Electrical system & windshield issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The concept of the Toyota C-HR was introduced to the public way back in 2014 at the Paris Motor Show. While it was sold in Europe from 2016, it was only the 2018 model that was launched in the U.S. in 2017.
Lemberg Law highlighted the problems and top complaints of the 2018 model in an article about lemon law legal rights. By the end of 2018, there were 14 complaints on file with the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Now, this number has risen to 58. Powertrain issues top the list with 19 complaints, while electrical system problems total 15.
And every model since has attracted official NHTSA complaints.
So far, there are 6 complaints about the 2021 Toyota C-HR lodged with NHTSA. There has also been one recall related to forward-collision avoidance. In total there have been 52 manufacturer “early warning” communications that notify dealers of problems and faults.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020
There are several components that consumers have mentioned in complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota C-HR. Although there are only 6 complaints, these highlight double the number of component and/or system problems.
Issues reported are filed in categories that relate to airbags, back-over prevention, the electrical system, forward-collision avoidance, the fuel/propulsion system, lane departure, the powertrain, and vehicle speed control. Because most have dual issues, we have created categories that match the problems
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Seat Belts | |
| Air Bags | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Radar | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
Half of the complaints involve safety issues. One involving back-over prevention and vehicle speed control resulted in a series of crashes that wrecked two cars.
The incident happened early one morning on the third level of a company car park. The owner of the C-HR was parking the car when it revved up suddenly. The complaint states it happened so fast, and within such a short distance, the car crashed into a wall.
“I tried to back up and it revved up backward again and hit the rear of another car. I tried to move forward by stepping lightly on the gas.” But the car accelerated and again hit the wall. “My car was totaled and so was the car that was hit when it backed up.”
Another complaint describes a series of issues, including safety. It states that the car was in the shop within a month of purchase because it was consuming too much fuel. “I’ve been back to the dealer since for this matter many times.”
A major safety problem described in this same complaint is that the “lane-keeping assist” takes over and forces the car into opposite lanes of traffic.
“I have been back for the above-mentioned issues and safety concerns and the only response I have gotten so far is that the vehicle is operating as designed – and a final do not come back, you are causing unnecessary problems and issues.”
The third safety-related complaint describes how an incident almost caused a rear-end accident. The complainant was driving the car with small children as passengers. The vehicle suddenly forced its brakes, giving a forward-collision warning even though there was nothing in front of the car.
Ever since then, the driver keeps getting forward-collision warnings where there isn’t an issue.
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Two complaints refer to electronic control unit (ECU) problems. One categorized as an “unknown” problem, simply states “incorrect programming – ECU.”
The other, said to be an electrical system problem, indicates that the ECU is identifying the wrong trim. “Improper programming. ECU vehicle is an LE trim but the computer states that it is an XLE Premium.”
The XLE Premium trim is, of course, a little more upscale with its steering wheel trimmed in leather. It also has seatback pockets, which the LE doesn’t have.
There is no indication in these complaints whether this issue was resolved or not.
A complaint filed in the category Unknown or Other describes how the windshield “spontaneously shattered in the midday sun.” The car had not been driven for several days and was stationary in the driveway at the time. There was “no evidence of disturbance in the surrounding area.”
If you experience safety issues or any other problems that keep recurring, you may have bought a lemon. It can be traumatic when your safety is threatened or when problems impact the use of your car.
But you don’t have to tackle unhelpful dealers or the manufacturer of the Toyota C-HR on your own. A good lemon law firm will do it for you.
We have negotiated all kinds of settlements for clients who have bought lemons. So, if you think your car is a lemon, call our Helpline and we will evaluate your case.
Remember, the law says Toyota must pay the legal bills for lemon law cases.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I brought brand new off lot 2021 been having problems since I brought it, need new battery need new brake lines 2x Windshield crack, revs up, on top of this I’m leasing the this vehicle and they pay for nothing