Common problems · 2025–present
6th Gen 4Runner problems: 8 things to check
The problems owners and specialists flag most on the Toyota 4Runner 6th Gen, the repairs they end up doing and what those cost, plus the years and recalls to watch. Sourced, not scraped.
6th Gen 4Runner problems to check before you buy
- Hybrid or not?The hybrid is mandatory on TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum and a $2,800 option elsewhere (C/D). It brings torque and 23 mpg combined but also weight, a higher cargo floor and no third row. C/D's first drive would skip it; its Tacoma tests found the non-hybrid quicker.
- Know which trims have whatOnly the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter have the electronic rear locker; the front anti-roll-bar disconnect is standard on Pro and Trailhunter and optional on the TRD Off-Road. Check the window sticker rather than the badge.
- Transmission temperaturesCar and Driver saw transmission temps near the red zone during repeated acceleration runs, and forum owners report warnings on long off-road climbs. On a test drive with grades, watch the transmission temperature display; owners suggest 4Lo or holding lower gears in S mode.
- Brake squeal TSBFront brakes that squeal in reverse are covered by Toyota TSB T-SB-0046-25, since superseded by T-SB-0006-26, which replaces pads, shims and fitting kit under the 36-month/36,000-mile warranty. Ask whether it has been done.
- Steering clunkSome early owners on 4Runner6G.com report a clunk felt through the wheel and brake pedal that Toyota fixed under warranty with a new steering shaft assembly. Drive over broken pavement and feel for it.
- Water where it shouldn't beOwners have found water collecting inside the liftgate, cured by removing plugs from its weep holes, and threads report water dripping from the rear doors and mildew in window mouldings. Open the liftgate after rain or a wash.
- Recalls and campaignsRun the VIN at NHTSA: 2025 trucks are in an instrument-panel software recall (25V-595), several 2026 trucks in load-capacity label recalls (26V-571, 26V-282), and owners have received a front air-dam hardware campaign letter.
- RangeForum owners complain of roughly 280 miles between fill-ups in mixed use. If you tow or roam far from fuel, plan for a jerry can — an aftermarket long-range tank wasn't confirmed for the 4Runner in that thread.
The repairs 6th Gen 4Runner owners end up doing
| REPAIR | SYMPTOMS | DIFFICULTY | TIME | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front brake squeal fix (TSB pad and shim kit) | Squeal from the front brakes, typically when reversing and often worse cold. TSB T-SB-0046-25 applies to 2025 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid (and 2024–25 Land Cruiser). | 2 / 5 | Dealer flat-rate ≈ 0.9 hours (TSB op BR2503) | Free under the 36-month/36,000-mile warranty; owners estimate ≈ $20 in shims and grease DIY |
| Front and rear differential fluid | Due every 15,000 miles under severe use (towing, roof loads, heavy loading) per the maintenance chart; otherwise inspect. Many owners do an early break-in change. | 2 / 5 | A morning | ≈ $220 DIY with aftermarket fluids to ≈ $500 all-OEM; dealer about $800 including transfer case (forum estimate) |
| Transfer case fluid | Due at the transfer-case interval in the maintenance chart for dusty roads or towing; first change is a common break-in item. | 2 / 5 | ≈ 1 hour | Toyota LF fluid ≈ $46–66 per litre (forum prices) |
| Engine oil and filter (2.4 turbo) | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months normally; every 5,000 miles or 6 months when mostly on dirt or dusty roads, per the maintenance chart. | 1 / 5 | ≈ 1 hour | Oil and a filter |
| Cabin and hybrid-battery filters | Weak HVAC airflow; on i-FORCE MAX trucks used on dusty roads, clogged hybrid battery intake filters that can let the pack run hot. | 1 / 5 | ≈ 20 minutes | Filters only |
| Propeller shaft greasing | Part of dusty-road and towing maintenance. Owners count five zerks on a 4WD truck. | 1 / 5 | ≈ 1 hour | A tube of grease |
| Water in the liftgate (weep-hole plugs) | Water sloshing inside the liftgate or dripping from the inner panel with the gate open, after rain or a wash. | 1 / 5 | ≈ 10 minutes | Free |
Each repair links to a step-by-step guide with tools, part numbers and where to buy the parts.
6th Gen 4Runner recalls and service bulletins
- Instrument panel software ↗ 2025 · NHTSA 25V-595At startup the cluster may fail to show speed, brake and tire-pressure warnings.
- Load-capacity modification label (Gulf States Toyota) ↗ 2026 · NHTSA 26V-282Distributor-fitted label states the wrong load capacity.
- Load-capacity modification label ↗ 2026 (incl. i-Force Max) · NHTSA 26V-571Label may show inaccurate added-weight values.
- Front brake squeal ↗ · T-SB-0046-25, updated by T-SB-0006-26Toyota bulletin for front brake squeal; 4Runner6G owners report the 2026 update.
Check any VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗, or see the recall tracker.
Owner questions about 6th Gen 4Runner reliability
Is the transmission overheating issue real?
Car and Driver saw the eight-speed's temperatures approach the red zone after repeated acceleration runs, and some owners report warnings on long, slow off-road climbs. Owners' advice: use 4Lo at low speeds or hold a lower gear in S mode, and report it to Toyota if it happens.
SOURCE · CAR AND DRIVER / 4RUNNER6G.COMTake the printable 6th Gen 4Runner inspection checklist: every check on this page plus the model-specific ones, on one sheet. Get the checklist →
Sourced from owners, specialists and factory documents; full sources are on the 6th Gen 4Runner guide. Verify torque figures and procedures against the factory service manual (disclaimer).