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
What owners actually said
173 reports
40,000 miles · Dec 16, 2020
Power TrainService Brakes
I PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES SEEMED TO LOCK, WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE IT CONTINUED TO BACK UP. NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I PUT IT IN IT STAYED IN REVERSE. I WAS BLOCKING A LANE AT THE MALL ,U MY HUSBAND TRIED TO PUSH IT WHILE IN NEUTRAL BUT HE COULDN'T BUDGE IT, IT WAS STILL IN REVERSE. I THINK IT HAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMIS…
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I PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES SEEMED TO LOCK, WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE IT CONTINUED TO BACK UP. NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I PUT IT IN IT STAYED IN REVERSE. I WAS BLOCKING A LANE AT THE MALL ,U MY HUSBAND TRIED TO PUSH IT WHILE IN NEUTRAL BUT HE COULDN'T BUDGE IT, IT WAS STILL IN REVERSE. I THINK IT HAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, AND IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. SCARY AND VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI #11383791
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2020
Steering
THE STEERING COLUMN MAKE LOUD NOISE AND LIKE METAL CONTACT
NHTSA ODI #11328748
110,456 miles · Apr 15, 2020
Unknown Or Other
AWD ENGAGED ALL THE TIME AND IT MIGHT LOCK AND IF THIS HAPPEN THE CAR WILL STOP .THIS ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11321191
146,000 miles · Jan 9, 2020
Seats
THE SEAT HEATERS IN THE VEHICLE DON'T WORK LIKE THEY SHOULD. SOMETIMES THERE IS A BURNING SMELL TO THEM. THE DRIVERS SIDE ONE WENT OUT COMPLETELY ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND WE HAD IT FIXED NOW THE PASSENGER ONE ISN'T WORKING AT ALL. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS PRETTY HOT TOO AND HAS TO BE SHUT OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11298062
90,000 miles · Dec 21, 2019
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON, THE DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT. USUALLY OCCURS IN THE "AUTO" SETTING BUT NOT ALWAYS. SOMETIMES AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND LIGHTS, THE LOW BEAM WILL START WORKING BUT NOT ALWAYS. NEXT NIGHT THE LIGHTS WORK AS DESIGNED BUT MAY GO OUT AGA…
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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON, THE DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT. USUALLY OCCURS IN THE "AUTO" SETTING BUT NOT ALWAYS. SOMETIMES AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND LIGHTS, THE LOW BEAM WILL START WORKING BUT NOT ALWAYS. NEXT NIGHT THE LIGHTS WORK AS DESIGNED BUT MAY GO OUT AGAIN. HAPPENS IN CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING...
NHTSA ODI #11290604
154,000 miles · Dec 1, 2019
Electrical System
THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE IN A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON AND ATTEMPT TO START. THERE IS NO FUEL GOING TO THE ENGINE, SO IT DOES NOT IGNITE, BUT I HAVE READ REPORTS IF VENZAS DOING THIS AND CATCHING FIRE. THE OTHER CHALLENGE IS THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT ALSO ACTIVATES THE ENGINE IMMOBILIZER AND WILL NOT RECOGNI…
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THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE IN A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON AND ATTEMPT TO START. THERE IS NO FUEL GOING TO THE ENGINE, SO IT DOES NOT IGNITE, BUT I HAVE READ REPORTS IF VENZAS DOING THIS AND CATCHING FIRE. THE OTHER CHALLENGE IS THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT ALSO ACTIVATES THE ENGINE IMMOBILIZER AND WILL NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEYS. THE FIRST TIME, LAST JANUARY, WE RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO FIND A DEAD BATTERY. AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED. I EVENTUALLY WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED, THEN LEFT BOTH KEYS IN THE VEHICLE INBTHE ACC ON POSITION FOR 30 MINUTES, AND IT RECOGNIZED THE KEY. IN OCTOBER, I WAS OUT RUNNING AND RETURNED TO FIND THE HEADLIGHTS ON AND THE FAN BLOWER RUNNING. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEYS. I RECONNECTED IT LATER WITH NO CHANGE, BIT THEN A FEW HOURS LATER IT WORKED FINE. TODAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019), WE RETURNED HOME FROM CHURCH TO FIND THE STARTER CLICKING. THE ENGINE IMMOBILIZER IS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED AND UNTAMPERED. IF THE BATTERY DOES NOT DOE, THIS COULD START A FIRE AND BURN DOWN MY HOUSE. I AM TAKING IT TO A DEALER, BUT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT OCCURS WHILE PARKED, RANDOMLY. THOUGH IT SEEMS COLD WEATHER IS A FACTOR.
NHTSA ODI #11283172
64,623 miles · Oct 1, 2019
StructureVisibilityVisibility/wiper
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #11265317
138,000 miles · Sep 16, 2019
Exterior Lighting
POOR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION, WHICH I DETERMINED IS DUE TO CLOUDING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE LENS IN THE LOW BEAM LAMP SOCKET. (NOT THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF GREATER HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY) I'VE READ SOME BLOGS AND ANECDOTALLY THIS APPEARS A RECURRING COMPLAINT WITH SOME TOYOTAS. IT IS NOT JUST AN ISSUE OF IMPROPER HEA…
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POOR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION, WHICH I DETERMINED IS DUE TO CLOUDING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE LENS IN THE LOW BEAM LAMP SOCKET. (NOT THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF GREATER HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY) I'VE READ SOME BLOGS AND ANECDOTALLY THIS APPEARS A RECURRING COMPLAINT WITH SOME TOYOTAS. IT IS NOT JUST AN ISSUE OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT. THIS HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. RECENTLY NOTICED THE NEWER MODELS HEADLAMP GLOBES APPEAR TO BE TRANSPARENT, SO FINALLY DECIDED TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION.DATE BELOW REFERRING TO DATE BEING REPORTED. NOT RELATED TO SPEED, BUT REPORTING 45 MPH TO COMPLETE ENTRY REQTS.
NHTSA ODI #11255702
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2019
Unknown Or Other
SUN VISORS HAVE CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE VISOR TO JUST HANG DOWN CAUSING TEARING IN THE COVERING MATERIAL AND POOR VISIBILITY. IT CANNOT BE PUT BACK UP IN PLACE. THE INTERNAL MECHANISM IS FROZEN UP OR SOMETHING.
NHTSA ODI #11233575
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2019
Power TrainSeatsService Brakes
DRIVER SIDE SEAT NO HEAT. SPEED SENSOR FRONT RIGHT THERE LIGHT ON BREAK ABS AND VSC. REAR DIFFERENTIAL MAKE NOISE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2009 Toyota Venza Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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