JTEVA5AR7S50004942025 TOYOTA 4Runner
2025 TOYOTA 4Runner was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 53 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2025 TOYOTA 4Runner
2025 TOYOTA 4Runner was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 53 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
- Common owner-reported issues: engine noise, electrical problems
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
53 owner complaints filed — top areas: Brakes (38%), Other (17%), Body/Structure (13%). Common issues: engine noise, electrical problems. 2 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- TOYOTA
- Model
- 4Runner
- Year
- 2025
- Trim / Series
- 50 Series
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.4L 278 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 5
- Manufacturer
- TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
- Assembly
- TAHARA, AICHI, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: TAHARA, AICHI
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠53 complaints on a 1-year-old vehicle — unusually high
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2025 TOYOTA 4Runner report brakes issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2025 TOYOTA 4Runner report body/structure issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2025 TOYOTA 4Runner report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
1 of 1 recall has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
TOYOTA has an excellent recall completion rate (95%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 14 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~14 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SummaryToyota 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.Read full details...
~52% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
75% of complaints about "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL" were filed AFTER recall campaign 25V595000 (2025-11-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
Recall was issued within 7 months of first complaints — relatively prompt response.
Complaint Intelligence
53 complaints analyzed across 10 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME53 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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.
Distracting clicking/rattling noise on front dash
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While going around turns (left or right) over 30mph the vehicle has knocking that can be felt coming through the steering wheel. This is not the driver assist feedback. If the turn are longer (like highway on ramp) you can hear a slight clunk associated with the knocking that is felt.
The brake system emits a high-pitched noise, which seems to be worn down to the discs when used in drive mode and reverse mode. At any moment, they could stop working or cause an accident. The problem was reported to the dealership on October 28, 2025, when the vehicle had only 3,171 miles. The vehicle is still under warranty. It has been inspected by the dealership. To date, it has not been repaired. The dealership reports that this problem has occurred in most of these vehicles. There were no warning lights or warning messages. The situation first occurred when the vehicle had approximately 3,100 miles and was reported to the dealership at 3,171 miles.
Brakes screech every time I back up. Brake pads have been replaced twice and issue is still unresolved. Just had pads replaced again a few weeks ago (they claimed they have new pads) and issue is ongoing
My 2025 Toyota 4Runners brakes have a very high pitched squeal. This is most noticeable when backing up but sometimes when applying the brakes going forward, especially in wet conditions. I feel the brakes may fail at some point causing an accident. Twice I’ve had other vehicles slam their brakes on or attempt evasive action thinking I was going to hit them because the noise was so loud they heard it inside their vehicle. This did happen in a parking lot and not on the road. It is my understanding Toyota had a service bulletin to fix the issue under T-SB-0046-25 which was issued in July 2025, however to date, Toyota has not repaired my vehicle. It is my understanding that some vehicles were repaired under the bulletin but the fix did not correct the problem. I was told by my local Toyota dealer this week that Toyota told them to stop all repairs because the TSB was not correcting the issue and they were waiting for Toyota engineers to find a new solution. Request your assistance in getting Toyota to repair all the vehicles affected by this problem before a serious accident occurs because of brake failure or another driver taking evasive action when they hear this noise.
On at least 3 occasions the multimedia touch-screen display console has gone blank without warning lamps/messages. This causes a hazardous condition for 2 main reasons: 1. The GPS navigation system is not visible and one has to pull over in traffic, find a safe place to park, and then change to one’s cell phone system. 2. When this occurs, the reverse camera is no longer visible, thus increasing the chance to crashing into rear crossing traffic or pedestrians. On [XXX], (odometer 16339 mi) I reported it to SW Toyota in Lawton OK. They said that other owners had reported this problem but that it would take months to receive the replacement display, so I should take it in to the Toyota dealer in my home dealership in MS. I did so on 1/16/25, (odometer 17637mi). This dealership, J. Allen Toyota, Gulfport, MS, inspected the vehicle and said that they could not reproduce the problem. They advised me to return if the display turned off permanently. I asked if there was a TSB or recall on this problem and they replied in the negative. I have just read that Toyota has issued a recall on the 2024 & 2025 Tundra, which according to Gemini AI shares the same part as the 2025 4Runner. Therefore, I strongly recommend that this recall be broadened to include the 2025 4Runner. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This vehicle’s brakes loudly squeal when in reverse and when just stopping at a stop sign. After a few weeks of purchase I brought it to the Toyota service team in St. Peter’s to fix since it’s under warranty. They said they do not have a fix for the issue! Driving this vehicle scares me and I don’t feel safe. Please help. This is a major safety hazard. Supposedly, these vehicle was brought in and “fixed” for the same brake issue. It clearly has not been fixed. I have video evidence but your platform won’t allow me to upload a video.
While backing up the front brakes screech terribly. This problem is constant. Every time you reverse and brake.
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 vehicle continued to accelerate while in reverse. The contact stated that the owner had their foot firmly pressed on the brake pedal as the vehicle continued to accelerate. The owner then struck two parked vehicles and another moving vehicle that was entering the parking lot. The vehicle continued to accelerate in reverse(R), crossed a side street, and entered a grassy area before the vehicle abruptly shut off. The contact was unaware if any warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. The air bags did not deploy at any time during the failure. The officer stated that no injuries were reported and no medical attention was given. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an unknown location. The contact was unaware whether the matter was reported to the dealer or the manufacturer. The whereabouts of the vehicle were unknown. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the AC outlet in the cargo area had an open ground. The contact became aware of the AC outlet failure while on a road trip, when the heated mat for the dog's crate failed to heat after being plugged into the AC outlet. The contact tested the AC outlet with a continuity tester, which showed an open ground fault. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause an electrical shock and fire hazard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the AC outlet was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
The parking collision assistance feature continues to beep loudly if there is snow on the sensors as it thinks there is something close to the sensor. If driving and unable to clear snow off the sensors in the front a fault will eventually show on the gauge cluster. This is a false reading and needs to be addressed. This is a program issue and needs fixing. As the loud noise while driving is a complete distraction and can cause an accident.
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 don't move fast enough to clear the water off the windshield or the wipers aren't making contact the entire time wiping the glass. I took my car to the dealer and the wipers move the same as the exact make model and year. I feel this is a design flaw and could be responsible for a serious crash due to not being able to use this car well in the rain.
Was driving along at approximately 25 mph and had a major sudden failure of the right rear tire
Digital rear view mirror failure, electrical failure, replaced by Manufacturer.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal squealing coming from the rear brakes. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the driver’s and passenger’s side rear brake pads. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 400.
Steering wheel creaking and knocking noise when turning the steering wheel left and right.
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.
Brakes when reversing are LOUD and sound like may give out. Vehicle is brand new and has 4,000 miles only on it
Intermittently, the center console (navigation) screen and system crash at random. All audio stop and the screen turns black for a few seconds, before resetting to the default view and disconnecting all previously connected devices. This has happened at least 10-20 times while driving during my ownership of the vehicle. I can confirm that it happens when my iPhone is connected to the vehicle via wireless Apple CarPlay, but I am unsure about other circumstances where this may happen. It had happened regardless of which phone is connected or what operating system version is in use - that is, this issue has persisted across several different iPhones and versions of iOS, so it does not appear to be related to the mobile device. When this issue occurs while driving it is very jarring and can be disorienting, as any navigation or other audio ceases. The issue has not been reproduced by a dealer, and the components have not yet been inspected. There were no warnings or other symptoms of this problem. The problem first appeared within 1-2 months of purchasing the vehicle.
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.
Vehicle purchased new on 8/10/2025. Within days, developed severe vibration at highway speeds (70+ mph) and rattling driver-side window. Vehicle was at dealership (AutoNation Toyota Winter Park) from 8/20–8/31/2025; during this time, odometer readings increased significantly without explanation and no mileage log was provided. Vehicle was returned unrepaired, with “take-off” tires installed without disclosure. Issues persisted and vehicle was later taken to a second dealership (Seminole Toyota) from 9/2–9/13/2025. Dealer staff confirmed vibration linked to tire condition, but contradictory invoices and lack of transparency left safety issues unresolved. Concerns: Vehicle stability and vibration at highway speeds. Window rattle impacting safety on uneven roads. Odometer irregularities during dealer custody (mileage logged inconsistent with actual travel). Dealer substitution of tires without proper disclosure. Reason: Unknown – possible tires, suspension, or related system. Manufacturer and dealerships have not resolved after multiple service attempts. Claim filed with NCDS and Toyota, scheduled for Arbitration Hearing on 10/3/2025 at AutoNation Winter Park, FL.
Loose window glass on driver and passenger side,hood wobbles,rear spoiler loose.
2025 4Runner had loose window glass on driver and passenger side,hood wobbles and rear spoiler loose hoping for a recall.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the contact heard a scratching sound coming from the brakes. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The brake pads were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was working on the issue, and opened a case. The case number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 1,150.
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!!!
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.
When operating in reverse and applying the brakes they make a very loud squeal sound. This is a brand new car, purchased a week ago, with less than 700 miles on it. I spoke with the dealership and they are aware of the issue but have no resolution.
Have had 4Runner less than a month and brakes make a horrible load sound when pressing. The noise is worse when reversing. Have gone to toyota twice and said there is nothing that can be done. That they dont know what materia are the breaks done that are causing this. It is extremely dangerous as excessive noise indicates a problem and they dont fix. Pelase help brand new car cant be doing this.
Brakes are EXTREMELY loud when going in reverse. Carried to the dealership, they said that they are “aware” of the issue but until a recall is done then their hands are tied. This could lead to improper braking.
2025 Toyota 4Runner straight from the factory and it is defective. All four brakes shriek going forward and reverse. Although Toyota admits they are aware of the issue as other vehicles have them too, they say they cannot do anything until there is a recall on that model. We have taken it in twice for service as the noise is getting worse and nothing gets done. They say they cannot find anything wrong with it. Yet, they say they cannot do more than inspect it until a fix is found by Toyota itself. They pass around from one service tech to the next and the service department supervisor is always unavailable to give us a better explanation.
I've owned a 2025 4runner for 1 month. The brakes are screaming and squalling like a 20 year old car when the car is a cold start everyday especially in reverse. This cant be safe, and Toyota says there is nothing they can do. I hope this doesn't wear out the brake pads faster and cause an accident. We were told by Toyota we cant fix the problem, because it would void the warranty and there is no recall on this issue.
Retaining clips / fasteners missing from front air dam causing the large plastic structure to become dislodged and tangled in steering brakes, suspension or causing unsafe road hazard for other vehicles particularly motorcycles. Many owners are reporting this issue and I have verified on my own vehicle missing hardware from recent purchase and vehicle currently has less than 2000 miles. The dealerships are not taking my owner complaints seriously and are refusing to honor warranty claiming that this issue is caused by road hazards when it clearly is not and is easily proven to be a defect or manufacturing issue. My air dam came loose on a interstate highway with 75 mph speed zones and became entangled in the undercarriage, further investigation revealed that several of the fasteners were missing and no evidence they were ever installed. The dealership tried to accuse me of removing or tampering with the hardware which is absolutely ridiculous and potentially criminal to make these unfounded allegations. The attached pictures were taken after temporary repairs were made on side of road but show the place where one of several fasteners should have been installed from factory but are clearly missing.
Brakes on the 4Runner are extremely loud when backing up braking. Drivers tend to avoid hitting the brakes properly to avoid the loud noise. Not using the brakes properly due to an abnomal loud noise is a safety hazard.
While driving on the highway yesterday I noticed a vibration and worsening noise. I exited the highway and pulled over into a parking lot. I observed the front air dam/lower valence had come undone. Upon further inspection I saw that 3 of the 9 10mm bolts securing the piece had apparently fallen out. I belong to a Toyota 4Runner forum [XXX] ) and searched for tis issue there and it is apparently occurring for a number of owners. As a precaution I had to remove the piece to prevent further damage to my vehicle or to others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
Loud brake squeal, Toyota and Dealer not willing to perform any repair. It seems like brakes are not functioning properly, especially when cold
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound while the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The dealer made the contact aware that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Servco Toyota Honolulu (2850 Pukoloa St #200, Honolulu, HI 96819); to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5.
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. I searched online for this issue in 6th generation 4Runners and found that the front spoiler falling off at high speeds is indeed a problem – please visit 4runner6g.com to see multiple reports and photos that echo mine.
I bought this 2025 toyota 4runner on March 3rd. Less than a week the brakes have been no stop making noise. It's loud and noisy. I'm scared that my brakes or rotors will mess up. We taking it to the dealership but they said they can't do anything unless Toyota places a recall on that certain part or issue. I believe this is a serious is for someone especially for my family and anyone's family as I'm driving on the road. I'm very disappointed as much money as I spent on this new vehicle. I just want to be safe.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 53 total NHTSA complaints filed over 2 years, with the worst year being 2025 (28 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 83/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 81/100 in 2026.
The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2026, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $32,244 (~$537/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2025 TOYOTA 4Runner — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JTEVA5AR7S5000494. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Market & Background Signals
Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
TOYOTA 4Runner has a moderately elevated theft risk (1.8× average).
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
TOYOTA has been fined $1217M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Criminal settlement — concealed unintended acceleration defects for years before recall.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JTEVA5AR7S5000494 |
| Model Year | 2025 |
| Make | TOYOTA |
| Model | 4Runner |
| Series | 50 Series |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.4 |
| Horsepower | 278 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION |
| Assembly City | TAHARA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JTE |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 7 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | S |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | 5 |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 000494 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 53 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Production sequence #494 — one of the first units built this model year. Early production runs sometimes have higher defect rates as assembly lines are calibrated.
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/3/2026, 12:59:26 PM.