2013 Toyota Venza

Routine

Owners filed 59 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
36,895 milesMedian miles at failure

37 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags11
203
Service Brakes10
605
Unknown or Other6
200
Structure › Body5
100
Engine5
001
Electrical System5
011
Steering3
101
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate2
002
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain21V257000
Filed Apr 13, 2021279,040 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2009-2015 Venza vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wiring may become damaged with regular use of the driver-side door.

Risk. Damaged wires may cause the air bag sensor to become inoperable, preventing the deployment of the side and curtain air bags on the driver side and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver-side front door wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TB01/21TA01.

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner13V442000
Filed Oct 17, 2013802,769 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The accumulated water may then leak through a seam in the housing onto the air bag control module potentially resulting in a short circuit of the module.

Risk. A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a severe crash. The power steering assist could also become inoperable resulting in increased steering effort and can increase the risk of a crash at low speeds.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Equipment › Other › Labels13V123000
Filed Apr 9, 20137,525 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy. Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Seats13V014000
Filed Jan 16, 20133,235 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Risk. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy. Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 19, 2026NH

Upon approaching my vehicle and unlocking it, the drivers side mirror courtesy light wire caught on fire and started smoking. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because had I not been there my entire car could have caught on fire as well as any thing or anyone around or in my vehicle. No one has inspected the vehicle at this time. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. They first appeared the moment it happened.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Dec 12, 2025CA

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. In addition, the contact stated that due to the failure, the contact was concerned about crashing into any objects behind the vehicle while reversing. The contact stated that the rear-view display was not viewable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 15, 2025MD

When the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) light comes on, it also cuts power to the engine even when the car is moving at full highway speed. This can pose a great danger when crossing bridges or anytime while driving the vehicle in traffic.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 5, 2025TX

Fuel pump fail causing the car to stall out going 75 miles an hour on the highway

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 26, 2023FL

2013 Venza pasenger side and back leak very bad when it rains

Air Bags
Filed Oct 6, 2023VA

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Potential Safety Issue - 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally report a potential safety concern related to the 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models. The issue pertains to a discernible creaking sound originating from the turn signal stalk when the turn signals are engaged and the steering wheel is turned. Upon thorough examination, it has been identified that the source of this noise is the clock spring, a crucial airbag component designated by its yellow color and distinguished by two orange and yellow wires. It is imperative to emphasize that the clock spring, being a vital element of the airbag system, plays a pivotal role in ensuring occupant safety. Unfortunately, the persistent "clicking/ratcheting" noise associated with the turn signals in these models has been observed to have adverse consequences over time. This prolonged issue leads to clock spring failure, subsequently triggering the activation of the airbag light. It has come to my attention that Toyota is aware of this concern, yet no remedial action has been taken, purportedly due to the relatively low sales volume of the Venza. It is notable that this noise issue is widespread among used Venzas, signifying a systemic problem that necessitates prompt attention. In circumstances where vital airbag components are intricately connected to sensitive elements like the clock spring, the presence of abnormal nois

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 4, 2023GA

Sunroof/moonroof assembly leaks heavily in rain, makes cracking sound over bumps Dealer/manufacturer will not fix, they want $4600 to repair

Electrical System
Filed Jun 23, 2022IL

I complained to a Toyota Dealer about this problem in 6-2017. The took it for a road test and the car did not do it and it did not record a code. So they could not find a solution. Intermittently and without warning the electronic link between the gas pedal and the engine is inoperative for 3-5 seconds. During this period the car is not under power, it is coasting and depressing the gas pedal has no effect on the engine speed. After this period the electronic link is automatically restored and the engine is again responsive to pressure on the gas pedal. I have been dealing with this scenario ever since I purchased this car in 8-2013. It seems to be happening more frequently. Needless to say, it is a very dangerous situation. I no longer feel safe driving this car. .

Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 202140,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the passenger’s side seat belt warning light remained illuminated with a passenger in the seat. The contact stated that the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags seat belts warning lights recently started to remain illuminated. The local dealer was contacted about inspecting the vehicle however, the contact declined after being provided a cost to do the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 15, 2021FL

Both front lower control arms were cracked. Dealer kept old parts. These parts help control the steering to the wheels. The cracks were confirmed by the Dealer only. The car was not inspected by any other entities. There were no warning indicators, the problem was founded during a routine multipoint inspection.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 3, 202191,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 20, 2021CO

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V257000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 26, 2021VT

Internal Fault of fuel pump assembly. With NO prior warnings of messages or warning lights from the dash, nor any poor performance issues of starting or running of the engine the fuel pump failed all at once while driving on an expressway at 65 mph and the engine shut down leaving me without any control of my vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the fuel pump had an internal failure and the vehicle is disabled. No Recall has been issues by Toyota for this model year. An extremely dangerous situation that Toyota is not properly addressing.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 11, 2021160,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE HAD IMPACTED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE; NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED MULTIPLE INJURIES (THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THEIR VEHICLE). THE CONTACT WOKE UP IN THE HOSPITAL WHILE RECEIVING MEDICAL CARE FOR HEADACHES, BRUISING ON THE LEFT ARM, LOWER BACK BRUISING AND BRUISING ON THE CHEST WHICH RESULTED IN INTERNAL BLEEDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INSURANCE LOT WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 16, 2021MD

THE AIRBAG WARNING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON IN DEC 2019. I PURCHASED A DTC READER BLUE DRIVER) AND SCANNED THE VEHICLE. AIRBAG CODE B1698 REGISTERED. I SWITCHED LEFT DOOR SENSOR WITH THE RIGHT DOOR SENSOR AND STILL THE LEFT DOOR SENSOR CODE REMAINED. I DISMANTLED THE CENTER CONSOLE, LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR PANELS, ETC. BUT COULD NOT RESOLVE THE MALFUNCTION CODE. I FINALLY GAVE UP AND HAVE DRIVEN WITHOUT AN ACTIVE AIRBAG SYSTEM. I'M FILING THIS COMPLAINT IN SUPPORT OF YOUR RECALL FOR THE TOYOTA VENZA AIRBAG WIRING.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 23, 202194,801 milesCO

ERROR MESSAGE: CHECK SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH. TOOK CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO HOOKED IT TO THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. HE SAID THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME THE LIGHT CAME ON (FIRST TIME FOR ME SINCE AUGUST 2014) PER THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE HISTORY. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP 1/23/2021

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 28, 2020NJ

TURNED ON ENGINE WENT TO PUSH UP THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR IT WOULD NOT CLICK INTO PLACE I TRIED AGAIN AND THE VISOR JUST DROPPED AND WOULD NOT GO UP AGAIN. IT APPEARS THAT THE MECHANISM TO HOLD THE VISOR UP IS PULLING THE FABRIC OUT FROM UNDER THE MIRROR TOO. THIS HAPPENED 8/27/2020. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN SINCE THIS CAR IS CARED FOR BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER.

Engine
Filed Feb 5, 2020162,000 milesWI

THIS CAR HAS 166000 MILES ON IT AND ALWAYS HAD A DEALER OIL CHANGES. IT NOW IS USING A QUART OFF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES OR LESS. THERE ARE NO OIL LEAKS TO BE FOUND AND THE DEALER ADMITS THAT THAT IS TO MUCH OIL CONSUMPTION BUT CANNOT HELP ME WITH ANY KIND OF FACTORY REPAIRS. FOR A MODERN ENGINE THIS IS WAY TO MUCH OIL USE. I HAVE A 1990 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH 522000 MILES AND USES LESS THAN 1/2 A QUART BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. TOYOTA HAS REALLY GONE DOWN HILL ON THIS ENGINE DESIGN.

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2019MI

I HAVE TO ADD ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY 1200 MILES. DEALER STATES THIS IS NORMAL

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 10, 2019154,000 milesFL

BOUGHT THE CAR USED, THE VERY FIRST DAY AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE AREA. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING ELSE WEIRD, JUST SMOKE. NOW, ABOUT A MONTH LATER, THE BRAKES SOMETIMES FEEL AS IF THEY'RE LOCKING UP AND NOT LETTING GO, BUT ALSO NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. SMOKE IS ALSO COMING OUT OF THE FRONT BRAKE AREA AGAIN. SEEING AS THIS IS 2019 AND IT'S A 2013 CAR, THERE IS NO WARRANTY LEFT ON THE CAR. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND SOME INFORMATION ABOUT AN INTERNAL LEAK INSIDE THE MASTER CYLINDER. A PROBLEM THAT IS HARD TO REPLICATE FOR A DEALERSHIP, WARRANTY OR NOT. DECIDED TO LOOK FOR RECALL INFO ABOUT THE BRAKES FOR THIS CAR WHEN I CHOSE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA. I WILL ALSO NOTIFY TOYOTA ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I'M HOPING THAT BY REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER, THE PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED.

20 of 59 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201527100Routine
201431100Routine
2013 — this page59410Routine
201225400Routine
201159620Routine
201079930Routine
2009173831Fatalities reported

Compare every Venza year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 13, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.