Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Some of the most common problems reported with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner include transmission concerns, engine performance issues, and interior design complaints.
Although there are no official recalls listed for this model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Early feedback from owners has highlighted some areas of concern such as the newly introduced turbocharged engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.
This article breaks down the most discussed issues with the 2025 4Runner, including engine reliability, structural feedback, and potential lemon law implications.
Whether you’re a current owner or considering a purchase, this guide will help you understand what to watch out for.
Common 2025 Toyota 4Runner Problems
- Engine: Engine Reliability; Engine Noise; Turbo Lag; Inconsistent Throttle Response; Engine Noise; Vibrations; Jerky Transition Between Electric and Gas Modes
- Transmission: Rough Shifting; Transmission Hesitation; Inconsistent Gear Engagement; Error Codes
- Electrical System: Rear Seat Alert; Liftgate Issues; Exterior Lighting Issues; False Alerts from Moonroof; Infotainment System Software Errors
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2025 Toyota 4Runner Engine Problems
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, part of the all-new sixth generation, has generated excitement but also some concerns related to its new 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine—an engine shared with the recently redesigned 2025 Toyota Tacoma.
This marks a major shift from the longtime 4.0-liter V6, introducing both improved torque and better fuel efficiency.
Early reports from Tacoma owners however, suggest that this turbocharged engine can be prone to issues such as turbo lag, hesitation during acceleration, and inconsistent throttle response, especially in non-hybrid versions.
While long-term reliability data is still limited for 2025 vehicles, Consumer Reports has expressed concerns about below-average reliability for the Tacoma’s new powertrain, raising questions about durability that also apply to the 4Runner given the shared engine platform.
In the 4Runner SR5 trim, the engine noise has been notably louder inside the cabin, partly because this trim lacks hood insulation, amplifying engine sounds that some drivers find annoying, especially during acceleration.
Fans of the older V6 often comment that the new turbo engine lacks the “character” and smoothness of its predecessor, making the driving experience feel different.
Despite these concerns, many owners report positive performance, particularly in higher trims with better sound insulation.
For those troubled by cabin noise in the SR5, aftermarket sound-deadening solutions may help improve comfort.
As this powertrain is still new to the 4Runner lineup, prospective buyers should consider test driving various trims and keeping an eye on evolving reliability reports.
Extended warranty coverage and cautious purchase decisions may be wise until more long-term data becomes available.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Transmission Problems
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner features a new powertrain, sharing its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission with the latest Tacoma.
However, this setup has drawn criticism from some 2024 Tacoma owners, who have reported issues such as rough shifting, delayed throttle response, and frequent gear hunting—particularly noticeable at lower speeds or when the vehicle is under load.
Although fewer 4Runners have hit the road due to the model’s staggered release, early feedback from some owners mirrors these concerns.
Complaints include delayed gear engagement, abrupt or jerky transitions between gears, and unpredictable downshifting when driving uphill.
What has added to owner frustration is the lack of communication from Toyota. Many forum discussions point to growing dissatisfaction over the company’s silence, as there have been no official statements, recalls, or technical service bulletins addressing these transmission problems, which appear to be more prevalent in Toyota vehicles with 8-speed transmission systems.
This lack of transparency has left customers unsure whether the issues are being acknowledged or investigated.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Electrical System Problems
Early reports from 2025 Toyota 4Runner owners—especially those who purchased the newly redesigned 6th generation model—have highlighted several concerns related to the vehicle’s electrical system.
One of the more common complaints involves the memory settings for the driver’s seat and steering wheel.
Some drivers have noticed that these features do not consistently work together; at times, only one component adjusts, while in other instances, neither responds to the saved settings.
Another frequent issue involves the rear seat alert system and the power liftgate. Owners have observed that a rear seat reminder message often persists for several minutes after starting the vehicle, even when the rear seats are unoccupied.
Additionally, the power liftgate and rear window occasionally fail to open or close as expected, creating inconvenience and concern over system reliability.
False alerts related to the moonroof have also been reported. In these cases, the vehicle notifies the driver that the moonroof is open when it is, in fact, closed.
This issue often requires users to refresh the Toyota app in order to clear the alert. Some owners have also experienced problems with the exterior lighting, specifically with the lights mounted on the mirrors and rear tailgate.
These lights may stop functioning after just a few days of use, raising concerns about long-term durability.
Many of these issues are suspected to stem from software glitches or incomplete setup procedures during the pre-delivery inspection process at dealerships.
Until Toyota addresses these concerns through software updates or service bulletins, affected owners may continue experiencing inconsistent performance from the 4Runner’s electrical features.
4Runner Owner Experiences
“The redesigned 4Runner is a real letdown. The interior has a cheap feel, especially the hard plastic door panels. Premium fuel is “recommended” for the turbo 4 cylinder engine, which more than cancels out any fuel economy gains compared to the previous 6 cylinder. Plus, I doubt the long-term durability will be very good, as every other turbo powered car I have ever owned has suffered in that regard.”
“Worst ride quality of any vehicle I’ve experienced. I’ve had a Tundra and Silverado and they were way better. Terrible over bumps big and small. Don’t have kids quite yet but would not dream of putting them in a carseat in this thing. It’s jarring over small bumps, and will buck you out of the seat on medium to large bumps. If this is an around town family vehicle buy something else.”
“Inability to function in inclement weather – I drove 4.3 miles, 7 minutes, in a very light snow flurry and they sensors quit working. I drove my old 2016 Subaru Crosstrek through Colorado blizzards in whiteout conditions and never had an issue with my radar sensors failing to work. Do I need radar sensors or collision warnings? No, not really. But I’d rather have none of them than constant warnings on my dash that reappear every 10 seconds after dismissing them. The warnings that flash and switch screens are very distracting. The design and placement of the radar sensor turn it into a scoop that collects snow rather than shedding it, so if you live in any area where it snows you’ve been warned.”
Maximizing Your Lemon Law Benefits
If your 2025 Toyota 4Runner is experiencing ongoing issues—such as transmission hesitation, rough shifting, or recurring powertrain faults—despite multiple repair attempts, you may be eligible for protection under your state’s lemon law.
These laws are designed to support consumers who unknowingly purchase or lease vehicles with persistent defects that arise during the warranty period.
Lemon law eligibility typically depends on how often the same issue has been addressed and whether the defect significantly affects the vehicle’s safety, use, or value.
If your 4Runner meets the criteria, you could be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. In refund and replacement cases, manufacturers may deduct a usage fee based on the mileage driven before the problem begins.
If you receive a replacement, you might be responsible for paying the difference if the new vehicle is priced higher than your original model.
Many lemon laws also include a provision requiring the manufacturer to pay your legal fees if your claim is successful.
This ensures that you can pursue your case without the burden of out-of-pocket legal costs. If your 2025 4Runner has been repeatedly serviced for the same unresolved issue, it may be time to consult with a lemon law professional to determine your next steps.
Choose the Top Lemon Law Attorneys to Help You
Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have been committed to helping consumers resolve vehicle defect and warranty-related claims.
Our experienced team provides tailored legal support to individuals facing ongoing issues with their vehicles, fighting to secure fair outcomes—whether that’s a refund, replacement vehicle, or other compensation.
If your 2025 Toyota 4Runner has been in the shop multiple times for the same unresolved problem, don’t wait to take the next step.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (877) 885-5366 or fill out our online form to find out if your vehicle qualifies under the lemon law.
