[Daniel F]

Hey there, I just got a Venza, and here are a few of my complaints on the car. Before I get started, I do love the car, probably my favorite car I have ever owned, but here are just some small things I noticed that annoy me.

1. No heated rear seats. It is not available on the Venza, but it is on the rav4, a less luxurious car.

2. No windshield wiper de-icer available in the US. Not sure why Toyota did this, again this is available on the Rav4, but not on the Venza for US models, it is standard on Canadian cars.

3. Only Safety Sense 2.0, not 2.5/2.5+. This is super surprising to me, for a car that was redesigned for the 2021 model year, with ss 2.5+ already being offered on the Highlander and Camry, it is just dumb to me that the Venza, the most advanced Toyota on the market right now, doesn't have it.

4. The star-gaze moon roof dims every time you turn the car off, but stays dim when you turn the car on even if you had it on before you turned it off. Kind of stupid design, I don't want to click the button every time I get in the car.

5. The extra control panel always stays on screen, and there is no way to minimize it. This is such an easy fix with a software update, I really hope this post can bring attention to this, I don't need to have that screen there if I am not using it, and I want to use the full 12.3 inch touch screen with things like my apple maps so I can have a bigger view.

6. This is not a necessity, kind of my gripe with all cars that have wireless charging pads, but I wish that there was wireless apple carplay. I don't see the point for a wireless charger if you have to plug in the phone for apple car play. I understand that some people don't use apple carplay or android auto, but for those of us that do, it kind of kills the point for a wireless charger.

Other small note, I wish that toyota put the self parking that is found on the prius in this car too, would have been the icing on the cake.

Let me know what you guys think about what I said, and let me know if I may have missed anything. Like I said, I love this car, I rate it a 9.2/10, If these things were fixed, It would be a 10.

 

[Quickdtoo]

Add to the list!

Official 2021 Venza Squawk List (needed repairs)

Thought it might be a good idea to start collecting squawks discovered on these new vehicles. If you're unfamiliar with the term, from Merriam Websters squawk sheet: a report made out by a pilot listing defects observed in an airplane during the flight What items did you need (or plan to...

www.toyotanation.com

 

[JAMman50]

Hey there, I just got a Venza, and here are a few of my complaints on the car. Before I get started, I do love the car, probably my favorite car I have ever owned, but here are just some small things I noticed that annoy me.

1. No heated rear seats. It is not available on the Venza, but it is on the rav4, a less luxurious car.

2. No windshield wiper de-icer available in the US. Not sure why Toyota did this, again this is available on the Rav4, but not on the Venza for US models, it is standard on Canadian cars.

3. Only Safety Sense 2.0, not 2.5/2.5+. This is super surprising to me, for a car that was redesigned for the 2021 model year, with ss 2.5+ already being offered on the Highlander and Camry, it is just dumb to me that the Venza, the most advanced Toyota on the market right now, doesn't have it.

4. The star-gaze moon roof dims every time you turn the car off, but stays dim when you turn the car on even if you had it on before you turned it off. Kind of stupid design, I don't want to click the button every time I get in the car.

5. The extra control panel always stays on screen, and there is no way to minimize it. This is such an easy fix with a software update, I really hope this post can bring attention to this, I don't need to have that screen there if I am not using it, and I want to use the full 12.3 inch touch screen with things like my apple maps so I can have a bigger view.

6. This is not a necessity, kind of my gripe with all cars that have wireless charging pads, but I wish that there was wireless apple carplay. I don't see the point for a wireless charger if you have to plug in the phone for apple car play. I understand that some people don't use apple carplay or android auto, but for those of us that do, it kind of kills the point for a wireless charger.

Other small note, I wish that toyota put the self parking that is found on the prius in this car too, would have been the icing on the cake.

Let me know what you guys think about what I said, and let me know if I may have missed anything. Like I said, I love this car, I rate it a 9.2/10, If these things were fixed, It would be a 10.

Hey there, I just got a Venza, and here are a few of my complaints on the car. Before I get started, I do love the car, probably my favorite car I have ever owned, but here are just some small things I noticed that annoy me.

1. No heated rear seats. It is not available on the Venza, but it is on the rav4, a less luxurious car.

2. No windshield wiper de-icer available in the US. Not sure why Toyota did this, again this is available on the Rav4, but not on the Venza for US models, it is standard on Canadian cars.

3. Only Safety Sense 2.0, not 2.5/2.5+. This is super surprising to me, for a car that was redesigned for the 2021 model year, with ss 2.5+ already being offered on the Highlander and Camry, it is just dumb to me that the Venza, the most advanced Toyota on the market right now, doesn't have it.

4. The star-gaze moon roof dims every time you turn the car off, but stays dim when you turn the car on even if you had it on before you turned it off. Kind of stupid design, I don't want to click the button every time I get in the car.

5. The extra control panel always stays on screen, and there is no way to minimize it. This is such an easy fix with a software update, I really hope this post can bring attention to this, I don't need to have that screen there if I am not using it, and I want to use the full 12.3 inch touch screen with things like my apple maps so I can have a bigger view.

6. This is not a necessity, kind of my gripe with all cars that have wireless charging pads, but I wish that there was wireless apple carplay. I don't see the point for a wireless charger if you have to plug in the phone for apple car play. I understand that some people don't use apple carplay or android auto, but for those of us that do, it kind of kills the point for a wireless charger.

Other small note, I wish that toyota put the self parking that is found on the prius in this car too, would have been the icing on the cake.

Let me know what you guys think about what I said, and let me know if I may have missed anything. Like I said, I love this car, I rate it a 9.2/10, If these things were fixed, It would be a 10.

I have the same complaint about no wireless Apple CarPlay. But several companies have dongles that do the job. I’m going to get one from Ottocast. Wireless CarPlay Adapter

 

[schmidtj]

Hey there, I just got a Venza, and here are a few of my complaints on the car. Before I get started, I do love the car, probably my favorite car I have ever owned, but here are just some small things I noticed that annoy me.

1. No heated rear seats. It is not available on the Venza, but it is on the rav4, a less luxurious car.

2. No windshield wiper de-icer available in the US. Not sure why Toyota did this, again this is available on the Rav4, but not on the Venza for US models, it is standard on Canadian cars.

3. Only Safety Sense 2.0, not 2.5/2.5+. This is super surprising to me, for a car that was redesigned for the 2021 model year, with ss 2.5+ already being offered on the Highlander and Camry, it is just dumb to me that the Venza, the most advanced Toyota on the market right now, doesn't have it.

4. The star-gaze moon roof dims every time you turn the car off, but stays dim when you turn the car on even if you had it on before you turned it off. Kind of stupid design, I don't want to click the button every time I get in the car.

5. The extra control panel always stays on screen, and there is no way to minimize it. This is such an easy fix with a software update, I really hope this post can bring attention to this, I don't need to have that screen there if I am not using it, and I want to use the full 12.3 inch touch screen with things like my apple maps so I can have a bigger view.

6. This is not a necessity, kind of my gripe with all cars that have wireless charging pads, but I wish that there was wireless apple carplay. I don't see the point for a wireless charger if you have to plug in the phone for apple car play. I understand that some people don't use apple carplay or android auto, but for those of us that do, it kind of kills the point for a wireless charger.

Other small note, I wish that toyota put the self parking that is found on the prius in this car too, would have been the icing on the cake.

Let me know what you guys think about what I said, and let me know if I may have missed anything. Like I said, I love this car, I rate it a 9.2/10, If these things were fixed, It would be a 10.

#6 Fix

Amazon.com

 

[mdc26]

I have my Venza for almost a week now and I love it.

I agree with all observations except #4. Imagine leaving the car in the sun, 100F outside, with the panoramic roof not dimmed. I rather have it dimmed at each stop then walk into a sauna

To add to the list:
Not sure if it's only my Venza or not, regular mirror (not camera) is blurry. Did anybody else experience that?

Backup/bird eye image resolution/quality can be better. At night the image is not as clear as with other manufacturers.

Start/stop button position is weird.

Applies to all Toyotas: lane assist (keeps the car centered in the lane) works only with the cruise control enabled. With Hondas/Acuras you click the lane assist button and car is centered in the lane even if the cruise control in off.

Car not being rated for towing is strange. I want to carry 4 bikes but not sure if that's possible. A hitch is available for sale as an accessory but what's the carry limit?

Lack of OEM accessories in US is ridiculous (e.g.: body side molding, mud guards). Mud guards are available in Canada but not here.

 

[Daniel F]

I have my Venza for almost a week now and I love it.

I agree with all observations except #4. Imagine leaving the car in the sun, 100F outside, with the panoramic roof not dimmed. I rather have it dimmed at each stop then walk into a sauna

To add to the list:
Not sure if it's only my Venza or not, regular mirror (not camera) is blurry. Did anybody else experience that?

Backup/bird eye image resolution/quality can be better. At night the image is not as clear as with other manufacturers.

Start/stop button position is weird.

Applies to all Toyotas: lane assist (keeps the car centered in the lane) works only with the cruise control enabled. With Hondas/Acuras you click the lane assist button and car is centered in the lane even if the cruise control in off.

Car not being rated for towing is strange. I want to carry 4 bikes but not sure if that's possible. A hitch is available for sale as an accessory but what's the carry limit?

Lack of OEM accessories in US is ridiculous (e.g.: body side molding, mud guards). Mud guards are available in Canada but not here.

You misunderstood what I said, I want it to re dim when I start the car again without pushing the button, not while its sitting. It would have to use power if it was undimmed while sitting.

 

[mdc26]

You misunderstood what I said, I want it to re dim when I start the car again without pushing the button, not while its sitting. It would have to use power if it was undimmed while sitting.

That makes sense. Dimmed it when it's turn off and restore the last setting (not dimmed) next time when you walk in the car.

 

[Daniel F]

That makes sense. Dimmed it when it's turn off and restore the last setting (not dimmed) next time when you walk in the car.

Exactly

 

[Ahooooooga]

Comparing my new 2021 Venza to my "old-tech" 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid:
1. Can't open/close windows using the fob
2. Can't start the engine using the fob
3. Can't adjust climate using the steering wheel
4. No self/parallel park
5. Rain sensor wipers not standard on the limited
6. Seat doesn't keep preset values
7. 12" touchscreen doesn't let you view full screen maps
8. Can't customize view screens

 

[Quickdtoo]

[

1. Can't open/close windows using the fob
2. Can't start the engine using the fob

1. Open windows with the fob has to be enabled by Techstream (dealer ) or Carista, default setting is disabled. Close windows isn't an option in NA, is elsewhere in the world.

2. Fob remote start works fine on mine, see your dealer about the problem.

 

[joerocky III]

2. My FOB starts engine as well as the APP
3. You can use "voice" control
5. Rain sensing works on my LTD, it's on the wiper stalk, chk setting
6. My driver seat presets work for FOB 1 and separately for FOB 2; chk setup routines

 

[LeMansteve]

Storage up front - no overhead sunglass storage and no clean solution for plugging in your phone. There's always a mess of cords that often cover the Brake Hold and drive mode buttons, and there's no clear place to store the phone.

1.5A USB ports up front. This is unacceptable in any 2018+ car. My wife has noticed her phone often doesn't gain charge % after driving home and making a long call while using maps.

The Toyota Connect App is an unpolished turd. The only way I'd continue using if after the 1-year free trial is if Toyota continued to offer it for free.

This is minor, and I'm not sure if it's just me, but the shift lever button feels like you really have to be very deliberate when squeezing it. I've frequently felt like I've pressed the button enough and the lever won't move until I really squeeze it.

 

[Daniel F]

Storage up front - no overhead sunglass storage and no clean solution for plugging in your phone. There's always a mess of cords that often cover the Brake Hold and drive mode buttons, and there's no clear place to store the phone.

1.5A USB ports up front. This is unacceptable in any 2018+ car. My wife has noticed her phone often doesn't gain charge % after driving home and making a long call while using maps.

The Toyota Connect App is an unpolished turd. The only way I'd continue using if after the 1-year free trial is if Toyota continued to offer it for free.

This is minor, and I'm not sure if it's just me, but the shift lever button feels like you really have to be very deliberate when squeezing it. I've frequently felt like I've pressed the button enough and the lever won't move until I really squeeze it.

Honestly I agree with everything you said, including the shift lever button. The only thing is, I don't mind the Toyota App, the only thing is, I have to restart it every time before I use it or else it is stuck on the Toyota logo screen.

 

[LeMansteve]

Honestly I agree with everything you said, including the shift lever button. The only thing is, I don't mind the Toyota App, the only thing is, I have to restart it every time before I use it or else it is stuck on the Toyota logo screen.

I let Toyota have it on the App Store. I don't think I've ever given a poor review of any app before then.

My wife downloaded the app at the dealership and attempted to make an account. To say the signup process was clunky, circular and repetitive would be generous. I don't recall the last time signing up for ANYTHING was that frustrating. All this was with the help of the Toyota sales associate.

In the days after, we had intermittent problems getting the remote start feature to work. It still only works 1/4 times.

Then, following the instructions on the Toyota website, I downloaded the Toyota app and she added me as a 2nd user. It worked for a few days then without warning I became the primary user and suddenly her app no longer had remote start, lock or and unlock controls.

All this on top of the confusing omission of things that "you would think" would be included in the app you'd normally pay $80/year for: roll windows up or down (the app already knows the status of individual windows!), set HVAC temp, set seat heating or cooling level, activate the lights/hazards.

Oh and the delivery of notifications and Apple Watch integration really need some work, too.

 

[tim.s]

Comparing my new 2021 Venza to my "old-tech" 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid:
...
6. Seat doesn't keep preset values
...

Probably need to get your driver seat reset (or it wasn't completed before delivery). Instructions are in another thread if you want to do it yourself.

The driver seat should return to positions for "driver 1" or "driver 2" (whichever was selected last).

 

[Steerpike]

5. The extra control panel always stays on screen, and there is no way to minimize it. This is such an easy fix with a software update, I really hope this post can bring attention to this, I don't need to have that screen there if I am not using it, and I want to use the full 12.3 inch touch screen with things like my apple maps so I can have a bigger view.

I wonder if this is due to the extra-wide 'aspect ratio' that is presented by the full screen? There's probably an upper limit to the aspect ratio variation that can be accommodated by various apps. I agree, though, it would be nice to devote the full screen to maps.

6. This is not a necessity, kind of my gripe with all cars that have wireless charging pads, but I wish that there was wireless apple carplay. I don't see the point for a wireless charger if you have to plug in the phone for apple car play. I understand that some people don't use apple carplay or android auto, but for those of us that do, it kind of kills the point for a wireless charger.

I find the placement of the wireless charging pad to be somewhat ridiculous - all the way in the back of the recess! My Samsung S10+ is so large, it only just fits, and if I have to have the cable attached for android-auto, then it won't fit properly. The Start-button then gets in the way also.

...
Applies to all Toyotas: lane assist (keeps the car centered in the lane) works only with the cruise control enabled. With Hondas/Acuras you click the lane assist button and car is centered in the lane even if the cruise control in off.
...

This isn't true. The lane assist works (if you turn it on) in all circumstances, but - it works far more aggressively when in cruise control mode. So - without cruise control, if I 'drift' in a lane, it will only alert me / adjust steering when I literally hit or cross the line, but in cruise control mode, it will work very hard to keep me perfectly centered in the lane. I find this latter level of assistance to be a bit too much, in all honesty - I find that it is basically taking over the steering function altogether, and yet - if I let go of the wheel (so as to stop fighting with it), it complains. So I have to keep holding the wheel, but let the car do its thing. And of course, it gets totally thrown off when freeway exits are encountered - it pulls the car to the right for a while, then corrects. I've never been a big fan of any cruise control so I don't use it much.

 

[AJMiata]

The lane assist works (if you turn it on) in all circumstances, but - it works far more aggressively when in cruise control mode. So - without cruise control, if I 'drift' in a lane, it will only alert me / adjust steering when I literally hit or cross the line, but in cruise control mode, it will work very hard to keep me perfectly centered in the lane. I find this latter level of assistance to be a bit too much, in all honesty - I find that it is basically taking over the steering function altogether, and yet - if I let go of the wheel (so as to stop fighting with it), it complains. So I have to keep holding the wheel, but let the car do its thing. And of course, it gets totally thrown off when freeway exits are encountered - it pulls the car to the right for a while, then corrects. I've never been a big fan of any cruise control so I don't use it much.

Forget who, but somebody posted a pic of a water bottle stuffed into one of the lower holes in the steering wheel to weight it, thus fooling the lane centering assist into thinking a driver was applying force to the wheel. It works. I did it for about 10 miles on a curvier section of highway and it navigated perfectly except for the drifting right at the exit lanes. My passenger was none too pleased with my test, but I was happy.

 

[mdc26]

I wonder if this is due to the extra-wide 'aspect ratio' that is presented by the full screen? There's probably an upper limit to the aspect ratio variation that can be accommodated by various apps. I agree, though, it would be nice to devote the full screen to maps.


I find the placement of the wireless charging pad to be somewhat ridiculous - all the way in the back of the recess! My Samsung S10+ is so large, it only just fits, and if I have to have the cable attached for android-auto, then it won't fit properly. The Start-button then gets in the way also.



This isn't true. The lane assist works (if you turn it on) in all circumstances, but - it works far more aggressively when in cruise control mode. So - without cruise control, if I 'drift' in a lane, it will only alert me / adjust steering when I literally hit or cross the line, but in cruise control mode, it will work very hard to keep me perfectly centered in the lane. I find this latter level of assistance to be a bit too much, in all honesty - I find that it is basically taking over the steering function altogether, and yet - if I let go of the wheel (so as to stop fighting with it), it complains. So I have to keep holding the wheel, but let the car do its thing. And of course, it gets totally thrown off when freeway exits are encountered - it pulls the car to the right for a while, then corrects. I've never been a big fan of any cruise control so I don't use it much.

There are 2 different features: Lane Assist keeps the car in the center of the lane and Lane Departure that works the way you describe (steers back the car in the lane when it hits the lines). For Toyotas, Lane Assist works only with the Cruise Control and Lane Departure works all the time.
Other cars have Lane Assist work without Cruise.

 

[cb91710]

There are 2 different features: Lane Assist keeps the car in the center of the lane and Lane Departure that works the way you describe (steers back the car in the lane when it hits the lines). For Toyotas, Lane Assist works only with the Cruise Control and Lane Departure works all the time.
Other cars have Lane Assist work without Cruise.

Bingo.
Venza has TSS 2.0 and has actual lane-keeping assist.
My Avalon has TSS-P and has only LDA. It'll bump back into the lane, but at that point it's at too sharp of an angle to correct on the opposite lane marking... it'll still alert, but can't correct.
Lane Departure is indeed active at all times above ~40mph. Lane Tracking, where it actually keeps you centered in the lane, is only available on TSS 2.0, and only when cruise control is armed and set.

 

[vandel]

I wonder if this is due to the extra-wide 'aspect ratio' that is presented by the full screen? There's probably an upper limit to the aspect ratio variation that can be accommodated by various apps. I agree, though, it would be nice to devote the full screen to maps.


I find the placement of the wireless charging pad to be somewhat ridiculous - all the way in the back of the recess! My Samsung S10+ is so large, it only just fits, and if I have to have the cable attached for android-auto, then it won't fit properly. The Start-button then gets in the way also.



This isn't true. The lane assist works (if you turn it on) in all circumstances, but - it works far more aggressively when in cruise control mode. So - without cruise control, if I 'drift' in a lane, it will only alert me / adjust steering when I literally hit or cross the line, but in cruise control mode, it will work very hard to keep me perfectly centered in the lane. I find this latter level of assistance to be a bit too much, in all honesty - I find that it is basically taking over the steering function altogether, and yet - if I let go of the wheel (so as to stop fighting with it), it complains. So I have to keep holding the wheel, but let the car do its thing. And of course, it gets totally thrown off when freeway exits are encountered - it pulls the car to the right for a while, then corrects. I've never been a big fan of any cruise control so I don't use it much.

I always use cruise control, no more tickets . But I do not like the default mode (I prefer the long press mode. I wish I could change which is the default through Clarisa) because so many times I'm cruising along only to realize I'm traveling way slower then the cruise was set for because the care ahead or the car slams the breaks on because the car ahead of me departed the lane and slowed down. I'm really surprised it has not slammed the breaks on when a car enters my lane too close.

The lane assist I don't like. For one I think it keeps the car farther to the right side of the lane then I'm use too and the other, if a cop were following me I sear he will think I'm drunk because the car swaying in the lane. The swaying almost feels like it's hydroplaning, I know it's not because it's a dry road.