Toyota is recalling 8,521 2026 model-year C-HR electric SUVs due to a problem that may cause the electric drive system to shut down at higher speeds. A software defect that allows the battery to become overcharged in certain situations can lead to a drive system shutdown.
While some of the impacted vehicles weren’t sold in the U.S., Toyota said that all 8,521 units contain a battery electric vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) with specific programming to limit battery charge. The problem occurs in certain situations, such as when the battery is nearly full, and the vehicle is traveling for extended periods in regenerative braking mode.
The overcharge condition is more likely to occur at low temperatures, and Toyota noted that the extended regeneration mode typically occurs while coasting on long downhill stretches. When the system senses an overcharge condition, it sounds a warning buzzer and displays a light in the gauge cluster, indicating that the vehicle no longer has drive power.
Losing motive power at high speeds greatly increases the risk of a crash. In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota said it has not received any field reports or warranty claims related to the problem, and there is no mention of accidents or injuries.
The automaker notified dealers last week, and owner notifications are due out by early November. Dealers will inspect the software version and update to the correct release if necessary. As with all recall repairs, the fix comes at no cost to the owner.
Millions of cars are recalled, sometimes more than once. While automakers do their best to notify every vehicle owner affected by a recall, they don’t always reach everyone. To check whether your vehicle might be subject to a recall, use the easy tool at our recall center. All you need is your VIN, license plate, or year, make, and model of your car to get started.
