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2014 Toyota Venza Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Toyota Venza carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering curtain. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sunroof or panoramic roof glass shattering.” 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.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

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 2014 Toyota Venza.

Reported to NHTSA

Sunroof or panoramic roof glass shattering

VISIBILITY

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2026-02

“Sudden shattering of windshield and panoramic sunroof glass. The glass suddenly shattered with no obvious impact of any type”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718020
“I'M FROM VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA. I WAS DRIVING BACK, FROM VANCOUVER AIRPORT OUTLET STORES, ON HIGHWAY 99, WITH AROUND 90 KM/H AND WHEN I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION WITH OVER-PASSING CAMBIE ROAD, I HEARD LIKE AN GLASS EXPLOSION ON THE CAR ROOF, AND BY REFLEX I DUCK AND COVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10916355
“THE SUNROOF IMPLODED AND COMPLETELY SHATTERED WHILE PARKED IN OUR HOME GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN USED SINCE FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 11TH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10610662

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering column noise, tightening, or veering

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2023-08

“The vehicle started to exhibit a popping or clunking sound in the steering Column after 125,000 miles. Was told it was not dangerous and continued to drive while albeit was still distracting”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536607
“I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND COULD FEEL THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTEN LIKE IT WAS LOCKING UP. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED TO GREEN I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN AND HAD NO POWER IN THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11372560
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10609687

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension alignment and rear bushing noise

SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2019-12

“I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT 2WE MAKING A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THEY CHANGED THE SHOCKS, BUT THE NOISE DIDN'T STOP. I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC THAT TOLD ME THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR BUSHINGS, WHICH ARE PLASTIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291122
“EL DILER NO QUIERE REPARAR LOS PROBLEMAS Y ME ENVIA DONDE EL MANOFACTURERO DE LA GOMA Y EL MANOFACTURERO VA REALISAR UNA INPECION POR QUE DE ENTRADA ELLOS ME DICEN QUE EL PROBLEMA NOSON LAS GOMAS YA QUE SEGUN MI A LEGATO ELLOS ENTIENDE QUE SON AMORTIGUADORES DEL FABRICANTE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10744754

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment and recall service delays

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2026-06

“My daughter was in an accident where a 2025 ram quad cab hit her at full speed in the drivers front wheel. The airbags didn’t deploy allowing her head to break the side window. The recall for the side airbag had been completed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691982
“ON THE FREEWAY GOING 70 MPH, HIT A DEER HEAD ON AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10747589
“IN NOVEMBER 2018 A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DISPLAY INDICATED A MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154437

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration while braking or decelerating

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2017-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10669066
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A GARAGE WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10663994
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10583523

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failing to stop or engage the vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2018-01

“MY BRAKES FAILED AT A LOW SPEED AT A MCDONALDS AND I HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY SON AND GRANDAUGHER WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME. I COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO STOP NO MATTER HOW MUCH I PUSHED ON THE BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066127
“AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE, WITH THE BEST EFFORTS OF THE DRIVER, WOULD NOT STOP AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND THE CRASH RESULTED FROM THIS FAILURE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671666
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA VENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RUSHED TO THE CAR TO DEPRESS THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL RAN OVER THE CONTACT'S LEFT FOOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10594267

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

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)

8 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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2014 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.

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