2025 Toyota 4runner — Known Issues & Recalls

Your brake system makes a high-pitched noise when braking in drive and reverse, which suggests the brake pads may be worn down to the metal discs. The dealership has inspected the vehicle but hasn't made repairs yet, even though your 4Runner is still under warranty and only has about 3,100 miles. The brake pads will likely need to be replaced, and the brake rotors may also need inspection or replacement if they've been damaged by metal-on-metal contact.

Your 4Runner's brakes emit a very high-pitched squeal, especially when backing up or braking in wet conditions. The noise is so loud that other drivers have heard it inside their vehicles and mistaken it for an imminent collision, leading them to brake hard or swerve. Toyota issued service bulletin T-SB-0046-25 in July 2025 to address this issue, but your vehicle has not been repaired, and Toyota has halted all repairs under this bulletin because the fix did not resolve the problem for some vehicles. The fix will likely involve brake system inspection, pad replacement, or rotor resurfacing once Toyota engineers develop a solution.

Your 4Runner's brakes make a loud squealing noise when you're backing up or coming to a stop at a stop sign. You brought it to Toyota service shortly after purchase under warranty, but they said they couldn't fix it. You're concerned about your safety and have documented the issue with video. Resolving this will likely require brake system inspection and possible replacement of brake pads, rotors, or other brake components.

Your brakes make a loud noise when you're reversing, and the sound suggests they might fail. This is concerning since your vehicle is brand new with only 4,000 miles. The brake system likely needs inspection to identify whether this is a mechanical issue like worn components, debris, or a hydraulic problem.

Your 4Runner's brakes are making loud squeaking or squealing noises frequently, regardless of weather or temperature. The noise started only when backing up but now happens when braking while driving forward, and it's getting worse. The dealer says they're waiting for Toyota to develop a fix.

Your brakes make a loud screeching noise whenever you back up, and this problem continues even after replacing the brake pads multiple times. You've had the pads replaced at least three times now, but the screeching persists. The fix will likely involve a mechanic diagnosing whether the issue is with the brake pads themselves, brake rotors, brake calipers, or proper brake system installation and alignment.

Your front brakes make a loud screeching noise whenever you back up and apply the brakes. This happens every single time you reverse and brake together. The noise is consistent and annoying. A mechanic can diagnose the cause, which might involve inspecting brake pads, rotors, or brake hardware for wear or debris.

The AC power outlet in your 4Runner's cargo area isn't properly grounded, which means devices plugged into it won't work and could pose a shock or fire hazard. You discovered this when a heated dog mat wouldn't turn on during a road trip, and testing confirmed the ground connection is broken. Even after the dealer replaced the outlet, the problem came back.

Your navigation screen and infotainment system randomly crash and go black for a few seconds when using Apple CarPlay, then restart and disconnect your phone. This has happened 10-20 times while driving, making it disorienting when navigation and audio suddenly cut out. It occurs with multiple iPhones and iOS versions, suggesting the issue is with your vehicle's system rather than your phone. The dealer hasn't been able to reproduce the problem or identify the cause yet, but it may require a software update or replacement of the infotainment control module.

Your digital rear view mirror stopped working due to an electrical failure. The manufacturer replaced it under warranty. This prevented you from using the mirror's display function until it was fixed.

Your touchscreen display has gone blank multiple times without warning, making it impossible to see your GPS navigation or reverse camera. When this happens, you have to pull over safely to use your phone for directions, and you lose visibility of what's behind you when backing up, which increases the risk of hitting pedestrians or other vehicles. The dealer inspected your vehicle but couldn't reproduce the problem and found no recall or technical service bulletin on file, though you've noted that a similar issue was recalled on 2024-2025 Tundras. The fix will likely involve replacing or reprogramming the touchscreen display unit.

Your parking collision assistance system beeps loudly whenever snow accumulates on the front sensors, even though there's nothing actually near your car. If you can't clear the snow off while driving, the system will eventually display a fault warning on your dashboard. The constant beeping is distracting and could be a safety concern. This appears to be a software issue that Toyota needs to fix to prevent false alarms caused by weather conditions.

When you make left or right turns at speeds over 30 mph, you feel a knocking sensation through the steering wheel, accompanied by a slight clunking noise on longer turns like highway ramps. This is distinct from the vehicle's driver assist feedback. The steering system may have loose or worn components that shift during cornering.

Your steering wheel makes creaking and knocking noises when you turn it left and right. This is likely caused by worn or loose components in the steering column or upper steering shaft area. A mechanic will need to inspect and likely lubricate or replace worn steering column bushings or intermediate shaft components.

Your 4Runner suddenly accelerated on its own while you were parking, even when you pressed the brake pedal firmly and shifted into reverse. The vehicle continued accelerating backward, hit three other vehicles, crossed a street, and entered a grassy area before shutting off on its own. The airbags did not deploy during the incident. This could involve the electronic throttle control system, brake system sensors, or transmission control module needing diagnosis and potential replacement.

While parked on a slight incline with the parking brake engaged, your vehicle unexpectedly released the brake and began rolling backward down the hill. When the driver pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle was confirmed to still be in park. This could happen again if the electronic parking brake malfunctions, potentially causing your vehicle to roll into people or objects.

On two separate occasions while driving in the rain, your wipers failed to clear water from the windshield, leaving you with almost no visibility. The wipers appear to move at the same speed as other identical Toyota 4Runners at the dealer, but they may not be making full contact with the glass or moving fast enough to keep up with the rain. This could make it unsafe to drive in wet weather. The issue may require replacement wiper blades, inspection of the wiper arm tension, or evaluation of the windshield design.

Your right rear tire suddenly failed while you were driving at about 25 mph. You experienced a major loss of tire integrity while the vehicle was in motion. The tire will need to be replaced or repaired depending on the extent of the damage.

Your 4Runner's rear tailgate won't open if the rear window is even slightly lowered, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. This appears to be an intentional design feature, but it can create delays when you need quick access to your cargo area—for example, if you need to retrieve items while your child is waiting. The system doesn't account for whether the vehicle is stationary or moving. A software update could allow the tailgate to open when the vehicle is parked, or automatically close the rear window when you try to open the tailgate.

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.