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2011 Toyota Venza problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Toyota Venza is electrical system, typically around 85,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Venza model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
71/100
Owner complaints
59
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
231
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21-23mpg

The worst 2011 Toyota Venza 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.

  • Electrical
    15
  • Brakes
    9
  • Seats
    8
  • Visibility
    7
  • Airbags
    5
  • Body
    5
  • Driver assistance
    5
  • Lights
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Locks
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 6

Air bags: side/window: curtainReported April 13, 2021 · 279,040 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 21V257000 · Recall details

Seats: front assembly: seat heater/coolerReported November 19, 2014 · 3,233 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1‑866‑405‑4226.

Recall number 14V743000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported April 9, 2013 · 7,525 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 13V123000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactiveReported January 16, 2013 · 3,235 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 13V014000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported March 7, 2012 · 186,798 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2009 camry vehicles manufactured from july 1, 2008, through february 28, 2009, and model year 2009-2011 venza vehicles manufactured from october 20, 2008, through january 4, 2011. During assembly of the contact-type stop lamp switch, silicone grease may have come in contact with the surface of the switch which could cause contact resistance. If this occurs, warning lamps could illuminate, a no start condition could result, the shift lever may not shift from the “park” position, or the vehicle’s brake lights could become inoperative.
Risk
Inoperative brake lights would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 12, 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 12V091000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported June 1, 2011 · 50 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 venza and sienna passenger cars manufactured from march 7, through march 10, 2011. There is a possibility that the front, right, drive shaft may break due to insufficient heat treatment.
Risk
Should the drive shaft break during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose power without prior warning. Loss of motive power without warning may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will inspect the drive shaft, and, if the drive shaft is identified as one that may not have been correctly manufactured, it will be replaced with a new one at no charge. The safety recall began on june 22, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 11V306000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2011 Toyota Venza

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Toyota Venza 231

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 231 bulletins for the 2011 Toyota Venza

2011 Toyota Venza fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.7L 4‑cylFWD212723
2.7L 4‑cylAWD202522
3.5L 6‑cylFWD192621
3.5L 6‑cylAWD182521

What 2011 Toyota Venza owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · FL

Purchased a 2011 toyota venza almost 28 days ago. I haven't even made my first payment for my car loan. The rain here in florida has shown that it is raining inside my vehicle. I have contacted the dealer, I have contacted my insurance company. I have done research and it's a known issue with this vehicle. I need help in correcting this. I am not driving the vehicle because it was shorting out the electric in the car. I have a tarp over it now. Can you point me in the direction of where to turn?

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · CA

My horn no longer works. My mechanic informed me that it is the part that sits behind the airbag in the steering wheel. I was also informed that this happens to a lot of Toyota's. It is very expensive to repair and have not had it repaired. Since it is a common problem, does this issue fall under a recall? I don't feel safe driving without a horn. You don't realize how often you need/use it until you can't.

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Airbags · VA

See attached document for complaint

Filed Nov 15, 2023 · Engine · VA

I had a 2011 Toyota Venza. Notice oil leakage. Took for oil and filter change and a check. Nothing was found, however four months later car began rattling and driving rough - I took to dealership and was told the Water Pump needed to be replaced. I have since found out that Toyota has had a many issues with the VVT-i Oil line failures AND Water Pump failures- Both that lead to a Failed Engine!! They fixed the water pump, however 45days later, my vehicles just stopped running as I was driving down the road. I checked oil - it was empty! Car would not start. I had car towed to dealer. I was then told 3days later that I needed a New Engine! That the Compressors were bad. In my research I found that when the compressor is starting to go out- the vehicle begins to run rough! This is what was told to the Dealership. I believe they failed to properly diagnosed my vehicle. And they wanted me to pay $9400 to Repair!!!! $5500 for a used Engine!! If Toyota knows they have the issue with the oil line... they should have checked for this... and checked the Engine when they KNOW THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILURE EFFECTS THE ENGINE!!!!!! I AM NOT THE MECHANIC!! The service guy at the dealership had his head down the entire time ... he knows they screwed up!! Of Course taking NO OWNERSHIP. I asked him why wouldn't they check for Engine compression when I told them it was driving rough - he says they just don't check for that!!! NOT MY FAULT.... This is NOT what I expect from a Toyota- has anyone else had this issues??? Vehicle had 168,000 miles. I had a Toyota Landcruiser with well over 220,000 miles and NEVER an engine issue!

Filed Oct 14, 2023 · Visibility · IL

The roof panoramic glass shattered for no apparent reason. Passengers in the car could have been harmed Insurance has approved the repair. There was no warning or indication of failure.

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Electrical · FL

The headlight housing prongs are incorrect. The bulbs are H11, but the housing does not fit h11. I have tried 4 different brands.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Airbags, Seats · 137,945 miles · VA

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V014000 (Air Bags, Seat). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,945.

Filed Aug 13, 2021 · Brakes · FL · crash

Major brake problem ; we were saved miraculously I have a Toyota Venza 2011 and I am the only owner ; the car drives smooth , however with major brakes issue My brakes and rotors are still in good condition, however; twice in the highway I wanted to slow down and the brakes don’t work , I freak out and my steering wheel looses control and almost hit cars but after a couple minutes it works The worst one was a couple days ago ; was driving at 30 miles an hour trying yo drop off my daughter for her game , hit the curb , brakes completely Lost Control and the car won’t stop We panicked the car luckily kept going in the direction of the parking lot and I chose to go through bushes to stop the car and put the emergency brake ; the car after a few horror minutes stopped If the car merged a little bit outside the parking lot there is fast traffic and a lake right after I had the car towed right away , I will not touch that car again At the dealership they tried to dismiss the problem saying that brakes are fine I read multiple complaints on forums about the same issue This BRAKE Disaster NEEDS to be recalled People’s lives are in play If this doesn’t get resolved there will be lawyers involved

Filed Apr 15, 2021 · Seats · 64,750 miles · NC

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.

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Airbags · 140,000 miles · RI · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota venza. The contact stated her daughter was driving at 25 MPH in the rain and fog when she lost control on a curve colliding into a guard rail. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy as the front and side of the vehicle was damaged. The contact's daughter sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a concussion. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2011 Toyota Venza

Is the 2011 Toyota Venza reliable?

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2011 Toyota Venza, close to a typical Venza model year.

What is the 2011 Toyota Venza year score?

The 2011 Toyota Venza scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Venza: 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 2011 Toyota Venza?

Electrical system, with 15 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is brakes (9).

How many recalls does the 2011 Toyota Venza have?

6 recalls, covering air bags, seats and equipment.

What year does the Toyota Venza have the most electrical problems?

The Toyota Venza model years with the most electrical complaints are 2009 (20 complaints), 2010 (15 complaints) and 2011 (15 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Toyota Venza get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Toyota Venza range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.7L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 27 highway.

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