Thinking about buying a used Toyota C-HR (2016–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 19 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
19
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,400
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Toyota C-HR faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01MG2 resolver P3190 traction warning fault
CriticalOccasionalTransmission $3,800–$9,500 to fix
The ZYX10 hybrid transaxle uses a 2ZR-FXE powertrain with a motor-generator resolver ring (MG2) to track rotor position in the rear drive motor. The resolver exciter ring or its wiring harness connector corrodes or cracks, causing the hybrid ECU to log fault code P3190 (motor generator MG2 speed sensor malfunction). The powertrain enters a degraded mode, illuminating the master warning triangle and disabling traction. In some cases the vehicle will not enter Ready mode at all. Repair ranges from resolver ring replacement to full transaxle overhaul depending on internal damage.
Symptoms to notice
Master warning triangle and VSC/traction warning lights illuminate simultaneously
Fault code P3190 stored in hybrid ECU
Vehicle enters limp mode or refuses to engage Ready mode
Power output intermittently restricted during acceleration
What to check
Scan hybrid ECU specifically for P3190, P3191, and P3193 resolver-related codes. Inspect MG2 resolver wiring harness at transaxle connector for moisture ingress or fretting corrosion. Have a Toyota-trained technician confirm resolver ring integrity before purchase.
Where to look: Hybrid transaxle (front engine bay), MG2 resolver ring and associated wiring loom
Ask the seller
“Has the vehicle ever shown a master warning light or traction warning?”
“Has a hybrid system scan been carried out in the last 12 months?”
“Any prior transaxle or hybrid battery work documented?”
02Multimedia unit faults — failed map updates, freezes and recall replacement
MinorOccasionalElectrical $0–$1,800 to fix
Early second-generation C-HRs have documented problems with the new multimedia/infotainment unit: map updates that fail or brick the navigation, freezing or unresponsive screens, and connectivity dropouts. UK owners report dealers confirming a recall/service campaign on the multimedia unit, with some units reflashed and others replaced outright under warranty. In warranty it is free but can mean days at the dealer; out of warranty a replacement head unit is expensive, so verify the campaign has been done and everything works before buying.
Symptoms to notice
Touchscreen freezes or reboots itself while driving
Map updates fail to install or navigation shows outdated/blank maps
Bluetooth or wireless CarPlay/Android Auto dropping out
Reversing camera slow to appear or blank
What to check
Spend five minutes using the screen at the car: pair your phone, run CarPlay/Android Auto, open the navigation, and put it in reverse to check the camera comes up promptly. Ask whether the multimedia recall/software campaign has been carried out and whether the unit has ever been replaced. Check the software/map version in the settings menu and ask the dealer to confirm no campaigns are outstanding against the VIN.
Where to look: Central touchscreen multimedia unit in the dashboard
Ask the seller
“Has the multimedia unit had its recall/software campaign done, or been replaced?”
“Do map updates install successfully?”
“Any screen freezes or phone connection dropouts?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
ElectricalMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMinor
ElectricalMinor
Body & RustCosmetic
17 more documented faults on the Toyota C-HR
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 19 documented faults for the Toyota C-HR, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and electrical. A Toyota C-HR with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota C-HR?
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We've catalogued 19 known faults for the Toyota C-HR, covering transmission, engine, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota C-HR?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota C-HR fall between $400–$1,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 19 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota C-HR?
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Yes. A Toyota C-HR inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.