2026 Toyota Bz Owner Complaints

The 12 volt battery exhibits a consistent parasitic drain. This is intermittent, but results in the vehicle failing to start. The failure to start is an issue because it is happening frequently and could endanger individuals who live in rural areas or areas with cold or hot climate. This issue has happened to us multiple times and Toyota has not recalled or provided guidance to its dealer service network. Many effected owners have a diagnostic data backed theory that links the drain on the 12 volt battery to Toyota digital communication module. That diagnostic can be found here. Toyota should be forced to investigate and fix this as it is a big safety concern for those who are in rural harsh climates! It is impacting a lot of new BZ & CHR owners, but has been a known issue with previous models and even covered by some media outlets. Because this is a parasitic drain there often isnt a low battery warning before the car won't start. Another reason this deserves attention.

NHTSA ID

11756337

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

There is a foul smell emanating from the window areas of the vehicle after rain. The more rain, the more pronounced the odor. It smells similar to cat urine. I have been able to reproduce it many times, after it rains. I was reading online that the smell is caused by mold/mildew which is a huge safety concern. I had also read that this is somewhat of a common issue caused by the type of weatherstripping in use on the vehicle. When I called the dealership they were unaware of any issues concerning an odor around the windows after rain. I will continue to work with the dealership, but this should at least be a Technical Service Bulletin.

NHTSA ID

11755648

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

The vehicle suffers from an overnight parasitic 12V battery drain caused by a continuous cloud activation/software communication loop involving the Data Communication Module (DCM) and telematics system. The vehicle has gone completely dead and required jumping on three separate occasions. The issue was inspected and documented on a service invoice by an authorized dealership, which confirmed the battery itself tested good and recommended disconnecting the mobile application link due to the DCM cloud activation causing battery depletion. The recurring dead 12V battery creates a safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely inoperable and stranded without warning.

NHTSA ID

11755120

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

Vehicle experienced a catastrophic, terminal 12V auxiliary battery parasitic drain that flatlines the system to 0% while parked, creating a severe safety risk by stripping hazard lights and motive power. This is the 3rd identical electrical collapse within 4 weeks; a late June 12V battery replacement failed. The vehicle was in active daily use, not stored.Held out of service at Kings Toyota since July 6, 2026 (26+ days down). Technicians dismantled the cabin and placed the dashboard in the trunk to trace loops. Management confirmed hardware nonconformities in the Data Communication Module (DCM) and Body Control Module (BCM), which fail to enter sleep mode. Observable proof includes continuous, erroneous telemetry alerts stating windows are down/doors unlocked while fully locked and disassembled in the bay.Modules are on indefinite global backorder due to an inherent manufacturing defect. Parts are restricted likely to feed production and the mass rollout for NHTSA Campaign 26V393.DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS:Local tech efforts are directly guided by Toyota Corporate factory engineers who designed the vehicle, as local techs have never encountered this severe issue.Multiple other identical units are grounded on the dealer lot with identical 12V flatline failures.My vehicle (#XXX) is being used instructively by Toyota Corporate to advance understanding and map out repairs for the other units.To capture evading data, I complied with a request to delete the Toyota app from my iPhone so lead tech [XXX] could intercept these failing module notifications to aid factory engineers.Management confirmed that by design, if the 12V drops below 11V, the high-voltage motive battery is supposed to automatically recharge it. Here, the vehicle fails to initiate the loop, or the motive batteries enter a defensive "protective lockout mode," cutting power transfer and flatlining the car. This could contribute to motive battery failure /lockout if the defect continues to draw 12V battery down. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF

NHTSA ID

11752772

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

Vehicle purchased late March. Since then, the 12V gets completely drained to 0% over the weekend. This is a biweekly problem. Vehicle taken to dealership, they were not able to replicate problem. Dealership claims battery and vehicle perfectly fine. 12V battery continues to get discharged. This issue puts the customer at risk of being stranded on trips. No warning lamps or symptoms before battery dies making vehicle completely inoperable. Research online and owner forums clearly show a large number of owners having the same issue with this defect with this vehicle. Contacted toyota and they denied vehicle glitch or resolution. Toyota instructed me to take car back to dealership for them to address.

NHTSA ID

11751814

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

I am writing to formally report an unsafe design feature regarding the automatic headlight cleaner/washer system on the 2026 Toyota bZ.The vehicle is programmed to automatically spray windshield washer fluid onto the headlights when the headlights are active and the windshield washer lever is pulled. As a night-shift worker, I frequently operate this vehicle in complete darkness. When the high-pressure fluid sprays over the active headlight lenses, it immediately diffuses the light beam. This causes the forward headlights to dim drastically, rendering them almost completely unusable for several seconds until the water clears.This sudden, unprompted loss of forward visibility at highway speeds creates an immediate and severe driving hazard.Proposed Remedy Request:There is currently no setting available to the driver to turn off or modify this linked behavior. I request that Toyota issue a software update allowing owners an menu option to disable the automatic, windshield-linked headlight washing function so drivers can maintain constant headlight visibility at night.

NHTSA ID

11751216

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

The 12V battery in my 2026 Toyota bZ unexpectedly went dead, leaving the vehicle completely unresponsive. The vehicle could not be powered on or driven. There was no prior warning. Upon google search, there are several posts on websites like reddit and toyota owner forums with reports of the same exact issue.

NHTSA ID

11750428

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

Instrument cluster failed to turn on once car is turned on. Speedometer does not display and the electric charge does not display.

NHTSA ID

11746097

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

New car, only 800 miles, 12V battery drained and is dead. Needed to be replaced. Internal process draining battery. Multiple similar complaints online

NHTSA ID

11741687

Incident

May 7, 2026

The CarPlay disconnects every 2-3 minutes and connects and the infotainment has problems or need software update.

NHTSA ID

11721071

Incident

Feb 27, 2026

I am writing to formally advise Toyota Customer Relations of significant, unresolved performance and safety issues regarding my 2026 Toyota bZ, purchased new on February 14, 2026. Despite having only 976 miles on the odometer, this vehicle is currently demonstrating a battery state of health (SOH) of 82.7% and a maximum range of only 140 miles at 100% charge—even in moderate 40-degree temperatures. Description of Technical Failures: Battery & Range: The vehicle provides a maximum range of 140 miles at full charge. On an 80-mile roundtrip commute, I am forced to drive without cabin heat to ensure I can return home without a mid-trip recharge. Internal diagnostics currently show an 82.7% battery health, which is unacceptable for a vehicle less than a month old. Regenerative Braking: The regeneration system is not functioning properly, failing to recoup energy as designed. Infotainment & Safety: I have experienced consistent Bluetooth disconnections, audio drops during calls, map freezing, and—most concerning—the screen blacking out and resetting while the vehicle is in motion. Social Media Documentation & Peer Reports: Due to the persistent nature of these issues, I have documented my experience on the official "Toyota bZ (2026)" Facebook owner groups. My post has received numerous responses from other owners experiencing similar defects, suggesting a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident.

NHTSA ID

11718231

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

Backing into the center of my 2-car garage, half-way into the door, the car slammed on the brakes, displayed a large BRAKE warning and, on the 360 degree image, I saw a red "bar" to the immediate left of the driver's door. I thought I'd hit something, although I was still 20 feet from the back wall and there was at least 6 feet completely open on each side of the car. I pulled forward and it immediately slammed on the brakes again. I backed up and it slammed on the brakes again. I pulled forward and it slammed on the brakes again. Finally, I was able to nurse the car back, inches at a time. The car had never done that before, even when I parked closer to the shelves, before I cleared out the garage to be able to park in the center. The only thing I could think of was the 1/2 inch thick dried mud track from the left tires when I parked closer to the side. I scraped and swept out the mud and since then I've backed in twice without incident, with yellow bars on the 360 degree display where wire shelving is against both side walls of the garage, as I previously mentioned, about 6 feet away on each side of the car. The collision avoidance system is dangerously too sensitive in this vehicle and what Toyota calls Safety Sense 3.0 is the most UNSAFE system I've ever had the unfortunate opportunity to experience. I'm not alone. I've read numerous same or similar complaints online in Tundra and Corolla Cross discussion boards. I discussed this with the dealer's service manager and he blamed it on cold weather. In my opinion, Toyota should recall ALL vehicles with TSS 3.0 until they can either remove that feature or allow it to be disabled permanently and not require it to be disabled every time the car is started. I dread the thought of this happening while driving with a vehicle following closely behind!!!

NHTSA ID

11714314

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

I purchased a new 2026 Toyota bZ4X on December 30, 2025. The dealer represented that the vehicle could charge in approximately 30 minutes at public fast-charging stations. In real-world use, the vehicle cannot be charged as represented and is only usable at one local charging station with a special adapter that was not disclosed or provided at the time of sale. As a result, the vehicle cannot be reasonably used for daily transportation and creates a risk of being stranded or unable to travel when needed. I believe this is a significant vehicle usability concern affecting safe and reliable operation.

NHTSA ID

11713240

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a failure of the high-voltage battery control system (Battery ECU / main battery control module), resulting in loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Toyota dealership and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle shut down while driving, causing an unexpected loss of power and propulsion. This created a dangerous situation due to the inability to safely maintain speed or maneuver in traffic, increasing the risk of a collision or death. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An authorized Toyota dealership diagnosed the issue and confirmed that the Battery ECU / main battery control module required replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership. The repair and replacement of the Battery ECU was authorized through Toyota’s service process. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning signs prior to the failure. The shutdown occurred suddenly while driving. Warning messages and service alerts appeared after following the failure.

NHTSA ID

11712951

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

The carplay when i play a music or talk someone after may be 10 to 15 mins it will cut the music or call. This incident happen since i get the car on a dealership ithink its normal but not the car is lessthan 1month

NHTSA ID

11712481

Incident

Jan 21, 2026