2024 Toyota Bz4x Safety Report

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X presents a mixed safety picture, achieving excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA but showing early signs of electrical and structural concerns in owner complaints. NHTSA awarded the bZ4X a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and a respectable 4 stars in rollover. This indicates strong occupant protection in typical collision scenarios. However, with only 18 total complaints, 2 crashes, and 2 injuries reported, the vehicle is still very new, and long-term reliability and safety trends are yet to fully emerge. Complaint data, though limited, highlights a pattern of ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues, accounting for 4 out of 18 complaints, with specific mentions of 12-volt battery drain, flickering lights, and brake system malfunctions. STRUCTURE-related complaints are also notable, with 3 reports detailing issues like front bumper detachment from minor impacts and body/frame twisting from road dips, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in undercarriage and body panel integrity. These early complaints, particularly concerning electrical systems affecting critical functions like braking and starting, warrant close monitoring. The recall history for the bZ4X includes three significant actions. One recall addresses a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION' issue where the rearview camera may fail, increasing crash risk. Another recall pertains to 'VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM' failures, which can impair driver visibility. A third recall, 'EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS,' concerns incorrect maximum capacity weight labels, potentially leading to overloading and increased crash risk. While these recalls demonstrate Toyota's commitment to addressing identified safety defects, the nature of the electrical and structural complaints, coupled with the recalls, suggests that while the bZ4X performs well in controlled crash tests, there may be ongoing quality control or design considerations in other areas.

Our recommendation: While the 2024 Toyota bZ4X boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of early electrical and structural complaints, and ensure all three active recalls have been addressed before purchase. Consider an extended warranty for electrical components.