Toyota is recalling around 10,000 electric C-HR vehicles in North America after discovering a software issue that could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power while driving.
The recall affects certain 2026 Toyota C-HR EV models and involves the vehicle’s regenerative braking system. Toyota says that under specific conditions, the system can cause the high-voltage battery to become overcharged, potentially triggering a shutdown of the electric drive system.
The issue is particularly relevant when the battery has a high state of charge or is fully charged.
The all-electric Toyota C-HR is one of three electric SUVs the automaker now offers in North America, joining the updated Toyota bZ and bZ Woodland.
The C-HR EV went on sale earlier in 2026 as a smaller and sportier alternative to Toyota’s larger electric SUVs, with a starting price of around $37,000.
However, the new electric crossover is already facing its first safety recall.
Toyota has issued a recall for certain 2026 C-HR EV vehicles because of a software glitch affecting the regenerative braking system. Under certain conditions, the system can potentially overcharge the vehicle’s battery.
If that occurs, the electric drive system may shut down, resulting in a loss of propulsion while the vehicle is being driven.
A sudden loss of power can create an obvious safety risk, particularly when traveling at higher speeds or in heavy traffic.
Toyota Will Fix the C-HR EV Software for Free
The fix does not require replacement of the battery or other major components.
Owners of affected vehicles will be able to take their C-HR EV to a Toyota dealership, where technicians will update the software for the battery electronic control unit (ECU).
Toyota is expected to begin notifying owners in early November 2026.
The recall has not yet appeared on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database, meaning additional details—including the precise number of vehicles affected and production dates—are still limited.
Could the Recall Affect Toyota C-HR+ Models in Europe?
The issue could potentially extend beyond North America.
Toyota sells the C-HR+ electric crossover in Europe, the UK and other international markets. The C-HR+ is closely related to the C-HR EV sold in North America, with the “+” designation primarily used for the European-market version.
Toyota has not yet confirmed whether the same software issue affects C-HR+ vehicles outside North America. More information could emerge as the recall is formally published and additional markets assess the problem.
For now, owners should wait for official notification rather than assume their vehicle is affected.
How to Check if a Toyota C-HR EV Is Recalled
Toyota owners can check whether their vehicle is included in the recall through the automaker’s recall lookup tool. Vehicle identification information, such as the VIN, can be used to determine whether a particular vehicle is affected.
Affected owners can also contact Toyota’s Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for additional information.
Once the recall is published, the NHTSA recall database will provide another way for U.S. owners to check their vehicle.
