2010 Toyota Venza Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota Venza, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical1717.5%
- Driver assistance1717.5%
- Interior & seats1111.3%
- Body & structure88.2%
- Brakes88.2%
- Visibility55.2%
- Engine55.2%
- Other / unspecified55.2%
- Powertrain (other)55.2%
- Airbags55.2%
- Steering33.1%
- Fuel system22.1%
- Heating & air conditioning22.1%
- Exterior lighting22.1%
- Transmission11.0%
- Seat belts11.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING THROUGH A DRIVE THRU CAR WASH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE BUMPER, RADIATOR, BATTERY, AND HOOD WERE DAMAGED. THE INTERNAL DAMAGE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED BECAUSE THE HOOD WOULD NOT OPEN. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE'S IMPACT TO THE WALL WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 FEET. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
UPON STARTUP AND IN MOVEMENT, WARNING DASH LIGHTS COME ON. INDICATING CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL, SIMULTANEOUSLY AND REMAIN ON. RETURN TO AUTHORIZED DEALER, DIAGNOSTIC COMPLETE. 02 SENSOR BANK 1&2 CORRECTED. PROBLEM HAS RETURNED.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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).
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE BEGINNING TO DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT REDUCE SPEED. THE CONTACT DOWNSHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO A STOP LIGHT INTERSECTION, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY FLOORMAT INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since I bought the Venza, the brake has not been working well, so I am trembling with fear and the risk of an accident countless times. I didn't know how to claim this, so I endured it and drove this car until now. Today, after reading an article about Fisker's break issue investigation. I decided to report it to NHTSA. Please investigate this and resolve this issue.
I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT) AND WAS APPROXIMATELY 6-8 CAR LENGTHS FROM TWO CARS STOPPED AT A GREEN LIGHT WAITING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO CLEAR SO THEY COULD TURN LEFT. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND ONTO THE BRAKES BUT THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE. I THEN SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. I HEARD THE PULSATION AS IF THE ABS BRAKES WERE TRYING TO WORK BUT THEY DID NOT ENGAGE. I THEN CHECKED TO SEE IF THE LANE TO MY RIGHT WAS CLEAR. WHEN I SAW THAT IT WAS, I TRIED TO STEER INTO IT BUT MY CAR WOULD NOT STEER AND I CRASHED INTO THE SECOND STOPPED CAR AND IT IN TURN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. THE FRONT PASSENGER IN EACH OF THOSE TWO CARS WENT TO GET CHECKED OUT AT THE HOSPITAL. I WAS 33 WEEKS PREGNANT AT THE TIME AND SPENT THE NIGHT IN THE HOSPITAL TO MONITOR MY BABY. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving local freeway, 65 degrees and sunny, light traffic.... Loud impact sound but no cars in our immediate vicinity, nothing in the roadway. Once stopped, examined car and found the large panoramic sunroof had spontaneously exploded. Sunroof cover was in place so no glass fell into passenger compartment, thankfully. Pictures available. No inspection by dealer or insurance. No prior indications of any issues. No weather extremes at the time. No impact from any external or internal object could be found. Remaining glass in sunroof bulges upwards slightly
2010 TOYOTA VENZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOUD CRACKING AND POPPING SOUNDS IN ROOF. *LD *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact submitted the complaint on behalf of her friend. The contact stated that while the contact's friend was driving, the friend heard a ticking noise and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's friend drove the vehicle to the intended destination. The contact's friend exited the vehicle and noticed a large amount of oil on the ground that had leaked from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed oil cooler hoses. The contact's friend was informed that the oil cooler hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the previous unknown warranty for the failure description had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE BEGINNING TO DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT REDUCE SPEED. THE CONTACT DOWNSHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO A STOP LIGHT INTERSECTION, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY FLOORMAT INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION TOTAL FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT
94,000 MILES AWD VENZA WITH REAR DIFFERENTIAL TRANSAXLE LEAK. VENT ON THE AXLE MEANT TO RELEASE PRESSURE WHEN OIL HEATS UP, CLOGS WITH DEBRIS AND FAIL. SINCE THE SYSTEM CAN NOT VENT, IT RUINS THE SEALS AND COUPLING. DEALER ESTIMATE OF $3,000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW AND WOULD EXPECT MORE FROM TOYOTA.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clockspring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the repair should be covered. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS A RATTLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING IT ON UNEVEN ROADS. ALSO, THE DRIVERS SEAT SMELLS LIKE IT'S BURNING WHEN THE SEAT HEATER IS ON.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
PARKED THE CAR, LOCKED IT. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER NOTICED SMOKE, THEN FIRE, VERY INTENSE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DESTROYED (RADIATOR MELTED), FRONT TIRE BURNED, AND THE FIRE DAMAGED DASHBOARD AND INTERIOR AS WELL. A CAR PARKED NEARBY WAS ALSO SCORCHED. *TR
MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL; I WAS COASTING AT A VERY LOW SPEED WITH THE NATURAL FORWARD MOVEMENT OF THE CAR CARRYING ME INTO THE GARAGE (MY DRIVEWAY IS ONLY ABOUT TWO-CAR-LENGTHS LONG). AS I NEARED THE GARAGE DOOR, NOW HALFWAY OPEN, MY CAR SUDDENLY REVVED TO A HIGH SPEED AND WAS HEADED STRAIGHT TOWARD SMASHING INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. AS I SAID, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND SO I THEN PUT THE OTHER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS WELL. THEN, I SLAMMED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND HEARD THE ENGINE JUST REV AT A VERY HIGH SPEED. THE SUA SEEEMED TO HAPPEN AS I PUSHED THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR OPENER UPDATED 4/7/2010 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE DEALER CLAIMED THE FLOOR MAT WAS THE CAUSE. UPDATED 06/04/10
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Venza. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, she became aware of a burning odor coming from the driver’s and passenger’s heated seats. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,638
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA VENZA. WHEN THE HEATING SYSTEM ON THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT HAD A SHORT, WHICH CAUSED THE HEATING SYSTEM TO FAIL. THE SEAT HEATER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,014.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HID BALLAST MALFUNCTION FOR BOTH HEAD LIGHTS AT THE SAME TIME. HEADLIGHTS SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING NO MATTER WHAT SETTING THE SELECTOR SWITCH IS ON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY ON THE HIGHWAY, SIDE ROAD, NEIGHBORHOOD, TURNING, DRIVING STRAIGHT FORWARD DURING ANY OF THE TIMES IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY TURN OFF. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JULY 2016 AND STILL OCCURS TO THE PRESENT DATE. NO KNOWN "PROBLEM" FOUND WITH THE VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
OUR 2010 TOYOTA VENZA IS EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT LEFT HEAD LAMP FAILURE. WHEN THE BULB WAS TESTED IT OPERATED FINE THE LIGHT WILL GO ON AFTER MUCH PLAYING WITH THE SWITCH. THIS PROBLEM HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS. THIS IS CLEARLY A HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2010 TOYOTA VENZA SUDDEN ACCELERATED*CW THE CONSUMER MOVED INTO THE LEFT TURNING LANE AT A FOUR-WAY STOP LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. HE SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE THE TURN; AND AFTER MAKING THE TURN, HE THEN DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED AND THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE CONSUMER THEN APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT WHEN HE DID THEY DID NOT WORK AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER PANICKED AND THEN APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN AND THE ENGINE REVVED AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. THE TRANSMISSION DID ENGAGE, BUT IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS SLIPPING. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, HE HAD TROUBLE BRAKING AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. HE HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEATBELT OF 2010 TOYOTA VENZA GOT CAUGHT AROUND MY 3 YEAR OLD'S NECK. SEATBELT WOULD NOT GIVE SLACK TO REMOVE AND TIGHTENED AS IT RETRACTED BACK INTO DOOR. HAD TO CUT SEATBELT IN ORDER TO REMOVE FROM CHILD'S NECK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .