Toyota C-HR Common Problems

The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV with coupe-style looks, sold new here since February 2017. The first generation (AX10) ran to 2023 with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol (8NR-FTS) and a CVT in 2WD or AWD form, plus a six-speed manual on some early 2WD cars. An update in late 2019 brought a 1.8-litre hybrid (2ZR-FXE) with an e-CVT and front-wheel drive only, and an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Turkish-built second generation arrived in 2024 as a hybrid only, with front-wheel drive or, on the GR Sport, all-wheel drive. Reliability is good by small SUV standards. Most complaints are about the 1.2 turbo's drivability, small electrical faults and the dark, cramped back seat.

Misfires, surging and loss of power (1.2L 8NR-FTS turbo, 2017 to 2023)

A common owner complaint about the turbo petrol is a car that jerks, surges or loses power under load, sometimes with the check engine light on or the car dropping into limp mode. European workshop reviews point to failed ignition coils and engine software faults, and some early cars had a noisy boost pressure solenoid. Some owners also report carbon build-up on the intake valves, a known trait of direct-injection engines, mostly on cars that do short trips, though not every source agrees it is a big problem. One European engine guide also lists EGR valve clogging in city use.

At least one Australian owner reports the fault returning after coils and plugs were replaced, so have the cause diagnosed rather than swapping parts. Start with a dealer scan and any software updates. A set of coils and plugs is roughly $500 to $1,000 fitted, and an intake valve clean (walnut blasting) roughly $600 to $1,200.

CVT jerking and hesitation at low speed (1.2L turbo CVT, 2017 to 2023)

Some owners of the turbo petrol CVT, in 2WD and AWD form, report jerking or shudder in slow traffic, a flat and delayed pull-away, and a car that struggles on hills. Part of this is the small engine waiting for boost, but a gearbox that shudders, slips or whines is a fault. Have a dealer check for software updates and the fluid condition. A CVT fluid service is roughly $250 to $500, while a replacement gearbox out of warranty runs to several thousand dollars. The hybrid's e-CVT is a different design with fewer complaints, and its steady engine drone under hard throttle is normal.

Flat 12-volt battery (hybrid and petrol, 2017 to 2023)

In a large UK owner survey, battery faults were the most common C-HR complaint. Hybrids appear most affected: the small 12-volt battery can drain if the car sits for a couple of weeks or has an aftermarket alarm, tracker or dash cam wired in, and the car then will not go into READY mode. Petrol owners have reported flat batteries too, and a weak battery can trigger random warning lights. A replacement 12-volt battery is roughly $250 to $550 fitted, depending on type.

Cracked windscreens (all first-generation models, 2017 to 2023)

Some owners, mostly in UK owner feedback, report windscreen cracks that start near the top edge and spread down, without an obvious stone strike. The windscreen carries the camera for the safety systems, so a new screen needs that camera recalibrated. Expect roughly $900 to $1,800 with calibration, depending on the glass and who fits it. If a replacement was not calibrated, lane keeping and autonomous braking may not work as they should.

Warning lights and driver-assist errors (all first-generation models, 2017 to 2023)

Some owners mention warning lights and sensor faults. The pre-collision system can show an error in heavy rain until the sensors dry out, and other owners report random electric park brake warnings, lane keeping that steers towards parked cars and sudden braking in car parks. Many appear to be software or sensor quirks rather than failures, but a light that stays on needs a dealer scan. Early cars had a park brake recall and some 2020 to 2021 cars a radar calibration recall, so check both were done.

Slow screen, phone dropouts and trim rattles (first generation, 2017 to 2023)

The first-generation touchscreen is slow, and some owners report it freezing, dropping Bluetooth or giving poor navigation. Cars built before the late 2019 update have no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Owners also mention loose or rattling trim, and a Polish workshop review notes noisy dampers over bumps on early cars. A software update may help the screen. Dampers, if needed, are roughly $500 to $1,000 a pair fitted.

Recalls and safety

Australian recall themes for the C-HR include an electric park brake fault on early cars built in 2016 and 2017 that could stop the brake releasing or applying, fixed with a software update. Petrol cars built from 2019 to 2023 were recalled because the high-pressure fuel pump can crack and leak fuel into the engine bay, with a fire risk: a fuel smell is the warning sign, and the pump is replaced free. That recall started in 2021 and was widened in 2023. Some 2020 to 2021 cars were recalled because the front radar may not have been calibrated at the factory, and some cars with towbars for a missing compliance label. Second-generation hybrids built from late 2023 to mid 2024 had a service campaign (not a recall) because the parking support brake could apply when reversing with a trailer or bike rack fitted. Have a Toyota dealer check the VIN for open recalls and campaigns, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Toyota C-HR? What to check

• Test drive from cold: Drive in slow traffic and up a hill, and feel for jerks, surging, CVT shudder or a hesitant pull-away. Watch for the check engine light.
• Service history: Look for servicing every 12 months or 15,000 km, and ask whether a turbo petrol has had coils, plugs or a carbon clean.
• Fuel pump recall: On a 2019 to 2023 petrol, sniff the engine bay for fuel and ask for proof the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced.
• Warning lights: Every light should go out after start-up, with no park brake, pre-collision or lane-keeping warnings on the drive. Ask for a scan for stored codes.
• 12-volt battery: Ask how old the battery is and whether the car has gone flat. On a hybrid, look for aftermarket alarms or trackers wired in.
• Windscreen: Look for cracks spreading from the top edge, and ask for paperwork showing the camera was recalibrated after any replacement.
• Screen and origin: Pair your phone and test the screen. Early cars lack Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a private Japanese import may have a Japanese-only head unit.
• Rear vision: Rear-quarter vision is poor by design, so make sure the reversing camera and parking sensors or blind-spot monitor (where fitted) all work.
• Rattles and dampers: Drive over speed humps and rough roads, and listen for knocks from the suspension and rattles from the trim.

Run a PPSR check for finance owing and write-off history, and work through our Toyota C-HR buying checklist before you pay.

The verdict

The pick is a 2020 to 2023 C-HR hybrid. It has the updated screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the simplest drivetrain and the fewest complaints, though it is front-drive only. If you need AWD, the 1.2 turbo is the only first-generation choice: buy a post-2019 car with the fuel pump recall done and a full service record, and test it hard in traffic. Approach a 2017 to 2019 turbo with more care, as it has the older screen and the early park brake recall. The second generation is too new for a clear record, with few faults reported so far beyond the reversing brake campaign.