2026 Toyota C-HR Owner Complaints

This report is for a 2026 Toyota C-HR BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). I am reporting two separate events (as of August 4, 2026). The dates the events occurred were June 20, 2026 and July 2, 2026. Each time, the 12v battery discharged to the point where the car became inoperable. Each time, after 12v battery discharge there was not enough power in the 12v battery to perform the necessary functions to activate the traction battery. No power to the traction battery means no power to the electric motors, leaving the vehicle unable to move. The status of the charge level on the traction battery was greater than 50% state of charge on both June 20 and July 2. My subsequent 12v battery monitoring indicates that the 12v battery continues to discharge to very low levels overnight and when the car is not driven. Available for inspection?: Yes, the car is available for inspection upon request. Safety at risk?: Conceivably, yes. The car was inoperable, meaning unavailable if needed in an emergency. The key fob was no longer functional, meaning that a physical key had to be accessed to unlock the doors. Vehicle inspected by manufacturer: Yes, the vehicle was inspected by our local Toyota Service department from July 6 - July 8, 2026. The complaint was noted as “CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START HAS TO PUT CHARGER ON IN ORDER TO START” The diagnosis was noted as “Cannot confirm customer complaint." We were told to use the vehicle normally. If another 12v battery failure occurs, we were instructed not to charge the 12v battery. Instead, have the car towed to the dealership. Warning lights prior to the failure? No, there were no warning lights prior to the failure. After the 12v battery failed to power up the car, there were a multiple distress messages flashed on the display screen, accompanied by audible beeping alerts.

NHTSA ID

11754709

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

Headlights shake at speeds and over bumps/potholes. Have tested with friend and they said it looks like I’m flashing my high beams rapidly when it’s just the cars headlight beam pattern shaking like the light is loose. Vehicle has not been inspect but service is due soon. Will inform dealership about the issue.

NHTSA ID

11753383

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

I purchased this car in June, on the first night of driving , I noted that the headlights shake miserably as if they were loose. I went to the source dealership twice over this issue. Nothing was done as they said they could not test it during the day and they leave at 5PM. I called Toyota corporate , reported an unrelated problem and the headlight problem. Alternative dealer resolved unrelated problem and acknowledged that headlights do seem loose, but that corporate would be unlikely to do anything . Assessed and noted that the headlamp assembly on both sides is only mounted from top support bracket and the outer side where it meets the bumper and fender. Being that the assembly is so large, and noting that there is no support below, this allows for the headlight assemblies to bounce around. Upon showing multiple Facebook groups pertaining to the owners of Toyota BZ, BZ Woodland , CHR and sister models Subaru Uncharted, Solterra and Trailseeker. Multiple individuals confirmed that the headlights seem to shake vertically when hitting deviations in the road, or at highway speeds. Street signs seem to strobe from the constant movement, oncoming traffic flash their high beams since they perceive it as a high beam. Someone suggested aiming the headlights lower which reduce visibility for whomever is driving the car. I do have videos showing the problem and demonstrating what is happening.

NHTSA ID

11753376

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

The referenced vehicle is a 2026 Toyota CH-R electric vehicl, purchased new on April 30th, 2026 from an authorized Toyota dealership. On June 24th, 2026. I tried to start the car at around 5:30am that was parked at my home, the car failed to start, after several attempts, the car became totally unresponsive to any button or my remote. It appears the battery was extremely low or dead. I ended up called towing services. The tow truck driver came, used a portable car battery jumper and able to start the car, put the car into neutral gear and tow to the Toyota dealership for investigation. The next day, Toyota dealership called me back and informed me they have completed all the checks and the vehicle is not performing within specification, no issues or fixes were performed, and they said the 12V battery was fine after 2.5 hours of charging. The dealership was unable to reproduce the issue. There was no previous warning of any kind prior to this issue happen. I believe this vehicle may be too frequently transmitting data when the vehicle is OFF, and causing its 12V battery to drain quickly in some cases, which in term causing the vehicle unable to start. Especially if and when the car is parked in poor cellular reception area, the car may constantly try and try to connect and transmit data, and causing rapid discharge of its 12V battery when the car is in OFF position. This can be a safety and reliability issue if not properly addressed. It could caused someone to be stuck somewhere, if in extreme weather conditions, it could be life threatening to someone if their vehicle is unable to start due to this issue. In less than two months of ownership, this has already happened. Based on person research on the internet, here are other owner of the same Toyota CH-R and another similar vehicle of Toyota BZ, also reported similar issue. I have also contacted Toyota brand engagement center and filed a case for this issue. Requesting NHTSA's attention on this matter.

NHTSA ID

11746827

Incident

Jun 24, 2026