Why is Toyota buying back bZ4X?

Toyota is buying back certain bZ4X electric SUVs as part of its response to a safety recall tied to the vehicle’s wheel hub and lug-nut assembly. The move aims to address serious safety concerns and restore trust after the recall issues.

Background: What sparked the recall and the buyback move

In the wake of reports about a safety-related wheel issue, Toyota launched a recall affecting the bZ4X—and its sibling model sold by Subaru, the Solterra. The core problem centered on wheel assemblies that could fail under certain conditions, creating a risk to driver and passenger safety. To address this, Toyota and its partners implemented inspections, part replacements, and, for some owners, an option to exit the vehicle through a buyback program. This section outlines the factors that led to the recall and why a buyback became part of the remedy.

• The primary risk involved wheel assemblies that could loosen or detach, potentially causing loss of control while driving.


• Recall actions included inspections and replacement of affected components such as wheel hubs and associated hardware, with repairs performed at no cost to owners.


• The issue prompted safety notices across regions and signaled a broader push to maintain consumer trust in Toyota’s electric-vehicle lineup.

Put plainly, safety concerns tied to wheel hardware and the associated recall made it prudent for Toyota to present a buyback option as an alternative to continued driving while awaiting repairs or replacement parts. The move is part of a broader effort to resolve outstanding concerns quickly and transparently.

The buyback program: what it means and how it works

To accompany the recall repairs, Toyota has offered a buyback pathway for affected bZ4X owners in some markets. This option gives eligible customers a way to exit the vehicle with compensation, rather than waiting for parts or scheduling repairs. The specifics—such as eligibility, regional availability, and compensation terms—vary by country and dealership. This section explains the general intent and mechanics behind the program.

• The buyback is targeted at owners of bZ4X models (and associated regional variants) that fall under the recall campaign and who prefer to exit the vehicle rather than wait for repairs.


• Eligibility and exact terms are determined regionally by Toyota and local dealers, with details published in official recall notices and communications.


• Dealerships facilitate the process, providing guidance on valuation, settlement options, and the logistics of returning the vehicle.


• In practice, customers may choose between repair-oriented remedies and the buyback option, depending on their circumstances and market availability.

Overall, the buyback approach reflects Toyota’s commitment to safety and customer choice: if a caller prefers to step away from a recall situation entirely, there is a clear, structured path to do so, subject to regional terms and eligibility.

The decision to offer a buyback alongside recalls signals Toyota’s emphasis on safety, transparency, and customer trust in the electric-vehicle era. It also illustrates how automakers balance rapid EV deployment with rigorous safety remedies. While recalls themselves are not unusual, offering a buyback demonstrates a willingness to resolve safety concerns decisively and alleviate owners’ anxieties about long repair timelines or ongoing risk.

For the market, this case underscores the seriousness with which automakers approach wheel-assembly-related safety and the reputational stakes tied to new-energy models. It also highlights the importance of robust supplier coordination, cross-brand collaboration, and clear communication with customers about safety remedies.

What owners should know about steps to take

If you own a bZ4X and want to understand your options, follow official recall notices and consult your local Toyota dealer. The following steps outline a typical path owners might take in regions where the buyback option is available.

1. Check your vehicle’s eligibility by reviewing the official recall notice or contacting your local Toyota dealer.


2. Contact your dealer to discuss whether repair work or a buyback is right for you, based on your situation and vehicle status.


3. If pursuing buyback, coordinate with the dealer on documentation and settlement terms and ensure you understand any regional requirements.


4. Keep all recall communications, receipts, and vehicle records in case there are future inquiries or compensations.

Owners should remain vigilant about recall updates and confirm the latest guidance from official Toyota channels or regional regulatory agencies to ensure they have the most current information.

Summary

The bZ4X recall exposed safety concerns tied to wheel assemblies, prompting Toyota to offer both repairs and a buyback option in certain markets. The buyback aims to protect driver safety, preserve consumer confidence, and demonstrate the automaker’s commitment to responsible solutions in the evolving EV landscape. As regions differ in eligibility and terms, owners should consult official notices and their local dealer to determine the best course of action.

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

Why does Toyota want to buy my car back?

They are probably presuming that you will need another car to replace it. And that you will consider buying another Toyota. By churning sales in this way they get more commission, more loan fees, more points with Toyota, sell another car and have a car to sell in their used lot. In other words, they make more money.

Why is the bZ4X not selling?

The Toyota bZ4X hasn't sold well due to a combination of factors, including a major recall for potential wheel detachment, limited driving range, slower-than-average charging speeds, and a design and price that failed to stand out against competitors. While aggressive lease incentives did boost sales significantly in 2024, the vehicle has faced a steep sales decline in 2025 due to these ongoing issues. Toyota is addressing some of these concerns in its 2026 update.
 
This video explains Toyota's financial struggles with the bZ4X model: 57sEVPediaYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Reasons for poor sales

• Major recalls: A critical safety recall occurred where wheels could fall off, forcing Toyota to halt sales and buy back vehicles, which severely damaged consumer confidence. Another recall involved a faulty defroster. 
• Limited range and charging: Competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer more competitive range, and the bZ4X's DC fast-charging capabilities were flagged as slow and road-trip unfriendly. 
• Uncompetitive pricing and design: Even after price cuts, the bZ4X was seen by some as too expensive for its performance and features. Its design was also considered bland compared to competitors. 
• Brand perception: Toyota's history of promoting hybrid vehicles and being critical of a full EV transition has made some consumers skeptical of their commitment to the EV market. 

How Toyota plans to address the issues

• Updated model: Toyota is releasing an updated 2026 model to address complaints.
• Improved range: The new model offers a significantly improved driving range of up to 314 miles, a 25% increase over the 2025 model.
• New EV models: Toyota is also slated to release new electric models like the C-HR and BZ Woodland in 2026. 

This video explains Toyota's financial struggles with the bZ4X model: 1mThe Electric VikingYouTube · Oct 8, 2025

Why is Toyota buying back the bZ4X?

Back in June, Toyota warned the owners of its BZ4X electric SUV that they should stop driving the vehicle and have it transported to a dealership. They issued this waning because of a severe problem; the wheels could fall off while driving even after a short time on the road.