What is the reliability score of the Toyota bZ4X?

The short answer: there isn’t a single universal reliability score for the bZ4X; major rating agencies place its reliability below average in its early years. In 2023–2024, Consumer Reports rated the bZ4X’s predicted reliability as below average, about 2 out of 5 on their scale.

To understand the question, it’s important to recognize that “reliability score” is an index used by different organizations on different scales. The bZ4X’s launch period included recalls and early software tweaks that influenced those numbers. This article compiles the latest available data from Consumer Reports and other rating sources to explain where the model stood in reliability terms.

How reliability is measured for the bZ4X

Below is a snapshot of how leading sources have rated the bZ4X’s reliability.

• Consumer Reports: Predicted reliability is rated below average on CR’s five-point scale, commonly cited as 2 out of 5, reflecting early-year issues that affected owner experiences.


• J.D. Power: The bZ4X is generally placed in the mid-to-lower tier for reliability within the compact SUV/EV segment, with the exact score varying by model year and configuration.

In short, multiple independent assessments have flagged below-average reliability for the bZ4X in its launch years, driven in part by early recalls and teething problems common to new BEV platforms.

Context: recalls and their influence on perception

Recalls and field service campaigns can significantly color consumer perception of reliability, even when defect fixes are implemented. Toyota and its partner models in the bZ4X line have undergone recalls aimed at addressing safety and component concerns, which are reflected in owner reviews and reliability metrics.

Owners should check the latest recall notices for their exact vehicle year and VIN, review service history, and consider the balance between early issues and subsequent fixes when evaluating long-term reliability.

Why the reliability score matters

A reliability score affects ongoing maintenance costs, warranty considerations, and resale value. For EVs like the bZ4X, battery health, charging system stability, software reliability, and build quality all contribute to the score, beyond the traditional drivetrain concerns of internal combustion vehicles.

Summary

The Toyota bZ4X’s reliability is viewed as below average by major rating agencies in its early years, with Consumer Reports citing a 2/5 predicted reliability on their scale and other agencies placing it in the mid-to-lower reliability band for its segment. These scores can improve as recalls are completed and software/upgrades are deployed, so the latest data should be consulted by prospective buyers.

For the most current picture, review the latest Consumer Reports predicted reliability rating, any new J.D. Power findings, and Toyota’s official recall and service bulletins for your model year.

How long do the batteries last in a Toyota BZ4X?

The Toyota bZ4X's battery life is expected to last 8 years or 100,000 miles under its warranty, and Toyota guarantees it will retain at least 70% of its capacity for up to 10 years or 1 million kilometers with the Battery Care Program. In real-world usage, factors like extreme temperatures and charging habits can affect how long a bZ4X battery performs and lasts. 
Battery warranty and longevity

• Standard warranty: The Electric Vehicle Driving Components, including the traction battery, are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
• Long-term guarantee: Toyota offers a Battery Care Program that extends coverage up to 10 years or 1 million kilometers, provided the car receives an annual EV Health Check. This program guarantees the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity. 

This video explains the battery warranty for the Toyota bZ4X: 0:07Grandons Toyota CorkFacebook · Sep 10, 2025
Factors that influence battery life

• Climate: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact battery performance and longevity. 
• Driving habits: Consistent use is better than leaving the car unused for long periods. Some charging practices can also affect battery health. 
• Charging habits: Avoiding frequent charging to 100% and not consistently discharging to very low levels can help extend the battery's lifespan. 
• Maintenance: Regularly maintaining the battery by cleaning terminals and checking connections can prevent premature failure. 

This video discusses managing charging settings to protect the battery life: 58sToyota Vehicles with The Chris Turner ExperienceYouTube · Dec 11, 2022
Real-world range and performance

• EPA-estimated range: Varies between 222 and 252 miles depending on the trim and drivetrain. 
• Real-world range: Edmunds recorded a real-world range of 227 miles in their tests, which is lower than the EPA estimate. 
• Cold weather: In cold conditions, the range can be significantly reduced. For example, one user noted their range dropped to around 170 miles when the weather was cold, compared to the official estimate. 

Is the Toyota BZ4X a good car?

The Toyota bZ4X is a good car for those prioritizing a comfortable, familiar, and easy-to-drive electric vehicle, especially for daily commutes. However, it may not be the best choice for those prioritizing long-distance travel due to its limited range and potential for slow charging after multiple DC fast charges. Its strengths include a smooth and comfortable ride, comfortable seats, and a 10-year battery warranty, while its weaknesses include less-than-impressive range, potentially noisy cabin, and some hard-touch interior plastics.
 
This video reviews the 2025 Toyota bZ4X and discusses its pros and cons: 59sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Mar 18, 2025
Pros

• Comfortable and quiet ride: The bZ4X offers a comfortable and smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections well. 
• Familiar and user-friendly: It's designed to be an easy transition for those new to EVs, with familiar controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. 
• Good safety features: It has a five-star overall crash safety score from the NHTSA and receives top scores in IIHS crash tests. 
• Comfortable seating: Both front and rear seats are comfortable, with the rear seats offering heating and good legroom. 
• Long battery warranty: The 10-year battery warranty is a significant plus. 

Cons

• Limited range: The maximum range of up to 252 miles is on the lower end compared to many competitors. 
• Slow DC fast charging: The charging speed can throttle significantly after just two DC fast-charging cycles. 
• Road noise: The cabin can be noisy with noticeable road and wind noise. 
• Interior quality: Some reviewers point to a lack of premium materials in the cabin, with too much hard plastic. 
• Lackluster acceleration and handling: While capable, the performance is considered mediocre compared to other EVs. 
• Lack of features: Some reviewers note the absence of power-folding mirrors, memory seats, and other features commonly found in its segment. 

Who is it for?

• First-time EV buyers: It's a great choice for consumers who want a straightforward, reliable, and comfortable EV for daily use and don't need cutting-edge performance or maximum range. 
• In-city commuters: The bZ4X's comfortable ride and ease of use make it well-suited for urban driving. 
• Drivers seeking comfort: Those who prioritize a plush ride and comfortable seating will appreciate the bZ4X. 

What is the problem with the BZ4X?

Common problems with the Toyota bZ4X include safety recalls related to wheels falling off and faulty defoggers, a persistent 12-volt battery issue that can leave the car dead, and a poor user experience with the dashboard visibility caused by the steering wheel design. Other complaints involve inconsistent EV charging performance, noticeable road and wind noise, and a cheap-feeling interior with poor-fitting plastic trim.
 
This video discusses the visibility issues and the 12-volt battery problem: 1mElectrifyingYouTube · Feb 8, 2024
Safety and reliability

• Recall: An early recall warned owners to stop driving and have the vehicle towed to a dealer due to the risk of wheels falling off, an issue linked to a hub bolt problem. 
• Recall: A separate recall addressed faulty defrosters that could fail, impairing visibility through the windshield. 
• 12-volt battery: A recurring issue is a dead 12-volt battery, which can prevent the car from starting even with a full high-voltage charge, requiring a jump start. 

Charging and performance

• Inconsistent charging: Some owners report that DC fast charging is slower than expected and can be significantly throttled after just two charge cycles. 
• Range anxiety: The actual driving range may be less than advertised, especially with aggressive driving or in colder temperatures, leading to range anxiety for some users. 
• Driving experience: While the acceleration is decent, there is noticeable road and wind noise, and some users find the car's performance to be unrefined and more "appliance-like" than expected from Toyota. 
• Range drops: The range can drop significantly in cold weather. 

Interior and design

• Dashboard visibility: The design of the dashboard instruments is often obstructed by the steering wheel from a normal driving position, forcing drivers to look down and away from the road to see key information like battery percentage. 
• Cheap materials: Some reviewers have noted disappointing interior quality, particularly with the plastic trim, which can look and feel cheap and doesn't always align properly. 
• Lack of features: Some models lack expected features like power-folding mirrors, passenger seat adjustments, or memory seats. 

This video highlights the dashboard visibility and lack of features: 57sDownshiftYouTube · Feb 27, 2023
Other issues

• Electronics: Some users experience problems with in-car electronics, such as the inability to connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in cold weather. 
• Regeneration system: The regeneration system can have issues, with some owners reporting it fails regularly or drops out of regeneration mode unexpectedly. 

This video discusses the interior design and lack of a glove box: 57sTFLEVYouTube · Jul 20, 2023

What car is ranked #1 in reliability?

Subaru Tops Reliability
Subaru has ascended to the top of our brand rankings, supplanting Lexus and Toyota, which have traded the two top spots for many years.