2013 Toyota Venza Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Toyota Venza carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sensor/control module-inactive and labels. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Accelerator pedal unresponsive to engine for several seconds.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #13V123000 · Sep 4, 2013

Issue: 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, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V442000 · Oct 17, 2013

Issue: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The accumulated water may then leak through a seam in the housing onto the air bag control module potentially resulting in a short circuit of the module.

Risk: A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a severe crash. The power steering assist could also become inoperable resulting in increased steering effort and can increase the risk of a crash at low speeds.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign #21V257000 · Apr 13, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Toyota Venza.

Reported to NHTSA

Accelerator pedal unresponsive to engine for several seconds

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2022-06

I complained to a Toyota Dealer about this problem in 6-2017. The took it for a road test and the car did not do it and it did not record a code. So they could not find a solution. Intermittently and without warning the electronic link between the gas pedal and the engine is
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470724
THE BELOW ISSUE WAS FIRST REPORTED TO THE APPROPRIATE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES AND TO NHTSA IN 9-2013. IT HAS OCCURRED 36 TIMES SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MAY 2013. AT THIS WRITING THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10607421
DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATION PEDAL HAS NO EFFECT ON ENGINE SPEED FOR UP TO 3 OR MORE SECONDS. THIS SITUATION HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TWELVE TIMES SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MAY 2013. IT NOW HAS 1200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. CAR HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THIS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10543279

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Panoramic moonroof shattering or leaking

STRUCTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-03 → 2023-10

Sunroof/moonroof assembly leaks heavily in rain, makes cracking sound over bumps Dealer/manufacturer will not fix, they want $4600 to repair
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548235
THE PANARAMIC SUN/MOON ROOF HAS COMPREHENSIVE ISSUES WITH REGARD TO STABILITY AND SAFETY. WHEN DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE, SPEEDBUMP, OR OTHER NON-SMOOTH SURFACE, THERE IS A LOUD AND JARRING POP FROM THE OVERHEAD ROOF AREA OF THE CAR WHERE THE PANARAMIC SUN/MOON ROOF IS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057256
ON 03-27-2017 APPROXIMATELY 2:15P I WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH SOUTH ON I94/I43 IN MY 2013 TOYOTA VENZA XLE JUST SOUTH OF THE BECHER/LAPHAM AVE EXIT IN MY WHEN I HEARD THIS LOUD EXPLOSION WHICH RESEMBLED A GUNSHOT SOUND AT THE SAME TIME FLYING GLASS COMING FROM OVER MY HEAD. MY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10968946

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Power liftgate closing on fingers

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2015-03

AUTOMATIC REAR HATCHBACK POWER DOOR, CLOSED UN-COMMANDED, PINNING AND CRUSHING MIDDLE 3 FINGERS OF BOTH HANDS BETWEEN BOTTOM EDGE OF DOOR AND CAR BODY/BUMPER. ACTIVATING OPENING SWITCHES ONLY CYCLED DOOR TO AUTO CLOSE - SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING THE AUTOMATIC SYSTEM PRESSURE AND
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10692182
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MANUALLY CLOSING THE REAR LIFTGATE, THE AUTOMATIC POWER FEATURE ACTIVATED AND INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED ON HIS LEFT MIDDLE FINGER. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AND HAD TO RECEIVE STITCHES TO THE FINGER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10505377
2013 TOYOTA VENZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FINGERS BEING CRUSHED IN REAR HATCH INCIDENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE AND HIS WIFE WERE LOOKING AT THE VEHICLE. WHEN HIS WIFE USED BOTH HANDS TO SLOWLY CLOSE THE HATCH, THE AUTOMATED FEATURE GRABBED THE HATCH BRINGING IT TO
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10491322

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Air bag warning light and non-deployment in crashes

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2014-02 → 2023-10

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE HAD IMPACTED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE; NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED MULTIPLE INJURIES (THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THEIR VEHICLE)
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11416165
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10659734
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Potential Safety Issue - 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally report a potential safety concern related to the 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models. The issue pertains to
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548549

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Brake pedal failure to respond or stop vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2019-06

BOUGHT THE CAR USED, THE VERY FIRST DAY AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE AREA. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING ELSE WEIRD, JUST SMOKE. NOW, ABOUT A MONTH LATER, THE BRAKES SOMETIMES FEEL AS IF THEY'RE LOCKING UP AND NOT LETTING GO, BUT ALSO NOT STOPPING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11219069
THE VEHICLE HAD 5900 MILES WHEN A LOUD SCREECHING STARTED COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE BRAKE WORE UNEVENLY AND DAMAGED THE ROTOR. TOYOTA DID NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904547
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966505

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Sudden unintended acceleration at low speed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2016-03

WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, WHEN APPROACHING A PARKING STALL AND PREPARING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD CAUSING US TO REAR END A VEHICLE AHEAD, WHICH HAD ALREADY PARKED, UNOCCUPIED AND WAS PULLED THROUGH THEIR PARKING STALL. THE SUDDEN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10839319
MY WIFE WAS PARKING THE CAR WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN LURCH FORWARD (UINTENDED ACCELERATION). SHE HIT A POLE WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER. THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT HAPPENED TO ME 2 WEEKS EARLIER WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT OCCURRING BUT I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10764124
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10588649

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Fuel pump failure causing engine stall while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2025-03

Fuel pump fail causing the car to stall out going 75 miles an hour on the highway
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646588
Internal Fault of fuel pump assembly. With NO prior warnings of messages or warning lights from the dash, nor any poor performance issues of starting or running of the engine the fuel pump failed all at once while driving on an expressway at 65 mph and the engine shut down
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418575

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

34 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Toyota Venza reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.