2009 Toyota Venza

Hello, I issue this complaint because my 2009 Venza interior started smelling like smoke. It went on for a bit thinking it may be something outside the vehicle. I then realized the smell was coming from the seat I was sitting on. I've read online about this problem and its seems this is a problem many owners of this vehicle have experienced. It seems to me this should be a safety hazard. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dear NHTSA, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding water leakage in my vehicle, which I believe has the potential to compromise the safety and functionality of the car's electronic systems. I would like to submit this report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address and rectify this issue promptly. During the rainy season, I have observed water leaks occurring on both sides of the front section of my vehicle. This water infiltration has raised serious concerns about the possibility of damage to the car's computer system, thereby posing a potential risk of car malfunction. The electronic components of modern vehicles, including vital control units and sensors, are susceptible to water damage. In the event of such damage, there is a heightened risk of malfunctions that could compromise the overall safety and performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, I have identified an additional water leakage issue through the panoramic roof at the backside of the car. This raises the likelihood of water seeping into the interior of the vehicle, potentially damaging interior components, electrical wiring, and compromising the structural integrity of the car. I am reaching out to the NHTSA with the intention of highlighting the severity of these issues and advocating for a comprehensive investigation into the water leakage concerns in my vehicle model. I believe that swift action is necessary to prevent any potential safety hazards that may arise from compromised electronic systems or structural damage due to water infiltration. In light of the safety implications associated with water damage to the vehicle's electronic components, I urge the NHTSA to initiate a thorough examination of this matter. Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial in ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers who may be affected by similar issues.

MY FRONT SEAT HEATING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN WORKING SINCE LAST YEAR. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON TOYOTA VENZA 2009 FOR FRONT SEAT HEATING ISSUES UNTIL NOW. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT TO ANY DEALERSHIP TO RECTIFY OR DISCONNECT THE HEATING ELEMENTS. I BELIEVE THIS MIGHT STILL BE A SAFETY ISSUE TO MY VEHICLE. WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE?

VEHICLE IS 9 YEARS OLD, BUT WITH ONLY 56,135 MILES AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED. DRIVEN BY A SMALL FEMALE, WHICH IS RELEVANT. EXPERIENCED AN ACRID, BURNING SMELL WHICH CAUSED GAGGING AND COUGHING. NO SMOKE VISIBLE. DEALER FOUND PROBLEMS WITH HEATED SEATS, WIRING AND CONNECTORS. ENTIRE HEATED SEAT SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACED AT COST OF $1130.30 FOR EACH SEAT. MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE. THERE IS NO WAY THAT A SMALL FRAMED FEMALE'S WEIGHT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING WITHIN THE SEAT HEATERS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY TOYOTA REGARDLESS OF THE MILEAGE, DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY HAZARD. COULD EASILY CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FIRE.

HEATED SEAT TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER (#875010T010) FAILS RESULTING IN HEATED SEAT FAILURE. IN OUR CASE, THE CONTROLLER FAILED MELTING THE WIRE HARNESS PLUG TO THE CONTROLLER. THIS COULD HAVE STARTED THE SEAT ON FIRE WITH OUR 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA HAS DISCONTINUED THIS PART FOR 2009-2014 VENZA'S AND HAS NOT OFFERED A REPLACEMENT.

THE DRIVER HEATED SEAT NO LONGER WORKS, AT ALL. I PURCHASED IT USED WITH 46K MILES AND IT WORKED FOR ONE WINTER (2014) BUT NO LONGER. THE LIGHT FOR THE HEATER COMES ON BUT THERE IS NO HEAT EMITTED. THERE ARE MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR THIS AVAILABLE BUT NONE FOR MY VIN #. DEALER ESTIMATED $1200+ TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL.

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER IN THE LEATHER SEAT WORKED FINE UNTIL A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. NOW WHEN IT IS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION THERE IS A SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRING. SEAT HEATER WAS TURNED OFF, THEN ON AGAIN A COUPLE OF TIMES TO TEST IT. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONERY OR ON THE ROAD, JUST ANY TIME THE SEAT HEATER IS TURNED ON. NOW THE SEAT HEATER IS OFF AND WILL NOT BE TURNED ON BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THIS VIN NUMBER IS NOT UNDER THE CURRENT SEAT HEATER RECALLS. IT APPEARS FROM THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, THERE ARE MANY OTHER CARS OF THIS MAKE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOT UNDER THE CURRENT RECALLS. THERE SHOULD BE MORE RECALLS, AND THERE SHOULD BE A REPAIR, NOT JUST A DISCONNECT THE WIRING. PEOPLE PAY GOOD MONEY FOR THE COMFORT FEATURES AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED.