Is the 2026 Limited (Non-Hybrid) safe to buy now, or should I wait for 2027?

[Landmonster]

Hi everyone,


Current Thread Date: 2/17/2026

My wife has her heart set on a new 6th Gen 4Runner Limited (Wind Chill Pearl, 4-cylinder, Non-Hybrid). I purposefully skipped the 2025 models to adhere to my general rule of avoiding the "first production year" of any new vehicle.


Now that we are well into 2026, I’m looking for a reality check from current owners or any lurking forum tech-gurus before we place any order:

My main questions are:

1. 2026 Reliability Status: With the recall and repair data available so far, are the 2026s deemed "safe," or are they still having any early production bugs?
2. Trim-Specific Issues: Are there any known problems specific to the Limited trim that I should be watching for?
3. Timing: Would it be wiser to wait until late 2026—or even push to the 2027 model year? I’m willing to wait if there are significant updates or fixes coming down the pipeline.

My Goal: To get my wife into a Limited with as few headaches as possible, ideally close to invoice price.

Thanks in advance for any insights, advice or data

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[gvan1998]

I think you should wait for the 7th gen when all the quirks are fixed.

 

[Landmonster]

I think you should wait for the 7th gen when all the quirks are fixed.

That's a dumb post. I'm asking because the early engines on these did have issues.

 

[Joestac]

That's a dumb post. I'm asking because the early engines on these did have issues.

The 6G has not had any engine issues, that was the 4G Tacoma. The only TSB for the 6G 4Runner has been for the brake squeal that is easily fixed.

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/forums/issues-repairs-warranty-tsb-recalls.48/

 

[127.0.0.1]

That's a dumb post. I'm asking because the early engines on these did have issues.

really ?

please reveal your sources for this information regarding 2025 4runner

 

[USSCajun]

Limited is the only trim with the awful stop/start function. My advice.

 

[Landmonster]

really ?

please reveal your sources for this information regarding 2025 4runner

I might have been mistaken regarding the '25 4Runner engines, as I have not studied the topic extensively.

I knew the 2024 Tacoma did have early engine issues, which shared the same engine code. I've also heard of early Tundra "machining debris" issues and engine problems.

Regardless, I'm trying to ascertain what issues (if any) we need to look for on a Limited.

 

[Joestac]

I might have been mistaken regarding the '25 4Runner engines, as I have not studied the topic extensively.

I knew the 2024 Tacoma did have early engine issues, which shared the same engine code. I've also heard of early Tundra "machining debris" issues and engine problems.

Regardless, I'm trying to ascertain what issues (if any) we need to look for on a Limited.

Brake squeal and happiness are your only concerns.

 

[Doofy]

my 25 Limited has been everything i hoped it would be . well, maybe not as fuel efficient as i expected, but hey, i wasn't line for a Prius either.

 

[127.0.0.1]

I might have been mistaken regarding the '25 4Runner engines, as I have not studied the topic extensively.

I knew the 2024 Tacoma did have early engine issues, which shared the same engine code. I've also heard of early Tundra "machining debris" issues and engine problems.

Regardless, I'm trying to ascertain what issues (if any) we need to look for on a Limited.

note: 4runner engines are built and installed in Japan.

Tacoma engines are built in Alabama.

Transmissions for both are built in Japan.

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