2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 4 Venza Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid ranks worst of 4 model years, with a complaint index of 100, 188 complaints, 15 crashes, and 2 recalls. Visibility & Wipers issues account for 41% of complaints, making 2021 a year to approach with caution relative to 2022-2024.
- Complaints
- 188
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 15 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 39
- 40 city / 37 hwy
Top 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers78 (41%)
- Other42 (22%)
- Electrical System30 (16%)
- Engine22 (12%)
- Fuel System14 (7%)
- Brakes13 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (5%)
- Structure & Body8 (4%)
- Airbags7 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (4%)
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including rear-end and frontal collisions.
- Owners describe sudden loss of braking ability, with the pedal not slowing the car as expected.
- Some drivers report unexpected acceleration or engine revving when attempting to brake or turn, leading to collisions.
- The automatic emergency braking system reportedly failed to engage despite a dashboard brake warning during a highway stop.
- One owner reported the vehicle surging forward after a light touch of the gas pedal while exiting a car wash.
- Rear turn signal LED lights were reported to let in water, causing condensation and electrical shorting per the recall.
2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V239000Apr 13, 2022Brakes458,110 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc):control module:software
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.
- NHTSA 22V033000Jan 26, 2022Electrical System41,544 vehicles
Exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights
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.
2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 40 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 39 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Venza Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid reliable?
- Among the 4 model years with data, 2021 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst, with 188 complaints and 15 crashes, so it carries more reported problems than 2022, 2023, or 2024.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid?
- Visibility & Wipers complaints are the largest category, making up 41% of the 188 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 8,250.
- Does the 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a Skid Control ECU software update affecting the brake system, and one for water intrusion into the rear turn signal LED lights that can cause a short.
- How does the 2021 Venza Hybrid compare to other years?
- 2021 has a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, while 2022 (index 0, Best), 2023 (index 67, Caution), and 2024 (index 33, Good) all report fewer complaints.
- Are there airbag or brake issues in the 2021 Venza Hybrid?
- NHTSA complaints describe airbags not deploying in crashes and brakes reportedly failing to slow the vehicle, with Brakes complaints showing a median mileage at failure of 36,173.