2011 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 2011 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
- Electrical1518.8%
- Brakes911.3%
- Interior & seats810.0%
- Driver assistance810.0%
- Visibility78.8%
- Airbags56.3%
- Body & structure56.3%
- Exterior lighting45.0%
- Steering45.0%
- Suspension45.0%
- Fuel system33.8%
- Engine33.8%
- Other / unspecified33.8%
- Tires & wheels11.3%
- Heating & air conditioning11.3%
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
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?
The headlight housing prongs are incorrect. The bulbs are H11, but the housing does not fit h11. I have tried 4 different brands.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 car luckily kept going in the direction of the parking lot and I chose to go through bushes to stop the car and put the emergency brake ; the car after a few horror minutes stopped If the car merged a little bit outside the parking lot there is fast traffic and a lake right after I had the car towed right away , I will not touch that car again At the dealership they tried to dismiss the problem saying that brakes are fine I read multiple complaints on forums about the same issue This BRAKE Disaster NEEDS to be recalled People’s lives are in play If this doesn’t get resolved there will be lawyers involved
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V014000 (Air Bags, Seat). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,945.
HEATED LIGHTS ON BUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT NOT WARMING UP. BOUGHT THIS CAR SECOND HAND FROM A SMALL AUTO DEALER (BUYACAR.COM IN GREENSBORO NC). BUT I DID TAKE MY CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER FOR REPAIRS, THEY DID NOT TELL ME THAT THERE'S A RECALL ABOUT SEATS FOR THIS MODEL AND I DID COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WARMING SEAT NOT WORKING. SO RECALL WAS ABOUT, WIRING OF SEAT. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT CHECK BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE CHARGED$500 FOR A REPAIR THAT IS PART OF A RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP ON THIS MATTER.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WARNING CONTROL LIGHTS ARE ON IN 20MINUTES AFTER VEHICLE IS RUNNING
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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?
The roof panoramic glass shattered for no apparent reason. Passengers in the car could have been harmed Insurance has approved the repair. There was no warning or indication of failure.
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
See attached document for complaint
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 in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V014000 (Air Bags, Seat). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,945.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
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
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?
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.
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
SEATS RUBBED ON CONSOLE. STRONG ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEATS NO LONGER OPERATE. WHEN IN REVERSE AND TURNING STEERING WHEEL LOUD SQUEALING NOISE AND THUMPING UNTIL PLACED IN DRIVE. WENT TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS WHO SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR FELL DOWN AND BLOCKED ABILITY TO SEE WHEN DRIVING.
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 DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO FIX IT BUT THEY HAVEN'T FIXED ANYTHING. THEY JUST CHARGED UP TO $700 AND THEY HAVEN'T FIXED ANYTHING. THEY DID A COMPUTER RESETS AND COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS HAVE TRIED TO FIX IT BUT NONE OF THEM ARE ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ALSO, WHEN THE AC IS ON DURING THE HEAT UP THE ENGINE FANS THAT COOL OFF THE ENGINE STOP WORKING. OUR CARS ENGINE STOPPED ALL OF THE SUDDEN REALLY RECENTLY WHEN IT WAS REALLY HOT. FROM AN AUCTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
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
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 SEAM." I AM WRITING TO ASK IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER TOYOTA CARS? I FEEL THAT IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO DRIVE A CAR THAT HAS A GAS TANK THAT CAN SPLIT AT THE SEAMS? I CURRENTLY DRIVE 50 MILES TO AND FROM WORK. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE AND WANTED TO VOICE MY CONCERN TO YOU REGARDING THIS ISSUE WITH MANUFACTURING.
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 AGO. THIS INCIDENT WAS FAR MORE THAN JUST A NUISANCE AND AN INCONVENIENCE. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE! IF THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AT 70MPH ON AN INTERSTATE, I MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE TO TALK ABOUT IT. I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT (800)331-4331 [INCIDENT 150507-000193] TO SEE IF THE SWITCH DESIGN HAD BEEN IMPROVED OR A PROGRAMMING CHANGE HAD BEEN MADE TO CHANGE THE FAILURE MODE, BUT GOT NO INDICATION ANYTHING HAD BEEN CHANGED. I WAS TOLD THAT MY CASE HAD BEEN FILED AT THEIR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS UNDER FILE #1505080785. APPARENTLY MY PROBLEM WAS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, BECAUSE WHEN I EXPRESSED SURPRISE THAT A STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILURE COULD BE SO CATASTROPHIC, THE SERVICE WRITER AT TOYOTA OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS SAID THAT THIS HAPPENS OFTEN, THAT "THIS WAS NOT OUR FIRST RODEO". I BELIEVE TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE SOME CHANGES TO AVOID PEOPLE BEING INJURED BY STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILURES ON THE TOYOTA VENZA.
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
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 then told 3days later that I needed a New Engine! That the Compressors were bad. In my research I found that when the compressor is starting to go out- the vehicle begins to run rough! This is what was told to the Dealership. I believe they failed to properly diagnosed my vehicle. And they wanted me to pay $9400 to Repair!!!! $5500 for a used Engine!! If Toyota knows they have the issue with the oil line... they should have checked for this... and checked the Engine when they KNOW THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILURE EFFECTS THE ENGINE!!!!!! I AM NOT THE MECHANIC!! The service guy at the dealership had his head down the entire time ... he knows they screwed up!! Of Course taking NO OWNERSHIP. I asked him why wouldn't they check for Engine compression when I told them it was driving rough - he says they just don't check for that!!! NOT MY FAULT.... This is NOT what I expect from a Toyota- has anyone else had this issues??? Vehicle had 168,000 miles. I had a Toyota Landcruiser with well over 220,000 miles and NEVER an engine issue!
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 WITH MY CAR. I AM WORRIED MY CAR WILL STALL ON A FREEWAY WHEN THERE IS NO MORE OIL IN MY ENGINE AND THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO KNOW, CAUSE IT JUST BURNED ALL AWAY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JS *DT
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
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?
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 OF THE BAD FEELING OF WINTER DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT PRETTY FAST TOO. I OWNED MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN THE LAST 20 MORE YEARS, DUELER H/L 400 TIRES ARE THE WORST TIRES I HAVE EVER HAD. THANKS FOR THE TIRE RACK.COM. THE WEBSITE HAS PROVIDED CUSTOMERS A CLEAN AND FREE ENVIRONMENT TO POST THEIR REVIEWS AND RATINGS ON TIRES. BRIDGESTONE DUELER 400 HAS A VERY LOW RATING AND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE. I TRIED TO POST MY REVIEW ON BRIDGESTONE WEBSITE TWICE, BUT I HAVE BEEN REFUSED TWICE. THIS IS BECAUSE MY REVIEW CANNOT PASS THEIR GUIDELINES. DUELER 400 HAS A CUSTOMER SATISFY RATING OF 89% IN BRIDGESTONE WEBSITE. THIS RATING PERHAPS WILL LAST FOREVER THERE. *TR
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
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.
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 .