2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid fuel system problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was stopped at an intersection. When I pressed the accelerator to try to pull across the intersection, the vehicle initially began to move forward but almost immediately all acceleration power was lost. The accelerator pedal could be pushed to the floor with no response from the vehicle. It took several seconds of feathering the accelerator for the vehicle to regain the ability to move forward and I was able to clear the intersection. This is the fourth time that I have experienced the same issue with this vehicle over the past two years. The problem cannot be replicated by the dealer. There are no warning lights on in the vehicle. I don’t know if warnings appear during this few seconds of power failure because it happens very quickly and my focus is trying to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. This is a serious safety concern because it has occurred while trying to move through an intersection or pull onto the road. The vehicle losing power and stopping in these moments could result in a collision with an oncoming vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11696721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am submitting this complain regarding my 2021 Toyota Venza, which has developed a serious defect involving the fuel system. Although my vehicle is fairly new, I began experiencing problems with the fuel door not opening properly. Initially, I could not access the fuel cap, which left me unable refuel in a timely manner. Soon after, I noticed additional fueling issues: while attempting to refuel, the gas pump would repeatedly shut off and stop the fueling process. After taking the vehicle for inspection, it was determined that the actuator responsible for controlling the fuel door and fueling system required complete replacement. I am concerned this defect represents more than just an inconvenience. Inability to open the fuel door or complete a fueling cycle can create dangerous situations - such as being stranded without fuel or blocking a fueling station. Additionally, if the actuator fails while in use, it could interfere with the proper venting of the fuel system. I have since learned that other Toyota Venza owners are experiencing the same problem with the actuator, suggesting this is not an isolated case but a potential widespread defect. I request that Toyota investigate this issue and that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluate whether a safety recall or service campaign is warranted. 2021 Toyota Venza LE [XXX] 90,0000 Sincerely, [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11688955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When accelerating from a stopped position, the car fails to go forward. This incident has occurred six times and often seems to be at the worst times, such as pulling into a busy road from a stop sign. The car will start to accelerate and stop with no response from the gas pedal for 3-5 seconds. There have almost been a couple of accidents with this vehicle because of this issue. No check engine light or any light at all came on in the car when this incident occurred. This vehicle has been taking to the dealership and the problem has been mentioned to them, however with no codes to read for the OBDII they claim there is nothing they can do about it.

NHTSA complaint #11586267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On three separate occassions, when applying the gas pedal, the car did not immediately accelerate. One time I was pulling out across two lanes of traffic and the accelerator was to the floor and nothing happened for about 5 seconds. The last time happened today, 11/3/23, leaving a gas station entering traffic. I hit the gas pedal and it was 3/4 the way down before the car moved which, once again, could have caused a accident pulling out into traffic. I took the car into Jones Junction with the complaint and they could not find any issues after allegedly checking the fuel pump. Online other individuals are having the same problem.

NHTSA complaint #11553376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

- Vehicle was operating as normal. Slowed down to a complete stop as normal. When attempting to accelerate from stop, vehicle had no throttle response and slowly idled into the intersection. Would press pedal down and nothing would happen. About 5 seconds later, vehicle gained throttle response and took off quickly. Unable to duplicate issue at this time, appears to be intermittent. - Safety was risked due to inability to take off from a stop and being stuck in the intersection for a brief period of time. - Unable to duplicate problem for dealer to confirm. - Called the dealer and they stated they needed to do a diagnostic, but it needed to be in a failed state. It is not currently in a failed state. If it was in a failed state, I’m unsure how I would get it to the dealer for inspection as the issue is lack of throttle. - No warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11551085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On numerous equations, when I press on the gas pedal the car does not react from either the hybrid battery or from the engine. I will depress the pedal and the car pauses for a few seconds before it moves forward. This has happened multiple times at different mileages but until this report, I did not think much of it since it was not in a near collision situation. On two occasions as I am pulling into traffic I will put my foot on the gas and since I get no reaction, the cars coming towards me have been very close to hitting me. One would have been a T bone incident where I would have been hit and another would have been a rear ended situation. Both times, the cars coming towards me had to brake rapidly. I have taken the issue to the dealer to examine. There have been no warning lamps and it does not happen consistently.

NHTSA complaint #11523806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The miles do not seem accurate as the tank should hold 14.5 gallons but always register less than 11 gallons when filled. Total miles in that vehicle should be around 552 but has been 479 the last few times. Toyota dealers says not issue. Complaint in with Toyota motor co. I have pictures of this issues which has been going on for a little while but just documented the issue. This is an issue because I don’t know the true mileage I wait til the warning light comes on to fill but that has not been accurate lately. There are no warning lights or anything that there may be an issue with that car.

NHTSA complaint #11509336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was turning onto traffic and I tried pressing the gas pedal and nothing happened. I was in instant shock as I feared I was gonna be hit then I pressed the gas pedal again and I was able to accelerate properly. This just recently happened but hasn't happened again since.

NHTSA complaint #11462026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There have been 2 occasions when I have been trying to make a left turn and the vehicle fails to accelerate. The pedal is pressed all the way down and nothing happens. Once I released the pedal and pressed it again, the vehicle accelerated. The first occurrence happened a couple of months ago. I was making a left turn, pressed the gas pedal and nothing happened. Vehicle did roll forward putting me in traffic lanes putting me in danger of being struck. When I depressed the gas pedal again, it worked. I believe I was in Normal driving mode. The second occurrence happened on 4/5/2022. I was making a left turn, pressed the gas pedal and nothing happened. Vehicle did roll forward putting me in the traffic lanes and in danger of being struck. When I depressed the gas pedal again, it worked. I was in Sport driving mode at the time.

NHTSA complaint #11459807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel tank filling issue. Could not fill anywhere close Tank Capacity, dealer claims it has several gallons reserves. Driver does not know what Distance to Empty shows vs what is real, how much gas left in the tank. Supposed 560 Mile range, only showing 420 miles. Even after driving DTE 0 miles, user can hardly fill 11 Gallons. Do not know the reasons why, whether gas is in the tank but can't use, or can't fill the gas. This causes confusion of real Distance to empty and car might suddenly shutdown on highway or even damage the hybrid system. Seems known issue by Toyota, not acknowledging or fixing the issue. It has been observed over several tanks of refueling.

NHTSA complaint #11456873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Twice in the (almost a)year I’ve had the Venza I have gone to accelerate from a stop sign and the car started to go then the gas pedal went all the way to floor and nothing happened - then when I tried again the car accelerated as expected. The first time (@ approx 4000 miles) I was turning left with oncoming traffic (of semi truck plus others) coming and had it happened a few seconds later - I would have been in a serious accident. Second time was just over 10000 miles on 1/12/2021

NHTSA complaint #11447583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I just purchased the 2021 Venza a week ago. I was not aware of the fuel tank issue with the RAV4. When I filled up my Venza I noticed that it was not filling up to the full 14.5 gallons as stated by Toyota. I would assume that there maybe some reserve gas in the tank. But had I not noticed this I would have attempted to continue driving since I assumed that the tank has 3.5 gallons in reserves but I am uncertain. If this is the case anyone may become stranded or even worse run out of fuel on the freeway putting the people inside the vehicle in danger and causing life and death accidents. There is no documentation in the owners manual about the discrepancies between what Toyota states (14.5 gallons) and the 11 gallons that it takes when filling up at the gas station.

NHTSA complaint #11436748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL GAUGE AND FUEL TANK DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, LIKE THE 2020 RAV 4 GAS TANK PROBLEM. ON 2/8/21 WHEN THE GAUGE INDICATED 1/2 TANK, I PUT IN 9.997 GAL OF GAS, SINCE THIS CAR ONLY HAS A 14 1/2 GAL TANK THE TANK MUST NOT HAVE BEEN 1/2 FULL. ON 2/14/21 THE GAUGE READ 2/3 , I PUMPED GAS AND THE PUMP SHUT OFF AT 1.1 GAL, I SLOWLY ADDED GAS AS THE PUMP KEPT CLINKING OFF TILL I GOT A TOTAL OF 1.743 GAL OF GAS INTO THE TANK. I STARTED THE ENGINE AND THE GAS GAUGE STILL READ 2/3, SO I STARTED THE GAS PUMP AGAIN SLOWLY ADDED ANOTHER 1.287 GAL OF GAS. I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND THE GAUGE STILL READ 2/3 FULL. I LEFT THE GAS STATION AND AFTER DRIVING APPROX 4 MILES THE GAUGE SUDDENLY WENT UP ABOVE THE FULL MARK. I TALKED TO ONE PERSON AT THE LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK WAS THE SAME PART NUMBER AS THE ONES BEING REPLACED ON THE RAV4 HYBRIDS FOR THE PROBLEM OF THE TANKS NOT FILLING PROPERLY AND THE GAS GAUGE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, BUT NOTHING CAN BE DONE UNTIL TOYOTA FINDS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND SENDS OUT INSTRUCTIONS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. I THEN TALKED TO ANOTHER SUPERVISOR AT ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE 2021 VENZA HAS A BLADDER IN THE FUEL TANK AND THE ONLY WAY FOR IT TO FILL PROPERLY AND THE GAUGE TO WORK PROPERLY IS TO WAIT UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 1/4 TANK OF GAS BEFORE FILLING WITH GAS. AFTER SPENDING OVER $42,000 FOR A NEW VEHICLE THIS SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM CUSTOMERS SHOULD HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS DUE TO THE GAUGE AND TANK PROBLEM THE MILES REMAINING DISPLAY IS ALWAYS WRONG.

NHTSA complaint #11399703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MY 2021 TOYOTA VENZA HYBRID LE CLAIMS TO HAVE A 14.5 FUEL TANK CAPACITY BY TOYOTA BUT MINE WILL ONLY FILL UP TO AROUND 11 GALLONS WHEN IT GETS TO EMPTY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TWICE TO TOYOTA'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CONFIRMED MY VEHICLE WAS ONLY FILING UP TO 11 GALLONS BUT THAT THIS WAS 'NORMAL AND PART OF THE DESIGN SINCE IT HAS A RESERVE OF GAS.' HOWEVER, THE NEW TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRIDS ARE REPORTING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE WHICH TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED. BOTH VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME ENGINE, HYBRID SYSTEM, AND SAME 14.5 FUEL TANK AND ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL MECHANICALLY. HOW COME IT'S AN ISSUE FOR THE RAV4 HYBRID AND NOT MY 2021 TOYOTA VENZA? EITHER WAY, MY TOYOTA IS NOT GETTING ANYWHERE NEAR THE RANGE THAT TOYOTA ADVERTISES ON A FULL TANK AND IS ONLY FILING UP TO 11 GALLONS. I UNDERSTAND MOST CARS WILL LET YOU GET TO A GAS STATION IF YOU EVER GET TO EMPTY, BUT THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT MOST CARS WILL FILL UP VERY CLOSE TO WHAT THE TANK CAPACITY IS ADVERTISED TO BE. SO EITHER THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER IS LYING BECAUSE IT WILL TELL ME 11 MILES DISTANCE TO EMPTY WHEN THE LOW FUEL LIGHT COMES ON OR TOYOTA LIED TO ME, BOTH ARE TELLING ME TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. THIS CAN BE UNSAFE FOR SOMEONE WHO PURCHASES THE VEHICLE AND BELIEVES THAT THEY HAVE A 14.5 FUEL TANK AND ARE LEFT STRANDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS ONLY FILLING UP TO 11 GALLONS. I'M GETTING 42 MILES PER GALLON SO THOSE EXTRA 3.5 GALLONS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT EXIST CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IF YOU AREN'T SURE IF YOU'LL GET TO YOUR DESTINATION OR BE LEFT ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WHICH CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSE TOYOTA ISN'T ADDRESSING THIS FOR MY VENZA.

NHTSA complaint #11376424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.