2025 Toyota 4Runner Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 4Runner years
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has a complaint index of 100, the worst among 16 model years covered, earning an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 40% of its 57 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 400 miles, plus 1 recall affecting the electrical system.
- Complaints
- 57
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 24 hwy
Top 2025 Toyota 4Runner problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes23 (40%)
- Other9 (16%)
- Electrical System8 (14%)
- Structure & Body7 (12%)
- Steering4 (7%)
- Airbags3 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (5%)
- Engine2 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (4%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
What owners report
- Brakes make a loud grinding or squealing noise, especially when reversing, with dealers unable to identify a fix.
- Some owners report the vehicle continuing to roll forward at a stop despite pressing the brake pedal, with one case involving a burning smell.
- Electrical system problems include reports of unintended acceleration while parking and one fire that started at the base of the rear cargo area with smoke entering the cabin.
- A rear tire suffered a sudden failure while driving around 25 mph.
- Loose or missing hardware on the front spoiler caused it to rub against the tire, and side mirrors reportedly shake badly enough to obscure visibility.
2025 Toyota 4Runner recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V595000Sep 11, 2025Electrical System591,377 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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.
Risk: 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.
2025 Toyota 4Runner fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2025 compared with other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2025 4Runner ranks worst among the 16 model years covered, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict relative to other 4Runner years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 40% of the 57 complaints filed, with a median mileage at failure of just 400 miles.
- Does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2025 4Runner, covering the electrical system and instrument panel software, with an over-the-air remedy and no do-not-drive designation.
- How does the 2025 4Runner compare to other model years?
- The 2025 4Runner has a complaint index of 100, higher than every other year listed, including 2023 (93) and 2011 (87), making it the worst-ranked year for this model.