Toyota Venza fire or smoke problems

Filed Apr 19, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · NH · fire

Upon approaching my vehicle and unlocking it, the drivers side mirror courtesy light wire caught on fire and started smoking. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because had I not been there my entire car could have caught on fire as well as any thing or anyone around or in my vehicle. No one has inspected the vehicle at this time. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. They first appeared the moment it happened.

Filed Jan 14, 2023 · Electrical, Seats · NC

The heated seat on the driver side is creating a burning smell. I have read about numerous other issues with this model that have had recalls but not mine. This seat is still in tact and available for full inspection upon request. This is a major safety issue that is known about but not addressed. Major fire risk putting anyone inside vehicle in danger. I have a 2 year old daughter and if I didn’t have a lot of electrical and vehicle knowledge I could have easily left the heated seat on not knowing and caused a major risk for my entire family. Toyota needs to add the rest of the vehicles that have these issues into the recall. I have not taken into dealer yet just informed my wife not to use heated seat. I plan to take in soon to dealer but with a known issue it should be covered by a recall and not out of pocket. No police, insurance or manufacture have inspected yet. No warning lights on at all.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Seats · 146,000 miles · IL

The seat heaters in the vehicle don't work like they should. Sometimes there is a burning smell to them. The drivers side one went out completely about 2 years ago and we had it fixed now the passenger one isn't working at all. The drivers side seat heater gets pretty hot too and has to be shut off.

Filed Jun 10, 2019 · Brakes · 154,000 miles · FL

Bought the car used, the very first day after purchase there was smoke coming from the front brake area. No warning lights or anything else weird, just smoke. Now, about a month later, the brakes sometimes feel as if they're locking up and not letting go, but also not stopping the vehicle properly. Smoke is also coming out of the front brake area again. Seeing as this is 2019 and it's a 2013 car, there is no warranty left on the car. I've done some research and found some information about an internal leak inside the master cylinder. A problem that is hard to replicate for a dealership, warranty or not. Decided to look for recall info about the brakes for this car when I chose to make a complaint to the federal safety agency. I will also notify toyota about the problem. I'm hoping that by replacing the master cylinder, the problem will be solved.

Filed Nov 17, 2018 · Seats · 56,135 miles · IL

Vehicle is 9 years old, but with only 56,135 miles and very well maintained. Driven by a small female, which is relevant. Experienced an acrid, burning smell which caused gagging and coughing. No smoke visible. Dealer found problems with heated seats, wiring and connectors. Entire heated seat system needs replaced at cost of $1130.30 for each seat. Many complaints of this issue online. There is no way that a small framed female's weight caused damage to the wiring within the seat heaters. This is obviously a manufacturing defect and should be covered by toyota regardless of the mileage, due to this being a safety hazard. Could easily cause a catastrophic fire.

Filed May 20, 2018 · Electrical, Seats · 20 miles · TN

Seats rubbed on console. Strong electrical burning smell. Drivers side heated seats no longer operate. When in reverse and turning steering wheel loud squealing noise and thumping until placed in drive. Went to several dealerships who said they could find nothing wrong. Drivers side sun visor fell down and blocked ability to see when driving.

Filed Apr 16, 2018 · Electrical · 63,000 miles · WA

Faulty wiring of the driver's side seat heater causing a burning smell and the potential for harm to the occupant.

Filed Jan 30, 2018 · Seats · 103,000 miles · WI

Heated seat temperature controller (#875010t010) fails resulting in heated seat failure. In our case, the controller failed melting the wire harness plug to the controller. This could have started the seat on fire with our 17 year old daughter driving the vehicle. Toyota has discontinued this part for 2009-2014 venza's and has not offered a replacement.

Filed Nov 13, 2017 · Electrical, Seats · 80,000 miles · WY

The driver's side seat heater in the leather seat worked fine until a couple of months ago, approximately 80,000 miles. Now when it is turned to the on position there is a smell of burning electrical wiring. Seat heater was turned off, then on again a couple of times to test it. This happens whether the car is stationery or on the road, just any time the seat heater is turned on. Now the seat heater is off and will not be turned on because of the fear of an electrical fire. This VIN number is not under the current seat heater recalls. It appears from the other complaints, there are many other cars of this make with the same problem and not under the current recalls. There should be more recalls, and there should be a repair, not just a disconnect the wiring. People pay good money for the comfort features and this should not be ignored.

Filed Jun 1, 2017 · Seats · 40,000 miles · MO

When driver-side seat warmer is activated there is a strong wire burning smell that fills the vehicle. I noticed that several other models, around the same year, were recalled for the same issue. It appears the 2009 venza also has the same issue and should be included in the recall.