2012 Toyota Venza: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Toyota Venza has 25 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag *first generation (2009-2015):.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

25
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
6
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Toyota Venza vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
9
visibility/wiper
6
structure
5
steering
1
engine
1

Recalls affecting the 2012 Venza

air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive

Campaign 13V014000

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 2…

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 13V123000

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and H…

electrical system

Campaign 13V442000

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to acc…

air bags:side/window:curtain

Campaign 21V257000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is strongly positive for both generations, though with distinct character and known issues. The first-generation (2009-2015) Venza is consistently praised as a "poor man's Lexus," offering a rock-solid, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle with sta

  • *First Generation (2009-2015):
  • Panoramic sunroof leaks — Requires resealing of silicone, a known issue for models produced 2009 through mid-2012. Frequency: recurrent.
  • 4-cylinder engine oil consumption — Becomes noticeable in higher mileage vehicles (e.g., after 120,000 miles / 193,000 km), potentially requiring piston ring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Rough ride on 20-inch wheels — Stock wheel and tire combination results in a ride quality less smooth than expected. Frequency: isolated.
  • Spark plug issue — Isolated mention of spark plugs potentially coming loose or misfiring after hitting bumps, noted as a concern by a seller. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Venza.

Typical used price

Used Venza listings typically run $17,999–$32,487 across 2009 to 2024 model years.

Full Toyota Venza owner reportCompare against another car