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6th Gen 4Runner: Fluid leak or drip under the truck

Checks, in order

  1. Identify the fluid
    Slide a white cardboard sheet under the truck overnight. Dark brown or black is usually oil, bright green, pink or orange is coolant, and red or clear-ish thin fluid may be transmission or power steering.
    easy $ · under about $50
  2. Locate the drip
    Measure the drip location from the front bumper and a wheel so you can describe it. Fluids can travel along the underbody before they drop.
    easy $ · under about $50
  3. Check the levels
    Look at the oil dipstick or display and the coolant reservoir. Do not top off without noting how low they were.
    easy $ · under about $50
  4. Check recent service
    A loose drain plug or filter after service can leak. If a shop did the work recently, call them first.
    easy $ · under about $50
  5. Dealer inspection
    Report any leak for warranty repair and ask them to record it even if it is minor.
    hard $$ · about $50 to $500

Applies to: 6th generation 4Runner, 2025 and newer, with the 2.4L turbocharged i-FORCE and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, both with the 8-speed automatic. This is a new platform with little long-term history, so most entries are general symptoms; when the truck is under warranty, the dealer is the right first stop.

Tools and parts for these checks

Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.

ITEMUSED FORBUY
UV leak detection kitPinpointing exactly where a leak startsShop on Amazon
Engine degreaserCleaning the area so the leak shows upShop on Amazon
Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with live dataReading and clearing codes and watching live sensor dataShop on Amazon

More 6th Gen 4Runner problems

All 14 6th Gen 4Runner symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.