VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Venza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 234 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Venza year — the 2021 model ranks #1 of 11 Venza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 79 reports (34% of the total).

234

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Venza years?

Venza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Venza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Venza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers7934%
Other3917%
Electrical System146%
Lighting136%
Brakes136%
Speed Control125%
Fuel System115%
Driver Assistance115%
Engine104%
Transmission94%
Airbags73%
Body & Structure73%
Steering52%
Seat Belts21%
Suspension10%
Seats10%

Does the 2021 Toyota Venza have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V239000Electrical SystemApril 13, 2022 · 458,110 units

Defect

Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While driving on the freeway I heard what sounded like a tiny pebble hit the front windshield. Shortly after while driving I noticed a crack in the shape of an arc appeared from the passenger side bottom of the windshield towards the upper center of the windshield. This crack continues to grow as I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 18, 2021

“as I attempted to turn left in the parking lot of a strip mall with several restaurants, my engine suddenly revved and accelerated and despite pumping the brakes several times I could not slow it down or stop it. As a result I slammed into a concrete berm, kept going and crashed through the glass…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 14, 2022 · crash

“While driving under normal conditions and driving into my driveway on Thursday, March 19, I experienced a sudden and temporary loss of braking ability. When I applied the brake pedal, the vehicle did not decelerate as expected. This resulted in a collision with a residential fence at low speed.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 19, 2026 · crash

“While driving under normal conditions and driving into my driveway on Thursday, March 19, I experienced a sudden and temporary loss of braking ability. When I applied the brake pedal, the vehicle did not decelerate as expected. This resulted in a collision with a residential fence at low speed.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 19, 2026 · crash

“The venzas headlights, while on low beam only, have 2 shadows or blobs in the drivers view. It is very distracting especially while turning or cornering. It appears as if things are running out in front of the car. The issue is discussed by Venza owners on the Toyota nation blog.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 1, 2021

2021 Toyota Venza — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Venza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 234 complaints put the 2021 model at #1 of 11 Venza years. It is one of the Venza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Venza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (79 complaints), other (39 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota Venza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.