Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Potential Safety Issue - 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models (the federal safety agency), I am writing to formally report a potential safety concern related to the 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models. The issue pertains to a discernible creaking sound originating from the turn signal stalk when the turn signals are engaged and the steering wheel is turned. Upon thorough examination, it has been identified that the source of this noise is the clock spring, a crucial airbag component designated by its yellow color and distinguished by two orange and yellow wires. It is imperative to emphasize that the clock spring, being a vital element of the airbag system, plays a pivotal role in ensuring occupant safety. Unfortunately, the persistent "clicking/ratcheting" noise associated with the turn signals in these models has been observed to have adverse consequences over time. This prolonged issue leads to clock spring failure, subsequently triggering the activation of the airbag light. It has come to my attention that Toyota is aware of this concern, yet no remedial action has been taken, purportedly due to the relatively low sales volume of the Venza. It is notable that this noise issue is widespread among used Venzas, signifying a systemic problem that necessitates prompt attention. In circumstances where vital airbag components are intricately connected to sensitive elements like the clock spring, the presence of abnormal noises should be considered a cause for concern. Given the critical role of these components in ensuring the efficacy of the airbag system, I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter thoroughly. The safety and well-being of vehicle occupants should always be of paramount importance, irrespective of sales figures. Your intervention in addressing and rectifying this potential safety issue would undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the overall safety standards of the affected Toyota Venza Models.
2013 Toyota Venza airbags problems
12 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota Venza airbags problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Toyota Venza airbags
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Air bags: side/window: curtain
- 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
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- 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
What 2013 Toyota Venza owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the passenger’s side seat belt warning light remained illuminated with a passenger in the seat. The contact stated that the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags seat belts warning lights recently started to remain illuminated. The local dealer was contacted about inspecting the vehicle however, the contact declined after being provided a cost to do the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
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). The contact woke up in the hospital while receiving medical care for headaches, bruising on the left arm, lower back bruising and bruising on the chest which resulted in internal bleeding. A police report was filed. The contact stated the vehicle was towed to insurance lot where it was diagnosed with being destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The airbag warning system light came on in dec 2019. I purchased a dtc reader blue driver) and scanned the vehicle. Airbag code b1698 registered. I switched left door sensor with the right door sensor and still the left door sensor code remained. I dismantled the center console, left and right door panels, etc. But could not resolve the malfunction code. I finally gave up and have driven without an active airbag system. I'm filing this complaint in support of your recall for the toyota venza airbag wiring.
Error message: check SRS airbag system light came on. I was driving on a highway at about 50 MPH. Took car to my mechanic who hooked it to the computer diagnostic machine. He said this was the 2nd time the light came on (first time for me since august 2014) per the diagnostic machine history. Took to dealership 1/23/2021
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 toyota venza. Upon entering the vehicle, water was discovered on the front passenger side floormat. The contact heard water swishing around underneath the dashboard. In addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer (bredemann toyota, 1301 w dempster st, park ridge, il 60068, (847) 655-1435) advised the contact to schedule a diagnostic and repair appointment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.
While driving on a wet 50 degree night in january 12 t and lost total visability when entering lyndon vermon going around 20 MPH and ran into a telephone pole and the airbags did not deploy. My husband, the driver, sustained serious injuries including a broken sternum and 5 broken ribs and considerable internal bleeding. The police said the vehicle was totaled.
I was driving through an intersection on a green light and was struck by another car running a red light. Damaging the front and both sides of my car. I have injuries and my car was totaled by the insurance company. The airbags did not deploy.
Questions about the 2013 Toyota Venza airbags
Does the 2013 Toyota Venza have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the airbags of the 2013 Toyota Venza, 20% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Venza airbags problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Toyota Venza airbags?
Yes, 2 recalls: 21V257000, 13V014000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota Venza have bad airbags?
The Toyota Venza model years with the most airbags complaints are 2009 (14 complaints) and 2013 (12 complaints).
Other 2013 Toyota Venza problems
Body 10Brakes 10Electrical 10Acceleration 7Engine 7Steering 6Fuel system 4Driver assistance 3Seats 2Visibility 2Lights 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Transmission 1
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