The 2009 Venza shares the Camry/Highlander platform and is generally reliable, but the 2.7L I4 suffers from catastrophic oil consumption failures, while both engines can experience transmission cooler line failures leading to transmission damage.
2.7L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Requiring 1+ quarts of oil between changes, Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes, Engine knocking if oil starvation occurs
Fix: Piston rings fail due to design flaw causing carbon buildup. TSB exists but often requires complete engine rebuild with updated pistons and rings. 25-35 labor hours for proper rebuild. Many owners opt for used engine swap (15-20 hours) due to cost.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or red fluid pooling under vehicle near radiator, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Milky transmission fluid indicating coolant contamination, Overheating transmission temperature warning
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at radiator connections, leaking ATF or allowing coolant into transmission. MUST flush transmission system completely and replace cooler lines. If coolant mixed with ATF, transmission rebuild often required. 3-5 hours for lines only, add 18-25 hours if transmission rebuild needed.
Symptoms: External oil seepage at cylinder head mating surface, Coolant smell in engine bay without visible radiator leaks, Slight coolant loss over time with no obvious source, Crusty white deposits around head bolt areas
Fix: V6 develops external head gasket weeps more often than internal failures. Both heads typically need gaskets at same time. Requires valve cover removal, timing chain positioning, and careful torque sequence. 12-16 labor hours for both banks.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering wheel off-center after hitting potholes, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Wandering feeling during highway driving
Fix: Front lower control arm bushings crack and separate, especially in rust-belt climates. Cannot replace bushings alone—complete control arm assemblies required. Both sides should be done together. 3-4 hours for both sides plus alignment.
Estimated cost: $700-1,100
Brake Light Switch Premature Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Brake lights staying on continuously, Brake lights not illuminating when pedal pressed, Cruise control disabling intermittently, Shift interlock preventing shifter movement from Park
Fix: Switch above brake pedal fails internally due to poor contact design (subject to recall 10V594000). Simple replacement but requires proper adjustment to prevent cruise and shift-lock issues. 0.5-1.0 labor hour.
Estimated cost: $120-220
Water Pump Bearing Failure (V6)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or squealing from front of engine, Coolant weeping from weep hole below pump pulley, Engine overheating in traffic or under load, Visible coolant residue on timing cover area
Fix: V6 water pump driven by timing belt. When bearing fails, coolant leaks and pump efficiency drops. Must replace timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys at same time since labor overlaps. 4-6 labor hours for complete job.
Estimated cost: $800-1,300
Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunk
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from steering column when turning wheel at low speeds, Popping sensation felt through steering wheel, Noise most noticeable in parking lots or during U-turns, No noise at highway speeds
Fix: Splines in intermediate shaft wear and develop slop. TSB ZE006-10 addresses this. Replace intermediate shaft assembly—do not attempt to lubricate. 1.5-2.0 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Owner tips
If buying a 2.7L I4 model, have pre-purchase inspection specifically check oil consumption over 500-mile test period
Inspect transmission cooler lines at every oil change—early catch prevents $4K+ transmission failure
V6 timing belt and water pump should be done together at 90K-100K miles as preventive measure
Change transmission fluid every 50K miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—cheap insurance against cooler line contamination damage
Buy the V6 model only and avoid the 2.7L I4 entirely—otherwise solid crossover if transmission cooler lines are already addressed or replaced preventively.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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.
Consequence: Damaged wires may cause the air bag sensor to become inoperable, preventing the deployment of the side and curtain air bags on the driver side and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver-side front door wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TB01/21TA01.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 13V014000
2013-01-16
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 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 12V091000
2012-03-07
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 PARK POSITION, OR THE VEHICLES BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 10V035000
2010-02-03
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 10V036000
2010-02-03
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
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