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2026 Toyota Bz Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Aug 11, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
7
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2026 Toyota Bz, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical1058.8%
  • Driver assistance211.8%
  • Exterior lighting15.9%
  • Powertrain (other)15.9%
  • Visibility15.9%
  • Fuel system15.9%
  • Engine15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 11, 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 · filed Aug 5, 2026
All 10 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 24, 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 · filed Jan 29, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 17, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 16, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 25, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 16, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 24, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .