Model year record

2021 Toyota C-HR recalls & problems

The 2021 Toyota C-HR has 1 safety recall and 36 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (17 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints36filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints

NHTSA overall4–5 ★crash-test stars

2021 Toyota C-HR in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Forward collision avoidanceFeb 24, 2022

Sensing system › Radar

Recall 22V10700036,558 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inoperative PCS that does not provide a malfunction indicator to the driver, or braking assist as expected, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and activate the radar sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA02.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD Later Release

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	14.3%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD Early Release

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	14.3%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Toyota C-HR NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2021 Toyota C-HR NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

C-HR

29mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power train	17	0	0	—
Unknown or other	7	0	0	—
Electrical system	5	0	0	—
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Sensing system › Radar	4	1	2	—
Seat belts	3	1	1	—
Air bags	2	2	1	—
Fuel/propulsion system	2	0	0	—
Lane departureAssist	2	0	0	—
Service brakes	2	1	1	—
Engine	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	1	1	0	—
Back over preventionWarnings	1	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train
I have a very loud whine coming from the front of my 2021 Toyota CHR with 93,000 miles. At first I thought it was a wheel bearing so I replaced it but the noise did not change. Over the last few days it has become louder and louder. Now every once in a while the car feels like it almost slips then catches traction. The noise has been confirmed by an independent shop, who said there is a new TSB (T-SB-0048-26) for the transmission which they said matches everything they noticed with my vehicle but it was only for 2018-2019. No warning lights or anything has appeared.
Sep 1, 2026
Unknown or other
My vehicle began making a grinding noise. I immediately called the issue in to Toyota of Dallas. I scheduled to have all my tires replaced and to inspect the noise. I was informed that my CVT needed to be replaced. The dealership is unwilling to replace the CVT despite prior recalls on CVTs in 2018 and 2019 for Toyota CHR. My 2021 vehicle is paid off, has little to no wear and tear (I only drive locally), and has been taken to the dealership consistently when service is needed. I should not have a bad transmission. This vehicle is not safe for the road and I don't feel safe with myself nor my family to travel in this vehicle. I have to drive at very low speed to get to work, get the kids to…
Oct 8, 2026
Power train
There was a sound that the car was making. Took in to the Toyota of Ashland dealership they could not repair it. The CVT bearing needs replaced.
Aug 27, 2026
Power train
Driving to [XXX] from [XXX] to visit my [XXX] mother. Stopped in [XXX] called my brother to come fallow me the rest of the way because a noise that started under the car was very disturbing. My brother fallowed. Me the rest of the way to [XXX] to my sisters house. This was XXX the following day my sister had me take it into a local shop in town. They said it was the transmission and I knew I couldnât afford a new transmission I just bought the car a week ago for $17,000. I asked the dealer to help nothing asked Toyota for help nothing . Decided to get a second opinion and took it to AAMCO same diagnosis. This powertrain if it would have seized up while driving I could have been killed or…
Aug 8, 2026
Power train
It will not drive forward and only in reverse. There is a known bearing issue but unfortunately this is past the 60k and no recall.
Jan 1, 2025
Steering
On May 26, 2026 I was driving on the highway at around 50mph and the vehicle swerved to the right on its own causing me to swerve back and forth between two lanes for about 10 seconds. The wheel moved on its own causing me to use force to try to get the car back in control. Thankfully no one was next to me but if that had not been the case, it would have a caused a serious and life threatening accident. Had I been going any faster or on the regular streets, I am certain the vehicle would have flipped or ran off the road. It was EXTREMELY scary, especially as I am a mother and my baby is frequently in the car. I have contacted two separate Toyota dealerships neither one of them giving any…
May 26, 2026
Power train
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota CH-R. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound that progressively became louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for routine maintenance since the whining sound started, but the dealer had not advised the contact of a transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a goodwill assistance offer, which…
Nov 26, 2025 · 60,000 miles
Power train
The car has developed a growl/whine from the transmission. A trip to the mechanic determined that it sounded as if a bearing inside the transmission is failing. A check online showed multiple complaints regarding the transmission failing with the same issues as my car, and what appeared to be a possible class action lawsuit being filed regarding this transmission issue. No recall is showing for the transmission from Toyota. Recommendation from the mechanic was to replace the transmission rather than repair it.
Mar 3, 2025

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.