Toyota Venza Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Toyota Venza options? We analyzed 10 model years (2012–2024) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Toyota Venza has 418 owner complaints and 19 safety recalls across model years 2012–2024. The most reported issue area is VISIBILITY/WIPER. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Venza
- Model years analyzed
- 2012–2024 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 418
- Safety recall campaigns
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 71
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (188 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2023 (21 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Toyota Venza: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe TOYOTA VENZA has 418 NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls on record. 71 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 418 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 19 federal recall campaigns
- 71 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
19 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012–2024. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 418 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
418 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
On Dec. 17, 2023, shortly after 12:00 p.m.,I was driving my Toyota Venza on the highway under normal when the STEERING KNUCKLE suddenly fractured. This unexpected failure caused the vehicle to lose steering control, leading to a serious traffic accident. I inspected that part and found that the STEERIN KNUCKLE had broken abnormally, as the break showed no signs of any impact.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the airbags warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer advised the contact that the recalls repair had been completed; however, upon picking up the vehicle, the contact noticed that the airbags warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer advised the contact that they would need to remove the driver’s and passenger’s side front door panels, and the carpet to repair the vehicle. The contact was also informed that the repair would be completed at her expense. The contact declined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact received a recall notification for 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 dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owned a 2012 TOYOTA VENZA. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle traveling in front of them came to an abrupt stop. In an effort to avoid the vehicle, the contact's husband jumped a curb and hit a light post. The front driver and passenger airbags deployed upon impact; however, the side curtain airbags failed to deploy. The authorities arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. Both the contact and her husband were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact's husband was treated for soreness and bruising to his chest and back. The contact had trouble breathing upon arrival and was given oxygen. She was then transferred to another hospital where she was treated for a broken sternum, a fractured back, chest contusions, and swelling to her chest area. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (AIRBAGS) which she linked to her injuries. The dealer nor the manufacturer have yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
SUN VISORS, (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES) HAVE BROKEN AND WILL NOT HOLD THE VISORS IN PLACE.THEY BOTH FALL AT RANDOM CAUSING DISTRACTIONS. THE VISORS HAVE NOT BEEN ABUSED IN ANY WAY AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
Read 14 more owner reports
THE PASSENGER SIDE WARNING LIGHT INDICATES THAT AIR BAG IS OFF WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER IS SEATED IN IT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION WITH THE SEAT IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYING PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS A 2013 RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT IT DOES NOT SHOW UP UNDER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WHEN SEARCHED, NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN REFERENCE NUMBER 13V014000.
THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. IT KEEPS FALLING DOWN MAKING IT HARD TO SEE.
VISOR FLIP DOWN SPONTANEOUSLY AND HINGE BREAKS AFTER SOME TIME EVEN AFTER DEALER REPLACED WITHIN WARRANTY NOW THEY WONT REPLACE. VISOR WILL HANG DOWN AND BLOCK VIEW OF ROAD. THIS OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THIS CAUSES A BLOCKED VIEW AND IS UNSAFE AS IT DOES NOT ALLOW FOR VISIBILITY.
BRIEF ENGINE KNOCK/RATTLE NOISE AT COLD STARTUP. WHEN IN MOTION VEHICLE WILL MAKE RATTLING NOISE.
IN MY 2012 TOYOTA VENZA THE SUNVISOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DROPS DOWN AND OBSTRUCTS MY VIEW. THIS HAPPENS WHILE I AM DRIVING AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD, IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND NOW NO LONGER STAYS UP.
MY DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT STAY UP AND IT BROKE OFF. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE FROM THE SUN GLARE
THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FLOPS DOWN INTO THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. IT WILL NOT STAY OUT OF THE LINE OF SIGHT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED FOR TOYOTA CAMRYS AND TOYOTA ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS THE SAME PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA VENZAS.
MFR CASE #'S 1805171831 & 181490595. CAR IN YOUR SHOP 5/23/2018 THRU 5/30/2018. IF YOU ACCELERATE QUICKLY TAKING THE ENGINE PAST 3000 RPM'S YOU START TO GET A STRONG ROTTEN EGG TYPE SMELL IN THE CAR. WE DROPPED THE CAR OFF THE COMPLAINT WASN'T WRITTEN RIGHT FORCING THEM TO CALL US TO EXPLAIN. WHICH I DID AND GAVE EXAMPLES TO DRIVE IT SO IT COULD BE DUPLICATED. A FEW HOURS LATER JOE CALLS WITH THEY COULD ONLY GET BRAKE SMELL FROM THE CAR BECAUSE IT HAS AFTERMARKET BRAKES ON IT. LIKE I DID SOMETHING WRONG WHEN I SPENT $900 INSTEAD OF $2000.00 FOR TOYOTA. THEN I WAS ASKED WHAT KIND OF FUEL DO I USE. NOW WE USE FUEL FROM WAWA, SUNOCO, COSTCO, BJ'S IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. THE ONLY THING I WAS TOLD THEY DID WAS A HEALTH REPORT FROM A CODE SCANNER TO FIND OUT IT HAS NO CODES IN THE COMPUTER. I HAVE FOUND IN GOOGLE SEARCHS 309,000 HITS WITH THE WORDS "TOYOTA ROTTEN EGG SMELL" SO I WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR AND ASKED THE SERVICE MANGER ON DUTY IF I COULD QUICKLY DUPLICATE THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT AS THEY WERE UNABLE TO. RAN THE ENGINE AT 4000RPMS FOR AROUND 2 TO 3 MINS. THE CAR BEGAN TO SMELL. THE SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY TRULY SEEMED TO WANT TO HELP TO FIX THIS SAID SHE WOULD ADVISE THE TOYOTA FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE WHEN HE CAME IN ON THE 30TH OF MAY. I RECEIVED A CALL & WAS TOLD THAT THE FIELD REP COULDNT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THE CAR IS OPERATED EXCESSIVELY AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING TO THE CAR. A CAR WITH 268HP AND A TACHOMETER WITH AN OVER 6000RPM WHICH THE CAR HAS NEVER SEEN AND HAS NEVER BEEN PAST 80MPH IN ITS LIFE OF SERVICE. I HAVE A PROBLEM BELIEVING THEY DROVE THE CAR OTHER THAN CRUISED AROUND. THEY BLAMED THE FUEL I USED AND MY DRIVING. A CAR DESIGNED TO RUN ON 87 OCTANE IN THEIR MANUAL ABOVE HORSEPOWER AND ENGINE RPM LIMITS. I HAD TO DUPLICATE THE COMPLAINT QUICKLY FOR THEM WHICH THEY CHARGED ME FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. NOW A REFUSAL BY THE MFR. RIDICULOUS
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS HIY AT A HIGH SPEED ON DRIVERS DIDE FRONT WHEEL. I WAS IN MOYION WHIL A TRUCK HIT ME GOING AT A HIGH SPEED AND WAS DRAGGED WHEN WHEELS GOT STUCK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT RAINED, WATER WOULD ACCUMULATE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,272.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE HATCHBACK FAILED TO CLOSE WHEN USING THE REMOTE ACCESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK NEEDED TO BE MANUALLY CLOSED. INITIALLY, THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE HATCHBACK FAILING TO OPEN USING THE REMOTE ACCESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND A GRINDING SOUND COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG BURST OPEN AND BLACK SMOKE AND FRAGMENTS FLEW OUT. THE FRAGMENTS SEVERELY INJURED BOTH OF THE DRIVER'S LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINER WHO CONCLUDED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY WATER DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. ...UPDATED 03/13/17 *BF *CN
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY TO PARK IN DRIVEWAY BEHIND MY LEAF. DURING ACCELERATION I COULD NOT BRAKE AND CRASHED INTO MY LEAF WHICH WENT FORWARD INTO THE BEAM IN MY GARAGE AND STOPPED BOTH THE CARS.
THIS TOYOTA VENZA ROLLS BACK ON A HILL OR SLIGHT INCLINE WHEN THE CAR IS IN DRIVE. DRIVER NEEDS TO KEEP THEIR FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACK INTO A CAR BEHIND THEM. THIS DEFECT WAS REPORTED TO TOYOTA AND TO DATE THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL.
Showing 20 of 418 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Toyota Venza
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Toyota Venza, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Toyota Venza has 418 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Toyota Venza has 19 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 71 of the Toyota Venza's 418 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Toyota Venza vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Toyota Venza vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Toyota Venza has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Toyota Venza by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Toyota Venza.
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Toyota Venza reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Venza reliable?
Poor. The Toyota Venza has 418 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is VISIBILITY/WIPER. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Toyota Venza years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (188 complaints), 2022 (42 complaints), 2024 (25 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Toyota Venza problems?
Top reported issues: VISIBILITY/WIPER (96 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (93 complaints); AIR BAGS (44 complaints).
Does the Toyota Venza have recalls?
Yes — 19 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Toyota Venza. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.