VehicleVerdict

2025 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner sits mid-pack among 4Runner years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 87, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 41% of all reports (22 of 54), far ahead of other at 7. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

54

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted923 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 7 complaints1988: 12 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 95 complaints1991: 55 complaints1992: 73 complaints1993: 58 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 201 complaints1996: 203 complaints1997: 363 complaints1998: 303 complaints1999: 446 complaints2000: 638 complaints2001: 240 complaints2002: 306 complaints2003: 906 complaints2004: 923 complaints2005: 573 complaints2006: 520 complaints2007: 204 complaints2008: 134 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 175 complaints2011: 182 complaints2012: 112 complaints2013: 48 complaints2014: 90 complaints2015: 116 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 77 complaints2019: 87 complaints2020: 43 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 55 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 11 complaints2025: 54 complaints2026: 7 complaints
4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2241%
Other713%
Body & Structure611%
Electrical System59%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Driver Assistance24%
Engine24%
Steering24%
Transmission24%
Airbags24%
Fuel System12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V595000Electrical SystemSeptember 11, 2025 · 591,377 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The brakes in the new 2025 4runner howl and squeal extremely loudly. I avoid braking slowly to try to avoid the noise. The TSB was completed last month: TSB-0046-25. It did not work. The noise is back, and worse. I am worried I am going to get into an accident because the brakes are so egregiously…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 2, 2025

“Traveling on highway with no other cars anywhere around. Going 80 mph on an 80 degree day when sun roof on 2025 Toyota 4 runner exploded. Sun roof was closed at the time, but could have had devastating consequences if it had been open. Toyota rep did not take a look at the broken glass to check for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 13, 2026

“Side view mirrors shake to the point you cannot see out of them. Car has 2K miles on it and has been to the dealer 5 times over the past month for resolution. Dealer and toyota have escalated to a more advanced technical team, they took a look at it and informed me it is a normal characteristic of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 14, 2025

“The contact was a police officer calling on behalf of the owner of a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the owner was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking spot, the vehicle began to independently accelerate up a hill. The owner then placed the vehicle into reverse(R) as the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 15, 2026 · crash

“Two separate occasions while driving this car and using the wipers in rain there was been almost zero visibility to the point where we can almost not see while driving in the rain. I have owned three Toyotas and this is the first time I have ever experienced this issue. It almost as if the wipers…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 23, 2025

2025 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 54 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 4Runner year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2025 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (22 complaints), other (7 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints).

Does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota 4Runner years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 4Runner years to avoid are 2004, 2003, 2000, 2005, 2006, 1999, 1997, 2002, 1998, 2001, 2007, 1996, 1995, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2017. The cleanest record among 4Runner years belongs to 1985.

How safe is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.