HAS A VERY BOUNCY RIDE AND TENDS TO BE MOST ANNOYING AT LOWER SPEEDS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR 3 MONTHS AS OF THIS REPORT AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE TOYOTA DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT IT IS NOT A NORMAL SITUATION AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA'S CORPORATE OFFICE IN DECEMBER 2011 AND REGISTERED MY COMPLAINT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10439787, 2011
Engine 3 1 crash
“CAR WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT REVVED ITS ENGINE AND ACCELARATED. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. THE REVVING NOISE WAS LOUD. I HIT A LARGE TREE THAT WAS LUCKILY AT THE END OF THE PARKING SPOT. THE TREE IS WHAT STOPPED THE CAR. WHEN THE CAR STOPPED, I LOOKED AND SAW WAS IN DRIVE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IN REVERSE AND BACK UP AND PARK SAFELY. I SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY.”
NHTSA complaint #11011417, 2017 · crash
“I had a 2011 Toyota Venza. Notice oil leakage. Took for oil and filter change and a check. Nothing was found, however four months later car began rattling and driving rough - I took to dealership and was told the Water Pump needed to be replaced. I have since found out that Toyota has had a many issues with the VVT-i Oil line failures AND Water Pump failures- Both that lead to a Failed Engine!! They fixed the water pump, however 45days later, my vehicles just stopped running as I was driving down the road. I checked oil - it was empty! Car would not start. I had car towed to dealer. I was the…”
NHTSA complaint #11555299, 2023
“WHEN MY CAR HIT 100,000 MILES IT STARTED HAVING A ISSUE WHEN STARTING UP, I WOULD HEAR LIKE A GRINDING, WHEN I CHECKED THE OIL I HAD FOUND OUT THERE WAS MINIMAL OIL IN MY CAR, I ADDED OIL AND TOOK BY MY SHOP THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH OTHER TOYOTAS THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. OIL CONSUMPTION, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, REPLACED THE OIL HOUSING, THE TUBING, HAD THEM RUNNING OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS, AND THEM TELLING ME THAT MY CAR PASSED AND CHARGING ME FOR ALL TEST. MY CAR NOW, IS EATING ABOUT 15 Q OF OIL EVERY 5000 MILES AND TOYOTA STILL SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG…”
NHTSA complaint #11192187, 2017
Fuel/Propulsion System 3
“I AM WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW OF A SAFETY ISSUE CONCERNING BY TOYOTA VEHICLE. I CAME HOME FROM WORK ON JUNE 28, 2016 AND PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. AS I WAS LEAVING I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE. I CHECKED UNDER MY CAR AND SAW A SIGNIFICANT LEAK OF GASOLINE FROM MY GAS TANK. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE TOWING COMPANY AND HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. AFTER AN ASSESSMENT, THE TOYOTA'S SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT MY GAS TANK WAS PIERCED. I WAS SURPRISED BECAUSE I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR, THEIR INVOICE READ "REPLACED TANK - DAMAGED - LEAKING AT SE…”
NHTSA complaint #10883409, 2016
“ON FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015, A CLEAR, SUN SHINY DAY, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN, VIOLENT DECELERATION WITH LOUD NOISES WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT ABOUT THREE MILES FROM MY HOME. THE SLIP INDICATOR ICON LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON MY DASHBOARD INDICATING THE VSC/TRAC HAD BEEN ENGAGED, CUTTING DOWN THE THROTTLE AND ENGAGING THE ABS,INTERMITTENTLY, AS I LIMPED HOME. ON MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2015, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO TOYOTA OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS OPEN CIRCUIT FAILURE OF THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. I FIND THIS DISCONCERTING AS THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL THREE YEARS A…”
NHTSA complaint #10717570, 2015
“SMELL BURN AND SMELL FUEL WHILE DRIVING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654707, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control 3
“WHILE MOVING, THE VENZA SEEMS TO JERK, AS IF IT'S ABOUT TO STOP, W/OUT ME APPLYING A FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL (MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS). THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES THIS YEAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11124186, 2018
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE IN PROXIMITY, CAUSING HIM TO ERRONEOUSLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKES SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING TO STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10574490, 2013
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT WOULD SHIFT INTO PARK, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART FOR THE VEHICLE TO PERFORM NORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE ANY DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10435087, 2011
Equipment 2
“THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON MODEL YEAR 2012 AND 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V442000. I BELIEVE 2011 SHOULD BE IN THIS RECALL AS WELL. OUR VEHICLE IS NOT DRAINING CONDENSATION PROPERLY. THERE IS A BAD ODOR COMING OUT OF YOUR AIR CONDITIONER AND I BELIEVE THE SMELL IS FROM THE BUILDUP OF MOISTURE IN AND AROUND THE AIR CONDITIONER. AS THIS IS ALSO MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER ABOVE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10702257, 2014
“2011 TOYOTA VENZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DEFECTIVE STEREO/RADIO EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL WIRING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE WAS DRIVING AND LISTENING TO THE RADIO, A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND EMANATED FROM THE RIGHT REAR DOOR SPEAKER. SHE TURNED OFF THE RADIO, BUT THE SCREECHING SOUND CONTINUED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, A BURNING SMELL FILLED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION, WHICH REVEALED THE AMPLIFIER HAD SHORTED OUT INTERNALLY AND CAUSED THE SPEAKER TO MELT.”
NHTSA complaint #10514222, 2013
Visibility 2 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF GLASS SHATTERED IN PIECES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CUTS FROM THE GLASS, BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10684143, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)
“2011 TOYOTA VENZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BACK UP LIGHTS LACK ADEQUATE LIGHTING WHEN BACKING UP IN THE DARK AND SUN VISORS WERE NOT MADE LONG ENOUGH OR EQUIPPED WITH EXTENDERS, TO BLOCK THE SUNLIGHT. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ISSUE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD”
NHTSA complaint #10838276, 2016
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1
“I HAVE A TOYOTA VENZA OF YEAR 2011. I HAVE IT FOR LAST TWO YEARS OR SO. THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR FAILED FELL OFF ITS SUPPORT UNEXPECTEDLY DURING LAST WEEK. I THINK THIS SUN VISOR HAS PREMATURELY. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAS RECALLED SOME OF ITS VEHICLES FOR REPLACEMENT. ON MY INQUIRY TO ONE OF THE DEALERS, I WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA HAS RECALLED SOME OF THE CAMRY MODELS BUT NOT VENZA MODELS. WHY NOT VENZA MODELS? IS THAT ALRIGHT LET TO VENZA USERS SUFFER?”
NHTSA complaint #10730380, 2015
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HANDLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HOOD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHO ADVISED THAT THE HANDLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE HANDLE WAS REPLACED BUT FRACTURED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, IN WHICH THE HANDLE WAS FIRST REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HANDLE WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE HE WAS DISABLED AND USED THE HANDLE TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”
NHTSA complaint #10470438, 2011
Tires 1
“BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 400 WAS THE OE TIRES ON MY 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE TIRES RAN WELL ON DRY ROAD WITH LOW NOISE BUT DO NOT ASSIST BRAKING VERY WELL. THE BIG PROBLEM WAS ON THE SNOW AND ICY ROAD DRIVING. THE CAR SLID AT ANY MOMENT WHEN APPLYING A LITTLE QUICKER BRAKING. OUR STATE HAS LONGER WINTER TIME AND A LOT OF SNOWS. WE ALWAYS FELT VERY NERVOUS DRIVING IN WINTER AND THE WINTER DRIVING BECAME VERY DANGEROUS WITH THOSE TIRES. I REPLACED 4 TIRES IN DECEMBER 2014 AT 37100 MILES MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE CONTROL ON SNOW AND ICY ROAD CONDITION OF THE TIRES AND ALSO WE WANT GET RID O…”
NHTSA complaint #10667955, 2014
Wheels 1
“BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 400 WAS THE OE TIRES ON MY 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE TIRES RAN WELL ON DRY ROAD WITH LOW NOISE BUT DO NOT ASSIST BRAKING VERY WELL. THE BIG PROBLEM WAS ON THE SNOW AND ICY ROAD DRIVING. THE CAR SLID AT ANY MOMENT WHEN APPLYING A LITTLE QUICKER BRAKING. OUR STATE HAS LONGER WINTER TIME AND A LOT OF SNOWS. WE ALWAYS FELT VERY NERVOUS DRIVING IN WINTER AND THE WINTER DRIVING BECAME VERY DANGEROUS WITH THOSE TIRES. I REPLACED 4 TIRES IN DECEMBER 2014 AT 37100 MILES MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE CONTROL ON SNOW AND ICY ROAD CONDITION OF THE TIRES AND ALSO WE WANT GET RID O…”
NHTSA complaint #10667955, 2014
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Toyota Venza draws about 3.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 7 of 10 among the Toyota Venza model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.