TOYOTA VENZA · model year

2011 TOYOTA VENZA

89 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011TOYOTAVENZA carries 89 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 3 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 3/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 VENZA is electrical system with 15 filings, followed by service brakes (8) and unknown or other (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 51 investigation files overlapping the 2011 VENZA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

89
Complaints
9
Crashes
3
Fires
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
2011 TOYOTA VENZA — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 3.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

89 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 3/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
SERVICE BRAKES8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
SEATS7
AIR BAGS5
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
VISIBILITY/WIPER5
SUSPENSION4
STEERING4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
ENGINE3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1

Recalls (6)

14V74300019/11/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

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 affec

13V01400016/01/2013

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 y

21V25700013/04/2021

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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.

13V12300009/04/2013

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-20

12V09100007/03/2012

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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 C

11V30600001/06/2011

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 VENZA AND SIENNA PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7, THROUGH MARCH 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FRONT, RIGHT, DRIVE SHAFT MAY BREAK DUE TO INSUFFICIENT HEAT TREATMENT.

Recent Complaints

20250715ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Purchased a 2011 toyota venza almost 28 days ago. I haven't even made my first payment for my car loan. The rain here in florida has shown that it is raining inside my vehicle. I have contacted the dealer, I have contacted my insurance company. I have done research and it's a known issue with this vehicle. I need help in correcting this. I am not driving the vehicle because it was shorting out the electric in the car. I have a tarp over it now. Can you point me in the direction of where to turn?

20250715VISIBILITY/WIPER

Purchased a 2011 toyota venza almost 28 days ago. I haven't even made my first payment for my car loan. The rain here in florida has shown that it is raining inside my vehicle. I have contacted the dealer, I have contacted my insurance company. I have done research and it's a known issue with this vehicle. I need help in correcting this. I am not driving the vehicle because it was shorting out the electric in the car. I have a tarp over it now. Can you point me in the direction of where to turn?

20250715EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Purchased a 2011 toyota venza almost 28 days ago. I haven't even made my first payment for my car loan. The rain here in florida has shown that it is raining inside my vehicle. I have contacted the dealer, I have contacted my insurance company. I have done research and it's a known issue with this vehicle. I need help in correcting this. I am not driving the vehicle because it was shorting out the electric in the car. I have a tarp over it now. Can you point me in the direction of where to turn?

20250114UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My horn no longer works. My mechanic informed me that it is the part that sits behind the airbag in the steering wheel. I was also informed that this happens to a lot of Toyota's. It is very expensive to repair and have not had it repaired. Since it is a common problem, does this issue fall under a recall? I don't feel safe driving without a horn. You don't realize how often you need/use it until you can't.

20240307AIR BAGS

See attached document for complaint

20231115ENGINE

I had a 2011 Toyota Venza. Notice oil leakage. Took for oil and filter change and a check. Nothing was found, however four months later car began rattling and driving rough - I took to dealership and was told the Water Pump needed to be replaced. I have since found out that Toyota has had a many issues with the VVT-i Oil line failures AND Water Pump failures- Both that lead to a Failed Engine!! They fixed the water pump, however 45days later, my vehicles just stopped running as I was driving down the road. I checked oil - it was empty! Car would not start. I had car towed to dealer. I was then told 3days later that I needed a New Engine! That the Compressors were bad. In my research I found that when the compressor is starting to go out- the vehicle begins to run rough! This is what was told to the Dealership. I believe they failed to properly diagnosed my vehicle. And they wanted me to pay $9400 to Repair!!!! $5500 for a used Engine!! If Toyota knows they have the issue with the oil

20231014VISIBILITY/WIPER

The roof panoramic glass shattered for no apparent reason. Passengers in the car could have been harmed Insurance has approved the repair. There was no warning or indication of failure.

20230928ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The headlight housing prongs are incorrect. The bulbs are H11, but the housing does not fit h11. I have tried 4 different brands.

20230714AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the check SRS (Supplement Restraint System) message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the error messages were cleared; however, upon placing her purse on the passenger seat, the messages again became displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the driver’s side harness needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V014000 (Air Bags, Seat). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,945.

Mileage: 137,945

20230714SEATS

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the check SRS (Supplement Restraint System) message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the error messages were cleared; however, upon placing her purse on the passenger seat, the messages again became displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the driver’s side harness needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V014000 (Air Bags, Seat). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,945.

Mileage: 137,945

20210813CrashSERVICE BRAKES

Major brake problem ; we were saved miraculously I have a Toyota Venza 2011 and I am the only owner ; the car drives smooth , however with major brakes issue My brakes and rotors are still in good condition, however; twice in the highway I wanted to slow down and the brakes don’t work , I freak out and my steering wheel looses control and almost hit cars but after a couple minutes it works The worst one was a couple days ago ; was driving at 30 miles an hour trying yo drop off my daughter for her game , hit the curb , brakes completely Lost Control and the car won’t stop We panicked the car luckily kept going in the direction of the parking lot and I chose to go through bushes to stop the car and put the emergency brake ; the car after a few horror minutes stopped If the car merged a little bit outside the parking lot there is fast traffic and a lake right after I had the car towed right away , I will not touch that car again At the dealership they tried to dismiss the probl

20210415SEATS

HEATED LIGHTS ON BUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT NOT WARMING UP. BOUGHT THIS CAR SECOND HAND FROM A SMALL AUTO DEALER (BUYACAR.COM IN GREENSBORO NC). BUT I DID TAKE MY CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER FOR REPAIRS, THEY DID NOT TELL ME THAT THERE'S A RECALL ABOUT SEATS FOR THIS MODEL AND I DID COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WARMING SEAT NOT WORKING. SO RECALL WAS ABOUT, WIRING OF SEAT. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT CHECK BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE CHARGED$500 FOR A REPAIR THAT IS PART OF A RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP ON THIS MATTER.

Mileage: 64,750

20200218CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH IN THE RAIN AND FOG WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL ON A CURVE COLLIDING INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AS THE FRONT AND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20191201UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAVE A 2011 TOYOTA VENZA WITH 136000 MILES AND BURNS THRU OIL. I HAVE TO PUT OIL EVERY MONTH IF I AM NOT CAREFUL IT WILL BURN QUICKLY.

Mileage: 134,000

20191031ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE POSTED THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT BECAUSE THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THE TIME I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED IN 2017. SOMETHING IS CAUSING THE POWER TO DRAIN FROM THE BATTERY I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY 3 TIMES SINCE 2017 I WAS TOLD THAT I WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR ENOUGH TO KEEP IT CHARGED IF I LEFT IT SIT FOR 3 DAYS WITHOUT STARTING IT.

Mileage: 85,000

20191007ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEATED SEAT WIRING WAS DISCONNECTED BY THE DEALER TO PREVENT A FIRE AND NOTED THAT THE PLUG WAS MELTED AND THE SEAT WAS CHARRED, DUE TO A MALFUNCTION, MY HEATED SEAT ON DRIVER SIDE STOPPED WORKING, FOUND A NHTSA CHAMPAIGN ID 14V743000 THAT AFFECTED 2009-2011 TOYOTA VENZA AND ALSO REPORTED TO TOYOTA CORPORATION AT 800-331-4331 SPOKE WITH KHUSHBOO, REGARDING THE RECALL AND SHE STATED MY VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL ON TOYOTA VENZA 2009-2011.

Mileage: 94,000

20191007SEATS

HEATED SEAT WIRING WAS DISCONNECTED BY THE DEALER TO PREVENT A FIRE AND NOTED THAT THE PLUG WAS MELTED AND THE SEAT WAS CHARRED, DUE TO A MALFUNCTION, MY HEATED SEAT ON DRIVER SIDE STOPPED WORKING, FOUND A NHTSA CHAMPAIGN ID 14V743000 THAT AFFECTED 2009-2011 TOYOTA VENZA AND ALSO REPORTED TO TOYOTA CORPORATION AT 800-331-4331 SPOKE WITH KHUSHBOO, REGARDING THE RECALL AND SHE STATED MY VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL ON TOYOTA VENZA 2009-2011.

Mileage: 94,000

20190328ENGINE

WHEN MY CAR HIT 100,000 MILES IT STARTED HAVING A ISSUE WHEN STARTING UP, I WOULD HEAR LIKE A GRINDING, WHEN I CHECKED THE OIL I HAD FOUND OUT THERE WAS MINIMAL OIL IN MY CAR, I ADDED OIL AND TOOK BY MY SHOP THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH OTHER TOYOTAS THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. OIL CONSUMPTION, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, REPLACED THE OIL HOUSING, THE TUBING, HAD THEM RUNNING OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS, AND THEM TELLING ME THAT MY CAR PASSED AND CHARGING ME FOR ALL TEST. MY CAR NOW, IS EATING ABOUT 15 Q OF OIL EVERY 5000 MILES AND TOYOTA STILL SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. I AM WORRIED MY CAR WILL STALL ON A FREEWAY WHEN THERE IS NO MORE OIL IN MY ENGINE AND THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO KNOW, CAUSE IT JUST BURNED ALL AWAY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JS *DT

Mileage: 100,000

20190205ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

WARNING CONTROL LIGHTS ARE ON IN 20MINUTES AFTER VEHICLE IS RUNNING

Mileage: 10

20181216UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ON 12/14/2018 I PUT MY HAND ON THE SIRIUS/TOYOTA RADIO DISPLAY AND NOTED THE SCREEN WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. THE RADIO HAD BEEN ON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR LISTING TO SATELLITE RADIO. THIS COULD BE A VARY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD.

Compare 2011TOYOTAVENZA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA have?
The 2011 TOYOTA VENZA has 89 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 3 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA?
The 2011 TOYOTA VENZA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 3/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA?
Yes, the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA?
The most-complained component for the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 15 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2011 TOYOTA VENZA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 TOYOTA VENZA has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.