MODEL
Toyota Venza
NHTSA safety across every Toyota Venza model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Toyota Venza we cover (2021 to 2024), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 87 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 84. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Toyota Venza is a five-passenger midsize SUV that returned to the U.S. lineup in 2021 after a years-long hiatus, repositioned as a hybrid-exclusive crossover aimed squarely at comfort-focused buyers who want fuel efficiency without sacrificing a refined, upscale feel. It slots above the RAV4 in Toyota's crossover hierarchy and competes in a crowded segment of style-forward, family-friendly SUVs.
From a safety standpoint, the 2021-2024 Toyota Venza puts up a generally solid but not flawless picture. Its best NHTSA Safety Index score, earned by the 2022 model year, lands at 87 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Strong band. That score is backed by a perfect five-star side-crash rating, which is genuinely impressive and reflects well on the body structure. The frontal and rollover ratings, both at four out of five stars, are respectable but leave a small gap below the best-in-class marks shoppers should compare against. Four recalls across the 2021-2024 coverage window is a relatively modest count for a four-model-year span, suggesting Toyota has not faced systemic production issues with this generation. Still, any recall warrants attention, and Venza owners should verify their VIN is clear before purchase or confirm any open recall work has been completed. The 260 owner complaints on record are worth a measured look. Thirty-four of those allege a crash-related event and 21 report an injury, though NHTSA stresses these are unverified allegations rather than confirmed findings. No fire or fatality complaints appear in the data, which is a meaningful baseline. Taken together, the Venza delivers above-average safety credentials for its class, with side protection as a clear strength. Buyers who prioritize that five-star side rating will find real reassurance here.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Venza for its composed, quiet ride and upscale cabin presentation, noting that it feels more premium than many rivals in its price range. Most acknowledge the hybrid powertrain as a highlight for everyday efficiency. Where critics push back, it tends to center on a modest amount of cargo space and a somewhat leisurely driving character rather than any fundamental concern.
- The 2022 Venza earned the strongest NHTSA Safety Index score in the covered range at 87 out of 100, so if safety optimization is a priority, the 2022 model year is the benchmark to reference when shopping used examples.
- Side-crash protection is the Venza's standout safety result, earning a five-star NHTSA rating in the best-tested year. Frontal and rollover protection both land at four stars, which is solid but not the ceiling of what the segment offers.
- Four recalls across four model years is a relatively contained recall footprint, but shoppers should always run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm all recall repairs have been completed before buying.
- The 260 owner complaints include 34 crash-related allegations and 21 injury allegations. NHTSA has not verified these claims, but the figures are worth monitoring. Prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's database to understand which systems are most frequently cited.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Toyota Venza with 1 recalls.