2013 Toyota Venza problems

“Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Potential Safety Issue - 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally report a potential safety concern related to the 2009-2015 Toyota Venza Models. The issue pertains to a discernible creaking sound originating from the turn signal stalk when the turn signals are engaged and the steering wheel is turned. Upon thorough examination, it has been identified that the source of this noise is the clock spring, a crucial airbag component designated by its yellow color and distinguished by two orange and yellow wires. It is imperative to emphasize that the clock spring, being a vital element of the airbag system, plays a pivotal role in ensuring occupant safety. Unfortunately, the persistent "clicking/ratcheting" noise associated with the turn signals in these models has been observed to have adverse consequences over time. This prolonged issue leads to clock spring failure, subsequently triggering the activation of the airbag light. It has come to my attention that Toyota is aware of this concern, yet no remedial action has been taken, purportedly due to the…”

“Upon approaching my vehicle and unlocking it, the drivers side mirror courtesy light wire caught on fire and started smoking. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because had I not been there my entire car could have caught on fire as well as any thing or anyone around or in my vehicle. No one has inspected the vehicle at this time. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. They first appeared the moment it happened.”

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA VENZA. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, WATER WAS DISCOVERED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOORMAT. THE CONTACT HEARD WATER SWISHING AROUND UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (BREDEMANN TOYOTA, 1301 W DEMPSTER ST, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068, (847) 655-1435) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”

“BOUGHT THE CAR USED, THE VERY FIRST DAY AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE AREA. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING ELSE WEIRD, JUST SMOKE. NOW, ABOUT A MONTH LATER, THE BRAKES SOMETIMES FEEL AS IF THEY'RE LOCKING UP AND NOT LETTING GO, BUT ALSO NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. SMOKE IS ALSO COMING OUT OF THE FRONT BRAKE AREA AGAIN. SEEING AS THIS IS 2019 AND IT'S A 2013 CAR, THERE IS NO WARRANTY LEFT ON THE CAR. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND SOME INFORMATION ABOUT AN INTERNAL LEAK INSIDE THE MASTER CYLINDER. A PROBLEM THAT IS HARD TO REPLICATE FOR A DEALERSHIP, WARRANTY OR NOT. DECIDED TO LOOK FOR RECALL INFO ABOUT THE BRAKES FOR THIS CAR WHEN I CHOSE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA. I WILL ALSO NOTIFY TOYOTA ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I'M HOPING THAT BY REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER, THE PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED.”

“I complained to a Toyota Dealer about this problem in 6-2017. The took it for a road test and the car did not do it and it did not record a code. So they could not find a solution. Intermittently and without warning the electronic link between the gas pedal and the engine is inoperative for 3-5 seconds. During this period the car is not under power, it is coasting and depressing the gas pedal has no effect on the engine speed. After this period the electronic link is automatically restored and the engine is again responsive to pressure on the gas pedal. I have been dealing with this scenario ever since I purchased this car in 8-2013. It seems to be happening more frequently. Needless to say, it is a very dangerous situation. I no longer feel safe driving this car. .”

“THIS CAR HAS 166000 MILES ON IT AND ALWAYS HAD A DEALER OIL CHANGES. IT NOW IS USING A QUART OFF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES OR LESS. THERE ARE NO OIL LEAKS TO BE FOUND AND THE DEALER ADMITS THAT THAT IS TO MUCH OIL CONSUMPTION BUT CANNOT HELP ME WITH ANY KIND OF FACTORY REPAIRS. FOR A MODERN ENGINE THIS IS WAY TO MUCH OIL USE. I HAVE A 1990 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH 522000 MILES AND USES LESS THAN 1/2 A QUART BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. TOYOTA HAS REALLY GONE DOWN HILL ON THIS ENGINE DESIGN.”