Which Toyota Venza Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)

The Toyota Venza has got some unique features to intrigue the users. This model started its journey in 2009 and continued till 2015 in Canada and till 2016 in the USA. Then the model was resurrected in 2021.

With the low maintenance and repair cost, this can be a great option for people who want to buy used SUVs. However, some of their models could not meet the users’ expectations as they had a lot of issues. So. you should know which years to avoid while buying. 

2009, 2011, and 2015 models should be avoided for steering issues, power issues, airbag problems, and comfort issues.

In this article, I will expound on the worst years of this model and their problem and also the years that will work well for you. Go through the article to make the best decision while buying Toyota Venza.

Toyota Venza Years to Avoid (List of Years)

Since its beginning, Toyota Venza improved its shortcomings over the years. Still, some of their models received a lot of complaints from the owners. Those years of this brand should be avoided.

Here are the years you should avoid:

  • 2009 Toyota Venza
  • 2011 Toyota Venza
  • 2015 Toyota Venza

Among those years, 2009 has to be the worst year for Toyota Venza. It received the most number of complaints. Some people also find the 2013 model avoidable due to the expensive repair cost of its problems.

There are a number of factors that made these years avoidable. Let’s discuss them one by one. 

What Makes These Toyota Venza Years Worth Avoiding?

2009 Toyota Venza Problems:

This model started in 2009 and it was flooded with complaints in the first year. According to carcomplaints.com , the 2009 model received 41 complaints from users. Most of these complaints were about steering problems.

Besides, issues with interior accessories and comfort made the driving experience sour for the riders.

Steering Issues:

Many users have experienced serious issues with the steering wheel. While taking a turn, the owners faced wandering and drifting, the vehicle whining and even steering rattling.

Rattling is the most common issue you will face while going over the speed bumps. Fixing to rattling can even cost $2000.

The problem was mainly faced if the vehicle reached 64000 miles on the odometer. Such steering issues can cause serious danger. 

So, you should stay careful about them.

Other Problems:

Apart from steering problems, the most complaints were about interior accessories. Some common problems include dashboard metal distortion, the sun visor separating, uncomfortable seats, and faulty auxiliary jack.

Other than these there were also complaints about engine knocking and exterior accessories and electrical issues. Moreover, transmission failure repair cost a lot of money although the issue was not very common.

2011 Toyota Venza Problems:

Countless issues were reported with the 2011 model also. 

That’s why this model was recalled six times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You should know a vehicle recall means that the vehicle has failed to meet minimum safety standards.

So, you should obviously avoid Toyota Venza 2011 model for your safety. The main issue was with airbags. Additionally, there were issues with the car seat that could make the journey uncomfortable, the brake lights, and the powertrain.

Moreover, according to the users, this model is very uncomfortable to drive compared to other well-refined Highlanders.

Airbag Issues:

The users complained that the wires of the airbags wore out easily. The wear-outs damaged the airbag sensor and eventually, the airbag would stop working. It increases the risk of getting injured in a crash which is a huge safety concern.

Driveshaft Problem:

The front right driveshaft was the main reason behind this model being recalled so many times. As per the complaints, the drive shaft broke easily. It was due to the inadequate heat treatment.

Sudden Loss of Power:

Another problem was the random loss of power without any sign of warning. Such problems are enough to ruin your driving experience. 

2015 Toyota Venza Problems:

2015 is the last year for this car. But it was also filled with a lot of problems. There were complaints about different equipment in this car. Brake problems were the second most complained about.

Moreover, the uncomfortable headrest, malfunctioning CD or navigation, etc. are the reason why this year is also on the worst list. However, according to some websites, this is a good model to buy used.  

Brake Problems:

Brake problems were a major problem in the Toyota Venza 2015 model. 

According to various owners, the brake pads and the brake rotors would fail again and again. They keep repairing and replacing these two components. 

Comfort Issues:

There were various complaints about the comfort of this vehicle. Many said that the headrest is uncomfortable for people taller than 5’2”. It would cause serious back and neck pain.

 Besides, the front sliding sunroof would explode randomly and very often. Other amenities like the CD, navigation, etc. Malfunctioned which is pretty annoying. 

Apart from these, problems with internal accessories like -must and mold on HVAC units, frequent wear-outs of the soy wire coat, etc. are very common problems in these years. 

Which Toyota Venza Years are Safe to Buy?

Now you know the years to avoid. But that’s not enough. You should also know the best years of this model. Although all the years except the worst ones are safe to buy, some years have the best reviews. 

The best years of Toyota Venza include:

  • 2010 Toyota Venza
  • 2012 Toyota Venza
  • 2013 Toyota Venza
  • 2014 Toyota Venza

The 2010 model is the best one that a user can purchase. This model has a very attractive style along with great fuel efficiency and a tall wagon body style. Again, comfortable seats and quiet cabins made the 2012 model enjoyable.

Uncomfortable seats were a problem in Toyota Venza over the years. But it was the opposite in the 2012 model. 

On the other side, the 2013 model supposedly has the least complaints from users. It also got a good rating. The 2014 model had the highest rating which is even higher than its rivals.

These years also had their issues. But those were very minimal. After all, no car is out of problems.

Again, there is also a model that came in 2021 which is working pretty well. It can also be a good option. 

Conclusion

When you are looking for buying a used car, you should always choose from its best models. Because the worst years are full of problems and the purchase will be a waste of money. 

Now that you know the best and worst years of Toyota Venza, you can easily decide which models you should consider buying and which models you should always avoid.

However, before buying any car, you should look at some other factors apart from the best years. Their electrical condition, mileage, etc. should be kept in mind.

Related Posts:

Similar Posts