2025 Toyota 4RUNNER

58 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026Glen Burnie, MDService brakes

   There is a known issue, under recall T-SB-0006-26. My brakes squeal VERY loudly when I move in reverse. Toyota acknowledges that 2025 4Runners are affected, but claim my specific VIN is not covered.

   NHTSA complaint 11767819
2. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2026Ruston, LAAir bags, Seat beltsCrash3 injured

   As I was sitting at a red light I was rear ended quite forcefully and 2 of the 3 seatbelts released upon crash impact. Me, the driver hit my face on the steering wheel and my grandson in the backseat flew forward into the passenger front seat his twin brother was sitting in. I am also concerned that none of the airbags went off but the crash caused us to go forward in our seats as well as broken glass on back windows and tailgate.

   NHTSA complaint 11764433
3. Filed Aug 30, 2026Failure Aug 29, 2026Keller, TXElectrical system, Service brakes, Unknown or otherFire

   On August 29, 2026, I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake when I noticed the vehicle moving forward even though I was pressing the brake pedal. I immediately entered a nearby parking lot at very low speed. I had significant difficulty stopping and used the electronic parking brake to help keep the vehicle stopped. While still inside, I noticed a strong burning smell and smoke. After exiting, I saw smoke coming from the passenger side. I walked to that side and saw flames coming from the area near the passenger-side tire. I attempted to extinguish the fire with a small amount of water. I then opened the hood and observed fire in the same general passenger-side area, including near the tire and around the battery area. The heat/fire was severe enough to crack and damage the windshield. I called 911, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an authorized Toyota dealership, where it is currently available for inspection. The cause has not yet been determined. After the incident, the Toyota app displayed 9 active alerts, including Brake System Malfunction, ABS Malfunction, Low Brake Fluid, Parking Brake System Malfunction, Vehicle Stability Control System Malfunction, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction, Smart Stop System Malfunction, and Drive-Start Control System Malfunction. The vehicle had approximately 13,310 miles. There were no injuries or collision.

   NHTSA complaint 11760685
4. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Rockwall, TXSteering, Suspension

   The steering system malfunctioned. The vehicle is at the dealer for inspection/repair. When driving the steering is loose, when you go over bumps there is an audible thump in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealer in Rockwall Texas for the 3rd time for this issue. The lower steering shaft was deemed defective by the technician due to excessive play on the first visit. Even with the defective steering component the vehicle was returned to me in that condition due to a lack of parts. I returned the vehicle because it was not safe to drive. The part was ordered/received and installed. After picking up the vehicle it was evident immediately that the vehicle still had the same issue. The vehicle is now at the dealer waiting on an upper steering shaft that was deemed to have excessive play. The part is on backorder. There are no warning lights associated with this issue. Symptoms include: Clunking noise in driver area when going over bumps and vehicle wanders excessively at speed on uneven surfaces.

   NHTSA complaint 11760219
5. Filed Aug 3, 2026Failure Oct 10, 2025folsom, CAWheels

   As a capable Vehicle of towing 6000 lbs off road. The spare is a temporary spare with warnings to drive at max 50 mph no longer 50 miles. This a truck body on frame. The Limited 4runner is equipped with the Temporary while the same exact truck in the Platinum Trim, both with stock 20 inch wheels , is a Full Size Spare. Logic and safety concerns make it a dangerous situation!

   NHTSA complaint 11754457
6. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jul 3, 2026Olathe, KSElectrical systemFire

   I am a fire investigator for the Olathe (KS) Fire Department. On July 3, 2026 at 1255 hrs our crews were called to a vehicle fire for the above listed car. The vehicle was reportedly being driven when smoke entered the passenger compartment causing the driver to pull over. He opened the rear tailgate and saw flames coming from the base of the rear cargo area. He called 911. Olathe PD utilized a fire extinguisher and Olathe FD units extinguished the fire. I responded to conduct an origin and cause investigation. I determined that the fire originated at/near the battery/electronics bay of the rear cargo area. I did not conduct any destructive testing. The driver reported that this is a loaner car from the dealer while his vehicle is being serviced. There was no evidence of vehicle collision or other mechanical problems. The driver did not report noting an vehicle issues prior to the smoke.

   NHTSA complaint 11753722
7. Filed Jul 28, 2026Failure Jul 28, 2026Arlington, VABody

   Distracting clicking/rattling noise on front dash

   NHTSA complaint 11753216
8. Filed Jul 24, 2026Failure Jul 18, 2026Farragut, TNWarning, Assist, Steering

   The LKA system steers the vehicle into the oncoming lane of travel under specific and repeatable conditions. The defect occurs as follows: While the vehicle is traveling and the LKA system is following the left lane marking, the vehicle approaches a marked left-hand turn lane or turnout where no fog line is present on the right-hand side of the road. In this situation, the system abruptly attempts to steer the vehicle toward the turn lane. Because the turn lane is positioned to the left of the driver’s actual lane of travel, this steering input pulls the vehicle toward and into the oncoming lane of traffic. This steering intervention happens without warning and without any input from the driver. Given that it moves the vehicle into a lane carrying oncoming traffic, it presents a direct risk of a head-on collision. Manufacturer Response I contacted Toyota regarding this issue and was told that this behavior is normal, and that the system will use whatever lane marking is available to determine its steering path. Toyota did not indicate that a fix or software update was planned. I do not consider “the system follows whatever line it has” an acceptable explanation for a feature that actively steers a vehicle into oncoming traffic. Why This Is a Safety Defect 1.The system takes an abrupt steering action with no driver input and no warning. 2.The result of that action is movement into a lane used by oncoming traffic, which is the most dangerous possible outcome of a lane keep assist malfunction. 3.The condition that triggers this behavior (a marked left turn lane with no right-side fog line) is common on ordinary two-lane roads and is not something a driver can always anticipate or avoid. 4.The manufacturer has acknowledged the behavior exists and has characterized it as expected operation rather than a defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11752643
9. Filed Jul 21, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2025Osprey, FLElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the message “Headlights On” was erroneously displayed. The fuel gauge indicated 71 percent. Additionally, the 12-volt charging system malfunctioned with the message “See the Dealer” displayed. Several unknown orange warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the warning lights turned off. The window on the passenger’s side was violently shaking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure, but an undisclosed software was reprogrammed. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed about a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was contacted, and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint 11751751
10. Filed Jul 15, 2026Failure Jul 13, 2026Morgantown, WVUnknown or other

    The driver’s side window rattles in its tracks when open 2-3”, and when all the way down. Any rough roads will induce the rattle. Toyota master technician has confirmed the rattle in my vehicle and a new 4Runner, which displays the same problem. It appears to be a defective design.

    NHTSA complaint 11750618
11. Filed Jun 23, 2026Failure Jun 13, 2026Rigby, IDUnknown or other

    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 imperfections or manufacturing issues, just told us we needed to make an insurance claim.

    NHTSA complaint 11746050
12. Filed Jun 22, 2026Failure May 22, 2026Grand Marais, MNEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    We were traveling north on hwy 23 in southern Minnesota pulling a 5000 lb trailer in the rain and it was windy. When the road split to 4 lane I stepped on the gas to speed up from 55 to 65 and the vehicle studderd and lost all power. Many warning lights cam on and I think it said stop within .3 miles. We pulled to the side of the road and basically coasted to a stop. It was on hybrid power. We called the nearest Toyota dealership and they suggested restarting the vehicle and see if we could make it to them. The engine did restart still with all the warnings on and we were able to drive it to the dealer being really gentle with the throttle. They pulled codes and it was intake related. They removed the air filter and it was dripping wet. The raised intake ingests water when it's raining and if it's working hard enough it pulls it through the filter into the intake and causes the vehicle to suddenly lose power which could possibly cause a accident. I am also concerned about water pulling dirt with it into the motor and causing damage. I have driven the vehicle in the rain since this happened but not pulling a trailer and really working it and so far it hasn't shut down on me yet but I've pulled the filter and it was wet. I have brought this issue to my dealer but they said they are not aware of a problem. I will attach a video of the wet filter I pulled from the air box after driving in a rain storm and a video of the warning lights that appeared. I don't think the dealership I took it too has any records of it because it was just after closing and they used a handheld scanner. They just dried our filter off and cleared the codes.

    NHTSA complaint 11745715
13. Filed Jun 19, 2026Failure Jun 12, 2026Northlake, ILUnknown or other

    Purchased used car from champion motorsports. I was handed a clean carfax report and was told the sunroof had no issues. 8 days later the seal around the sunroof came off and allowed water into the car. I scheduled a repair and brought it to passionauto body. On June 16th they notified me the car was unsafe to drive due to two support brackets being cutout and not replaced. After some research Toyota of calumet city had top coverage in some service notes. Car was also brought back to the shop on December 15th 2025 due to the sunroof not closing. Of course there were no notes on the service ticket.

    NHTSA complaint 11745185
14. Filed Jun 8, 2026Failure Jun 8, 20269,500 milesBrooksville, FLAir bagsCrash

    The contact owned a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed a large piece of debris in the roadway. The contact stated that traffic ahead was maneuvering erratically to avoid the debris, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway, struck several trees, and then collided with a brick wall. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the leg, arm, and back and was transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. The contact stated that surgery might be required due to the nerve injuries sustained in the crash. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company and was deemed a total loss. The contact believed that the failure may have been related to an improper repair for a battery replacement previously performed by the dealer. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,500.

    NHTSA complaint 11742696
15. Filed May 27, 2026Failure May 24, 2026west bridgewater, MAVisibility/wiper

    While driving my 2025 Toyota 4Runner in rainy conditions, the vehicle’s stamped hood channels act as a reservoir, trapping and pooling large volumes of standing water. Upon braking or decelerating—even at low, around-town speeds—the pooled water surges forward off the front nose of the hood onto the windshield. The vehicle's forward aerodynamics catch this massive sheet of water and instantly launch it backward across the entire windshield, causing total and sudden loss of forward visibility. This creates an unpredictable, immediate crash hazard that catches the driver completely off guard, as the windshield wipers cannot clear the sudden volume of water fast enough to maintain a safe view of the road. This occurs around town driving (25mph to 45mph) and highway speeds (60mph - 70mph). I understand you can turn the wipers on high, but it catches you off guard when it happens.

    NHTSA complaint 11740372
16. Filed May 11, 2026Failure Nov 1, 202511,000 milesLong Beach, CAEngine, Power train

    The contact owns a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The vehicle lost motive power while attempting to access the freeway on three occasions. The reduced power mode message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and initially they were unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, where it was diagnosed that the sensor needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was open. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11737053
17. Filed Apr 20, 2026Failure Jan 15, 2026Moundville, ALUnknown or other

    I am reporting a suspected manufacturing defect involving the exterior paint on my 6th generation Toyota 4Runner. The paint appears to be abnormally thin and is showing premature wear, including chipping and surface irregularities, under normal driving conditions. This vehicle has not been subjected to any abnormal environmental exposure, misuse, or neglect. The condition developed much earlier than expected for a new vehicle and raises concerns about inadequate paint application or quality control during manufacturing. While this issue is cosmetic in nature, it may lead to long-term structural concerns such as corrosion if the underlying metal becomes exposed. Additionally, this concern appears to be reported by multiple owners of the same generation vehicle, suggesting a potential pattern rather than an isolated case. I am requesting that this issue be documented and reviewed for possible investigation if additional complaints are received.

    NHTSA complaint 11732471
18. Filed Apr 16, 2026Failure Apr 11, 2026Celina, TXUnknown or other

    Driving 70 mph on a cloudy 73° day around 6:30 pm no cars immediately around me on I45. I heard a loud gunshot to the point I ducked in my car. Immediately pulled over walked around the car. My Sunroof exploded upwards. Took to Longo Toyota on Monday at 7am. Upon arrival they thought it would be covered under warranty. They brought in a specialist to evaluate and they can’t prove it but something must have hit it and they are denying warranty. The glass moved upward and was shattered but intact upon initial inspection. Upon online review this is a known problem w Toyota but one that needs to be addressed in a bigger scale as this could have caused an accident just from the sound alone or if the sunroof cover had been open glass raining down on passengers and driver.

    NHTSA complaint 11731554
19. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Mar 26, 2026Roy, WAUnknown or other

    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. This resulted in a delay while I attempted to determine why the tailgate would not open and then had to return to the driver’s seat to raise the rear window before accessing the cargo area. During this time, my child was left standing in a parking lot longer than necessary. While the vehicle was stationary, the inability to quickly access the rear compartment created an avoidable safety exposure. Why This Is a Concern: The system does not account for vehicle state (e.g., parked, engine off, zero speed). A more appropriate design would allow the tailgate to open when the vehicle is stationary or automatically raise the rear window when the tailgate is activated. Instead, the current behavior enforces a strict lockout regardless of context, which can delay access in situations where timely access is important for safety. Requested Action: I request that this behavior be reviewed for potential safety implications and that consideration be given to a software update or design change that allows tailgate operation when the vehicle is stationary, or provides an automatic window-close function when opening the tailgate. Additional Notes: This behavior may be present across multiple model years and could affect a large number of vehicles.

    NHTSA complaint 11727350
20. Filed Mar 18, 2026Failure Jun 10, 2025Canton, TXService brakes

    Brakes squeak/squeal very loudly and often, no matter if it’s cold, rainy, hot or humid. It was only squeaking/squealing when applying the brakes while backing up but now starting to squeak/squeal when applying the brakes while moving forward. Seems to be getting worse. Spoke to the dealer and they say there’s nothing they can do until Toyota comes up with a fix.

    NHTSA complaint 11725125