NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Toyota Venza Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Toyota Venza has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 25 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Toyota dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Toyota Venza, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Toyota Venza owner complaints

Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Venza, describing incidents dated May 13, 2013 to December 17, 2023.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 9 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 7 complaints
Unknown or Other 6 complaints
Structure 5 complaints
Engine 1 complaint
Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint

Of the 25 complaints on file, 6 report a crash; across all 25 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11684157 · Filed August 31, 2025
On Dec. 17, 2023, shortly after 12:00 p.m.,I was driving my Toyota Venza on the highway under normal when the STEERING KNUCKLE suddenly fractured. This unexpected failure caused the vehicle to lose steering control, leading to a serious traffic accident. I inspected that part and found that the…
ODI #11446013 · Filed January 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the airbags warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the…
ODI #11439963 · Filed November 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…

Read all 25 complaints

Side Curtain Air Bags May Not Deploy

NHTSA #21V257000 · Air Bags — Side/Window — Curtain · NHTSA notice

Reported April 13, 2021 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 279,040 vehicles

Repair completion: 56.46% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Toyota campaign 21TB01 / 21TA01 · Owners notified October 19, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Clogged A/C Drain may cause Air Bags to Deploy

NHTSA #13V442000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported October 17, 2013 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 802,769 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.18% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 5, 2014 · Vehicles built May 9, 2012 – May 30, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Inaccurate Load Carrying Capacity Labels

NHTSA #13V123000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported April 9, 2013 · Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Potentially affected: 7,525 vehicles

Owners notified May 28, 2013

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Occupant Sensing System Calibration

NHTSA #13V014000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · NHTSA notice

Reported January 16, 2013 · Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Potentially affected: 3,235 vehicles

Owners notified March 21, 2013

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2012 Toyota Venza SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 2

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

16% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2012 Toyota Venza SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 2

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

14% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

25 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Venza.

Steering; Unknown or Other

ODI #11684157

Crash

Incident: December 17, 2023 · Filed: August 31, 2025

On Dec. 17, 2023, shortly after 12:00 p.m.,I was driving my Toyota Venza on the highway under normal when the STEERING KNUCKLE suddenly fractured. This unexpected failure caused the vehicle to lose steering control, leading to a serious traffic accident. I inspected that part and found that the STEERIN KNUCKLE had broken abnormally, as the break showed no signs of any impact.

Air Bags

ODI #11446013

Incident: December 15, 2020 · Filed: January 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the airbags warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer advised the contact that the recalls repair had been completed; however, upon picking up the vehicle, the contact noticed that the airbags warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer advised the contact that they would need to remove the driver’s and passenger’s side front door panels, and the carpet to repair the vehicle. The contact was also informed that the repair would be completed at her expense. The contact declined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11439963

Incident: November 10, 2021 · Filed: November 10, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags

ODI #11421009

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: April 30, 2021 · Filed: June 15, 2021

The contact owned a 2012 TOYOTA VENZA. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle traveling in front of them came to an abrupt stop. In an effort to avoid the vehicle, the contact's husband jumped a curb and hit a light post. The front driver and passenger airbags deployed upon impact; however, the side curtain airbags failed to deploy. The authorities arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. Both the contact and her husband were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact's husband was treated for soreness and bruising to his chest and back. The contact had trouble breathing upon arrival and was given oxygen. She was then transferred to another hospital where she was treated for a broken sternum, a fractured back, chest contusions, and swelling to her chest area. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (AIRBAGS) which she linked to her injuries. The dealer nor the manufacturer have yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11420096

Incident: May 24, 2021 · Filed: June 8, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Unknown or Other; Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11413886

Incident: November 27, 2020 · Filed: April 26, 2021

SUN VISORS, (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES) HAVE BROKEN AND WILL NOT HOLD THE VISORS IN PLACE.THEY BOTH FALL AT RANDOM CAUSING DISTRACTIONS. THE VISORS HAVE NOT BEEN ABUSED IN ANY WAY AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Air Bags

ODI #11388347

Incident: January 15, 2021 · Filed: January 15, 2021

THE PASSENGER SIDE WARNING LIGHT INDICATES THAT AIR BAG IS OFF WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER IS SEATED IN IT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION WITH THE SEAT IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THIS MAY PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYING PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS A 2013 RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT IT DOES NOT SHOW UP UNDER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WHEN SEARCHED, NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN REFERENCE NUMBER 13V014000.

Unknown or Other; Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11339456

Incident: July 14, 2020 · Filed: July 15, 2020

THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. IT KEEPS FALLING DOWN MAKING IT HARD TO SEE.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11322587

Incident: March 2, 2020 · Filed: April 28, 2020

VISOR FLIP DOWN SPONTANEOUSLY AND HINGE BREAKS AFTER SOME TIME EVEN AFTER DEALER REPLACED WITHIN WARRANTY NOW THEY WONT REPLACE. VISOR WILL HANG DOWN AND BLOCK VIEW OF ROAD. THIS OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THIS CAUSES A BLOCKED VIEW AND IS UNSAFE AS IT DOES NOT ALLOW FOR VISIBILITY.

Engine

ODI #11296692

Incident: January 1, 2020 · Filed: January 2, 2020

BRIEF ENGINE KNOCK/RATTLE NOISE AT COLD STARTUP. WHEN IN MOTION VEHICLE WILL MAKE RATTLING NOISE.

Other Toyota Venza model years

Check your 2012 Toyota Venza VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Toyota Venza at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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