2009 Toyota Venza Owner Complaints

I just bought this car and discovered that the steering system is actually unsafe; the vehicle makes noises and vibrates at the steering column.

NHTSA ID

11739659

Incident

May 7, 2026

1) Brakes consistently 'softer' than normal. Sometimes require pumping the pedal to stop at all. Can be difficult to start car, brake pedal may not move at all to get starter button to light up. **Every time after sitting over night, when the car starts the pedal 'mushes' to the floor. It must be pumped to get any resistance. 2) Lack of reliable brakes poses real safety risk for everyone. I just had incident where I had difficulty stopping, nearly in accident. 3) One mechanic experienced lack of brakes when driving it, had to pump pedal to stop. 4) Multiple independent auto repair shops as well as local Toyota Dealer service have charged me thousands to repair, without success. 5) 6/27/23 warning light, 'check ABS', sensor unplugged by mechanic. Once master cylinder replaced, sensor reconnected. 6) I just called Toyota Corporate, was told they couldn't help, I'd have to pay to have it looked at again.

NHTSA ID

11658926

Incident

Oct 21, 2021

While driving, the computer seemed to short out, going blank on the cars display, and all guages failed. The car kpet driving, but I lost power steering and brakes. It was difficult to control the car while getting to the side of the road. Once there, I turned the car off to see if things would reset. It would not. The car would not recognize that I had my foot on the brake to start the car. I eventually needed a tow, which was a stupid problem to have. the car was driveable, should be driveable, its the computer telling the car theres a problem when there isnt one. Once at the car shop the car started fine but failed to start again the next day. Now its not doing that behavior and the shop cant figure out whats going wrong. There are no codes to diagnose. What a stupid problem to have, a completely drivable vehicle, but a glitchy computer making the car unreliable. I am stunned that a modern car wont allow you to drive to a car shop, it would not start...the shop was 1.5 miles away but yet I had to pay for a tow. There have been NO other problems, so is it a ground, a short, a faulty display? theres no way to diagnose this or at least the shop is having a very difficult time with it. Are there other owners that have had this issue?

NHTSA ID

11638196

Incident

Jan 15, 2025

Hello, I issue this complaint because my 2009 Venza interior started smelling like smoke. It went on for a bit thinking it may be something outside the vehicle. I then realized the smell was coming from the seat I was sitting on. I've read online about this problem and its seems this is a problem many owners of this vehicle have experienced. It seems to me this should be a safety hazard. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11626280

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle suddenly hydroplaned causing the driver to loose control of the steering and the vehicle crashed into a concrete median. The contact stated that during the crash the frontend of the vehicle was damaged but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported. Police were called to the scene but no report was taken. The vehicle was later driven home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact indicated that prior to the crash the maintenance light had remained illuminated. The failure mileage was 72,800.

NHTSA ID

11623931

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

Mileage

72,800 mi

The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

NHTSA ID

11609305

Incident

Aug 19, 2024

Water leaks and streams from along the top, driver’s side, just above the window where the felt meets and connects to the hard plastic structure labeled, “ABS Curtain Airbag”, Water, drips from the top ceiling just below the pull down mirror on the driver side. * see attached pictures I love my 2009 Venza. Please fix this problem for me. Thank you so much for any consideration given my request.

NHTSA ID

11575765

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

Dear NHTSA, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding water leakage in my vehicle, which I believe has the potential to compromise the safety and functionality of the car's electronic systems. I would like to submit this report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address and rectify this issue promptly. During the rainy season, I have observed water leaks occurring on both sides of the front section of my vehicle. This water infiltration has raised serious concerns about the possibility of damage to the car's computer system, thereby posing a potential risk of car malfunction. The electronic components of modern vehicles, including vital control units and sensors, are susceptible to water damage. In the event of such damage, there is a heightened risk of malfunctions that could compromise the overall safety and performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, I have identified an additional water leakage issue through the panoramic roof at the backside of the car. This raises the likelihood of water seeping into the interior of the vehicle, potentially damaging interior components, electrical wiring, and compromising the structural integrity of the car. I am reaching out to the NHTSA with the intention of highlighting the severity of these issues and advocating for a comprehensive investigation into the water leakage concerns in my vehicle model. I believe that swift action is necessary to prevent any potential safety hazards that may arise from compromised electronic systems or structural damage due to water infiltration. In light of the safety implications associated with water damage to the vehicle's electronic components, I urge the NHTSA to initiate a thorough examination of this matter. Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial in ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers who may be affected by similar issues.

NHTSA ID

11559400

Incident

Dec 6, 2022

I was at a stop sign and I was on an incline and I let the brake go to press the gas and the car started to go backwards and i almost hit the car behind me and and press the gas to go forward. Now anytime I am on an incline during a stop and if I let go the brake the car goes backwards.

NHTSA ID

11544974

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and opening and closing the front driver’s side door, the SRS warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was previously inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and no failure was found. The contact stated that the vehicle had recently experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11509462

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

Mileage

92,000 mi

My 2009 Venza requires an entire roof seal replacement to stop leaking from all sides of the roof. I was quoted $1k. There should be a recall or some portion of this cost covered by Toyota.

NHTSA ID

11459847

Incident

Apr 6, 2022

The sunroof/moonroof leak every time it rains. The water leaks into the front and back of the car. This is damaging the upholstery and may be causing electrical or structural (rust) damage as well.

NHTSA ID

11452984

Incident

Mar 1, 2018

Rack and pinion sound and sterring crazy the brakes sound similar at horn train and suspensión rare sound fuse case problems for my ligths

NHTSA ID

11434026

Incident

Aug 23, 2021

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD REPLACED THE STARTER HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE TIMING CAMSHAFT NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT DIRECTLY WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11417599

Incident

Aug 25, 2018

Mileage

120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF MANUFACTURERS RECALL NUMBER: 21TB01 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED AUTONATION TOYOTA HAYWARD (24773 MISSION BLVD, HAYWARD, CA 94544) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11414334

Incident

Apr 28, 2021

AIRBAG SIGN ON THE DASH BOARD WITHOUT NO COLLUSION. IT COMES OFF AND ON AND THE IGNITION COIL B KEEPS COMING UP WHEN SCANNED AFTER FIXING.

NHTSA ID

11412787

Incident

Mar 27, 2021

THE HID LIGHTS WILL FLICKER AND GO OUT LEAVING YOU IN TOTAL DARKNESS. NOT THE BULBS BECAUSE WILL COME ON AGAIN WHEN YOU RESTART THE CAR AND THEN WILL START FLICKERING AGAIN. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS REGARDING THIS. WILL DO IT WHILE IN MOTION OR PARKED. CONTINUES TO HAPPEN

NHTSA ID

11408539

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

108,000 mi

WHEN IT RAINS I HAVING LEAKING ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE OF SUNROOF NEAR THE AIRBAGS IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT RAINS PLEASE HELP

NHTSA ID

11407449

Incident

Apr 10, 2021

JUST PURCHASED A 2009 VENZA AND THERE IS A RATTLE IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN HITTING SMALL PUMPS OR CRACKS IN ROAD OR TURNING. NO PICS BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE A INTERNAL ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11400266

Incident

Mar 3, 2021

Mileage

67,000 mi

I PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES SEEMED TO LOCK, WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE IT CONTINUED TO BACK UP. NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I PUT IT IN IT STAYED IN REVERSE. I WAS BLOCKING A LANE AT THE MALL ,U MY HUSBAND TRIED TO PUSH IT WHILE IN NEUTRAL BUT HE COULDN'T BUDGE IT, IT WAS STILL IN REVERSE. I THINK IT HAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, AND IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. SCARY AND VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA ID

11383791

Incident

Dec 11, 2020

Mileage

40,000 mi

THE STEERING COLUMN MAKE LOUD NOISE AND LIKE METAL CONTACT

NHTSA ID

11328748

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

AWD ENGAGED ALL THE TIME AND IT MIGHT LOCK AND IF THIS HAPPEN THE CAR WILL STOP .THIS ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. *TR

NHTSA ID

11321191

Incident

Apr 14, 2020

Mileage

110,456 mi

THE SEAT HEATERS IN THE VEHICLE DON'T WORK LIKE THEY SHOULD. SOMETIMES THERE IS A BURNING SMELL TO THEM. THE DRIVERS SIDE ONE WENT OUT COMPLETELY ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND WE HAD IT FIXED NOW THE PASSENGER ONE ISN'T WORKING AT ALL. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS PRETTY HOT TOO AND HAS TO BE SHUT OFF.

NHTSA ID

11298062

Incident

Dec 2, 2019

Mileage

146,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON, THE DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT. USUALLY OCCURS IN THE "AUTO" SETTING BUT NOT ALWAYS. SOMETIMES AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND LIGHTS, THE LOW BEAM WILL START WORKING BUT NOT ALWAYS. NEXT NIGHT THE LIGHTS WORK AS DESIGNED BUT MAY GO OUT AGAIN. HAPPENS IN CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING...

NHTSA ID

11290604

Incident

Dec 20, 2019

Mileage

90,000 mi

THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE IN A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON AND ATTEMPT TO START. THERE IS NO FUEL GOING TO THE ENGINE, SO IT DOES NOT IGNITE, BUT I HAVE READ REPORTS IF VENZAS DOING THIS AND CATCHING FIRE. THE OTHER CHALLENGE IS THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT ALSO ACTIVATES THE ENGINE IMMOBILIZER AND WILL NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEYS. THE FIRST TIME, LAST JANUARY, WE RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO FIND A DEAD BATTERY. AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED. I EVENTUALLY WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED, THEN LEFT BOTH KEYS IN THE VEHICLE INBTHE ACC ON POSITION FOR 30 MINUTES, AND IT RECOGNIZED THE KEY. IN OCTOBER, I WAS OUT RUNNING AND RETURNED TO FIND THE HEADLIGHTS ON AND THE FAN BLOWER RUNNING. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEYS. I RECONNECTED IT LATER WITH NO CHANGE, BIT THEN A FEW HOURS LATER IT WORKED FINE. TODAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019), WE RETURNED HOME FROM CHURCH TO FIND THE STARTER CLICKING. THE ENGINE IMMOBILIZER IS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED AND UNTAMPERED. IF THE BATTERY DOES NOT DOE, THIS COULD START A FIRE AND BURN DOWN MY HOUSE. I AM TAKING IT TO A DEALER, BUT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT OCCURS WHILE PARKED, RANDOMLY. THOUGH IT SEEMS COLD WEATHER IS A FACTOR.

NHTSA ID

11283172

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

Mileage

154,000 mi