Toyota has made a valiant effort in producing a stylish, well equipped and affordable hybrid with the C-HR. The 2 litre hybrid model makes 184bhp, showcasing that you don’t need to sacrifice performance or style when purchasing an economical hybrid. The C-HR has encountered some initial reliability problems that buyers should look out for. So, if you think the C-HR interests you, what are these issues and how can you spot them?
Fuel Tank (2016 – 2018)
Issue: In vehicles produced between 2016 to 2018 the C-HR had an issue with the portions of the fuel tank wall being produced too thin.
Potential Risk: This could lead to a crack in the fuel tank which in a best case scenario leads to a fuel leak and in a worst case, a fire.
Solution: Toyota offers a recall on vehicles affected and will take care of this issue at no charge. Enquire about the recall or take it to a Toyota certified mechanic.
Fuel Pump (2019 – 2021)
Issue: For the 2019-2021 models of the C-HR, Toyota has issued a recall over a potential fuel pump leak in petrol models. According to Toyota, this recall will affect 452 vehicles in New Zealand.
Potential Risk: The issue can be identified through a loss of power while driving and can be dangerous to other drivers on the road.
Solution: Toyota claims this recall is a precautionary measure and offers free inspection and fuel pump replacement if necessary, in what will only be a three hour job. This issue would best be dealt with by either purchasing a vehicle which has already been recalled, or taking the vehicle directly to Toyota for a free inspection.
Rear Axle Hubs (2019)
Issue: Certain 2019 C-HR vehicles have been recalled due to the fact that rear axle bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Potential Risk: The bolt may loosen causing damage to rear brake components or a rear wheel to detach.
Solution: Enquire whether the car has been recalled or take it to a certified Toyota mechanic for free inspection and repairs.
Axle Shafts (2017 – 2021)
Issue: In vehicles produced between 2017 – 2021, the front right-hand axle shaft may have been produced with a lower material strength.
Potential Risk: Under certain driving conditions, like rapid acceleration or increased torque, the shaft may break which can cause damage or prevent the car from driving completely.
Solution: Enquire whether the car has been recalled or take it to a certified Toyota mechanic for free inspection and repairs.
Airbag (2014 – 2019)
Issue: In vehicles produced between 2014 – 2019 the accessory seat cover kit may not be installed correctly.
Potential Risk: In the case of an accident, the seat mounted side airbag may not deploy correctly.
Solution: Enquire whether the car has been recalled or take it to a certified Toyota mechanic for free inspection and repairs.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid Battery Repair or Replacement
The hybrid batteries made by Toyota are very reliable. However, as the Toyota C-HR Hybrid batteries age or the car does very high mileage (such as for an Uber Taxi) then the batteries may need repair or replacement.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid Repair in Hamilton
Regardless of its potential faults, the Toyota C-HR has received positive reviews and most potential issues have been solved through recall.
If you are thinking of, or have already purchased a Toyota C-HR, the friendly, experienced team of mechanics at Grimmer Motors would be happy to help with any inspections or issues (including Toyota C-HR Hybrid battery repair or replacement) that may need to be resolved.
So, if you have any questions or concerns about your vehicle, contact Grimmer Motors today!