low‑beam headlights/headlight assembly issues. Moisture getting in, corrosion of prongs that connect to the headlight assembly. Dimming lights once assembly was replaced. Condensation in the headlights. Some bulbs work while others don't.
The worst 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility79
- Lights16
- Electrical15
- Fuel system14
- Brakes13
- Acceleration12
- Engine11
- Transmission9
- Driver assistance8
- Airbags7
- Body7
- Steering5
- Seat belts3
- Seats1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid
Windshield crack 60Headlights 12Sudden acceleration 9No deployment 7
Recalls 2
Electronic stability control (ESC): control module: software
- What is wrong
- Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Recall number 22V239000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 Venza Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear turn signal LED lights, allowing condensation to form on the circuit board, and causing a short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- A short circuit can cause dimming or failure of the rear turn signals and hazard lights, reducing the vehicle's visibility to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both rear turn signal LED bulbs and replace the rear turn signal light assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 18, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available by June 30, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TB01/22TA01.
Recall number 22V033000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid 158
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or...
- Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle...
- Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the...
- This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge at battery on high voltage (HV)...
- Obsolete notice
- Obsolete notice
- Obsolete notice
- Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System...
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high...
What 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Rear passenger side window exploded (shattered) while driving on the Hardy Toll Road in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The center console has cracked and has sharp corners causing an increased risk of injury. Also may cause one to jerk the wheel if placing their elbow down and not expecting the sharp corner. No accident occurred as of yet, but could if someone else were to be driving my car and place their arm down on the center console. I have to place my arm down a certain way to avoid getting poked. Just wanted to report this as I am not sure if other owners have reported similar issue with their center console developing sharp edges. Would probably be similar to the federal safety agency campaign number 26V368000
My 2021 VENZA has had an issue with the airbag light coming on. The SRS Airbag Malfunction notification is on when starting the vehicle. Within the first year of having the car I paid to have the system checked and the tensioner and airbag replaced. Three months later the light came back on. I was told the seatbelt got twisted again. Other vehicles under Toyota have active recalls on Airbag issues currently with this manufacturer. I believe this make and model should be included. I am currently having to pay another diagnostic fee in 2026 after only having the preowned vehicle two years to figure out why the SRS malfunction notification has come back on. Of course the light has come on when the vehicle is out of warranty. My safety is at risk if the airbag malfunctions so of course I am taking this notification very seriously. I don't ignore issues like this. Consistent failure in the airbag system is scary. I don't want to have an accident in which the airbag fails. This make and model is not longer being produced but it should be included in Toyota's current airbag recall.
This just showed in my 2021 Toyota Venza. I heard that this is is common issue for all Toyota but was not corrected .
While driving under normal conditions and driving into my driveway on Thursday, March 19, I experienced a sudden and temporary loss of braking ability. When I applied the brake pedal, the vehicle did not decelerate as expected. This resulted in a collision with a residential fence at low speed. There were no warning lights or prior indications of a braking issue before the incident. The loss of braking appeared to be momentary, but significant enough to prevent me from stopping the vehicle in time. The vehicle has been regularly maintained and had no known prior brake issues although there are times when the brakes skip when traction is involved. There are also sudden issues with the acceleration. Given the safety risk, I believe this incident may be related to a potential defect in the braking system or electronic control systems.
While pulling up to a curb to park in residential community, my car suddenly accelerated. It came to a stop after 15’ when I hit the brakes. Fortunately nothing or no one was in front of me. No more incidents have occurred. No warning msgs or lights. No other symptoms. Having dealer diagnose this week.
Windshield suddenly cracked, making two large arcs several feet long. Driving on paved road at 20 mph, no gravel, no other traffic.
Left side of my heated steering overheated and burned through the leather.
A large crack appeared on the windshield of my 2021 Toyota Venza. Due to this being a safety issue when driving the vehicle, so I looked into having it repaired by a local shop. When the Venza was taken to the repaired, the repair shop notified me that the issue didn't originate from a rock/chip. The issue was with the windshield or the windshield installation. After a quick Google search, it came to my attention that this is a frequent issue with this year and make. There are class action lawsuits about this issue. This needs to be addressed by Toyota.
Compare the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid
Is the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid reliable?
Owners have filed 188 complaints about the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid, 4.3 times a typical Venza Hybrid model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid year score?
The 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid scores 23 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Venza Hybrid: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 79 complaints. Next is lights (16).
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid have?
2 recalls, covering electronic stability control (esc) and exterior lighting.
What year does the Toyota Venza Hybrid have the most visibility problems?
The Toyota Venza Hybrid model years with the most visibility complaints are 2021 (79 complaints) and 2022 (13 complaints).
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