Rear windshield wiper

[Archer]

Think that's a trim level thing, not sure what trim level your looking at but mine are remote adjust, auto and remote fold, and auto adjust for reverse.

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[brumey]

My overall disappointment, which is probably an overstatement, its more less satisfied that the 4Runner hype set me up for. Here is a breakdown on the factors that detract from the joy and happiness a new vehicles should bring:
1) The sales process. Dealer allocations that limit your true choice on options and features.
2) The sales process at a dealer level - Far from good with "required" markups for BS. Now, I have not purchased a vehicle in a few years but I have not previously experienced or put up with that BS. I was sold a "Ceramic" coating and have since found out, it's just a spray on polymer that lasts about 5 washes. I was not going to drive out of state to avoid it. It just leaves a bad taste on your mouth. I did get a refund on this BS markup after they did such a shitty job on the detailing.
3) Dealer - Damage to paint during post sales detail. This is a local dealer but I understand it's common that these issues occur.
4) The Vehicle - I am not going to waste my time here and list all the defects and weirdness. It's an accumulation of all. Airdam falling off, Squeaky brakes, Dash plastic not lining up on passenger side, Transmission rough shifting in low gears, Windows seals not lining up, etc.

As for the rear wiper, yes, it's crap. I don't care how innovative it was in 2009, it's 2025. Yes, I likes its hidden by a loosely fitting splinter but, I'd have been happy with a more effective rear wiper.

Now, don't get me wrong, I purchased Toyota for long term reliability. I have no reason to doubt I'll get that going forward. We will see. I like the looks and the inside is okay and functional except for the tumble seats. Engine seems to provide adequate power, certainly not enough for me to want the hybrid, which I initially did but the cost/value was not there.

So, hopefully I will be a happier camper moving forward and consider another Toyota but, at this point, the Ford F150 V8 is getting my attention, special pricing, no turbos, etc. On Turbos's, My last vehicle and current truck (F350) has them. No issues but, less is more when it comes to reliability.

 

[4RunnerTony]

I have had my vehicle for only one month. Used the rear wiper for the first time yesterday. It only went to the 7/8 o'clock position as well. That is good to clear the window on the passenger side but not on the drivers side. That doesn't help much but better than nothing. Sure wish it had a more complete sweep, like to 9 or 10 o'clock.

 

[Nodak]

 

[thirstyross]

I mean, it lets you see whats behind you...would it be nice if it swept a bit further? Sure. Is driving a problem or dangerous the way it is now? No. Can you see if a car is behind you? Absolutely.

 

[megsytakesahike]

I would have hoped that Toyota would have improved the design and function after all these years. It really is pathetic.

I guess innovation is not a priority.

As a first time Toyota owner, my first two months have been disappointing from the sales and purchasing to initial customer satisfaction. We’ll see how the reliability is going forward.

I was all positive about getting a Tundra or Tacoma this year in addition to the 4R but those plans are on hold awaiting my first years satisfaction with the 4R.

I am hoping its great and I can ride it out for the planned 10 years, we will see.

So chill dude, I have every right to my opinion!!!!

So glad to hear from someone going through the similar letdown after FINALLY getting my 4R. The surprising attacks you're getting are why I've been hesitant to bring much up. I thought the same thing - toyota owners are so loyal, they accept the "oddities." All I know is I was really surprised to experience many of the same oddities I went through with my pathfinder the past 2.5 years. I was told "if only you'd gotten a toyota..."

The rear wiper. I'm no car guy, but looking at it, I don't understand why it's built to stop around 7 o clock. Like...the casing is built out in such a way that it couldn't be adjusted, and I don't understand why. Front wiper is erratic with its coverage, and at best, it doesn't clear nearly as much as the GMC, Nissan, Honda in my driveway. With these much smaller windows than previous generations, I don't get it.

There are plenty of other oddities too. Kinda sad.

 

[FoozGrind]

Compared to my 5th gen I’ve notice rain seems to hit the back window more than before and find I actually need to use it but it does the job.

When it’s raining and I have my wipers on and reverse the rear one goes on by itself. Bit bizarre I thought something was turned on

 

[Kennyg]

My first Toyota was a 2009 Matrix Sport 2WD. The rear wiper has much more swing than my 2025 4R. My experience with the Matrix was really good. After owning Chevys for the previous thirty years, I had no idea any manufacturer made a really good vehicle! So, when it came time for another new vehicle, Toyota was a no-brainer. I'm overall happy with this new 4R, but it does have its quirks.

 

[bakutheleo]

Given that I have only had my 4Runner for a month or so, and I currently live in Southern California where it never rains, I have not used the rear wiper yet. However, I have rarely found it all that necessary in other vehicles. I have a Toyota Sienna (replaced by the 4Runner; it will go within the next month or so) that has a rear wiper. I have used it, but only for a swipe on occasion--never running continuously. It wasn't even critical for that--honestly I probably used it mostly because it was there and figured I should use it for something. I used to have a 1984 Honda Civic hatchback, and it did not have a rear wiper and never needed it at all (rain never significantly coated the rear glass). I have seen other vehicles (I do not recall specifics) that have absurdly tiny wipers in the rear--seemd to only clear a peephole, so probably no better than you describe!

 

[Hacksaw]

I also live in a place where rain is rare and snow is never, so I haven't turned the rear wiper on yet. I wonder if the scant sweep of the wiper is a good reason to use a water-shedding window coating of some type (Rain-x comes to mind but I'm sure there are better ones)? Or maybe someone who lives in a rainy place has already tried that and can comment on how effective it is on the rear window (i.e., maybe these products only work well on front windshields because of the added effect of direct air). Also, if you have the digital rearview mirror camera, I suppose that helps a bit?

 

[jiggie]

Ceramic coat the glass. Barely need a wiper then!

 

[FoozGrind]

I might be nuts but did you guys notice the rear wiper activates auto if you reverse and your fronts are on?

 

[Hacksaw]

Ceramic coat the glass. Barely need a wiper then!

Do you have a specific product that you've used on the rear glass and can recommend? I would expect the rear glass to be a bit different than the front since its shedding of water isn't as wind-aided as the front. There are a zillion of these "ceramic" products and I'm sure they're not all equal.

 

[jiggie]

Do you have a specific product that you've used on the rear glass and can recommend? I would expect the rear glass to be a bit different than the front since its shedding of water isn't as wind-aided as the front. There are a zillion of these "ceramic" products and I'm sure they're not all equal.

I’m a huge fan of Griotts Garage products. They have a few window treatments.

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