VehicleVerdict

2020 Toyota C-HR problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2020 Toyota C-HR sits mid-pack among C-HR years: 71 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 55% of all reports (39 of 71), far ahead of electrical system at 5. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

71

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other C-HR years?

C-HR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted367 complaints2018: 367 complaints2019: 133 complaints2020: 71 complaints2021: 46 complaints2022: 2 complaints2026: 1 complaints
C-HR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C-HR years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Toyota C-HR problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3955%
Tires & Wheels57%
Electrical System57%
Other57%
Engine46%
Speed Control34%
Steering34%
Seat Belts23%
Brakes23%
Suspension11%
Fuel System11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2020 Toyota C-HR have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V877000Seat BeltsDecember 11, 2019 · 9,468 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

Consequence

In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“At 100k miles, car began to make whining noise that changed with accelerating and decelerating. Toyota dealership diagnosed a slipping belt in the transmission and transmission was replaced. Filing NHTSA report due to significant amount of transmission problems the Toyota C-HR has and other owners…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 21, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA C-HR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND ANOTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER NEIGHBOR ASSISTED WITH JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 2, 2020

“1. The rear seat belts are malfunctioning. At times, they fasten properly, while at other times they fail to do so. 2. The warning light on the information board intermittently activates and deactivates. 3. IMPORTANT: The transmission system emits a dreadful noise. As the speed rises, the noise…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 28, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA C-HR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND ANOTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER NEIGHBOR ASSISTED WITH JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 2, 2020

“2020 CHR transmission failure. There were no lights no notice nothing appeared to warn me. The car started making a faint winding sound. Bought car brand new 2020 and Toyota Fred Anderson Raleigh diagnosed with internal transmission failure 2/28/26. The car is 20000 miles over warranty so they are…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 28, 2026

2020 Toyota C-HR — common questions

Is the 2020 Toyota C-HR reliable?

It is close to typical for the C-HR: 71 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 C-HR problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (39 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints).

Does the 2020 Toyota C-HR have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Toyota C-HR. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota C-HR years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C-HR years to avoid are 2018, 2019. The cleanest record among C-HR years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2020 Toyota C-HR?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Toyota C-HR earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.