Reliability

Is the Toyota C-HR reliable? Honest answer.

Is the Toyota C-HR a reliable car? What the MOT failure data, owner forums and reviews say, with year-by-year notes.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 101,851 recorded MOT tests, 9.3% failed.

Toyota C-HR
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Toyota C-HR is generally reliable, with the 2019 and 2020 models being the most dependable. Common issues include brake problems, electrical faults, and suspension wear. Average repair costs range from £200 to £600, and the hybrid version offers better fuel efficiency.

MOT Pass Rates

The Toyota C-HR has an average MOT pass rate of around 80%. This figure is relatively good for a compact SUV. However, some specific model years show better results than others. The 2019 and 2020 models tend to have higher pass rates compared to earlier versions.

Common Failure Modes

Owners have reported several recurring issues. The most common problems include brake-related faults, particularly with the brake pads and discs. Electrical issues, such as problems with the infotainment system, are also noted. Additionally, some drivers report suspension wear, especially in models from 2017 to 2018.

Year-by-Year Analysis

  • 2017-2018: These years have more reported issues with brakes and electrical faults. If you consider a model from this range, ensure a thorough inspection.
  • 2019-2020: These models generally have improved reliability. Owners report fewer issues, making them a safer choice.

Repair Costs

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the issue. For common faults like brake replacements, you might expect to pay between £200 and £600. Electrical repairs can be more expensive, especially if they involve the main control unit.

What people are asking

Is a Toyota C-HR a reliable car?

Yes, the Toyota C-HR is generally regarded as a reliable vehicle. Many owners appreciate its build quality and longevity, although some specific model years have reported more issues than others.

Why did Toyota stop making C-HR?

As of now, Toyota has not officially stopped making the C-HR. However, there have been discussions about future models and potential updates, which may lead to changes in production.

Which C-HR to avoid?

It is advisable to avoid the 2018 Toyota C-HR. This model year has received several complaints, including issues with a weak windshield and an annoying squeaking sound while driving.

Why are Toyota C-HR so cheap?

The Toyota C-HR can be found at lower prices in the used car market due to factors like depreciation, competition from other models, and varying demand. Additionally, some owners may sell their vehicles after experiencing common issues, which can affect pricing.

What owners say

A common theme is the vehicle’s handling and comfort, with many noting that it performs well on motorways and city driving. However, some have expressed concerns about the power of the 1.2-litre engine, suggesting that it may feel underpowered for those who frequently drive at higher speeds. Many owners have shared their experiences regarding the reliability of the C-HR.

This problem appears to be more prevalent in the 2016-2018 models. Additionally, several owners have reported electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system, which can be frustrating but often manageable. When discussing common faults, users have highlighted issues with the 12-volt battery in earlier models, which can lead to unexpected failures.

In terms of value, many owners feel that the C-HR offers good reliability for the price, especially when considering the hybrid variant. The hybrid model is often praised for its fuel efficiency, making it an appealing option for those looking to save on running costs. However, some owners have warned potential buyers to be cautious of the 2018 model due to its reported issues.

Overall, while the Toyota C-HR has its share of common problems, many owners appreciate its reliability and comfort. Insights also indicate that the C-HR is a solid choice for those looking for a compact SUV, provided they do their research on specific model years.

Toyota C-HR recall record

15 recalls have been issued for the Toyota C-HR, between 2017 and 2025.

  1. Parking Assist ECU reprogram on multiple models

    R/2025/466

    Issued 1 December 2025

    For certain vehicles equipped with a Parking Assist ECU a component of the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system that displays the rear view image the software may cause the rear view image to freeze or not display

    Remedy:Reprogram the parking assist ECU.

    Affects cars built Sept 2023 to Sept 2025

  2. Combination Meter Reprogramming on Multiple Models

    R/2025/270

    Issued 24 November 2025

    For certain vehicles equipped with the combination meter system (where various information is displayed) that due to an improper programming of the combination meter unnecessarily repetitive data is written to a memory device. This may cause the memory device to deteriorate and the monitor to not display during the meter at start up and remain in this state permanently.

    Remedy:Reprogram or replace the combination meter.

    Affects cars built May 2023 to Dec 2024

  3. High-Pressure Fuel Pump replacement on multiple models

    R/2024/514

    Issued 20 January 2025

    For certain vehicles that were affected by a previous campaign announced in October 2023 for high-pressure fuel pump a further check is required to confirm if the correct pump is fitted.

    Remedy:A check of the high-pressure fuel pump and replace if necessary.

    Affects cars built May 2018 to Feb 2022

  4. Remote Parking via Mobile App on Certain Toyota C-HR

    R/2023/349

    Issued 19 February 2024

    Affected vehicles are equipped with an advanced park system which can be operated remotely by the driver when outside the vehicle using a smartphone application. There is a risk an error may occur in an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) when the finger movements on the smartphone application are stopped or the finger is removed within three seconds after the remote-control function is activated. If this occurs the shift range will be changed from Park to Drive or Reverse and the brakes will be released without any finger operation on the smartphone resulting in the vehicle creeping forward or backward which could increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy:Reprogram the Clearance Sonar Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and Brake Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with modified software.

    Affects cars built Sept 2023 to Dec 2023

11 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Toyota C-HR MOT record

From 101,851 recorded MOT tests, 9.3% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20231,3152.7%20,574 mi
202217,1185.1%22,400 mi
202117,3107.7%30,748 mi
202016,0429.9%38,375 mi
201917,40010.3%45,613 mi
201818,28511.2%54,454 mi
201713,89812.4%59,202 mi
201648313.5%61,456 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements30.7%
  2. A tyre seriously damaged30.3%
  3. Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen15.3%
  4. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm12.1%
  5. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured11.6%

Figures cover every Toyota C-HR tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Toyota C-HR official figures

Median across 33 variants on sale, electricity, electricity / petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy
58.9 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
106 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate
Electric range
345 miles
Manufacturer WLTP figure

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common issues with the Toyota C-HR?

Common issues include problems with the brakes, electrical faults, and suspension wear.

Which model years are most reliable?

The 2019 and 2020 models generally have better reliability ratings.

Is the hybrid version more reliable?

The hybrid version has shown slightly higher reliability, particularly in fuel efficiency.

Sources