Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The rear window shattered spontaneously while the rear defroster was on. There was no impact to the window and no prior chips/scratches. The tint held the shattered window together, but without the tint glass would have gone flying inside and outside the vehicle, putting passengers and cars traveling behind at risk. No warnings or issues were present for the rear window or defroster system prior to incident. The problem has been inspected by Toyota of Orlando. This problem is known to Toyota under their enhanced warranty program ZG7, but they refuse to cover the repair because the date to experience the shattering rear window has passed. There are numerous other cases reported of this issue. Toyota of Orlando confirmed this would fall under their ZG7 program, had the window shattered and brought to a dealer prior to 4/30/2018.
Rear window breakage: A few minutes after turning on the rear window defogger while parked, a smell of hot electronics was noticed. Thinking the smell was coming from the vent/engine compartment, I turned the vehicle off and inspected under the engine hood for the source. No damage or smell was detected. I turned the vehicle back on with the defroster on, and shortly after, the entire rear window shattered. No foreign objects indicating impact damage were found in the glass wreckage.
The rear window shattered and is not available for inspection because it's in a million pieces. There is now broken glass all inside the vehicle and on the ground. The car was inspected at the dealership, but not insurance. There was no warning leading up to the incident. The defroster for the rear window was on due to weather. The loud bang and sound of glass falling is how I was aware of the failure.
MYself and my fiancee were driving to our family's home, the rear defrost was on due to foggy windows as we were driving down the road there was a loud noise from the back half of the 4 runner. I had turned and looked back behind me and the rear hatch window was completely shattered. Its still intact in the window frame but about to fall out. This happened out of nowhere no warnings or anything.
The rear window on my 2006 4Runner suddenly shattered. I had just cleared the car of snow, put my son in the car and left the house. Less than 1/10th of a mile down the road it exploded. Glass could have gone all over the child in the backseat. There have been past issues. Toyota offered an extended warranty on the part until 2018, so they are aware of the problem. Not yet. No warnings.
This complaint is in regards to a 2006 Toyota 4runner vehicle id # mileage is 150.000.the Toyota was purchased this year from royal palm Toyota of florida address: 9205 southern blvd, royal palm beach, fl 33411. The vehicle was in excellent shape. The problem is that on 11/23/2016 the vehicle was parked in are drive with the engine was just turned off for about 5 mins at that time my daughter was still in the in the SUV when the rear window shattered completely.for no apparent reason.we reported to are insurance company was advise of a repair company please see file.and I have reported to Toyota office in texas report number# thank you product_or_service: 08/01/2016 order_number: [redacted] account_number: [redacted]
On my way to the grocery store, my back window blew out while driving. It was a very loud pop! Which scared the daylights out of me! I looked in the review-mirror and the back window completely shattered. There was nobody around and I was driving too slow for it to have been a rock or debris. I was driving in san antonio texas near utsa blvd. In the turning lane, was in motion at a slow speed as I was pulling up to a red light. The mechanic at safelight auto said that it had to do with the electrical and saved the piece of where there was a short causing the blast. As I walked out the door, a gentleman asked if that was my Toyota as he was there for the exact same issue for the same year make and model Toyota.
I turned on the rear defrost in my driveway. After about 1 minute, I started to smell a slight burning smell. As soon as I smelled it, the rear glass shattered while the vehicle was in motion. I was turning onto highway 70 from bridgeway drive in cookeville, tn. The window shattered completely on highway 70 in front of mike's market at about 7:20 am on my way to work. Toyota provided extended warranty coverage for this exact issue but only through April 2018. I called Toyota to let them know but they do not extend coverage even one day past the warranty coverage period even though there is a defect according to Toyota. The program is warranty enhancement program zg7
Rear window explodes and shatters sending glass pieces and razor sharp tiny glass shards throughout the back compartment with some pieces making it to the back seat. Suspected cause is related to use of the rear window defogger. Occurred while driving 75 MPH on a highway in rainy weather. Outside temperature around 40f inside temperature around 70f. Letter to Toyota along with repair invoices are attached to this complaint.
When using the rear defroster in the cold, the rear hatch window shattered. Common issue and Toyota does know about it but only offered 1 year enhanced warranty. Warranty is now expired and Toyota will not cover this safety hazard as my car is equipped with 3rd row seating.
Window & Wiper complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2006 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, 6% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota 4Runner window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota 4Runner window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.