Reliable, fuel-efficient crossover favored by eco-conscious commuters and small families. Toyota's proven hybrid system delivers 50-60 mpg in real-world driving. The eCVT transmission is robust - avoid confusion with non-hybrid CVT issues. Main concerns: 12V battery fails early (30,000-50,000 km), windscreen cracking on early models, electronic parking brake glitches in cold weather, and air conditioning losing cooling capacity. The 2ZR-FXE engine is dependable with proper maintenance. 2018-2019 models have more documented issues; 2020-2022 are most reliable. Ranked 8th of 34 in What Car? family SUV reliability survey (96.8%).
Battery fails prematurely at 30,000-50,000 km, causing morning starting problems · more· less
The 12V battery in C-HR hybrids fails earlier than expected, typically between 30,000-50,000 km. This is the most common complaint according to What Car? Reliability Survey. Symptoms include difficulty starting in the morning, battery discharge warnings, and occasional inability to shift out of park. Toyota dealership replacement including labor costs around €350-400; independent garage with quality aftermarket battery €200-300. Four out of five affected cars remained driveable and were fixed in less than a week, with Toyota covering 90% of repair costs when under warranty.
Windscreen cracking€600 - €1,000
Spontaneous cracks form from top and spread downwards, especially early models · more· less
This is a well-documented issue particularly affecting 2018-2019 models. 54 UK owners reported cracked windscreens. Early European models with DAB+ antenna facing inside experienced the most problems, mostly replaced under warranty. Crack typically starts from top edge and spreads downwards. Replacement cost €600-700 for windscreen alone, but vehicles with safety cameras require professional recalibration adding €300-350, totaling €900-1,000. Many cases were covered under warranty when proven to be manufacturing defect rather than external impact.
EPB warning appears in cold weather, often over bumps; actuator can fail · more· less
Electronic parking brake issues reported from as early as 20,000 km, particularly in cold temperatures. Warning message appears on dashboard when driving over bumps. Common causes: failing battery (€200-300), software glitches (Toyota update €250-300), or EPB actuator failure. If actuator replacement is needed, cost is €1,200-2,000 per caliper outside warranty. There is a recall for certain 2018 C-HRs. Attempting a reset by holding EPB switch 10-15 seconds sometimes resolves temporary software issues. Dealers have technical bulletin for fix involving in-line suppressor to aerial cable and updating DAB module.
Air conditioning cooling capacity loss€400 - €1,300
AC loses cooling capacity after 15,000-25,000 km · more· less
Some owners report AC system losing cooling capacity sooner than expected. Symptoms include taking 2+ minutes to start cooling, uneven cooling (driver vs passenger side), or generally weak performance. Common causes: refrigerant leak (diagnosis €120-180), dirty radiator restricting airflow, low refrigerant, or compressor issues. Simple refrigerant recharge costs €120-200. AC condenser replacement if damaged costs €970-1,300. Dirty radiator cleaning is preventive maintenance (€50-100). Systems still under factory warranty should be covered by Toyota.
Wheel bearing premature wear€250 - €650
Humming noise when cornering, typically from 45,000 km onwards · more· less
Premature wheel bearing wear reported from 45,000 km onwards. Symptoms include humming or growling noise that increases with speed and changes when cornering. Worn bearings affect vehicle safety and should be addressed promptly. Wheel hub assembly replacement (includes bearing) costs €510-635 per wheel in Europe based on U.S. pricing converted. Independent garages may offer lower rates with aftermarket parts (€250-400 per wheel). Bearing noise can be confused with tire noise from worn or defective tires - proper diagnosis essential.
BSM/PCS sensor failures (2019 models)€350 - €500
2019 models with defective BSM and PCS sensors causing starting problems · more· less
2019 models with 1.8 Hybrid often show starting problems caused by defective BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) and PCS (Pre-Collision System) sensors, typically occurring between 25,000-40,000 km. Toyota issued a recall for 2019 C-HR for inoperative pre-collision sensors. PCS sensor is located behind front Toyota emblem - often warnings are caused by dirty sensors (easily cleaned). BSM sensor replacement and calibration requires approximately 3 hours labor (€350-400 total). Only Toyota dealers can calibrate BSM systems. After sensor cleaning, system typically takes 5-7 days to restore full function.
DAB radio poor signal€0 - €300
Poor DAB reception with no permanent fix available · more· less
DAB antenna is thin wire embedded in windshield, contributing to poor reception. Earlier cars have very directional screen-based aerial. Common interference: dash cameras (add ferrite rings 6 inches from camera), wireless Qi chargers (unplug to improve reception). Toyota technical bulletin exists for fix involving in-line suppressor to aerial cable and DAB module update behind dash (dealer service €250-300). Alternative: replace roof shark fin with combined DAB/FM antenna (€150-300). Switch off alternative frequency setting as temporary workaround. Many owners simply accept the limitation as characteristic rather than fault.
Highly reliable for daily use, minor issues well-documented
The C-HR 1.8 Hybrid ranks among Toyota's most reliable offerings. The eCVT transmission and 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine are proven components shared with Prius. Most issues are minor electrical problems or early-wearing consumables (12V battery, wheel bearings) rather than powertrain failures. 2020-2022 models are the most reliable; avoid 2018-2019 if possible. Well-maintained examples can easily reach 200,000-250,000 km. Regular hybrid health checks maintain 15-year battery warranty.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Toyota dealer records essential for maintaining hybrid battery warranty. Verify annual hybrid health checks performed.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age codes (replace after 6 years), uneven wear patterns. Size: 215/60R17.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for any unusual sounds during hybrid system startup sequence.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Crossovers often have underbody scrapes.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test hybrid system transitions between electric and petrol modes.
Specific for this vehicle
Inspect windscreen carefully for cracks
Look from inside and outside for any cracks starting from top edge. Especially important on 2018-2019 models.
Test 12V battery and charging system
Battery voltage should be 12.4-12.8V when off, 13.5-14.5V when running. Ask when battery was last replaced.
Check electronic parking brake operation
Apply and release EPB multiple times. Watch for any warning messages on dashboard. Test in cold if possible.
Test air conditioning thoroughly
AC should blow cold within 30-60 seconds. Check both driver and passenger sides cool evenly.
Listen for wheel bearing noise
Drive at various speeds, listen for humming or growling that changes with speed or when cornering.
Verify VIN for recalls completed
Contact Toyota with VIN to confirm: fuel pump wire harness recall (2016-2018 hybrid), EPB recall (2018), PCS sensor recall (2019), rear axle hub bolts (2019).
Test BSM and PCS sensor functions (if equipped)
Ensure blind spot monitoring and pre-collision warnings work. Check front emblem and rear sensors are clean.
Check for EV mode availability
Car should be able to drive in pure electric mode at low speeds. If EV mode unavailable at startup, possible hybrid system issue.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Wire harness fire risk - hybrid models (2016-2018)Verify completed
Contact Toyota dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The wire harness fire risk recall (2016-2018 hybrids) and EPB recall (2018) are particularly important.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all 2016-2021 models
Hybrid battery warranty (5 years / 100,000 km)Extendable to 15 years with annual health checks
Extended Toyota Relax warrantyAvailable if serviced at Toyota dealer
All 2016-2020 C-HRs are outside their original factory warranty. Hybrid battery warranty is 5 years/100,000 km initially, but extends by 1 year/15,000 km with each annual hybrid health check at Toyota dealer, up to 15 years total. To qualify for Toyota Relax extended warranty, vehicle must be serviced at authorized Toyota dealer. Hybrid health checks cost approximately €50-100 and are included in regular service.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.