Toyota bZ (bZ4X) problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

The most-documented Toyota bZ4X problems are recalls: hub bolts that could let a wheel detach on early 2023 cars (22V444), a defroster and defogger that can stop working after HVAC faults on 2023–2025 cars (25V577), and, for the renamed 2026 bZ, a battery ECU fault that can cut drive power (26V393).

CarWhere lists 4 documented bZ (bZ4X) issues, including 4 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

bZ (bZ4X) generations at a glance

Toyota bZ (bZ4X) generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
bZ4X	2023–2025	Wheel hub bolts can loosen and a wheel can detach (22V444) · Defroster and defogger can stop working after HVAC faults (25V577)
bZ	2026–present	Battery ECU fault can cause loss of drive power (26V393) · Tow converter short can disable stability control (26V512)

bZ4X bZ (bZ4X) problems (2023–2025)

Wheel hub bolts can loosen and a wheel can detach (22V444) (2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: bZ4X (2023–2025)
Years:: 2023
Powertrain:: All

In June 2022 Toyota recalled 661 early 2023 bZ4X and Subaru Solterra vehicles because the wheel hub bolts may loosen and let a wheel come off after low-mileage use. Owners were told not to drive the vehicles until repaired; dealers replace the hub bolts and wheels free of charge.

Symptoms

Clicking or clunking from a wheel
Vibration or wobble at speed

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V444 (2022-06) · 661 vehicles

Sources: [1]

Defroster and defogger can stop working after HVAC faults (25V577) (2023–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: bZ4X (2023–2025)
Years:: 2023–2025
Powertrain:: All

During certain HVAC faults, such as an electric compressor failure, the defroster and defogger on 2023–2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ and Subaru Solterra models may stop working, reducing visibility. Dealers update the HVAC control ECU software and inspect the electric compressor, replacing it if needed, free of charge. The 94,320-unit count spans all three models.

Symptoms

Windshield will not clear in cold or humid weather
HVAC warning or no cabin heat or cooling

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Run the defroster on max and confirm the windshield clears

NHTSA recall: 25V577 (2025-09) · 94,320 vehicles

Sources: [1]

bZ bZ (bZ4X) problems (2026–present)

Battery ECU fault can cause loss of drive power (26V393) (2026)

Safety recall

Generation:: bZ (2026–present)
Years:: 2026
Powertrain:: All

The ECU that controls the high-voltage battery in some 2026 Toyota bZ, Lexus RZ and Subaru Solterra models may develop a fault that results in a loss of drive power. Dealers update the battery ECU software free of charge; owner letters were mailed August 17, 2026.

Symptoms

Warning lights followed by loss of drive power

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V393 (2026-06) · 20,991 vehicles

Sources: [2]

Tow converter short can disable stability control (26V512) (2026)

Safety recall

Generation:: bZ (2026–present)
Years:: 2026
Powertrain:: All

On 2026 bZ Woodland models with a tow converter, a short circuit in the converter’s circuit board can deactivate electronic stability control and leave the brake lights on, failing FMVSS 126 and 108. Dealers replace the tow converter free of charge.

Symptoms

Stability control warning light
Brake lights stay on

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V512 (2026-08) · 407 vehicles

Sources: [2]

Related bZ (bZ4X) research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a bZ was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Toyota build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Toyota build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Toyota bZ4X problems?

The documented bZ4X problems are recalls: the 2023 wheel hub bolt recall 22V444, the 2023–2025 defroster and defogger recall 25V577, and for the 2026 bZ, a battery ECU fault that can cut drive power (26V393).

Was the bZ4X wheel recall fixed?

Recall 22V444 covered 661 early 2023 bZ4X and Solterra vehicles whose hub bolts could loosen. Dealers replace the hub bolts and wheels free of charge. On a used car, confirm by VIN that the remedy shows as complete.

Is the Toyota bZ the same as the bZ4X?

NHTSA recall records for the 2026 model year list the vehicle as the Toyota bZ, including the bZ Woodland, while 2023–2025 records use bZ4X. Recalls for 2023–2025 cars, such as 25V577, do not automatically apply to 2026 cars.

How do I check a bZ4X for open recalls?

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and ask a Toyota dealer for the repair orders, including software updates for 25V577 or 26V393. Some EV software remedies are done at the dealer rather than over the air.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recalls dataset: Toyota recalls naming the bZ4X — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recalls dataset: Toyota recalls naming the bZ or Subaru Solterra — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

More Toyota tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor North America or any Toyota distributor. Toyota, TRD, i-FORCE MAX, Hybrid Synergy Drive and the model names are trademarks of their owners.