VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota C-HR problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Toyota C-HR sits mid-pack among C-HR years: 46 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other C-HR years?

C-HR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted367 complaints2018: 367 complaints2019: 133 complaints2020: 71 complaints2021: 46 complaints2022: 2 complaints2026: 1 complaints
C-HR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C-HR years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota C-HR problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1328%
Driver Assistance715%
Other613%
Electrical System511%
Seat Belts37%
Airbags24%
Brakes24%
Engine24%
Fuel System24%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Seats12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2021 Toyota C-HR have recalls?

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

22V107000Driver AssistanceFebruary 24, 2022 · 36,558 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 C-HR vehicles. The radar sensor may not have been activated during production, making the pre-collision system (PCS) inoperative.

Consequence

An inoperative PCS that does not provide a malfunction indicator to the driver, or braking assist as expected, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and activate the radar sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA02.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My transmission went out on my 2021 C-HR. The problem is, Toyota continued making and selling the car after they knew there was an issue. The 2018 and 19 models had transmission recalls, but they failed to fix the issue and continued to let others purchase a vehicle that was going to fail. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 6, 2026

“THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE 9TH OF APRIL 2021 AT 06:45AM ON OUR COMPANY'S CAR PARK, THIRD LEVEL. AS I WAS PARKING THE TOYOTA CHR, I'M FULLY AWARE THAT I'M JUST LIGHTLY STEPPING ON THE GAS LIKE WHAT I'M DOING WHEN I'M PARKING THE CAR EVERYTIME I GO TO WORK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP. IT HAPPEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 9, 2021 · crash

“REAR WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED IN THE MID-DAY SUN, ALONG ENTIRE LENGTH OF BOTH SIDES OF THE WINDSHIELD. CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN SEVERAL DAYS, AND WAS SITTING STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME. NO EVIDENCE OF DISTURBANCE IN THE SURROUNDING AREA.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 29, 2021

“While driving my vehicle and with small children present on 11/18/21 the vehicle suddenly force brakes with the forward collision warning there was nothing forward of me and this incident nearly causes a rear end accident since this incident i keep getting forwarded warnings where there are none ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 18, 2021

“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, while depressing the brake pedal the failed to stop and the vehicle and crashed into a brick mailbox. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed, and the front driver side seat belt failed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 21, 2023 · crash

2021 Toyota C-HR — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota C-HR reliable?

It is close to typical for the C-HR: 46 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2021 C-HR problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), driver assistance (7 complaints), other (6 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota C-HR have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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 2021 Toyota C-HR?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Toyota C-HR earned an overall rating of 4 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.