Toyota bZ4X years to avoid

How we rated the best and worst Toyota bZ4X years

The 2024 bZ4X carries the highest NHTSA complaint volume of any model year, making it the most risk-flagged year to buy used, while the 2023 earned its own concerns through a high-profile safety recall that briefly halted all sales.

This guide draws from NHTSA complaint and recall data, CarComplaints.com owner-reported problems, and reliability scores from independent databases. CarComplaints ranks a model year's severity by owner-reported repair cost and the mileage at which failures appear (its PainRank system), while NHTSA tracks raw complaint volume submitted to the federal database. These are different datasets that often point to different years, so every figure below is attributed to its actual source. Our years to avoid methodology weights complaint severity, recall seriousness, and mileage at failure to produce a consistent cross-model ranking.

Every Toyota bZ4X model year ranked

The 2025 bZ4X is the cleanest used buy in the lineup, with the fewest complaints and the highest reliability score of any model year so far.

Most common Toyota bZ4X problems

The single biggest failure category on the bZ4X is wheel hub bolt loosening, a manufacturing defect serious enough to trigger a stop-drive order on early 2023 models, followed by an HVAC/defroster software fault that spans the entire 2023-2025 lineup. Below are the four most documented recurring problems, ordered most serious first.

1. Wheel hub bolt loosening (recall 22V-444)

In mid-2022, Toyota and Subaru announced that on certain 2023 bZ4X and Solterra vehicles, the wheel hub bolts could loosen after relatively low mileage. In the worst case, a wheel could detach from the vehicle while in motion. Toyota's recall letter was issued as NHTSA Recall No. 22V-444, with a "DO NOT DRIVE" warning to owners.

Toyota issued the safety recall on 258 model year 2023 bZ4X vehicles in the U.S., because the wheel hub bolts "can loosen to the point where the wheel can detach from the vehicle," even after low-mileage use. The manufacturer's recall number is 22TA06. The remedy involves replacing the wheels with improved ones and replacing the hub bolts with newly designed hub bolts with washers. Dealers complete this work free of charge.

This defect is limited to early-production 2023 bZ4X builds. On a used 2023 bZ4X, the wheel bolt recall should already be completed - dealers install updated hardware and document the repair in both Toyota's system and NHTSA's database. Before buying any 2023 bZ4X, ask a Toyota dealer to confirm recall 22V-444 is marked as completed on that VIN.

2. HVAC defroster failure (recalls 25TB07 / 25TA07)

Toyota recalled certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles because, during certain HVAC system faults such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative. An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Toyota announced this safety recall in September 2025, with approximately 62,000 vehicles involved in the U.S. Dealers update the HVAC control ECU software free of charge and also inspect the electrical compressor, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Toyota's recall numbers for this campaign are 25TB07 and 25TA07.

Owner complaints describe bZ4X drivers attempting to use the defroster and finding the blower was not blowing hot air onto the windshield. HVAC and heat-pump issues in cold weather, including poor cabin heat, are among the recurring concerns for 2023-2025 bZ4X owners. If you're buying a used bZ4X and live in a cold climate, check your VIN against NHTSA's database to confirm the HVAC recall is closed before purchase. You can learn more about hidden costs of owning an electric car that these repair scenarios can introduce.

3. 12-volt auxiliary battery drain and failure

The most unnerving reports from 2024 bZ4X owners involve the 12-volt auxiliary battery, the small battery that wakes up the computers, powers locks and lights, and brings the main high-voltage pack online. When it dies, owners describe the car going completely dead after sitting just 24-48 hours, with no lights or response to the start button.

Some failures trigger alarming brake system warnings and grinding noises as the electronics brown out. Several 2023-2024 bZ4X owners report their first 12-volt replacement within the first few months and a few hundred to a few thousand miles. This is a known weak point across early bZ4X production and is discussed actively on the Toyota bZ4X Forum. If you park your bZ4X for more than a few days without plugging in, the 12-volt battery is at greater risk. A car that hesitates to start despite a full traction battery charge is a classic symptom of this drain pattern.

Repair cost for a 12-volt battery replacement is typically a few hundred dollars if done out of warranty, and the part itself is widely available. Check whether any prior repair is documented in the service history before buying.

4. Electrical system faults and infotainment glitches

The most common reported issue on the 2024 bZ4X is electrical faults, with the top reported problems including Electrical Faults (7 complaints), Body Structure (3 complaints), and Brakes (2 complaints) per NHTSA data. Software quirks on the bZ4X include infotainment freezes, flaky phone integration, and in some cases backup-camera or surround-view glitches that may be covered by software updates or recalls.

A software error in the Parking Assist ECU, part of the Panoramic View Monitor system, can cause the rearview camera image to briefly freeze when reverse is selected shortly after startup, and the image may fail to display at all on the next ignition cycle. A frozen or missing backup image during a reversing maneuver reduces rear visibility and increases crash risk. A recall was issued covering 2022-2026 Toyota vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor system, as a software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse.

Many 2025 bZ4X drivers have experienced connectivity issues with the infotainment system, with problems around wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto frequently reported, including inconsistent connections and dropped links during use. Most of these are resolved by software updates available through dealers.

5. Slow DC fast-charging and winter range loss

There are persistent complaints about slow DC fast-charging on the bZ4X, particularly on AWD models and in cold weather, plus noticeable winter range loss versus EPA ratings, more than some rival EVs in similar conditions. Real-world winter range can drop 20-40% below EPA-rated figures.

Most bZ4X charging problems fall into one of three categories: home Level 2 issues, public DC fast-charging quirks, and cold-weather behavior. U.S. bZ4X models carry a long battery warranty, typically 8 years / 100,000 miles or more on the traction battery. The traction battery warranty protects against outright pack failure, but it does not prevent normal capacity degradation over time. For context on how far electric cars go on one charge in real-world conditions, range expectations for cold-climate drivers should be adjusted downward.

Toyota advertises up to 150 kW DC fast-charge on some trims, but many owners see much lower sustained rates. If road-trip charging is a priority, test the charging behavior before buying and review the vehicle's charging history if possible.

Which Toyota bZ4X years should you avoid

The Toyota bZ4X years to avoid are 2023 and 2024. The 2024 model year generated the most NHTSA complaints of any bZ4X model year, with 24 of the 29 total complaints across the 2023-2025 range belonging to the 2024. The 2023 carries the most severe individual recall in the model's short history, the stop-drive wheel hub bolt campaign 22V-444, plus it was the first year in production for a brand-new platform.

**Worst Toyota bZ4X years:** 2023, 2024

1st-generation Toyota bZ4X (2023-present)

The bZ4X covers model years 2023 to 2025 as a single first generation, holding an average reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"), with data showing common issues with the electrical system and structural components particularly in the 2023 and 2024 models.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X scores 73/100 with 1 recall and 15 owner complaints on file. CarComplaints reports 15 problems and defects from bZ4X owners, with the worst complaints in the electrical category. The 2023's single NHTSA recall is the hub bolt campaign (22V-444), one of the most serious safety recalls issued for a new Toyota in recent memory.

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X scores 75/100 with 3 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file. The most commonly reported problem areas for the 2024 are Electrical System (8 complaints), Structure (4 complaints), and Unknown or Other (2 complaints). The 2024 also carries the HVAC defroster recall (25TB07/25TA07) and the Panoramic View Monitor camera recall among its 3 NHTSA recall campaigns. Always check NHTSA complaint data for the 2024 before making an offer.

What are the best Toyota bZ4X years to buy

The best Toyota bZ4X year is 2025, with a reliability score of 76/100, rated "Good." The 2025 received a facelift and entered the market with the fewest complaint filings and the lowest recall burden of any bZ4X year so far.

**Most reliable Toyota bZ4X years:** 2025

2025 Toyota bZ4X

The 2025 Toyota bZ4X has 2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file, with only 1 crash-related complaint. The 2025 Toyota bZ4X received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Those numbers make it the cleanest used buy in the bZ4X lineup by a clear margin compared to the 2023 and 2024 model years.

Complaints decreased significantly by 2025 compared to earlier model years. The 2025 facelift also brought software refinements that addressed some of the infotainment and charging quirks that owners of earlier builds flagged. Confirm any open recalls are closed on the specific VIN, and you'll have a well-sorted electric SUV with a full 5-star federal crash safety score. Our editorial guidelines for vehicle research require that reliability scores and complaint counts come from primary sources — NHTSA filings and manufacturer recall databases — rather than aggregated third-party estimates.

Toyota bZ4X pre-purchase checklist

Before signing anything on a used bZ4X, run through these model-specific checks:

• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall checker. Confirm every open campaign is listed as complete. The bZ4X has had up to 4 recall campaigns affecting its first three model years, and some repairs require part orders that can take time.
• On any 2023 bZ4X, confirm NHTSA recall 22V-444 is closed. Ask the dealer to pull the Toyota repair order showing the hub bolts and wheels were replaced with redesigned hardware. Do not accept a verbal assurance alone.
• On 2023-2025 models, verify the HVAC defroster recall (25TB07/25TA07) is completed. During certain HVAC faults, the defroster and defogger can become inoperative, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. The remedy is a free ECU software update plus compressor inspection.
• Check the rearview camera on any bZ4X with the Panoramic View Monitor. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. The camera fix is a free software update.
• Test the 12-volt auxiliary battery. Owners describe cars going completely dead after sitting just 24-48 hours, with no lights or response to the start button. Ask about any prior 12V battery replacements and have an independent mechanic test current battery health.
• Request full charging records or check the DC fast-charging history. Persistent complaints about slow DC fast-charging, particularly on AWD models in cold weather, can indicate a software issue or a degraded thermal management system. Test-charge the car at a public DCFC station if possible.
• Inspect the tires for uneven wear. Occasional suspension clunks or rear shock noises, plus relatively quick tire wear, have been reported on some bZ4X vehicles.
• Confirm the traction battery warranty is still active. U.S. bZ4X models carry a battery warranty typically covering 8 years / 100,000 miles on the traction battery. Get the in-service date from the window sticker or Toyota's records to know how much coverage remains.

Better alternatives to consider

If the bZ4X years in your budget land on the avoid list, consider these alternatives instead:

• Tesla Model S - a longer-range, more mature EV platform with a well-documented year-by-year reliability record and a much larger DC fast-charging network

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 - widely regarded as a stronger competitor on DC fast-charging speed and cold-weather range, with a more established used-market supply

• Kia EV6 - shares the Hyundai platform, posts competitive real-world range, and has a clear reliability track record from owners across multiple model years

• Toyota Highlander - if you prefer a proven Toyota SUV and can work with a hybrid rather than a full EV, the Highlander Hybrid offers Toyota dependability with a long production history

Is the Toyota bZ4X worth buying

Yes, the Toyota bZ4X is worth buying, as long as you avoid the 2023 and 2024 model years or verify that every open recall on those years has been completed. The 2025 Toyota bZ4X earned an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, making it one of the safer used electric SUVs you can buy at this price point. Stick to the 2025 model year, confirm the HVAC and camera recalls are closed, and test the 12-volt battery before committing. Run every VIN through NHTSA's recall checker and request full Toyota service records to verify maintenance history.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Toyota bZ4X years to buy?

The best Toyota bZ4X year is 2025, with a reliability score of 76/100. It has the fewest NHTSA complaints of any bZ4X model year and carries a 5-star federal safety rating. It is the only year in the lineup that clears the bar as a straightforward used-EV recommendation.

What are the worst years for the Toyota bZ4X?

The worst Toyota bZ4X years are 2023 and 2024. The 2024 logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year, with 24 of the 29 total complaints across the 2023-2025 range attributed to the 2024. The 2023 was recalled for hub bolts that can loosen to the point where the wheel can detach from the vehicle, even after low-mileage use.

Which year Toyota bZ4X is most reliable?

The 2025 Toyota bZ4X is the most reliable year, scoring 76/100 and carrying only 2 recalls and 5 owner complaints. It benefits from software refinements introduced after the 2023 and 2024 model years, lower complaint volume, and the same 5-star NHTSA safety rating as the rest of the lineup.

What year Toyota bZ4X has the worst recall problems?

The 2023 bZ4X has the most severe individual recall: NHTSA Recall No. 22V-444, which carried a "DO NOT DRIVE" warning because the wheel hub bolts could loosen to the point where a wheel could detach from the vehicle while driving. The manufacturer's recall number is 22TA06. On a used 2023 bZ4X, this recall should already be completed, with dealers having installed updated hardware documented in both Toyota's system and NHTSA's database. The 2024 carries 3 separate NHTSA recall campaigns, including the HVAC defroster recall (25TB07/25TA07) shared with 2023 and 2025 models.

How long does a Toyota bZ4X last?

U.S. bZ4X models carry a traction battery warranty typically covering 8 years / 100,000 miles. That doesn't prevent normal degradation, but it does protect you from outright pack failure or extreme capacity loss within the coverage period. The platform itself, built on Toyota's dedicated e-TNGA architecture, is engineered for long-term EV durability. Regular software updates and keeping the 12-volt auxiliary battery in good health are the two most important maintenance habits for getting maximum life out of your bZ4X. Owners on the Toyota BZ Forum report strong satisfaction when the known recall items are addressed.

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