If you’re driving a Toyota C-HR Hybrid around Hamilton, Te Awamutu, or Ngaruawahia, you’re probably keen on fuel economy, comfort, and a bit of style on the open road. And honestly, the C-HR ticks a lot of boxes for Kiwi drivers criss-crossing Ulster Street in city traffic or dealing with potholes near Flagstaff. But, like any car, they’ve got their niggles – especially if you’re clocking big kays getting the kids to sports or running between Cambridge and Rototuna. Here’s what we see most in the workshop, and how to spot the main issues before they turn into nastier (and pricier) problems.
Fuel Tank Issues (2016 – 2018 Models)
Righto, if you’ve got a 2016–2018 C-HR, we’ve seen some with fuel tanks where parts of the wall are a bit too thin. Not ideal. We had a customer from Horotiu come in smelling fuel after a run up Avalon Drive. Turns out, the tank was leaking slightly – which can be downright dangerous. If you get whiffs of petrol or spot drips under the car, especially after parking on an angle, get it checked pronto.
Toyota’s onto it with a recall, so if you’re not sure if your C-HR’s sorted, swing by or check with a Toyota dealer. Don’t muck about with fuel leaks.
Fuel Pump Problems (2019 – 2021)
If you’re cruising a 2019–2021 C-HR, keep an ear out for your engine stuttering, or sudden power loss – especially annoying crawling through Hamilton East in stop-start traffic. We had a Mitsubishi Outlander in with similar issues, but it’s no stranger to C-HRs either. Toyota recalls a batch because of a dodgy pump. If you’re unsure or your C-HR feels gutless all of a sudden, come in for a look. It usually only takes a few hours to swap the pump, and Toyota should foot the bill if it’s the recall.
Rear Axle Hub Recall (2019 Models)
Got a 2019 C-HR? There’s a recall for loose rear axle bolts. You probably won’t notice this till something feels really off – like odd creaks or even a bit of rear-end wobble after a few sharp corners up around Whitiora or uneven roads down to Raglan. Left unchecked, you risk a wheel coming loose. Not worth the stress – book it in if you haven’t had it checked.
Front Axle Shaft Weakness (2017 – 2021)
We’ve seen a few front right-hand axle shafts let go under hard acceleration in these models. Think of those quick dashes up Peachgrove Road at the lights or city deliveries. The shaft in some C-HRs just doesn’t handle the load and can break, stranding you. Had this with a Suzuki Swift the other month too – it’s not just Toyotas. If your car’s making new clonks or shakes when you put the foot down, pop in for a check.
Airbag Issue (2014 – 2019)
Not as common, but in some 2014–2019 C-HRs, the accessory seat covers can mess with how the side airbags deploy. If you’ve picked up your C-HR second hand from Huntly and it’s got non-standard seat covers, might pay to ask us about it – we can check if they’re the risky type. In a crash, you want those airbags working as they should.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid Battery Issues
Toyota hybrids – honestly, they’re some of the best for battery life compared to some of the Euro stuff we see, like Peugeot 3008s or the odd Audi A3 e-tron. But, if you’re zipping all over NZ for Uber or have done a few laps of SH1 over the years, that C-HR battery will eventually get tired. If your fuel economy drops or you get hybrid warning lights, it might be time for battery repair or replacement. No need to panic – we can talk you through your options and costs for hybrid repair here at Grimmer Motors.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid Problems? Let’s Get You Sorted
Most of these issues are rare now, since Toyota have recalls for nearly all the big ones. And overall, C-HRs get rave reviews from NZ owners, especially for city driving, longer trips to Morrinsville, and a bit of everything in between. If you’re buying, selling, or just needing advice on WOF, car service Hamilton, or hybrid repairs – drop in and have a yarn with one of our technicians. We’re happy to give your C-HR a proper check over and help with anything, from those annoying dashboard lights to battery repairs.
Any questions or worries, give us a bell or just pop in – we’ll get you sorted and back on the road, no dramas.