Toyota Warns of C-HR Software Problem

Toyota is recalling more than 8,500 all-electric C-HR crossovers, citing a software error that could cause the vehicles to suddenly lose power.

Toyota recently told federal safety regulators that the cars’ drive batteries may overcharge in certain driving conditions, especially in colder temperatures. That could, in turn, trigger the vehicles’ electric drive systems to shut down.

“If this occurs, warning lights will illuminate, and a warning buzzer will sound, indicating that the electric drive system has shut down,” Toyota said in a recall notice, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “This can cause a loss of motive power while driving at a higher speed, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The recall covers 2026 C-HR battery-electric vehicles built between February and July. Toyota says a software programming error is to blame. This allows batteries to become overcharged in a specific combination of circumstances: when their state of charge is already high, the vehicle stays in regenerative braking mode for an extended period (coasting a long distance downhill, for instance), and outside temperatures are low. 

The automaker said it discovered the problem during testing for upcoming models. Toyota told NHTSA it has not received any related warranty claims and is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect.

Toyota plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by Nov. 1. C-HR drivers can also check the NHTSA website in the meantime to see if their vehicles are included in the recall. Owners will be asked to bring their cars to authorized service providers for software updates.

Toyota Safety Concerns

This is just one of several safety issues facing Toyota drivers.

In August, the automaker recalled more than 48,000 Tacoma pickup trucks, warning that faulty parts could spring loose on the road. Toyota also recently recalled more than 500,000 Camry hybrids over a problem with their dashboard displays.

The good news for Toyota drivers in California is that you have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. You often don't have to wait for recalls to get Toyota to fix malfunctioning or defective cars.

The lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires companies to repurchase covered vehicles they cannot repair. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

No specific number of repair requests or attempts must occur before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.