The Lemon Index2025 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is so far about average by owner complaints: 60 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 100, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 1 recall, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Toyota 4Runner year is 2013.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 60 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota 4Runner year. 2025 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 9K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- electrical 2025
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 45 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and…
- Some 2024 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota 4Runner SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota 4Runner Hybrid SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota 4Runner Hybrid SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota 4Runner Hybrid SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Loud brake squeal, Toyota and Dealer not willing to perform any repair. It seems like brakes are not functioning properly, especially when cold
2025 Toyota 4Runner owner · NHTSA complaint 11663553
More owner reports
Brakes are EXTREMELY loud when going in reverse. Carried to the dealership, they said that they are âawareâ of the issue but until a recall is done then their hands are tied. This could lead to improper braking.
NHTSA complaint 11674654
The brakes make a loud squealing noise especially in reverse. This is concerning and not what I expect from a brand new car!
NHTSA complaint 11768642
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn about average per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 100; 100 is average). The best Toyota 4Runner year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2025 Toyota 4Runner problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (40%), electrical (13%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner have?
1 safety recall (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Toyota 4Runner year is better than the 2025?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2017 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works