22TD04 Expired on June 30, 2025 A Toyota Genuine Accessory Dash Camera was installed in the involved vehicles. If the Micro SD Card used in the accessory dash camera is damaged the accessory dash camera may continuously attempt to read/write data to the card. This can lead to an increase in temperature of the card and may lead to localized melting of the card and the surrounding area of the dash cam.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Toyota Venza electrical problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
22TD04 Expired on June 30, 2025 A Toyota Genuine Accessory Dash Camera was installed in the involved vehicles. If the Micro SD Card used in the accessory dash camera is damaged the accessory dash camera may continuously attempt to read/write data to the card. This can lead to an increase in temperature of the card and may lead to localized melting of the card and the surrounding area of the dash cam.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗22TD04 Expired on June 30, 2025 TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22TD04 ACCESSORY DASH CAMERA FIRMWARE UPDATE CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR SIENNA VEHICLES CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR VENZA VEHICLES
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/discolored engine oil. ?An ?Oil Pressure Low? warning message on the Multi-information Display (MID). ?A MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P05202A (Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch ?A? Signal Stuck in Range) and/or P052477 (Engine Oil Pressure Too Low [Severe]) present. Moisture from blow-by gases condenses and accumulates in the engine oil during short trips in extreme cold weather. When the moisture in the oil freezes, the oil pressure may drop, and the aforementioned warning indicators may displa
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some 19CY LG DCM equipped vehicles may not be able to complete the firmware update due to not having an active account or waived services during the trial. Follow the steps below to enable ?Temp DCM Activation?.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Throttle response delay is the most serious pattern. Five owners describe instances where the accelerator pedal either fails to produce immediate response (3–5 second delays) or doesn't move the vehicle at all even when fully depressed, sometimes resolving on a second attempt. One owner's 2021 Venza surged uncontrollably into a brick wall on January 10, 2024, while the driver stated "I don't know what's happening." Toyota's post-incident download report concluded the accelerator was fully pressed and found no defects, but Toyota's own data from that same day logged a check engine light and hybrid system failure warnings at the moment of impact. The dealer in one case updated vehicle firmware on a recall, yet delays continued. Three other owners report nearly being hit while merging from stops, and one had a close call turning into oncoming traffic.
The 12.5-inch infotainment screen is failing outright in several units, going dark without warning or strobing rapidly (every 3 seconds) when the car is in drive. This system controls HVAC, backup camera, and audio; loss of it leaves owners unable to adjust climate or see the rear view. A recall exists for newer Venza model years with the same issue, but 2021 owners have not received recall notices. One replacement costs $3,300.
Other reported issues include all four door lock actuators failing to respond to key fob or automatic engagement signals, a battery drained by a firmware communication loop (fixed by TSB at 5,500 miles), a Stargaze sunroof short circuit with visible burns, and one loss-of-braking incident.
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration / throttle response delay
Multiple owners report delayed or missing acceleration response when depressing the gas pedal, ranging from 3–5 seconds of no response to full-pedal depression with no movement. One incident resulted in a crash into a brick wall; others nearly caused collisions in traffic. One owner notes the vehicle surged forward without full pedal input. Dealers have performed fuel pump checks and computer updates, but issues persist in some cases.
When: Incidents reported at 4,000 miles, 10,000 miles, and throughout vehicle ownership; one major incident January 10, 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal depressed with no immediate acceleration response; Delayed acceleration (3–5 second lag); Vehicle surge into barrier with partial or light pedal input; Pedal to floor with no movement, then normal acceleration on retry; Check engine light and hybrid system failure warnings reported in one incident
Codes mentioned: P0101 or similar fuel system / throttle codes (inferred from fuel pump checks, not explicitly stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump checked at dealer with no issues found; computer recall update performed at least once with no resolution reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota's data download report (February 20, 2024) stated accelerator pedal was fully depressed prior to impact and no defects found, but did not address delayed acceleration events reported days prior or sensor failure possibility; recall for computer update was issued
Infotainment / head-unit system failure (12.5-inch touchscreen)
The 12.5-inch display system controls HVAC, audio, navigation, and backup camera. Owners report complete failure or intermittent non-function: screen goes dark suddenly, strobing effect when in drive (every 3 seconds), and frozen display. System appears to be subject to a recall for some model years, but 2021 Venza owners have not received recall notices. One owner reports replacement cost of $3,300; another states Toyota refuses warranty coverage and demands out-of-pocket repair.
When: One complaint began May 2025; others unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Screen turns off suddenly during navigation; Strobing/flickering light effect when vehicle in drive; Frozen display then complete non-function; Backup camera display works intermittently but not consistently; Loss of HVAC and audio controls tied to screen
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota diagnosis performed but warranty claim denied; replacement unit costs $3,300
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for newer model-year Venzas with same issue, but 2021 models not included in recall notification; Toyota unwilling to admit fault
Battery failure due to firmware communication loop
Vehicle failed to start while parked. Owner jump-started the vehicle and check engine light came on. Dealer diagnosed a firmware error causing constant communication with manufacturer, draining the battery. Dealer linked failure to a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). Vehicle was repaired and manufacturer was informed.
When: Approximately 5,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle would not start while parked; Check engine light illuminated after jump-start; Battery drained while parked
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific code not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Jump-start performed by owner; dealer repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued; manufacturer informed but owner had to report failure to dealer to access TSB
Stargaze panoramic sunroof electrical short / malfunction
Panoramic sunroof with electrochromic (clear/dark mode) capability shorted out internally. Owner reports buzzing sound when operated. Multiple Venza owners have reported the same issue in Toyota forums. Visual evidence of burnt/damaged internal components.
When: Unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Buzzing sound when sunroof operated; Roof shorted out (burned component visible); Unable to switch between clear and dark modes
Repairs/costs cited: Owner noted prevalence in online forums but did not report repair cost or resolution
Door lock actuator failure (all doors)
All four door lock actuators have failed systematically. Manual locking works, but electronic signals (key fob, drive-gear engagement) do not trigger locks. Owner reports inability to secure vehicle reliably and safety concern of doors opening while vehicle in motion. Owner notes this is a known issue across multiple Toyota SUV models.
When: Unspecified; owner states 'systematically failed' over time
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks do not respond to key fob signal; Door locks do not respond to drive-gear engagement; Manual lock function still works; Doors can open during motion if owner believes them locked
Loss of braking ability / brake system malfunction
Owner experienced sudden temporary loss of braking while entering driveway at low speed, resulting in collision with residential fence. No warning lights or prior indications. Owner notes occasional brake skip during traction events and sudden acceleration issues. Vehicle regularly maintained with no prior brake problems reported.
When: March 19 (year not specified, likely 2024 or 2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal applied with no deceleration; Momentary but significant loss of braking function; Occasional brake skip when traction involved; Sudden acceleration issues also noted
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The Door lock actuators have all systematically failed on the car, so I can lock the doors manually, but anytime an electrical signal is sent to the lock (key fob, putting the car in drive, etc), the door locks do not operate. It is my understanding this is a known problem by Toyota across many SUV models. I have left my car unlocked on many occassions "thinking" it is locked, and I don't like…
Primary Control/Head Unit Failure - I can no longer access any of the electronic functions of the vehicle due to the computer screen failure. The back up camera works, but when the vehicle is in drive, it's nothing but a strobing light trying to connect. It's a safety concern most at night due to the constant strobe effect coming across the screen every 3 seconds. It draws your attention from…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2021 Toyota Venza?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 5,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.