RoadVitals

2010 Toyota Venza Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Oct 10, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
22%
of 79 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2010 Toyota Venza submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 17 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, an independent mechanic arrived at the residence to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved a fault code related to the ECM. The mechanic also informed the contact to call a locksmith regarding the key fob. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The engine control module and the purge valve were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11692554
Incident
Sep 15, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the horn failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failures were related. However, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID
11684426
Incident
Aug 11, 2025
Mileage
93,000 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jul 8, 2024

When I open the driver's side when car running, the check SRS airbag system warning light comes on. It also comes on if I start car with door open.

NHTSA ID
11600122
Incident
Jan 1, 2024
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Mar 30, 2023
Fire reported

On or around March 10, 2023, as my wife and daughter were driving the driver's side heated seat started burning/smoking. Immediately, my wife turned off the seat and returned home. I found there was an existing recall for this issue but only for the Southeast Toyota Distributors, I purchased my car in Missouri. I took the vehicle to the local dealership in Clarksville, Tennessee. Not only would they not honor the recall, but charged me $115.88 to confirm the burning of the seat. I contacted Toyota 7 times thus far and they are refusing to help because the recall only affected the Southeast Distributor group. I find this ludicrous as all the vehicles were made at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant. I simply want the remedy that Southeast Toyota Distributors gave their customers: Removal of bad heating unit, return of $115.88 charge of confirmation, and a return of the accessory charge I paid in December 2009. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11514537
Incident
Mar 10, 2023
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Jan 14, 2023

The heated seat on the driver side is creating a burning smell. I have read about numerous other issues with this model that have had recalls but not mine. This seat is still in tact and available for full inspection upon request. This is a major safety issue that is known about but not addressed. Major fire risk putting anyone inside vehicle in danger. I have a 2 year old daughter and if I didn’t have a lot of electrical and vehicle knowledge I could have easily left the heated seat on not knowing and caused a major risk for my entire family. Toyota needs to add the rest of the vehicles that have these issues into the recall. I have not taken into dealer yet just informed my wife not to use heated seat. I plan to take in soon to dealer but with a known issue it should be covered by a recall and not out of pocket. No police, insurance or manufacture have inspected yet. No warning lights on at all.

NHTSA ID
11501823
Incident
Nov 1, 2022
Electrical
Filed Oct 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that while making a turn in either direction, the vehicle would lose motive power and stall. After coasting to a complete stop, the vehicle was restarted and the vehicle operated normally. The battery and battery cables were replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11487929
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Mileage
100,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 28, 2022

When coming to a faster stop, vehicle stalls entire system shuts off. Happened before when driving. Lucklily was not in a place to wreck.

NHTSA ID
11449224
Incident
Jan 28, 2022
Body & structureElectrical
Filed May 29, 2020

WATER LEAK FROM PANORAMIC SUNROOF WHEN IT RAINS. SIDE PILLAR POSTS. HAVE READ SEVERAL REVIEWS INCLUDING: SHORTED OUT THE POWER WINDOW CONTROLS, OWNERS HAD TO DISMANTLED MOONROOF ON THEIR OWN TO ADD SEALANT OR GLUE. THIS SHOULD BE TOYOTA'S RESPONSIBILITY AS A FACTORY ISSUE. DEALERS ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 2YRS BUT I JUST FOUND OUT I COULD MAKE COMPLAINT HERE. PLEASE ASSIST. *TR

NHTSA ID
11326574
Incident
May 29, 2020
Electrical
Filed Oct 17, 2018

LAS LUCES LARGAS DE LOS FOCOS DELANTEROS DEJARON DE FUNCIONAR . SE ME INFORMO QUE LO QUE SUCEDIO ES QUE EL INJUCTION BLOCK ESTA DEFECTUOSO. ME PERSONE A UN AUTO PARTS DE TOYOTA Y ME INFORMARON QUE SON MUCHOS LOS CASOS COMO MI ASUNTO, QUE ES EL MAL DE ESAS GUAGUAS.

NHTSA ID
11140797
Incident
Jan 7, 2018
ElectricalOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Apr 27, 2018

THE ELECTRICAL IN MY CAR FLICKERS OFF AND ON THE DOME LIGHTS MY HEADLIGHTS MY LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON ALL THE TIME NOW MY DRIVER VISOR LIGHT WILL NOT COME ON WHEN I AM DRIVING IN MOTION I CAN HEAR SOMETIMES THEY SQUEAKING NOISE SOMETIMES I GRINDING NOISE AND I FEEL LIKE MY CAR IS GOING ALL OVER THE PLACE MY TIRES ARE BEING WORN OUT WAY MORE THAN THEY SHOULD I WAS TOLD MY STRUTS WERE LEAKING AND THEN I WAS TOLD I WOULD THEY WERE NOT I DON'T KNOW BUT AT TIMES I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN THIS CAR AND FOR SOME REASON I HAVE TO KEEP CHANGING MY BRAKES ALMOST EVERY 5 MONTHS 6 MONTHS OR SO THEY NEED TO BE CHECKED BECAUSE MY BRAKES WILL FEEL LIKE THEY ARE GOING OUT BUT I DO HAVE BRAKE PADS ON THEM STILL BUT IN ORDER FOR MY CAR NOT TO MAKE CERTAIN NOISES OR DRIVE SOMETIMES A CERTAIN WAY I NEED TO PUT BRAND NEW PADS ON EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NEW PADS ON ALREADY

NHTSA ID
11090471
Incident
Apr 1, 2018
Mileage
168,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 20, 2018

MY AUTOKEY WAS NOT WORKING TO OPEN THE CAR SO I TOOK IT IN THINKING I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY FOENTHE KEY FOB. THIS VEHICLE IS A 2010 VENZA, 67K MILES, ALWAYS GARAGED,, DRY COLORADO CLIMATE AND I NEED A NEW WIRING HARNESS FOR $4300?!!

NHTSA ID
11073957
Incident
Feb 18, 2018
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Feb 1, 2017

DISTINCT SMELL OF OZONE / BURNING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT WAS NOTICED IN THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING ON A COLD DAY. PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO SAFETY AND INVESTIGATED FURTHER. AFTER CYCLING POWER SEVERAL TIMES, THE BURNING SMELL WAS VERIFIED TO BE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER. SEAT HEATER TURNED OFF TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE AND WILL BE EXAMINED BY A LOCAL BODY SHOP IN A FEW DAYS TO PINPOINT THE FAULT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10948956
Incident
Jan 28, 2017
Mileage
135,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 27, 2016

DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT HEATER ASSEMBLY: NOTICED A DISTINCT BURNING SMELL WHENEVER SEAT HEATER TURNED TO THE ON POSITION. WILL KEEP IN OFF POSITION UNTIL ISSUE IS RESOLVED.

NHTSA ID
10822478
Incident
Jan 22, 2016
Mileage
60,000 mi
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Dec 13, 2012
Crash reported

ON OCTOBER 20, 2012, MY WIFE CAME HOME FROM WORK AND STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY (I.E. BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AT TIMES AND BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY) ON OUR 2010 TOYOTA VENZA AND THAT A MESSAGE WAS ILLUMINATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT STATED, "BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE. CONTACT YOUR DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY!". I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, INFORMED THEM THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND OF THE ILLUMINATED MESSAGE, AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP. I DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND ON THE WAY THE BRAKE SYSTEM OCCASIONALLY DID NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY AGAIN (2ND TIME IN SAME DAY). I MANAGED TO CAUTIOUSLY DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND INFORM THE DEALERSHIP THAT I DID NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE BACK UNTIL THEY WERE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. ON THE SAME DAY, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC FLUSHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM, TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A TEST DRIVE, AND THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED FOR A THIRD TIME. I OBSERVED THE MECHANIC PLUG HIS DIAGNOSTIC LAP TOP INTO OUR VEHICLE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY STORED ERRORS IN THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE (DESPITE THE FACT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED 3 TIMES ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR 3 DIFFERENT PEOPLE ON THE SAME DAY). THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, SO ON OCTOBER 22, 2012 THEY CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE'S ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FOR GUIDANCE. CORPORATE INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE ABS ACTUATOR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THESE PARTS, CONDUCTED A TEST DRIVE, AND RELEASED THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE TO MY WIFE ON OCTOBER 23, 2012 NEVER STATING WHAT CAUSED THE REPEATED BRAKE FAILURE. ON OCTOBER 26, 2012, THE BRAKE SYSTEM AGAIN AND WAS THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. A FORMAL COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH TOYOTA CORPORATION AND THEY ARE DENYING LIABILITY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10488668
Incident
Oct 26, 2012
Mileage
32,902 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 19, 2010

ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2010 TOYOTA VENZA ON RTE. 19S, IN FAYETTE, WEST VIRGINIA. WE ACCELERATED OUR VENZA TO MATCH ONGOING TRAFFIC SPEEDS, WHEN THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN AND WAS INCREASING IN SPEED. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, WHICH FAILED TO RESPOND. I THEN CHECKED THE CRUISE CONTROL, TO SEE IF I HAD INADVERTENTLY ENGAGED IT, BUT I HAD NOT. I THEN STARTED TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH EXTREME FORCE, AND AFTER NUMEROUS PUMPS, THE THROTTLE DISENGAGED. AS SOON AS IT WAS SAFE, WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND CALLED OUR DEALERSHIP, COURTESY TOYOTA. THEY INSTRUCTED US TO CALL 1(800)331-4331 TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO L&S TOYOTA CITY IN BECKLEY, WV, WHERE THEY PROCEEDED TO PERFORM AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INSPECTION, BUT THE TECH WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL OF THE PEDAL RESHAPING, WHICH WE HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY NOTIFIED OF, AND CLEARED THE VEHICLE FOR RELEASE TO US, AT THIS TIME, AND ADVISED US THAT IF THIS SHOULD REOCCUR, TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND SLOW THE CAR BY BRAKING. THE ISSUE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE PEDAL SHAPE OR THE DRIVER MAT, AND WAS IN FACT A COMPUTER ANOMALY. WHEN THE ANOMALY OCCURRED, IT FROZE THE THROTTLE AND BLOCKED THE BRAKING SYSTEM.. FURTHER MORE, THE IDEA TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL IS UNSAFE, AS THERE WERE NO BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE TO A STOP AND WOULD CONTINUE TO COAST ONWARD AT AN UNCONTROLLABLE VELOCITY. I EXPECT THAT TOYOTA COMPANY KNOWS THE DEFECT LIES IN THE COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM, BUT MAY WELL BELIEVE THE COST OF CLAIMS AND HUMAN LIVES IS CHEAPER THAN FIXING THE VERY REAL PROBLEM. WE PURCHASED THE TOYOTA VENZA MARCH 30, 2010 AND WERE ASSURED THAT, AT THAT TIME, THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR IT. THE RECALL FOR OUR VENZA WAS ISSUED MARCH 16, 2010, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED ON OUR CAR, AND WE HAD NOT BEEN AWARE OF ONE UNTIL OUR VERY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10356322
Incident
Sep 14, 2010
Mileage
4,335 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 4, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN UTILIZING THE RADIO DURING DAYLIGHT, HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE STATIONS DUE TO LIMITED ILLUMINATION. THE DEALER ADVISED HE WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT IF HE WOULD SHUT OFF THE HEADLIGHTS, THE RADIO LIGHTS WOULD INTENSIFY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 700.

NHTSA ID
10347195
Incident
Jul 26, 2010
Mileage
500 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 5, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO GOT HOT UP 145 DEGREES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TWICE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIO BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE WITH THE TEMPERATURE OF THE RADIO. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE CONTACT STATED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE RADIO COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,050.

NHTSA ID
10317149
Incident
Jan 20, 2010
Mileage
1,050 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .