VehicleVerdict

2009 Toyota Venza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 228 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Venza year — the 2009 model ranks #2 of 11 Venza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 21 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (36), brakes (27), and visibility & wipers (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

228

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

21

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Venza years?

Venza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted234 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 110 complaints2011: 89 complaints2012: 34 complaints2013: 87 complaints2014: 38 complaints2015: 34 complaints2021: 234 complaints2022: 73 complaints2023: 29 complaints2024: 32 complaints
Venza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Venza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Toyota Venza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control3616%
Brakes2712%
Visibility & Wipers2411%
Electrical System2411%
Other219%
Transmission198%
Seats198%
Airbags136%
Steering136%
Engine94%
Body & Structure84%
Tires & Wheels52%
Lighting42%
Seat Belts31%
Suspension10%
Fuel System10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2009 Toyota Venza have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V257000AirbagsApril 13, 2021 · 279,040 units

Defect

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

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.

16V396000SeatsJune 2, 2016 · 7,749 units

Defect

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

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.

14V743000SeatsNovember 19, 2014 · 3,233 units

Defect

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

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.

13V014000SeatsJanuary 16, 2013 · 3,235 units

Defect

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.

12V091000LightingMarch 7, 2012 · 186,798 units

Defect

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 VEHICLE’S BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

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.

10V036000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 153,418 units

Defect

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

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.

10V035000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 271,417 units

Defect

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

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.

10V023000Speed ControlJanuary 27, 2010 · 1,126,915 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

2009 TOYOTA VENZA -- I WAS COASTING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A FENCE DAMAGING THE FENCE AND THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THEY HAVE OPENED A CASE FILE, BUT NOTHING…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 14, 2010 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THREE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 20, 2016 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT PRODUCED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE WIRING INSIDE THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 21, 2015 · fire

LH SUN VISOR FELL STRAIGHT DOWN BLOCKING VISION DURING TRAVEL. REPLACED LH SUN VISOR AND NOW AT 81,000 MILES THE LH SUN VISOR IS BROKEN AGAIN, THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND HAD TO BE REMOVED TO PROVIDE CLEAR VISION. SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BUY A THIRD VISOR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. LH SUN VISOR ASSEMBLY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 9, 2012

I WAS PULLING UP TO A DRIVE THRU WINDOW AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST SURGED FORWARD I TRIED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES . I HIT AND DAMAGED TWO CARS IN THE PARKING LOT BEFORE I COULD BRING IT TO A STOP. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THE CAR HAD DONE THIS BUT THE OTHER TIME NO OTHER CARS WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 7, 2014 · crash

2009 Toyota Venza — common questions

Is the 2009 Toyota Venza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 228 complaints put the 2009 model at #2 of 11 Venza years. It is one of the Venza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Venza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (36 complaints), brakes (27 complaints), visibility & wipers (24 complaints).

Does the 2009 Toyota Venza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Toyota Venza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Venza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Venza years to avoid are 2021, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Venza years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.