According to Au7o's analysis of 2,000+ owner reports, the 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR has 11 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure and Engine Stall ($0-$800 repair), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Malfunction / Fails to Apply or Release (Recall H0W) ($0-$0 repair), Rear (Center) Seat Belt Lock May Become Inoperative (Recall 19TA22) ($0-$0 repair), Uninitialized Radar Sensor Disables Pre-Collision / Automatic Emergency Braking (Recall 22V107) ($0-$0 repair), CVT Variator / Carrier Bearing Failure (Loud Humming or Grinding, Costly Rebuild) ($3,000-$10,000 repair) and Loose Rear Axle Hub Bearing Bolts — Risk of Wheel Detachment (Recall J0Y / 18V710) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Infotainment System Freezing and Bluetooth Disconnects with 720 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $10,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 C-HR vehicles. The radar sensor may not have been activated during production, making the pre-collision system (PCS) inoperative.
Campaign #22V10700024/02/2022
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
Campaign #19V87700011/12/2019
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles. The rear axle hub bearing bolts may have been insufficiently tightened, causing the bolts to loosen and damage the rear brake components or cause a rear wheel to detach.
Campaign #18V71000011/10/2018
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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,000+ owner reports, the 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure and Engine Stall, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Malfunction / Fails to Apply or Release (Recall H0W), Rear (Center) Seat Belt Lock May Become Inoperative (Recall 19TA22). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota C-HR reliable?
The 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR has 11 known issues documented across 2,000+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure and Engine Stall and Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Malfunction / Fails to Apply or Release (Recall H0W) and Rear (Center) Seat Belt Lock May Become Inoperative (Recall 19TA22) and Uninitialized Radar Sensor Disables Pre-Collision / Automatic Emergency Braking (Recall 22V107) and CVT Variator / Carrier Bearing Failure (Loud Humming or Grinding, Costly Rebuild) and Loose Rear Axle Hub Bearing Bolts — Risk of Wheel Detachment (Recall J0Y / 18V710). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota C-HR problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota C-HR issues range from $0 to $10,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure and Engine Stall, typically costs $0-$800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Toyota C-HR is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Toyota C-HR. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR with 11 documented issues documented across 2,000+ owner reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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Certain 2019-2020 C-HRs (~9,500 units, plus 2020 Corolla/Corolla Hybrid) have a rear seat belt — on the C-HR the rear center belt — whose dual-mode webbing/G-sensor locking mechanism was assembled incorrectly by the supplier. The webbing-sensor lock may not engage as intended, so in a crash (particularly multi-impact) the belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing injury risk. Covered by Toyota 19TA22 / 19TB22.
Common Symptoms
Rear center seat belt does not lock when pulled quickly
Belt fails to lock under hard/multi-impact braking
Reduced occupant restraint in a collision
How to Fix
Under recall, the dealer inspects the rear seat belt assembly production date and replaces the affected assembly with a correctly produced unit at no charge.
On roughly 36,558 units (produced ~June 12, 2020 – July 26, 2021) the front millimeter-wave radar supporting Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking was never activated during production, so those Toyota Safety Sense functions do not operate. Critically, no warning light or message indicates the systems are inactive, so drivers may wrongly assume AEB will intervene. Covered by NHTSA 22V107000 / Toyota 22TA02.
Common Symptoms
Automatic emergency braking does not activate
Forward collision warning does not trigger
No dash warning that the safety systems are disabled
How to Fix
Under recall, the dealer inspects and, if needed, properly initializes the radar sensor at no charge, restoring FCW/AEB function.
The C-HR's dramatically sloped roofline and small rear window create significant rear visibility blind spots. Compounding this, the backup camera can fail or display a blurry/washed-out image, particularly in cold weather or after car washes where moisture enters the camera housing.
Common Symptoms
Backup camera image blurry or washed out
Backup camera intermittently goes black
Condensation visible inside camera lens
Camera image has lines or distortion
How to Fix
For camera moisture: apply silicone sealant around camera housing to prevent water intrusion. Clean camera lens with glass cleaner and soft cloth. For camera failure, replace backup camera assembly (Toyota 86790-10070). Aftermarket replacement cameras are available for $50-100. Add blind spot mirrors to rear window pillars to improve visibility.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Toyota 86790-F4010 television camera assembly
2018 applications; verify VIN and production date before purchase Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when rev
middle-production failed rear camera branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: cataloged for C-HR production approximately January 2018 through October 2019; verify VIN, model year and production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-…
later-production failed rear camera branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: cataloged for later C-HR production from approximately October 2019; verify VIN and production date because listings overlap by calendar model year Fitment/…
Medium Confidence380 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Distinct from the CVT's normal 'rubber-band' feel, owners report an internal CVT carrier/variator bearing wearing out and producing a loud humming, whining, or grinding that rises with speed (often initially mistaken for a wheel bearing) and can escalate to a jet-engine-like roar. Toyota Canada publicly acknowledged the faulty CVT bearing on 2018-2019 C-HR and extended the warranty to 10 years/193,000 km; Toyota USA did not issue a comparable extension. Affects only the North American 2.0L non-hybrid (regular CVT); hybrid eCVT models are unaffected. Left unaddressed it can ruin the transmission.
Common Symptoms
Loud humming or droning that increases with speed
Whining or grinding from the transmission
Noise initially misdiagnosed as a wheel bearing
Progressive worsening over time
How to Fix
Diagnose to isolate the noise to the CVT rather than a wheel bearing. Caught early, the carrier/variator bearing can be replaced for far less than a full unit; if it destroys the transmission, replacement runs roughly $7,000-$10,000. Canadian owners may qualify for the extended-warranty repair.
The C-HR's CVT (K120) exhibits noticeable hesitation on acceleration and the typical CVT 'rubber band' effect where engine RPM rises before the vehicle accelerates. The lag between throttle input and forward motion is more pronounced than in competing vehicles.
Common Symptoms
Delay between pressing gas and vehicle accelerating
Engine RPM rises before speed increases
Hesitation when merging or passing
Jerky low-speed acceleration
How to Fix
Toyota released ECU/TCU software updates that improve throttle response mapping. Visit dealer for the latest calibration. CVT fluid change with Toyota CVT Fluid TC at 60,000 miles improves responsiveness. Some owners install aftermarket throttle controllers (Sprint Booster or Pedal Commander) to reduce the electronic throttle delay.
Medium Confidence560 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
340 owners
The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump in the C-HR can fail due to a defective impeller that deforms and contacts the pump housing. This causes reduced fuel delivery, resulting in rough running, hesitation, and potential engine stall. Toyota issued a recall (21V-251) for a related fuel pump issue affecting multiple models including the C-HR.
Common Symptoms
Engine hesitation during acceleration
Engine stall at idle or low speed
Long crank time before starting
Check engine light with fuel system codes
Loss of power at highway speeds
How to Fix
Check recall status with your VIN at toyota.com/recall. Affected vehicles receive a free fuel pump replacement at any Toyota dealer. If out of recall coverage, replace the fuel pump module assembly. Use only OEM or Denso replacement pumps.
Owner tips & cautions
WarningThis is a safety recall - the engine can stall without warning at any speed. Check recall status immediately.
High Confidence340 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
The Skid Control ECU can misread a small increase in EPB motor circuit resistance (from expected oxide film, typically after the parking brake has sat unused) as an open circuit, illuminating an EPB warning and potentially leaving the brake unable to release or apply. If it will not apply and the vehicle is parked on a grade without being in Park, a rollaway is possible. Covered by Toyota recall H0W (~28,000 units, 2018 C-HR).
Common Symptoms
'EPB Malfunction' warning on dash
Parking brake will not disengage
Parking brake will not engage
Risk of vehicle rollaway on a grade
How to Fix
Under recall H0W, an authorized Toyota dealer reprograms the Skid Control ECU at no charge. Verify eligibility by VIN at the Toyota/NHTSA recall lookup.
On a small batch of 2019 C-HRs (built shortly after a mid-June 2018 plant shutdown; ~681 vehicles) the four bolts securing each rear axle hub bearing assembly to the rear axle carrier may have been insufficiently torqued at the factory. In service the bolts can loosen, damaging rear brake components, degrading stability, or in the worst case allowing a rear wheel to detach. Covered by NHTSA 18V710000 / Toyota J0Y.
Common Symptoms
Clunking or noise from the rear axle
Rear brake performance reduced
Vehicle instability
Potential rear wheel detachment
How to Fix
Under recall J0Y, the dealer inspects the rear axle hub bearing bolts and, if loose, replaces the rear axle hub bearing assembly and rear axle carrier sub-assembly at no charge.
Owners report the 12V battery going flat after the car sits for a few days, requiring a jump start, and the small factory battery failing early. The Data Communication Module (DCM/telematics) drawing standby current before a software update is a cited cause; forums note a customer-satisfaction campaign providing a DCM software update. Short trips that don't fully recharge the battery worsen it.
Common Symptoms
Dead battery after sitting a few days
No-crank / slow crank on cold start
Needing frequent jump starts or roadside assistance
Battery failing around the 2-year mark
How to Fix
Test for parasitic draw and apply the DCM software update (customer-satisfaction campaign) where eligible; replace with a correct-spec battery. A trickle/maintainer charger helps cars driven infrequently.
What you need to diagnose it
The fix here starts with a test, not a part — which repair you need depends on what the test finds.
UNI-T UT210E Low-Current DC Clamp Meter
1 mA resolution on the 2 A range — a 0.1 A meter reads a 50 mA drain as zero
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Testing and isolating the fault is DIY work. Replacing or reprogramming a control module is not — most are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Duralast Platinum H5-AGM Group 47 battery
failed correct-size 12V battery branch after charging-system and parasitic-draw diagnosis Fitment/availability: AutoZone-scoped 2018-2021 Toyota C-HR 2.0L; H5/LN2, 60Ah, 680 CCA AGM; confirm VIN, installed chemistry, venting, terminal or…
Battery Tender Plus 021-0128 12V 1.25A charger and maintainer
infrequent-use maintenance workaround after diagnosis, not a parasitic-drain repair Fitment/availability: 12V lead-acid, flooded, AGM, gel or sealed battery up to 80Ah; select the profile for the installed C-HR battery and follow Toyota …
The C-HR's Entune/Audio Plus infotainment system freezes, restarts randomly, and drops Bluetooth connections frequently. The touchscreen becomes unresponsive requiring a full system reboot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (where available) can also disconnect intermittently.
Common Symptoms
Touchscreen freezing or going black
Bluetooth disconnecting during calls or music
System rebooting while driving
Backup camera delayed or frozen
CarPlay/Android Auto disconnecting
How to Fix
Perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10+ seconds. Visit dealer for head unit software update (multiple updates have been released addressing stability). Ensure phone Bluetooth firmware is up to date. For persistent issues, head unit replacement under warranty. Some owners upgrade to aftermarket head units for better reliability.
Medium Confidence720 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
C-HR owners widely report the factory windshield cracking or chipping from minor stone strikes far sooner than on other vehicles, with cracks sometimes appearing to spread spontaneously (including on stationary cars at very low mileage). Owners attribute it to thin/low-quality OEM glass and the steep windshield rake. Because the forward-facing camera for pre-collision/lane-keep is bonded to the glass, replacement also requires camera recalibration. CarComplaints lists windshield chips/cracks as the most-reported problem for the 2018 C-HR, with a separate 2019 complaint page.
Common Symptoms
Windshield cracks from small rock chips
Cracks spreading rapidly across the glass
Chips appearing at low mileage
Cracks reported to appear without obvious impact
How to Fix
Replace the windshield (OEM or quality aftermarket) and have the dealer or glass shop recalibrate the forward camera. Some owners add clear protection film to reduce recurrence. If no external chip is visible, some dealers replace it under warranty as goodwill.
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Campaign #19V24400027/03/2019
PARKING BRAKE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota CH-R vehicles. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not operate properly, possibly causing the parking brake not to disengage after it is applied or prevent it from being applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Campaign #17V71700015/11/2017
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
What is the 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure and Engine Stall?
The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump in the C-HR can fail due to a defective impeller that deforms and contacts the pump housing. This causes reduced fuel delivery, resulting in rough running, hesitation, and potential engine stall. Toyota issued a recall (21V-251) for a related fu… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: high.
What is the 2018 Toyota C-HR Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Malfunction / Fails to Apply or Release (Recall H0W)?
The Skid Control ECU can misread a small increase in EPB motor circuit resistance (from expected oxide film, typically after the parking brake has sat unused) as an open circuit, illuminating an EPB warning and potentially leaving the brake unable to release or apply. If it will… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 Toyota C-HR Rear (Center) Seat Belt Lock May Become Inoperative (Recall 19TA22)?
Certain 2019-2020 C-HRs (~9,500 units, plus 2020 Corolla/Corolla Hybrid) have a rear seat belt — on the C-HR the rear center belt — whose dual-mode webbing/G-sensor locking mechanism was assembled incorrectly by the supplier. The webbing-sensor lock may not engage as intended, so… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2021 Toyota C-HR Uninitialized Radar Sensor Disables Pre-Collision / Automatic Emergency Braking (Recall 22V107)?
On roughly 36,558 units (produced ~June 12, 2020 – July 26, 2021) the front millimeter-wave radar supporting Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking was never activated during production, so those Toyota Safety Sense functions do not operate. Critically, no warn… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2019 Toyota C-HR CVT Variator / Carrier Bearing Failure (Loud Humming or Grinding, Costly Rebuild)?
Distinct from the CVT's normal 'rubber-band' feel, owners report an internal CVT carrier/variator bearing wearing out and producing a loud humming, whining, or grinding that rises with speed (often initially mistaken for a wheel bearing) and can escalate to a jet-engine-like roar… Repairs typically run $3,000-$10,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2019 Toyota C-HR Loose Rear Axle Hub Bearing Bolts — Risk of Wheel Detachment (Recall J0Y / 18V710)?
On a small batch of 2019 C-HRs (built shortly after a mid-June 2018 plant shutdown; ~681 vehicles) the four bolts securing each rear axle hub bearing assembly to the rear axle carrier may have been insufficiently torqued at the factory. In service the bolts can loosen, damaging r… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR Rear Visibility Issues and Backup Camera Failures?
The C-HR's dramatically sloped roofline and small rear window create significant rear visibility blind spots. Compounding this, the backup camera can fail or display a blurry/washed-out image, particularly in cold weather or after car washes where moisture enters the camera housi… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2020 Toyota C-HR Premature Windshield Cracking and Chipping (Weak/Steeply-Raked Glass)?
C-HR owners widely report the factory windshield cracking or chipping from minor stone strikes far sooner than on other vehicles, with cracks sometimes appearing to spread spontaneously (including on stationary cars at very low mileage). Owners attribute it to thin/low-quality OE… Repairs typically run $600-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2021 Toyota C-HR 12-Volt Battery Parasitic Drain and Premature Failure (DCM)?
Owners report the 12V battery going flat after the car sits for a few days, requiring a jump start, and the small factory battery failing early. The Data Communication Module (DCM/telematics) drawing standby current before a software update is a cited cause; forums note a custome… Repairs typically run $200-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR Infotainment System Freezing and Bluetooth Disconnects?
The C-HR's Entune/Audio Plus infotainment system freezes, restarts randomly, and drops Bluetooth connections frequently. The touchscreen becomes unresponsive requiring a full system reboot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (where available) can also disconnect intermittently. Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: low.
What is the 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR CVT Transmission Hesitation and Rubber Band Effect?
The C-HR's CVT (K120) exhibits noticeable hesitation on acceleration and the typical CVT 'rubber band' effect where engine RPM rises before the vehicle accelerates. The lag between throttle input and forward motion is more pronounced than in competing vehicles. Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
