YearToAvoid

2011 Toyota Venza Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Toyota Venza, 29% of its 59 total complaints for the year. Two fires and three injuries are recorded, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. One related recall (12V091000) covers a stop lamp switch replacement.

Electrical System complaints
17
29% of 59
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
70,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners report electrical shorts producing smoke and flames from the engine compartment while driving.
  • Battery drains repeatedly even with normal use, requiring multiple battery replacements.
  • Heated seat modules and connections have melted or stopped working, in some cases producing a burning smell.
  • Warning lights for the air bag, ABS, slippery road, and all-wheel drive systems illuminate together without a clear cause.
  • Owners describe a burning smell paired with electrical wiring or stereo speaker failures.
  • Water intrusion into the cabin has been reported as an electrical/moisture-related defect.

When 2011 Toyota Venza electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 25, 2012, latest Jul 15, 2025.

2011 Toyota Venza electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Jul 2012Mar 2014Apr 2015Jan 2016Oct 2016Dec 2017Nov 2018Sep 2023
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2012 to Jul 2025; peak Oct 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Toyota Venza

  1. NHTSA 12V091000Mar 7, 2012Electrical System186,798 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

    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 â“park┠position, or the vehicleâ’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.

Electrical System complaints by Venza model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200924 (14%)
  2. 201017 (22%)
  3. 201117 (29%)
  4. 20120 (0%)
  5. 201310 (17%)
  6. 20141 (3%)
  7. 20150 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Toyota Venza?
NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Venza, which is 29% of the 59 total complaints filed for that model year.
Are there fires linked to the 2011 Venza's electrical system?
Yes. NHTSA records show 2 fires and 3 injuries associated with complaints in this area.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Toyota Venza's electrical system?
Yes, recall 12V091000 covers 2011 Venza vehicles built between October 20, 2008 and January 4, 2011 for a stop lamp switch issue; dealers replace the switch free of charge.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2011 Venza?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 70,000 miles.
How does the 2011 Venza compare to other years for electrical complaints?
The 2011 Venza matches 2010 with 17 complaints each, but its 29% share of total complaints is the highest among the years listed, compared to 22% in 2010 and 17% in 2013.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.