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 416 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
- 416
- Safety recall campaigns
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 70
- 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 416 NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls on record. 70 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 416 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 19 federal recall campaigns
- 70 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: Aug 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:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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 416 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
416 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.
Sunroof shattered while I was on the highway almost injuring me and causing me to get into an accident, no rocks or debris found to cause this. Toyota refuses to take any responsibility for this and I have to fix it myself
The navigation and radio system will cut off and restart that warning. This loses critical settings and distracts drivers from attention to the road. If you’re using navigation, it’s gone if you are listening to instructions from an external source connected to the system, it’s gone. This radio is definitely available for inspection. This is a frequent occurrence on most any trip at any time multiple times per trip. This is definitely a safety hazard, if traveling in heavy traffic and unfamiliar places.
Sunroof leaking into front driver & passenger pillars with airbags. Dealership quotes $6k to fix, but they didn’t know where / how it’s leaking!! There are no drain lines in this model, so it’s just a leak into the air bags plain and simple. This is a manufacturer issue- if no drain lines / weep holes, then why do you have to replace a $6k sunroof to fix an $50 seal / gasket? Very Unsat. Others are having the same issue. Saw 13 others with similar or same issue on NHTSA website…Toyota dealer was charging me $1,000 to look at it and tell me , yeah, there is a leak! Thats why I brought it to you! This is the panoramic sunroof model. Very unsafe!
The engine is consuming oil at an alarming rate. Didn’t reach my normal 5000 miles for an oil change and the oil stick was bone dry. Its put me and my family at risk because its the main reason the car is driving. No it has not been reproduced. No. Yes there was a warning lamp almost a year ago when it first happened where the engine burned most of the oil leaving nothing in the engine.
Last December my airbag light came on. I took it to Minot Chrysler Center and Toyota Center and they told me the wires for the airbag under the drivers seat were frayed and needed to be replaced. They also had to replace the harness because they said that too was not working. I had it fixed. Three weeks ago the light went off I made an appointment right away and today they told me it was the same issue and had to replace the wires on the passenger side. I called Toyota and they told me it was up to the discretion of the tech. I called the tech at the Chrysler Center and she told me that they couldn’t do that because they would have to file a report and then deal with Toyota. I was not happy with that response and I said oh so you are telling me that’s too much work and I am on my own. I just ended up paying for it twice now. The drivers side was $594.00 and today’s charges were $485.00. This is a safety issue and should be addressed
On 10/24/22, I was stopped in traffic at the lower end of a hill. This was in Arlington, TX on Lamar St. near Collins traveling east. Although I was using my brakes as we were at a red light, the car started accelerating forward. It would not stop with further brake usage or trying to put the car into park position. I hit the car in front of me gently. Not seeing any damage, and because the other driver did not feel the impact, I did not report the incident to the insurance company. I do not know if it was a brake problem or other problem. I recently purchased the car after my Toyota Camry was totaled at the end of July 2022. However, that car had a similar problem in another accident that was reported to my Allstate agent.
Read 14 more owner reports
Extremely uncomfortable drivers side and passenger headrests, causing my head and neck to be pushed forward. This causes me back and neck pain, pushing you in a position to have chronic neck/back pain and very bad posture. I’ve seen many complaints online, including many newer makes and models. It sounds like the new feature is supposed to reduce whiplash, in the chance of an accident, but if people take their headrests off or flip them backwards then it’s a bad design. I am 5 feet 5 inches tall, and I’ve heard of this affecting others of a similar height, please consider redesigning
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to NHTSA. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that a drunk driver hit her vehicle on the driver's side while stopped at a stoplight. The contact stated that the airbags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was taken to the hospital and was treated for her injuries. The front seat passenger sustained shoulder injuries. A police report was filed at the scene. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. The vehicle was initially towed from the scene to an independent tow yard and then to an independent body shop where the vehicle was repaired. The contact recently received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000(AIR BAGS) which she linked to her failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer have yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
HOOD IS STUCK CLOSE. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. POSSIBLE PROBLEM IS LATCH. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND ENGINE NOT RUNNING PARKED IN GARAGE.
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND COMING TO A STOP SIGN THERE WAS A SUDDEN EXPLOSION...IT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE EXPLODED BUT LOUDER. I STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND WALKED AROUND THE VEHICLE FOR A BUSTED TIRE, BUT THEN I SAW THAT MY SUNROOF WAS CONTINUING TO CRACK...THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. I WALKED TO THE VEHICLE THAT HAD STOPPED BEHIND ME AND ASKED THEM IF THEY HAD SEEN ANYTHING HIT MY CAR AND THEY SAID NO. MY SUNROOF CONTINUED TO SHATTER AS I DROVE HOME. FRIGHTENING SITUATION! TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL THEIR SUNROOFS BECAUSE I'VE SEEN SEVERAL ON THIS SITE AS HAVING EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM.
THE RADIO NAVIGATION SYSTEM JUST TURNS OFF AND RESETS FOR NO APPARENT REASON IT DOES IT ST ANYTIME ANYWHERE ANY SPEED. IT WILL JUST STOP AND RESTART AND IF YOUR USING NAVIGATION YOU LOOSE YOUR DESTINATION, SO YOU HAVE THE INSTINCT TO TRY AND RE INPUT YOUR TRAVEL LOCATION WHICH CAUSES YOU TO NOT WATCH THE ROAD. IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR.
FORWARD SLIDING SUNROOF EXPLODED AND STARTED DISINTEGRATING WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 93. NOTHING CAME OFF THE HIGHWAY OR FROM ANY OTHER VEHICLE TO CAUSE THIS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION APPROX 70 MPH DRIVING STRAIGHT. WEATHER WAS CLEAR, SUNNY AND COLD, ABOUT 29 DEGREES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES VIBRATED AND THEN SEIZED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GOSCH TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 350 CARRIAGE CIR, HEMET, CA 92545, (951) 808-3134) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. DUE TO THE IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED FORWARD AND THEN BACKWARDS INTO THE REAR SEATS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FIELD INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS STILL OPERATING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
SUNROOF EXPLODED INTO MILLIONS OF PIECES WHILE IN THE CLOSED POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN MEMPHIS, ON JULY 19, 2018. THERE WAS A VERY LOUD BANG THAT SCARED THE DRIVER CAUSING HER TO ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF AN OBJECT STRIKING THE SUNROOF OR THE VEHICLE AROUND THIS TIME. SINCE THE BOTTOM SUN SHIELD WAS CLOSED, NO GLASS ENTERED THE VEHICLE
TAKATA RECALL, DRIVER SEAT FRAM NEED TO REPLACED, WHEN I REPORT THIS PROBLEM IS AROUND 35.000. MILE BUT THE SERVICE ADVISER AT DEALER DO NOT IN WRIGHTING RECORD THEY LET THIS ISSUE GO OVER MILEGE WARRANTY, 36.000. SO NOW TOYOTA COMPANNY IS AGREE TO OFFER A 60% FOR THE REPLACE PRICE I HAVE TO PAY $756.64+TAX, I ASK TOYOTA TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT,
STRONG ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN THE CABIN UPON HARD ACCELERATION.
WHEN THE WIPERS CROSS THE GLASS IN THE RAIN IT CREATES A HAZE ALMOST LIKE WHEN YOU NEED THE DEFROSTER TO CLEAR THE WINDOW BUT THIS PROBLEM IS ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE GLASS. DURING DRY WEATHER THE PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST. NOT A WIPER ISSUE, DEFECTIVE GLASS
Showing 20 of 416 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 416 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. 70 of the Toyota Venza's 416 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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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 416 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 (23 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 (91 complaints); AIR BAGS (43 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.