IllustrationThe sunroof/moonroof leak every time it rains. The water leaks into the front and back of the car. This is damaging the upholstery and may be causing electrical or structural (rust) damage as well.
2009 Toyota Venza
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Venza years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Toyota Venza are substantially higher than the model-year median of 59.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Venza years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
590–25K
1925–50K
2750–75K
1975–100K
13100–150K
4150K+
141 reports with mileage · 32 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Seats. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
18 crash reports3 fire reports13 injury reports
Structure complaints
8 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF WATER SLOWLY LEAKING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BREDEMANN TOYOTA (1301 W DEMPSTER ST, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068, (847) 655-1435) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF WATER SLOWLY LEAKING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BREDEMANN TOYOTA (1301 W DEMPSTER ST, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068, (847) 655-1435) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE HEADLINER DUE TO THE DRAIN TUBE NOT BEING INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,623.*JB
DRIVERS SUN VISOR DROPS DOWN BLOCKING VISION. IT STARTED OUT WITH A SLIGHT SAGGING DOWN, BUT TODAY WHILE IN DALLAS, TX TRAFFIC IT DROPPED DOWN AND WOULD NOT STAY UP ON IT'S OWN. VERY DANGEROUS! I HAD TO LITERALLY TEAR VISOR DOWN TO SAFELY BE ABLE TO CONTINUE MY TRIP. *TR
WHILE AT GROCERY STORE, ENGAGED REAR POWER LIFT GATE ON KEY FOB. LIFT GATE OPENED AND STARTED LOADING GROCERIES INTO REAR OF VEHICLE. WITHOUT WARNING THE LIFT GATE CAME DOWN HITTING ME IN THE HEAD. THERE WAS SO MUCH PRESSURE THAT IT KNOCKED TO MY KNEES. THE HEAD STRIKE CAUSED A CONTUSION AND RAISED LUMP ON MY HEAD AND MINOR CONC…
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WHILE AT GROCERY STORE, ENGAGED REAR POWER LIFT GATE ON KEY FOB. LIFT GATE OPENED AND STARTED LOADING GROCERIES INTO REAR OF VEHICLE. WITHOUT WARNING THE LIFT GATE CAME DOWN HITTING ME IN THE HEAD. THERE WAS SO MUCH PRESSURE THAT IT KNOCKED TO MY KNEES. THE HEAD STRIKE CAUSED A CONTUSION AND RAISED LUMP ON MY HEAD AND MINOR CONCLUSIVE SYMPTOMS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LIFT GATE WAS RELEASED OPEN WITH THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTO CLOSE FEATURE THAT WOULD RELEASE AND THEN PULL THE LIFTGATE INTO THE VEHICLE. THE LIFTGATE WAS ALSO SUPPOSED TO DETECT WHEN THERE WAS AN OBJECT I…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LIFT GATE WAS RELEASED OPEN WITH THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTO CLOSE FEATURE THAT WOULD RELEASE AND THEN PULL THE LIFTGATE INTO THE VEHICLE. THE LIFTGATE WAS ALSO SUPPOSED TO DETECT WHEN THERE WAS AN OBJECT IN ITS PATH AND STOP HOWEVER, THE LIFT GATE CLOSED ABRUPTLY AND TRAPPED A CHILD'S FINGERS BETWEEN THE GATE AND THE VEHICLE. TWO OF THE CHILD'S FINGERS ON THE LEFT HAND WERE SEVERELY BRUISED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. . ...UPDATED 03/15/17 *BF ...UPDATED 03/29/17 *BF VIDEO UPLOADED ON YOUTUBE. UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT
I NOTICED MY TOYOTA VENZA'S ROOF MOLDING STRIP WAS LOOSE DURING A CAR WASH. I PUT IT BACK; HOWEVER, ONE WEEK LATER THE ROOF MOLDING STRIP WAS GONE. I WENT TO DEALER, AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THE MILEAGE STILL UNDER 36000 MILES. THEN I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME …
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I NOTICED MY TOYOTA VENZA'S ROOF MOLDING STRIP WAS LOOSE DURING A CAR WASH. I PUT IT BACK; HOWEVER, ONE WEEK LATER THE ROOF MOLDING STRIP WAS GONE. I WENT TO DEALER, AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THE MILEAGE STILL UNDER 36000 MILES. THEN I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT BEFORE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN. *TT
WHEN USING THE AUTOMATIC REAR BACK DOOR LIFT FEATURE ON THE TOYOTA VENZA THE DOOR CONTINUES TO CLOSE DESPITE RESISTANCE. ONCE THE BUTTON IS PUSHED TO CLOSE, IT APPEARS THAT ANYTHING THAT GETS IN THE WAY WILL GET SMASHED. AN ARCHIVED DISCUSSION WAS POSTED (JUST FOR THE LOCKING PORTION) AT: HTTP://WWW.TOYOTANATION.COM/FORUM/A…
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WHEN USING THE AUTOMATIC REAR BACK DOOR LIFT FEATURE ON THE TOYOTA VENZA THE DOOR CONTINUES TO CLOSE DESPITE RESISTANCE. ONCE THE BUTTON IS PUSHED TO CLOSE, IT APPEARS THAT ANYTHING THAT GETS IN THE WAY WILL GET SMASHED. AN ARCHIVED DISCUSSION WAS POSTED (JUST FOR THE LOCKING PORTION) AT: HTTP://WWW.TOYOTANATION.COM/FORUM/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-322499.HTML. *TR
THE SUNROOF OF THE NEWLY PURCHASED TOYOTA VENZA FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING--THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT... *TR
Official recalls
821V257000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain
Apr 13, 2021
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2009-2015 Venza vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wiring may become damaged with regular use of the driver-side door.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damaged wires may cause the air bag sensor to become inoperable, preventing the deployment of the side and curtain air bags on the driver side and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver-side front door wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TB01/21TA01.
16V396000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
14V743000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
Nov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats
Jan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
12V091000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Mar 7, 2012
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 CAMRY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2008, THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2009, AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 VENZA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 20, 2008, THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE CONTACT-TYPE STOP LAMP SWITCH, SILICONE GREASE MAY HAVE COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE OF THE SWITCH WHICH COULD CAUSE CONTACT RESISTANCE. IF THIS OCCURS, WARNING LAMPS COULD ILLUMINATE, A NO START CONDITION COULD RESULT, THE SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT SHIFT FROM THE PARK POSITION, OR THE VEHICLES BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WARN OTHER DRIVERS THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING OR STOPPING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
10V023000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Jan 27, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.