Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota venza. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The steering wheel became difficult to turn and the traction control warning indicator illuminated which caused the contact to crash into a vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the left and right arms which required…
2013 Toyota Venza airbags problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
3crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 11 airbags complaints filed for the 2013 Toyota Venza, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 8 model years of Toyota Venza in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Airbags accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Venza has documented airbag system problems: clock springs fail after turn signal noise, warning lights illuminate for unclear reasons, and several crashes show airbags not deploying at all—resulting in serious injuries. Recall parts were slow to arrive.
Owners report four distinct airbag problems on the 2013 Venza. First, a creaking or clicking noise from the turn signal stalk during turns points to clock spring failure, a critical airbag component. One detailed complaint states this is widespread on used Venzas and eventually triggers the airbag warning light; the owner claims Toyota is aware but hasn't issued a remedy.
Second, airbag non-deployment in actual crashes is the most serious issue. Owners report side-impact and frontal collisions at speeds of 20–35 mph where airbags never deployed. Injuries included broken ribs, sternum fractures, internal bleeding, and arm trauma; at least two vehicles were totaled. One contact was notified of recall 13V442000 and believed the crash was related.
Third, the airbag warning light illuminates during normal driving—sometimes alongside seat belt warnings—with no clear cause. One owner scanned code B1698 (left door sensor), swapped door sensors, and dismantled the center console without resolving it. Water ingress under the dashboard accompanied one warning-light case. Another owner's light came on twice, first in August 2014 and again later.
Fourth, owners notified of NHTSA Campaign 21V257000 (Air Bags) faced extended waits for parts; the manufacturer confirmed parts were unavailable for longer than owners considered reasonable.
Failure modes owners describe
Clock spring failure
The clock spring, a critical airbag component, fails after prolonged creaking or clicking/ratcheting noise from the turn signal stalk during turns. Owners report this is a widespread issue on used Venzas that eventually triggers the airbag warning light.
When: Progressive degradation over time; manifests as noise first, then failure
Symptoms owners cite: Creaking sound from turn signal stalk when signals engaged and steering wheel turned; Clicking or ratcheting noise with turn signals; Airbag warning light illumination
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota reportedly aware of the concern but has not issued a remedy, citing low Venza sales volume
Airbag non-deployment in crashes
In multiple verified crash scenarios—including side-impact, frontal collision, and pole strikes at 20-35 mph—airbags failed to deploy. Occupants sustained serious injuries including broken ribs, sternum fractures, internal bleeding, and arm/chest injuries. At least two vehicles were totaled.
When: At impact; incidents reported at 20 mph, 35 mph, and 50 mph
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment on driver or passenger side during impact; Occupant injuries despite low to moderate crash speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles repaired or totaled; one contact received medical attention for arm injuries
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One contact notified of NHTSA Campaign 13V442000 (Air Bags, Electrical System, Equipment); contact believed crash related to recall
Airbag warning light illumination with unclear cause
The airbag warning light comes on during normal vehicle operation. In some cases water ingress under the dashboard is noted concurrently. Owners report the light remains illuminated despite no obvious impact or failure.
When: Mileage 40,000 to 91,000; one case at 60,000 with water entry noted
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated on startup or during driving; Passenger-side seat belt warning light illuminated simultaneously in at least one case; Water discovered on front passenger floormat with water sound under dashboard in one instance
Codes mentioned: B1698 (left door sensor code)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner attempted to resolve B1698 by swapping door sensors and dismantling console and door panels without success; drove without active airbag system. Dealer diagnostic costs were declined by at least one owner. Water ingress case referred to dealer for diagnostic and repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware in multiple cases; one case involved notification of NHTSA Campaign 21V257000 (Air Bags) but parts were unavailable for extended period
Delayed recall repair parts availability
Two owners received notification of NHTSA Campaign 21V257000 (Air Bags) but the required parts were not available from the manufacturer for an extended period, exceeding what owners considered a reasonable timeframe.
When: Mileage 91,000; one owner stated parts still unavailable at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V257000 (Air Bags); manufacturer confirmed parts not yet available and exceeded reasonable repair timeline
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Venza. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the passenger’s side seat belt warning light remained illuminated with a passenger in the seat. The contact stated that the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags seat belts warning lights recently started to remain illuminated.…
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…
Had airbags trouble with your 2013 Toyota Venza?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2013 Toyota Venza?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 40,000 and 94,801 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 94,801. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Toyota/Venza.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.