2025 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems
Compared with other Toyota 4RUNNER years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2025 can be compared from 2028.
- Most reported problem: Front brake squeal in reverse (23 complaints, median 775 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 60filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 925miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl RWD · 20 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a newly redesigned model, so most complaints were filed within the first few months and often within the first thousand miles. Owners write mostly about loud front brake squeal when reversing, and a smaller number report the front spoiler working loose and rubbing on the tire.
- Brakes
Front brake squeal in reverse
- 23 complaints (38%)
- median 775 mi at 0.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe a loud squeal, screech or howl from the front brakes, heard most often when reversing or braking at very low speed, sometimes also going forward and in wet or cold conditions. Several report the noise makes them avoid or delay braking, and some note it is heard by people outside the vehicle. Complaints describe dealers acknowledging the noise as a known characteristic but saying no repair or fix is available, while a few report brake pads replaced once or twice with the noise returning shortly afterward. One owner reports a service bulletin was applied without lasting improvement. Almost all reports come within the first few months of ownership, many under about 1,500 miles.
What to check: Drive in reverse and brake at low speed on a cold start to listen for squeal. Ask the dealer whether the front brake noise bulletin was applied to this vehicle and whether pads were already replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 bad. Please help make Toyota fix this. It's crazy!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11684612, filed 2025-09“The brakes are horrible loud. Mostly in reverse but it happens going forward also. The brake noise is so loud that I’ve been noticing my driving is affected in a way that I trying to stop the sound by not applying the brakes when backing up. This could cause an accident. It’s not on purpose it’s subconsciously your reversing hear the loud noise and release the brake. driving safely is affected”
NHTSA complaint #11663545, filed 2025-05 - Body and structure
Front spoiler or air dam loose and rubbing
- 5 complaints (8%)
- typically at 0.7 yrs old
- filed 2025
Owners report the front spoiler or lower air dam coming loose at the outer edge because mounting screws or fasteners are missing or back out. In some cases the detached plastic rubs against the front tire while driving, and some owners removed the piece themselves to avoid further damage. Complaints describe dealers attributing the damage to road hazards rather than covering it. Reported on vehicles with roughly 1,000 to 2,000 miles, often noticed as a vibration or rubbing noise at highway speed.
What to check: Inspect the front spoiler and bumper fasteners for missing or loose screws, and look for scuff marks on the inside of the front tires.
An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I recently purchased a 2025 4Runner and currently have approximately 1,000 miles on it. On Sunday, as I was driving from Sedona to Phoenix on Interstate 17, I heard an odd sound from the driver’s front tire area. Upon inspection, at least one screw/bolt was missing on the front spoiler and it was hanging loose and rubbing against the tire. The edge had been rubbing against the front tire as I drove down into the valley. …”
NHTSA complaint #11659600, filed 2025-05
Buying note. Because this is a first-year redesign with very low reported mileage, the record is thin and mostly covers early brake-noise complaints and trim hardware on the front end. A test drive that includes braking in reverse on a cold start, a check of the front spoiler fasteners, and a check of the infotainment and wipers in wet conditions covers most of what owners have reported.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 53 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER. 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 925 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 45 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes26 43%
- Other or unknown9 15%
- Electrical system8 13%
- Body and structure7 12%
- Steering4 6.7%
- Air bags3 5.0%
- Engine2 3.3%
- Fuel system2 3.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Exterior lighting (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “We were parked on a slight incline loading items onto a carrier onto the back of the vehicle. We heard the electronic brake release and the vehicle started to roll backwards down the hill towards us. My husband jumped in the driver's seat and slammed on the brake pedal. He confirmed that the vehicle was still in park.”
NHTSA complaint #11697046, filed 2025-11Other or unknown: “Vehicle: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Summary of Issue: The rear tailgate cannot be opened if the rear window is even slightly lowered. This appears to be an intentional design feature; however, it creates a real-world safety concern. Description of Safety Concern: In normal daily use, I needed to quickly access the rear cargo area (to retrieve my child’s belongings) while parked with the vehicle turned off. The rear window was partially lowered, which prevented the tailgate from opening entirely. …”
NHTSA complaint #11727350, filed 2026-03Electrical system: “Brakes- when reversing the brakes make loud grinding / squealing noise. I'm worried at times it will give out by not braking. Electrical- my display panel with the reverse camera turns off which at times can cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11691668, filed 2025-10Body and structure: “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 the vehicle with no fix. This is unacceptable and not safe to drive on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11683354, filed 2025-08Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 400 and 9,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4RUNNER · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| 4RUNNER Hybrid · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER Hybrid · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER Hybrid · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2025 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2024: same overall rating; 2026: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| 4Runner 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 23 | 24 | 23 | $2,900 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 23 | 24 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 25V595000Sep 11, 2025Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2025, RAV4 2023–2025, Highlander 2023–2025 +14 more
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…
Recall details for the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 45 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038374Sep 9, 2026Body and structure. Some of the screws holding the front spoiler to the front bumper can become loose over time and the spoiler can partially detach at the outer edge of the vehicle. In some cases, the front spoiler…
- 11036129Jul 20, 2026Brakes. Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front brakes produce a squealing noise when driving in…
- 11033414May 19, 2026Brakes. Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front brakes produce a squealing noise when driving in…
- 11029891Feb 12, 2026Brakes. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0006-26.
- 11029883Feb 11, 2026Brakes. Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front brakes produce a squealing noise when driving in…
- 11028719Jan 23, 2026Body and structure. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 26TD01 Front Spoiler Hardware Certain 2025 Model Year 4Runner and 4Runner HV
- 11028718Jan 23, 2026Body and structure. Some of the screws holding the front spoiler to the front bumper can become loose over time and the spoiler can partially detach at the outer edge of the vehicle. In some cases, the front spoiler…
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11026320Nov 19, 2025Brakes. Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front brakes produce a squealing noise when driving in…
- 11024091Sep 19, 2025Other or unknown. Pre-Delivery Service (PDS) is a critical step in satisfying our new car customers. Customer feedback indicates the following areas deserve special attention when performing PDS: •Careful inspection…
Other model years of the Toyota 4RUNNER
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 300 | 2 | 4 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 60 | 925 | 1 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 10 | 2,038 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 33 | 9,500 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 30 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 39 | 23,600 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 637 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2020 | 33 | 9,000 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 65 | 13,074 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2018 | 60 | 20,500 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 36 | 12,890 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 81 | 25,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 87 | 38,977 | 9 | 4 | 19 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 77 | 40,000 | 7 | 4 | 19 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 36 | 72,450 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 96 | 45,144 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 163 | 41,320 | 10 | — | 19 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 147 | 58,000 | 12 | — | 20 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 22 | 21,500 | 6 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 96 | 53,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 69,824 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 381 | 100,762 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 425 | 104,850 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 678 | 115,978 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 696 | 106,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 225 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 185 | 122,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 483 | 143,464 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 330 | 155,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 250 | 157,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 261 | 167,600 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 161 | 175,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 172 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 64 | 115,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 51 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 53 | 141,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 43 | 170,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 78 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | 72,391 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | 284,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Toyota 4RUNNER model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a newly redesigned model, so most complaints were filed within the first few months and often within the first thousand miles. The issues reported most often: Front brake squeal in reverse; Front spoiler or air dam loose and rubbing.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 26 complaints (43% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 9.
Has the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER (4Runner 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 925 miles and the middle half falls between 400 and 9,500 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.