Toyota bZ4X AWD
All-wheel-drive variant of the bZ4X with two electric motors and 160 kW system output. Same platform, slightly less range due to higher weight. Same early teething issues as the FWD variant, now resolved.
AWD electric surprises
160 kW with twin electric motors — low centre of gravity and high body rigidity enable surprisingly agile cornering. The bZ4X worth driving.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The AWD variant is also affected by the wheel bolt recall. Toyota issued a worldwide fix in 2022. When buying used, verify whether the recall has been carried out.
Symptoms: Knocking noise from wheel area; steering wheel vibrations; in the worst case wheel detachment
The 12V auxiliary battery of the bZ4X (AWD) drains even in new vehicles without any apparent cause. Class action lawsuit filed in 2025 against Toyota over a defective 12V battery charging management system.
Symptoms: Vehicle won't power on, display stays dark, doors cannot be opened
Recall for bZ4X AWD (prod. 11/2021–08/2023): The instrument cluster ECU can fail completely on startup. Turn signals, hazard lights, and the pre-collision system become inoperative.
Symptoms: Black display on startup, no warning or indicator lights, turn signals and safety systems non-functional
The AWD variant of the bZ4X has two electric motors with a separate cooling circuit. Leaks in coolant hoses can trigger EV system faults. The cooling system should be checked regularly for integrity.
Symptoms: EV system warning, coolant loss, reduced drive power, 'park vehicle' warning
The 12V starter battery issue also affects the AWD version of the bZ4X. According to bz4x-forum.de and Motor-Talk posts, starter batteries fail prematurely due to inadequate charging software.
Symptoms: Vehicle won't start despite main battery being full, control modules unresponsive, OBD adapters can aggravate the problem
After two DC fast-charging sessions within 24 hours, the bZ4X battery management system heavily throttles the maximum charging speed. This is a deliberate design decision to protect the battery, but it significantly limits long-distance usability on trips.
Symptoms: Significantly reduced charging power at DC stations, extended charge times, warning shown on display
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
During sharp cornering and sudden braking the wheel bolts can come loose. 283 vehicles were affected in Germany.
In 2022 bZ4X vehicles, the curtain airbags may have been installed incorrectly.
The bZ4X XEAM10 was delivered with an undersized 12V auxiliary battery. Parking, apps or 'My-Room-Mode' can drain it completely. Result: vehicle completely dead, parking brake defective, no unlocking with the key.
Toyota recalled all delivered bZ4X vehicles in 2022 because the wheel hub bolts can come loose during hard braking or cornering. In extreme cases the wheel can fall off. Affected all approximately 260 vehicles delivered at that time.
A communication fault between the data communication module and instrument cluster affects approximately 4,500 bZ4X vehicles in Germany.
Real-world range in winter temperatures falls significantly below the WLTP figure.
In the ADAC winter test the bZ4X FWD achieved only 46% of its WLTP range (approx. 233 km instead of 504 km). Heating consumes up to 40% of available power. DC fast charging not possible on AWD variants in cold conditions.
Reports & Tests
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2022–2025). Most reported: Electrical (8), Other (6), Wheels (5).