Toyota Venza problems
The Toyota Venza is a five-passenger mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Toyota primarily for the North American market, beginning with its introduction in 2008 and now in its second generation — with a hiatus for model years 2018–2019.
The first-generation Venza was based on the XV40 series Camry platform and marketed between 2008 and 2017 — and shared the platform with the AL10 series Lexus RX. The second-generation model is a rebadged Japanese-market XU80 series Harrier and has been sold since September 2020.
The name "Venza" is a mix of "Venture" and "Monza."
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Toyota Venza model years
Common Toyota Venza problems
Based on complaints from Toyota Venza owners, common problems with the car include:
- Interior Accessories Issues:
- Complaints: Sunroof, moonroof, and broken interior components are major faults.
- Details: Owners reported issues with these accessories, impacting the overall interior quality and functionality of the vehicle.
- Steering Troubles:
- Complaints: Rattling during steering, drifting, and whining while turning.
- Details: Some customers experienced steering-related problems like unusual sounds and difficulties in steering control.
- Brake Faults:
- Complaints: Premature brake wear, the need to pump brakes to stop.
- Details: Early brake deterioration in older models and the necessity to pump brakes for effective stopping were common issues reported by owners.
- Windshield Cracking and Visibility Problems:
- Complaints: Windshield cracking, visibility issues.
- Details: Owners faced challenges with windshield durability, leading to cracking, impacting visibility, and potentially compromising safety.
- Transmission Issues:
- Complaints: Delayed shifting, grinding, unstable ride quality, burning smell.
- Details: Transmission problems, including delayed shifting, grinding noises, and burning smells, were prevalent in earlier models, affecting driving performance.
- Engine Troubles:
- Complaints: Excessive oil consumption, stalling, misfires.
- Details: Engine-related issues like oil consumption, stalling, and misfires were reported, potentially linked to sensor defects, air filter cleanliness, and spark plug condition.
- Faulty A/C System:
- Complaints: Diminished airflow, hot air, unsettling odors.
- Details: Problems with the A/C system included reduced airflow, unusual odors, and inefficient cooling, often attributed to refrigerant levels, filter blockages, or component malfunctions.
These problems significantly impact the driving experience and maintenance costs for Toyota Venza owners. Regular maintenance and prompt addressing of these issues are crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
Is the Toyota Venza a reliable car?
The Toyota Venza Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 3rd out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $444 which means it has excellent ownership costs. Repairs are less severe than average, and the frequency of these issues is average, so major repairs are not common for the Venza.
What are the issues with Venza?
2 Common Toyota Venza Problems
- Musty and Moldy A/C. Toyota air conditioners smell like mold in numerous vehicles. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace plastic and glass-based wiring insulation with a more eco-friendly soy-based coating.
Why is the Toyota Venza not popular?
The current Venza is often critiqued for its poor cargo capacity compared to competitors, lacking SUV features/options like roof rails or any usable towing capability, but it also offers a claimed best-in-class EPA efficiency rating of 39 MPG combined.
What is the disadvantage of Venza?
Minimal Cargo Capacity
Unfortunately, there isn't too much cargo capacity in the Toyota Venza. It's much smaller than most of the competitors in its class, which proves to be a problem. You'll only find 28.8 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Venza years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Venza cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Venza model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Venza model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Venza years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Venza car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Venza , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Venza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Venza model years
A total of 82 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Venza model years
There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Venza model years
There were a total of 70 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Venza model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 619 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Venza . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Venza vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: JTEAAAAH3MJ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I just purchased as 2021 Toyota Venza Limited. The headlight on low beam cast a odd shaped shadow. It is very distracting and often makes you think something is in front of the car. The issue dissappears when headlight are switched to high beam. This is very unsafe and deserves a recall.
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: JTEAAAAH2MJ
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Widshield cracked all of a sudden without any reason
Toyota Venza 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTEAAAAH3PJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My wife owns this Toyota Venza. On October 9, 2024, I took the vehicle to the dealership for maintenance and all regular checkups passed. No sensor lights nor problem lights were on during the incident. On October 16, 2024 my wife was parking in a spot to pick up the mail in our community's mailbox. She pressed the brake and tried to park the vehicle when suddenly the motor accelerated over the parking lines on its own to a small hill continuously. My wife tried to press the brake multiple times with no success and the motor continued accelerating on its own. My wife turned the steering wheel to the right to avoid running into the hill or flipping the vehicle over. Once turned, the vehicle continued accelerating crossing over a neighborhood street and finally crashing into a neighbor's wall. Once it crashed the wall, all air bags were deployed and the vehicle rebounded back into the street where my wife was eventually able to shift it into parking. Once parked, the vehicle wouldn't start or move at all. Thankfully, there were no fatalities but my wife crashed into a wall and had to be taken to the hospital to be treated for the bruises in her legs and body from the air bag impact. Additionally, our community is gated and thankfully there is little traffic but this problem in a main road or highway could easily injure or kill people. We reported the accident to the local police and filed a report with them. We also notified insurance of the crash and have started a repair claim but the vehicle has not been inspected for any damages or problems. We have video recording of the incident which we will use for insurance and can provide as part of this complaint.
Toyota Venza 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: JTEAAAAHXPJ
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Traveling interstate 64 Hampton Virginia with 2023 Venza (9/27/2024) a stone hit the windshield and immediately spidered across the window.
Toyota Venza 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-22
- VIN: JTEAAAAH2NJ
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Spontaneous windshield crack that has slowly spread across entire windshield. Driving with NO vehicles around and crack just appeared. Windshield is defective.
Toyota Venza 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 4T3ZE11A59U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Venza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: JTEAAAAH6MJ
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield has severe cracking without being struck by anything
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- VIN: JTEAAAAH4MJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Adding to the many complaints about the '21 Venza windshield and the safety issues presented by the easy cracking of the front windshield.
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-23
- VIN: JTEAAAAH8MJ
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I was driving and my windshield just cracked . Nothing struck my windshield before incident happened
Toyota Venza 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-08
- VIN: 4T3ZK3BB6AU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When I open the driver's side when car running, the check SRS airbag system warning light comes on. It also comes on if I start car with door open.
Toyota Venza 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-03
- VIN: 4T3BK3BB4AU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact submitted the complaint on behalf of her friend. The contact stated that while the contact's friend was driving, the friend heard a ticking noise and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's friend drove the vehicle to the intended destination. The contact's friend exited the vehicle and noticed a large amount of oil on the ground that had leaked from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed oil cooler hoses. The contact's friend was informed that the oil cooler hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the previous unknown warranty for the failure description had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-29
- VIN: JTEAAAAH6MJ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Head lights! Dangerous. They have blind-spots due to equipment blocking full light vision. This is my 2nd report to you. I have not gotten a response. I think this should be looked into immediately. I don't care to drive at night because of this blind-spot. Yes, I have reported this to Toyota and they could not do anything about it because they it from the new type of light bulbs. Please review, research and respond. Thank you.
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-12
- VIN: JTEAAAAH5MJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Seems like, This is common problems for all the Toyota Venza Car. After stopping at redlight, If we push the accelerator, It doesn't have a pickup speed as mentioned 7.1 sec from 0-60 miles. If, car is take on the 45/55 mile from the local road, it may hit by back side of the car. This is really concerning. Working with the dealer to solve the issue.
Toyota Venza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-10
- VIN: JTEAAAAH5MJ
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Hit by a very small rock. Started with a small fracture about 8 inches long and after 8 hours the crack has multiplied to be about 16-18 inches.
Toyota Venza 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-06
- VIN: JTEAAAAH6NJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I am the primary driver of our 2022 Toyota Venza. On [XXX] I had just taken the car through the Splash automated car wash on [XXX] and I was navigating into an adjacent space for use of the vacuum cleaners. As I took my foot off the accelerator to put the vehicle into Park, it suddenly and unintentionally accelerated. It crossed the driveway entrance to the car wash, jumped a curb which was actually the top of retaining wall for the parking lot of the adjacent business, and sailed over the retaining wall into the parking lot which was over 2 feet lower than the level of the car wash. I was able to bring the car to a stop without hitting anything, but 3 tires were blown out and severe damage occurred to the underside and front end of the car (we are awaiting estimates of the damage to the car). The airbags did not deploy. I had a minor shoulder bruise from the seat belt but no other injury. The car is at an auto repair shop awaitinng estimates and adjuster inspection. No report has yet been filed with Toyota but we expect to file today. No independent service center or other inspection has been done yet. There was no warning system notification prior to the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latest 5 recalls Toyota Venza
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 35 recalls for different components of the Toyota Venza.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Venza 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-04-13
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Toyota Venza 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-04-13
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Toyota Venza 2010
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-13
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Toyota Venza 2011
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-13
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Toyota Venza 2009
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-13
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: 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.
Latest negative Toyota Venza car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Venza car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2022
We recently purchased a 2021 Venza XLE Hybrid, upgrading from our 2014 model. I must say, this new hybrid model is absolutely amazing! During a recent 2500 mile trip, we were able to achieve 40 mpg at 70 mph on mostly interstate travel thanks to the all wheel drive Venza. The safety features are top-notch and the seating and air conditioning are incredibly comfortable.
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Vehicle year: 2023
10,000 Mile Update: Hi there! After 7 months and 10,000 miles, I'm still really happy with my purchase of the Venza. The MPG has ranged between 41-45 mpg in suburban driving and 35-39 mpg on the Interstate measured at the pump. After living with the Venza for 7 months, I think it's best suited for singles, couples without children, or families of four or less without small children. The cargo space is fine for our purposes but if we had small children with strollers and other bulky items, I would go with the Sienna for increased cargo capacity. It's really efficient in city/suburban driving with a good view of the road. The Venza excels on road trips. It’s quite, the ride is composed, the driver's seat is comfortable, there is plenty of power, excellent mpg, it has radar cruise control with lane keeping assist, and it's heavy and aerodynamic enough not to get pushed around in the wind. The result is you do not become as fatigued on long drives. It's the ultimate road trip vehicle! However, there are a few cons to consider. The cargo space is fine for groceries, etc., but not enough for bulky items without the rear seats down. Also, very large people over 6'2The Venza is a great choice for anyone seeking practical, reliable, all-wheel-drive transportation with a touch of luxury.
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Vehicle year: 2023
This is such a great looking vehicle! The seats are super comfortable. I've only had it for a little while, but I'm already getting 40 mpg. I got the limited model and it came with every option. The sound system is awesome. My only issue is that the big display doesn't show more than one app at a time. But overall, it's a fantastic vehicle!
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Vehicle year: 2013
I have over 73K miles on my 2013 Venza and I'm happy to report that the mileage remains about 21/22MPG, occasionally reaching ~24. The reliability has been first rate, as expected from Toyota, which is quite impressive. However, I must admit that the 'premium' JBL infotainment system has underwhelmed me. The screen is too small and the GPS system logic comes up with befuddling directions at times. It's bad enough that I frequently use Google Maps on my phone as a backup and always defer to its guidance over the in-dash unit. As others have noted, the interior, while nice enough, is kind of low rent for the 'Limited' trim level. Although Toyota has ceased manufacturing the Venza, those in the market for a pre-owned crossover vehicle and don't need 3-row seating might find this a worthwhile choice. Overall, I have been satisfied with the Venza and prize its bulletproof dependability. UPDATE 26 Dec 2019: I traded in this vehicle in March when I purchased a new 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring model. The Venza was the most reliable automobile I have ever owned in 45 years of driving. I'm enjoying the CX-9 so far and selected it over the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my thoughts on my all white Venza. Overall, it's been a great ride! However, I have noticed a couple of things that could be improved. Firstly, the navigation visibility can be poor, especially on sunny days. It can be difficult to see what I'm punching in and reading it. Additionally, there are a couple of blind spots that I've noticed. Despite these minor issues, I still really like my Venza!
Are you having problems with your Toyota Venza?
Orlo Jacobson 2025-06-18
Vehicle year: 2010
I really like this vehicle, but unfortunately, we've had to take it to the repair shop quite a bit. We've had a range of problems, both minor and major. At 36,000 miles, the transmission failed, and we've also had issues with the a/c pump unit, seat heaters, nav system, remote entry, and warped brake rotors. The fuel economy hasn't been great either, at only 18 mpg with mostly highway driving. Despite these issues, I do appreciate the features of this car, and it drives very well and feels safe. It seems that other Venza owners are experiencing similar problems, and we don't plan on keeping this car past the warranty.
Kamren Baumbach 2025-06-15
Vehicle year: 2010
It's been over a year since we got our cuv and have driven it for 34,000 miles. The first 20,000 miles were great, but lately we've been experiencing some major and minor issues. Unfortunately, we've noticed many rattles inside the car, and one of them required the removal of the windshield, dash assembly, and centre console to fix! We've also noticed some other ticks and creeks inside. The rear struts have been replaced twice now, and the sub-assembly has been re-shimmed. Although Toyota said that the steering is not adjustable due to the E-assist, it seems to wander. Additionally, the interior materials are wearing out very quickly and are of low quality. Currently, the car has been at the shop for 16 days waiting for a new transmission, which is a common issue on this model. However, we remain optimistic that the car will be back on the road soon!
Garrick Mann 2025-06-10
Vehicle year: 2011
I have unfortunately experienced several issues with this model, including rattles, humming from the rear at highway speeds, navigation unit failure, leaking water pump, leaking sunroof, abs sensors replacement, and two battery replacements. However, I am confident in my decision that this will be my first and last Toyota.
Thaddeus Hartmann 2025-06-05
Vehicle year: 2012
I recently purchased a 2011 Venza, but unfortunately, I am not satisfied with its handling. At highway speeds, it requires constant attention to keep it straight and tends to wander out of the lane. Additionally, the ride is not as smooth as I had expected. Despite checking the tire pressure, which was set at 32 psi, the issue persisted after two separate 2-hour trips. I suspect that the electronic steering may be the cause of the problem. In comparison, my 2007 Honda Accord handles exceptionally well and requires very little attention to stay straight. Although I had intended for the Venza to be my primary road trip car due to its larger interior, I am now reconsidering my options.
Adolf Beahan 2025-05-29
Vehicle year: 2009
I really enjoyed driving my 2009 Venza until recently when I experienced an issue with the accelerator getting stuck. Even when the car was in park, the engine revved so high that smoke started pouring out from under the hood. I was so scared that I didn't want to turn the car back on and ended up blocking traffic for 40 minutes. Eventually, I had to have the car towed to a local Toyota dealer. Unfortunately, the technicians were unable to reproduce the issue and are suggesting that it may be due to my car mats. I'm a bit disappointed that the recalled Camrys have an 'accelerator override' system that simply cuts the accelerator when the brake is applied, but my Venza doesn't have this feature. I'm hoping that Toyota can find a solution to this problem soon.