The Toyota Venza, a midsize SUV falling between the RAV4 and the Highlander in size, is now an exclusively hybrid vehicle after its resurrection. While the Toyota Venza has a lot going for it, there is also a major recall out for older 2009 through 2015 models that all owners need to be aware of. Around 360,000 Toyota Venza models have been recalled due to broken airbag wires. Here are all the details. 

Older 2009-2015 models recalled

If you own a 2009 through 2015 Toyota Venza in the U.S. or Canada, you may be affected. According to Car Complaints, 270,000 Toyota Venza models in the United States and 80,000 models in Canada were recalled due to possible broken wiring causing problems with the airbag system.

It is important to address this recall immediately because the problem could cause airbags to fail, leaving the driver unprotected on the driver’s side in the event of a crash. 

Not all Toyota Venzas are involved. To find out if your 2009-2015 model is affected by the airbag recall, you can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331. Toyota’s recall numbers are 21TB01 and 21TA01. Toyota dealerships will begin replacing wire harnesses on the driver-side front door after May 31, 2021. 

What caused the Toyota Venza recall?

There are sensors in the driver-side front door frames that connect to the 2009-2015 Toyota Venza airbag system by electric wires. If one of these wires breaks, the airbag sensor in the door would fail. This would also cause the airbag warning light to illuminate. This is a dangerous situation because it disables the driver-side curtain airbags and the side airbags completely. 

According to Toyota, the sensor is connected by two twisted wires that are located inside a harness. These wires route through a grommet mounted in the door. Because of sizing differentiations, over time, the wires could break from rubbing on the grommet.

If they break, the result could be disabling the side airbags and leaving the driver unprotected in a crash situation. 

The 2021 Toyota Venza is not affected by this recall

Luckily, only model years 2009 through 2015 will be affected by the recall. The 2021 Toyota Venza is a good choice if you’re looking for a midsize SUV with a lot of green features. It’s an all-wheel-drive hybrid with great fuel efficiency for today’s economy.

The Venza is a top choice for safety. Like all new Toyotas, it comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite of high-tech safety features includes lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and an integrated backup camera. All of this driver-assist information is easily accessible through the 8-inch touchscreen. 

Toyota makes a couple of midsize SUVs, including the Toyota Venza and the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander is a slightly bigger SUV that is great for hauling, but the Venza has a bit more refined features. Of course, if you are looking for environmental friendliness, the hybrid Venza is the way to go with it’s impressive fuel economy and green hybrid badging. 

If you drive an earlier model Toyota Venza and you are concerned your vehicle might be part of the recall, it is easy to find out. If you have a 2009 through 2015 Venza, you may call Toyota at 800-331-4331 to find out if it is part of the recall. You can also check the NHTSA recall website and type in your VIN number for instant information on any recalls for your vehicle. 

Remember, this particular recall doesn’t officially begin until May 31, 2021, so dealerships won’t make any related repairs before then.