NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Venza Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Venza scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 179 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota Venza achieved a five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA, complemented by a perfect score in avoidance technology. This data contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing the vehicle in the Strong safety band. However, a single recall and a moderate defect-record sub-score prevent it from reaching the highest safety tier.
The 2021 Toyota Venza received an overall five-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Venza ranks 65 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 179 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 65 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Venza?
The 2021 Toyota Venza, a hybrid-only SUV, achieved a Safety Index score of 84 out of 100. Its crash protection earned 61 of 70 possible points, reflecting consistent performance across impact tests. The side impact test yielded a five-star rating, while frontal crash assessment received four stars. The vehicle's rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with a no-tip result in dynamic testing, and the rollover assessment also received four stars. Avoidance technology contributed a perfect 10 out of 10 points. This score underscores the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all 2021 Venza trims, providing a solid foundation for incident prevention. The primary constraint on the Venza's overall Safety Index is its defect record, which earned 13 out of a possible 20 points. This sub-score is directly influenced by one recall concerning ESC control module software. Furthermore, 179 owner complaints were filed, with visibility and wiper issues alone accounting for 74 of those allegations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Venza perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Venza achieved an overall rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA. Its side protection tests earned a perfect five-star score. Frontal impact protection was rated at four out of five stars. Rollover protection also received four out of five stars, with NHTSA measuring a 16 percent rollover risk; the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15893
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Venza have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota Venza carries one recall campaign. It targets the electronic stability control module software, covering a multi-model Toyota and Lexus action that includes this vehicle. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V239000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-04-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Venza?
NHTSA has logged 179 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Venza. Alleged issues cluster most heavily around visibility and wipers, followed by unknown or other concerns, electrical system, service brakes, exterior lighting, and vehicle speed control. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
179 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Venza?
Electronic stability control software in the 2021 Venza was the subject of an unresolved recall, an item prospective buyers should verify has been remedied. This safety-critical system requires confirmation of repair before purchase or immediately after.
- The 2021 Venza earned a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year.
- One recall is on record for this model year, covering an electronic stability control module software defect shared across a multi-model Toyota and Lexus campaign. Buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
- NHTSA received 179 unverified complaints for the 2021 Venza, with visibility and wiper allegations accounting for 74 of them, making that the single largest reported concern category for this year.
- The rollover rating for this model year is four out of five stars, with NHTSA measuring a 16 percent rollover risk and recording no tip in the dynamic tip test, relevant context for an AWD SUV buyer.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Venza places
The 2021 Toyota Venza qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Venza safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Venza crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Venza, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota Venza crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota Venza earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Venza have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Toyota Venza. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Venza?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 179 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota Venza. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Venza years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15893), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Venza 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 65 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.