44 of the 623 complaints filed about the Toyota Venza are about the seats — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2009.
44
Complaints
7%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
6
Fires
SEATS
1) Passenger airbag isn’t measuring weight properly. Airbag safety message says airbag is off when seat is occupied. 2) Driver’s side seat heater is not working. The light registers that it is on, but it’s not. 3) Other I cannot describe
NHTSA complaint #11757219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
Hello, I issue this complaint because my 2009 Venza interior started smelling like smoke. It went on for a bit thinking it may be something outside the vehicle. I then realized the smell was coming from the seat I was sitting on. I've read online about this problem and its seems this is a problem many owners of this vehicle have experienced. It seems to me this should be a safety hazard. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11626280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
Dear NHTSA, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding water leakage in my vehicle, which I believe has the potential to compromise the safety and functionality of the car's electronic systems. I would like to submit this report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address and rectify this issue promptly. During the rainy season, I have observed water leaks occurring on both sides of the front section of my vehicle. This water infiltration has raised serious concerns about the possibility of damage to the car's computer system, thereby posing a potential risk of car malfunction. The electronic components of modern vehicles, including vital control units and sensors, are susceptible to water damage. In the event of such damage, there is a heightened risk of malfunctions that could compromise the overall safety and performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, I have identified an additional water leakage issue through the panoramic roof at the backside of the car. This raises the likelihood of water seeping into the interior of the vehicle, potentially damaging interior components, electrical wiring, and compromising the structural integrity of the car. I am reaching out to the NHTSA with the intention of highlighting the severity of these issues and advocating for a comprehensive investigation into the water leakage concerns in my vehicle model. I believe that swift action is necessary to prevent any potential safety hazards that may arise from compromised electronic systems or structural damage due to water infiltration. In light of the safety implications associated with water damage to the vehicle's electronic components, I urge the NHTSA to initiate a thorough examination of this matter. Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial in ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers who may be affected by similar issues.
NHTSA complaint #11559400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11532247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
On or around March 10, 2023, as my wife and daughter were driving the driver's side heated seat started burning/smoking. Immediately, my wife turned off the seat and returned home. I found there was an existing recall for this issue but only for the Southeast Toyota Distributors, I purchased my car in Missouri. I took the vehicle to the local dealership in Clarksville, Tennessee. Not only would they not honor the recall, but charged me $115.88 to confirm the burning of the seat. I contacted Toyota 7 times thus far and they are refusing to help because the recall only affected the Southeast Distributor group. I find this ludicrous as all the vehicles were made at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant. I simply want the remedy that Southeast Toyota Distributors gave their customers: Removal of bad heating unit, return of $115.88 charge of confirmation, and a return of the accessory charge I paid in December 2009. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11514537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
The heated seat on the driver side is creating a burning smell. I have read about numerous other issues with this model that have had recalls but not mine. This seat is still in tact and available for full inspection upon request. This is a major safety issue that is known about but not addressed. Major fire risk putting anyone inside vehicle in danger. I have a 2 year old daughter and if I didn’t have a lot of electrical and vehicle knowledge I could have easily left the heated seat on not knowing and caused a major risk for my entire family. Toyota needs to add the rest of the vehicles that have these issues into the recall. I have not taken into dealer yet just informed my wife not to use heated seat. I plan to take in soon to dealer but with a known issue it should be covered by a recall and not out of pocket. No police, insurance or manufacture have inspected yet. No warning lights on at all.
NHTSA complaint #11501823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
Extremely uncomfortable drivers side and passenger headrests, causing my head and neck to be pushed forward. This causes me back and neck pain, pushing you in a position to have chronic neck/back pain and very bad posture. I’ve seen many complaints online, including many newer makes and models. It sounds like the new feature is supposed to reduce whiplash, in the chance of an accident, but if people take their headrests off or flip them backwards then it’s a bad design. I am 5 feet 5 inches tall, and I’ve heard of this affecting others of a similar height, please consider redesigning
NHTSA complaint #11485035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Venza. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, she became aware of a burning odor coming from the driver’s and passenger’s heated seats. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,638
NHTSA complaint #11459859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11408309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
THERE IS A RATTLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING IT ON UNEVEN ROADS. ALSO, THE DRIVERS SEAT SMELLS LIKE IT'S BURNING WHEN THE SEAT HEATER IS ON.
NHTSA complaint #11307539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11298062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11266882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
DRIVER SIDE SEAT NO HEAT. SPEED SENSOR FRONT RIGHT THERE LIGHT ON BREAK ABS AND VSC. REAR DIFFERENTIAL MAKE NOISE
NHTSA complaint #11174623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
MY FRONT SEAT HEATING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN WORKING SINCE LAST YEAR. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON TOYOTA VENZA 2009 FOR FRONT SEAT HEATING ISSUES UNTIL NOW. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT TO ANY DEALERSHIP TO RECTIFY OR DISCONNECT THE HEATING ELEMENTS. I BELIEVE THIS MIGHT STILL BE A SAFETY ISSUE TO MY VEHICLE. WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE?
NHTSA complaint #11164927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
VEHICLE IS 9 YEARS OLD, BUT WITH ONLY 56,135 MILES AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED. DRIVEN BY A SMALL FEMALE, WHICH IS RELEVANT. EXPERIENCED AN ACRID, BURNING SMELL WHICH CAUSED GAGGING AND COUGHING. NO SMOKE VISIBLE. DEALER FOUND PROBLEMS WITH HEATED SEATS, WIRING AND CONNECTORS. ENTIRE HEATED SEAT SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACED AT COST OF $1130.30 FOR EACH SEAT. MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE. THERE IS NO WAY THAT A SMALL FRAMED FEMALE'S WEIGHT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING WITHIN THE SEAT HEATERS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY TOYOTA REGARDLESS OF THE MILEAGE, DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY HAZARD. COULD EASILY CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11152183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. DUE TO THE IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED FORWARD AND THEN BACKWARDS INTO THE REAR SEATS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FIELD INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS STILL OPERATING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11114173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER STOPPED WORKING. WENT TO ATLANTA TOYOTA ON 12/9/15 AND HAD SEAT INSPECTED, REPORT STATED HEATING ASSEMBLY FAILED AND WAS QUOTED $555 FOR REPAIR. AN ASSOCIATE INFORMED ME OF A RECALL OFF THE HEATING ELEMENTS FOR THE SEATS, BUT I HAD TO WAIT FOR MY VEHICLE TO BE INCLUDED. IT IS 6/11/2018 AND MY VIN IS STILL EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALLS FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA DIRECTLY TODAY AND THEY STATED THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN ANY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. THEU ONLY STATED THEY WOULD DOCUMENT MY ISSUE (WHICH HAS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE). I REQUESTED A CASE NUMBER FOR MY COMPLAINT #1806110811. THE RECALLS FOR THIS FIRE HAZARD ON THE 2009-2010 TOYOTA VENZA ARE 14V74300 11/19/14 AND 16V39600 6/2/16. I AM REQUESTING THAT ALL TOYOTA VENZAS BE INCLUDED IN THIS SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11101080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
SEATS RUBBED ON CONSOLE. STRONG ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEATS NO LONGER OPERATE. WHEN IN REVERSE AND TURNING STEERING WHEEL LOUD SQUEALING NOISE AND THUMPING UNTIL PLACED IN DRIVE. WENT TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS WHO SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR FELL DOWN AND BLOCKED ABILITY TO SEE WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11096950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
TAKATA RECALL, DRIVER SEAT FRAM NEED TO REPLACED, WHEN I REPORT THIS PROBLEM IS AROUND 35.000. MILE BUT THE SERVICE ADVISER AT DEALER DO NOT IN WRIGHTING RECORD THEY LET THIS ISSUE GO OVER MILEGE WARRANTY, 36.000. SO NOW TOYOTA COMPANNY IS AGREE TO OFFER A 60% FOR THE REPLACE PRICE I HAVE TO PAY $756.64+TAX, I ASK TOYOTA TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT,
NHTSA complaint #11075252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
HEATED SEAT TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER (#875010T010) FAILS RESULTING IN HEATED SEAT FAILURE. IN OUR CASE, THE CONTROLLER FAILED MELTING THE WIRE HARNESS PLUG TO THE CONTROLLER. THIS COULD HAVE STARTED THE SEAT ON FIRE WITH OUR 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA HAS DISCONTINUED THIS PART FOR 2009-2014 VENZA'S AND HAS NOT OFFERED A REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11065930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.