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Toyota2016–2024 Critical issues documented

Toyota C-HR: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Toyota C-HR (2016–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 17 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. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Toyota C-HR

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

17

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$400–$950

Typical repair

8

Systems covered

Which Toyota C-HR are you looking at?

4 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Toyota C-HR

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Toyota C-HREngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the C-HR came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Toyota C-HR

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Toyota C-HR before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Confirm recall completion via Toyota's VIN recall checker before purchase.

    See why

    DENSO Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Deformation

    The DENSO-supplied low-pressure fuel pump impeller absorbs petrol and swells, deforming against the pump housing. Reduced fuel flow causes rough running and can result in engine stall at speed with no restart. Toyota issued a safety recall covering 2019–2020 C-HR units fitted with this pump.

    What you would notice

    • Rough or lumpy idle, especially when warm
    • Hesitation or stumble under light acceleration
    • Engine stall at low speed or on deceleration
    • No-restart after stall — engine cranks but does not fire
    • MIL illumination with fuel system lean codes (P0087, P0171)

    Typically $0 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Scan hybrid ECU specifically for P3190, P3191, and P3193 resolver-related codes.

    See why

    MG2 resolver P3190 traction warning fault

    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.

    What you would 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

    Typically $3,800–$9,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Request a hybrid battery health scan (Toyota Techstream or compatible OBD tool that reads block voltages).

    See why

    2ZR-FXE Hybrid Traction Battery Cell Failure

    High-voltage NiMH traction battery packs on the 1.8 hybrid C-HR develop cell imbalance and capacity loss from around 8–10 years or 120,000 km. Individual module failure causes the hybrid system to enter limp mode or shut down entirely. JDM imports arriving in NZ at 5–7 years old can reach this threshold rapidly. Reconditioned packs using pulled Prius cells are the usual repair path; new OEM packs are expensive and often unavailable locally.

    What you would notice

    • Red triangle warning light on dash
    • READY light fails to illuminate after start sequence
    • Significantly reduced fuel economy
    • Hybrid system shuts down mid-drive
    • Battery charge bars fluctuate wildly on MID display

    Typically $2,800–$8,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Pull the oil dipstick and check level and condition.

    See why

    8NR-FTS 1.2T Turbocharged Engine Excessive Oil Consumption

    Early-production 1.2-litre turbocharged C-HR models (8NR-FTS engine) exhibit above-normal oil consumption through piston ring wear, typically manifesting within the first 60,000–80,000 km. Toyota issued a service bulletin addressing piston ring tolerances and updated oil specification requirements. Affected vehicles can consume 1 litre of oil per 2,000–3,000 km. Left unmonitored, low-oil operation causes turbocharger bearing failure and bore scoring.

    What you would notice

    • Oil level dropping noticeably between services
    • Blue-tinged smoke on cold start or hard acceleration
    • Burning oil smell from engine bay after driving
    • Oil fouled spark plugs at service
    • Low oil warning light illuminating between services

    Typically $900–$4,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Request scan tool readout for misfire counters per cylinder.

    See why

    M20A-FKS 2.0 intake valve carbon buildup

    The M20A-FKS 2.0-litre direct injection engine introduced in the NGX50 facelift shares the same port-less GDI architecture as the 8NR-FTS. Without fuel washing the intake valves, carbon deposits build up on valve stems and the rear face of intake valves from around 60,000 km. Symptoms include rough idle, cold-start misfires, and hesitation. Toyota introduced a dual-injection system on some later M20A variants, but the NGX50 fitment retains single GDI, making carbon accumulation a predictable long-term maintenance concern.

    What you would notice

    • Cold start rough idle and stumble
    • Hesitation on light throttle from rest
    • P0300 series misfire codes
    • Reduced fuel economy over time
    • Occasional check engine light

    Typically $900–$1,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect the rubber bush face for cracking, tearing, or separation from the steel sleeve.

    See why

    Front lower arm inner bush failure — highway shimmy

    The front lower control arm inner pivot bush on the C-HR NGX10 and NGX50 is a hydraulic or rubber-bonded bush that is subject to degradation from NZ/AU road conditions. As the bush deteriorates the inner pivot develops play, allowing the control arm to shift fore-aft under braking and acceleration. At highway speed (90-110 km/h) this manifests as a distinct steering shimmy or vibration that is often misdiagnosed as wheel balance or tyre wear. Worn bushes also cause tramlining on grooved road surfaces. The condition typically appears from 60,000-100,000 km.

    What you would notice

    • Steering wheel shimmy or vibration at 90-110 km/h
    • Tramlining — car follows road grooves without driver input
    • Clunking from front suspension over sharp bumps or braking
    • Abnormal front tyre wear on inner or outer edge

    Typically $450–$950 to put right.

See all 17 documented issuesEverything researched for the Toyota C-HR, including 2 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Toyota C-HR has — 17Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling8

01MG2 resolver P3190 traction warning fault

Scan hybrid ECU specifically for P3190, P3191, and P3193 resolver-related codes.hybrid2017 onwardTransmission
OccasionalTransmission $3,800–$9,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

  1. Scan hybrid ECU specifically for P3190, P3191, and P3193 resolver-related codes.
  2. Inspect MG2 resolver wiring harness at transaxle connector for moisture ingress or fretting corrosion.
  3. 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?”

02DENSO Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Deformation

Confirm recall completion via Toyota's VIN recall checker before purchase.petrol2019–2020Engine
CommonEngine $0 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The DENSO-supplied low-pressure fuel pump impeller absorbs petrol and swells, deforming against the pump housing. Reduced fuel flow causes rough running and can result in engine stall at speed with no restart. Toyota issued a safety recall covering 2019–2020 C-HR units fitted with this pump.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough or lumpy idle, especially when warm
  • Hesitation or stumble under light acceleration
  • Engine stall at low speed or on deceleration
  • No-restart after stall — engine cranks but does not fire
  • MIL illumination with fuel system lean codes (P0087, P0171)

What to check

  1. Confirm recall completion via Toyota's VIN recall checker before purchase.
  2. Check for rough idle at operating temperature and any history of stall-and-no-restart events.
  3. Incomplete recall units still circulate in the used-car market.

Where to look: Fuel tank, low-pressure fuel pump module

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the Toyota fuel pump safety recall been completed on this vehicle — do you have the dealer stamp to prove it?”
  • “Has the car ever stalled and refused to restart, or shown rough idle since new?”
  • “Can I run the VIN through Toyota's recall portal before committing to purchase?”

03CVT whine, shudder and premature failure (petrol models)

Test drive from cold if you can.petrol2016–2023Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $4,000–$8,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Petrol first-generation C-HRs (1.2 turbo and 2.0) use a belt-type CVT, and owner forums document a pattern of failures from roughly 75,000–110,000 km on 2018–2021 cars: it typically starts as a whining noise from the front, then shudder on take-off, slipping and eventually a transmission that needs replacement. Toyota issued TSBs adjusting shift logic and torque converter behaviour, but out-of-warranty owners have faced full replacement bills. Fresh OEM CVT fluid at sensible intervals is the main defence. The hybrid uses a different e-CVT and does not share this fault.

Symptoms to notice

  • Whining or droning noise from the front that rises with road speed
  • Shudder or judder accelerating from a stop
  • Revs flaring without acceleration (slipping)
  • Hesitation or jerky response pulling out of junctions

What to check

Test drive from cold if you can. Accelerate gently from a stop feeling for shudder, then hold 60–80 km/h and listen for a whine over the road noise (turn the stereo off). Try a brisk overtaking-style acceleration and watch whether revs and speed rise together. Ask for CVT fluid service invoices — a petrol C-HR past 100,000 km with no fluid change deserves a transmission-shop inspection before you commit.

Where to look: CVT transmission on the front of the engine, under the engine bay

Parts involved: Torque converter, Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the CVT fluid ever been changed — is there an invoice?”
  • “Any whining noises or shudder pulling away, even occasionally?”
  • “Has the transmission ever been repaired, replaced or had software updates?”

048NR-FTS 1.2T Turbocharged Engine Excessive Oil Consumption

Pull the oil dipstick and check level and condition.petrol2016–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05M20A-FKS 2.0 intake valve carbon buildup

Request scan tool readout for misfire counters per cylinder.petrol2020 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

06Hybrid PCU Inverter Electric Coolant Pump Failure

With the engine warm, listen near the firewall for the inverter coolant pump — a functioning pump produces a faint whirring.hybrid2016–2023Cooling
OccasionalCooling $550–$1,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The ZYX11 C-HR Hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU/inverter) relies on a dedicated electric coolant pump to prevent the power electronics from overheating during operation. These pumps use brushless motors that can fail from bearing wear or impeller cavitation, triggering a thermal protection shutdown of the hybrid drive system. Failure leaves the vehicle in reduced-power limp mode or fully stranded if the PCU reaches its thermal limit.

Symptoms to notice

  • Red triangle warning light combined with 'Check Hybrid System' message on the multi-information display
  • Sudden loss of electric drive assist, particularly under sustained load
  • Hybrid system entering limp mode or refusing to enter READY mode
  • Inverter coolant reservoir found low without obvious external leak
  • Stored DTC codes related to PCU temperature or inverter overcurrent (P0A93, P3000)

What to check

With the engine warm, listen near the firewall for the inverter coolant pump — a functioning pump produces a faint whirring. Techstream) to check for stored codes MG2 or INV coolant codes. Check the inverter coolant reservoir level and condition — low or discoloured fluid may indicate a system problem. If a workshop inspection is possible: Use a Toyota-compatible OBD adapter (e.g.

Where to look: Hybrid PCU inverter coolant circuit, pump typically mounted near the firewall or under the bonnet near the PCU

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 'Check Hybrid System' warning ever appeared, and if so what was the diagnosis and repair?”
  • “Has the inverter coolant pump ever been replaced or the hybrid cooling system serviced?”
  • “Can I see a Techstream health check showing no stored or pending hybrid system fault codes?”

078NR-FTS turbo boost hose splits at intercooler outlet

petrol2017–2023Engine
OccasionalEngine $250–$550 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 8NR-FTS 1.2T engine routes charged air from the intercooler to the throttle body via a moulded silicone or rubber boost hose secured with a metal clamp at the intercooler outlet. This hose and its clamp are subject to heat cycling fatigue and vibration. The hose splits longitudinally or pulls off the intercooler spigot at the clamp, causing a sudden loss of boost pressure. The ECU detects the drop and enters a reduced-power protection mode (limp mode). The failure is often audible as a brief hiss followed by loss of throttle response. If undetected, running in limp mode stresses other boost system components.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden loss of power accompanied by brief hissing sound
  • Engine enters reduced-power limp mode
  • P0299 (turbocharger underboost) or P0234 (overboost) fault codes
  • Audible boost leak hiss from engine bay under acceleration

What to check

With engine cold, inspect the boost hose between the intercooler outlet and throttle body for longitudinal cracks, softening, or separation at the clamp. Check the clamp is tight and that the hose bead is fully seated on the intercooler spigot. Apply a smoke test to the intake system to confirm boost integrity.

Where to look: Front of engine bay — intercooler outlet to throttle body boost hose and retaining clamp

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle ever shown a reduced-power warning or limp mode?”
  • “Any fault codes relating to turbo boost or P0299 stored?”
  • “Has the boost hose or intercooler clamp ever been replaced?”

08CVTi-HR Transmission Shudder Under Light Load

Drive the vehicle on a flat road at a steady 50–60 km/h with very light throttle pressure.petrol2016–2023Transmission
CommonTransmission $220–$650 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The C-HR's CVTi-HR continuously variable transmission can develop a low-frequency shudder or vibration under light throttle at cruising speeds (40–70 km/h), caused by degradation of the CVT fluid's friction modifier additives or belt-pulley slip under marginal load conditions. Toyota issued revised fluid specifications and extended fluid-change intervals have been implicated in accelerating the condition. Early fluid replacement typically resolves the symptom before mechanical damage occurs.

Symptoms to notice

  • Low-frequency vibration or shudder felt through the floor and seat at 40–70 km/h under light throttle
  • Shudder disappears when throttle is either increased or released completely
  • Symptom more pronounced when transmission is cold or semi-warm
  • No warning lights or fault codes in early stages
  • Transmission fluid may smell slightly burnt or appear discoloured if degradation is advanced

What to check

  1. Drive the vehicle on a flat road at a steady 50–60 km/h with very light throttle pressure.
  2. Any vibration or shudder that appears and fades when throttle is slightly increased indicates belt slip or fluid degradation.
  3. Check service records for CVT fluid change history — fluid should be changed every 40,000–60,000 km in real-world NZ driving conditions despite Toyota's 'lifetime' claim on some variants.

Where to look: CVT transmission unit, transaxle

Ask the seller

  • “Has the CVT transmission fluid ever been changed, and if so at what mileage?”
  • “Has any shudder or vibration been felt through the car when cruising at highway speeds under light throttle?”
  • “Has the transmission ever been inspected or serviced by a Toyota dealer for drivability concerns?”
Electrical4

012ZR-FXE Hybrid Traction Battery Cell Failure

Request a hybrid battery health scan (Toyota Techstream or compatible OBD tool that reads block voltages).hybrid2016 onwardElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

0212V auxiliary battery drain causes Ready lockout

Inspect the battery age label — replace if over 5 years.hybrid2017 onwardElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Multimedia unit faults — failed map updates, freezes and recall replacement

2024 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $0–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

  1. 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.
  2. Ask whether the multimedia recall/software campaign has been carried out and whether the unit has ever been replaced.
  3. 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?”

0412V auxiliary battery drain and flat batteries (hybrid)

Ask how often the car is driven and whether it has ever needed a jump start — hesitation in the answer is telling.hybrid2016–2023Electrical
Very commonElectrical $250–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

First-generation hybrid C-HRs use a small 45Ah 12V auxiliary battery that many owners find goes flat after just a day or two parked, and often needs replacing around every two years. The car's electronics (including the DCM telematics module in some cars) draw constant current, and the small battery only charges while the car is in READY mode. A flat 12V battery means the hybrid won't start at all even though the big traction battery is fine. Forum consensus is the problem largely disappeared on cars built from around 2022; many owners fit a higher-capacity 52Ah battery as the fix.

Symptoms to notice

  • Car completely dead after sitting a few days — no dash lights, won't unlock properly
  • Needs jump-packs or trickle charging if not driven regularly
  • Sluggish start-up screens or electrical gremlins after short trips
  • Battery replaced more than once in the car's history

What to check

  1. Ask how often the car is driven and whether it has ever needed a jump start — hesitation in the answer is telling.
  2. Check the 12V battery (in the boot area/engine bay depending on build) for a date label or a non-original brand indicating it has already been replaced.
  3. Look in the boot for a jump-pack or trickle charger, which suggests a known problem.
  4. If possible have the 12V battery load-tested at a battery shop before purchase.

Where to look: 12V auxiliary battery — check both the engine bay and the boot area depending on variant

Parts involved: 12V battery.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever gone flat and needed a jump start?”
  • “How old is the 12V battery and has it been upgraded to a bigger one?”
  • “Is the car driven regularly or does it sit for days at a time?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

01Front lower arm inner bush failure — highway shimmy

Inspect the rubber bush face for cracking, tearing, or separation from the steel sleeve.petrol2017 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $450–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front lower control arm inner pivot bush on the C-HR NGX10 and NGX50 is a hydraulic or rubber-bonded bush that is subject to degradation from NZ/AU road conditions. As the bush deteriorates the inner pivot develops play, allowing the control arm to shift fore-aft under braking and acceleration. At highway speed (90-110 km/h) this manifests as a distinct steering shimmy or vibration that is often misdiagnosed as wheel balance or tyre wear. Worn bushes also cause tramlining on grooved road surfaces. The condition typically appears from 60,000-100,000 km.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Steering wheel shimmy or vibration at 90-110 km/h
  • Tramlining — car follows road grooves without driver input
  • Clunking from front suspension over sharp bumps or braking
  • Abnormal front tyre wear on inner or outer edge

What to check

  1. Inspect the rubber bush face for cracking, tearing, or separation from the steel sleeve.
  2. Check front tyre wear pattern for uneven wear indicating alignment drift.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grasp the lower control arm and lever it fore-aft — any perceptible movement at the inner pivot indicates bush failure.

Where to look: Front lower control arm, inner pivot bush (subframe mounting point, both sides)

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle had a front wheel alignment in the last 20,000 km?”
  • “Any steering vibration or shimmy at highway speed reported?”
  • “Have the front control arm bushes ever been inspected or replaced?”

02Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Premature Wear

Lift front of vehicle and grasp each front wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock positions — check for vertical play.2016 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $400–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The C-HR's lowered, sporty front suspension geometry places elevated load on the lower control arm ball joints. Wear is accelerated by NZ road conditions and is frequently cited as a WoF failure point on vehicles from 80,000 km onward. The ball joint is integrated into the lower arm on most build dates, requiring full arm replacement rather than a press-fit joint repair. Both sides typically wear at similar rates.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking from front suspension over bumps
  • Vague steering or wandering at highway speed
  • Uneven tyre wear on front axle
  • WoF rejection for excessive ball joint play
  • Pulling to one side under braking

What to check

  1. Lift front of vehicle and grasp each front wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock positions — check for vertical play.
  2. Inspect lower ball joint boot for splitting or grease contamination.
  3. Check for rust on control arm at ball joint mount.
  4. Any measurable vertical play exceeds NZ WoF tolerance.

Where to look: Front lower control arm, ball joint at wheel hub end (both sides)

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle recently passed a WoF without suspension advisory notes?”
  • “Have any suspension components been replaced?”

03Parking Support Brake activates unintentionally in reverse with towbar or bike rack (recall)

hybrid2024 onwardBrakes
OccasionalBrakes $0–$150 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Second-generation C-HR hybrids built May 2023–May 2024 (about 2,348 cars in Australia) were recalled because the Parking Support Brake (PKSB) software defaults to ON when reverse is selected: with a trailer, towball-mounted bike rack or carrier fitted, the sensors see the load as an obstacle and the car slams its own brakes on while reversing. The fix is a free software update at a Toyota dealer taking around an hour. Annoying rather than dangerous in a driveway, but a genuine hazard reversing across a road or boat ramp, and an unfixed car will keep doing it.

Symptoms to notice

  • Car brakes hard by itself the moment reverse is selected with a bike rack or trailer attached
  • PKSB/obstacle warning chime and message with nothing actually behind
  • Owner has taken to switching PKSB off manually every drive

What to check

Run the VIN through the Toyota recall lookup and ask for dealer paperwork showing the PKSB software update (recall code ZGG85 in some markets) has been done. If the car has a towbar fitted, ask directly whether it ever self-brakes in reverse. On the test drive, select reverse a few times and confirm no phantom braking or obstacle warnings occur on an empty driveway.

Where to look: Software fault — parking sensors in rear bumper trigger the brakes; no physical part to inspect

Ask the seller

  • “Has the PKSB software recall been completed at a dealer?”
  • “Do you tow or use a bike rack — has the car ever braked itself in reverse?”
  • “Are there any outstanding recalls on the VIN?”

04Exhaust Heat Shield Fastener Corrosion and Rattle

Look for broken spot-welds, corroded or missing fasteners, and shields that have separated partially from their mounting tabs.2016–2023Body & Rust
Very commonBody & Rust $80–$350 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The underfloor exhaust heat shields on the NGX50 and ZYX11 C-HR are secured with small bolts and pressed clips that are prone to corrosion in NZ/AU conditions, particularly in areas with road salt or gravel chip exposure. Loose shields produce a metallic rattle from underneath the car that is loudest during cold start and at idle, often misdiagnosed as a more serious drivetrain fault. The shield itself is rarely structural but the rattle can be persistent and difficult to locate precisely.

Symptoms to notice

  • Metallic rattling from underneath the car, loudest on cold start
  • Rattle diminishes or disappears as exhaust warms up and expands
  • Sound changes pitch when exhaust load increases (acceleration vs. idle)
  • Rattle may be audible at a specific RPM range (typically 1,000–1,800 rpm)
  • No power loss or warning lights associated with the noise

What to check

Look for broken spot-welds, corroded or missing fasteners, and shields that have separated partially from their mounting tabs. The catalyst heat shield and the rear muffler shield are the most common failure points on C-HR. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, physically push and rattle each heat shield panel by hand.

Where to look: Underfloor exhaust heat shields — primarily mid-pipe and catalytic converter sections

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has any rattling from underneath the car ever been investigated or fixed?”
  • “Have the underfloor heat shields been inspected for loose or corroded fasteners?”
Fluid leaks1

018NR-FTS Turbocharger Shaft Seal Oil Ingestion

Check the intercooler outlet pipe for the same.petrol2016–2023Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $2,200–$5,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 8NR-FTS 1.2T turbocharger uses oil-lubricated shaft bearings with elastomeric seals that are prone to degradation beyond 80,000 km or under sustained high-load or infrequent oil-change conditions. Worn seals allow engine oil to migrate into both the intake and exhaust paths. If untreated, the resulting oil burning accelerates catalytic converter failure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Blue-grey smoke from exhaust on cold start, fading after warm-up
  • Progressive oil consumption requiring top-ups between services
  • Oily residue or carbon deposits inside intercooler piping
  • Acrid burning oil smell from engine bay after spirited driving
  • Oil fouling of spark plugs causing misfire codes

What to check

  1. Check the intercooler outlet pipe for the same.
  2. Inspect the exhaust tailpipe — blue-grey smoke on startup that clears is the classic sign.
  3. Check the PCV system is not over-pressurising the crankcase.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the intake pipe from the compressor inlet and inspect the inside of the turbo compressor housing for oily residue or carbon-oil deposits.

Where to look: Turbocharger centre housing, between compressor and turbine wheels

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the oil consumption ever required top-ups between scheduled services, and how often?”
  • “Has the turbocharger or any turbo seals or piping ever been replaced or investigated?”
  • “What oil specification and change interval has been used — was it always the Toyota-specified 0W-20 fully synthetic?”

Toyota C-HR faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

12V auxiliary battery drain causes Ready lockoutMajor · Electrical2ZR-FXE Hybrid Traction Battery Cell FailureMajor · Electrical8NR-FTS 1.2T Turbocharged Engine Excessive Oil ConsumptionMajor · EngineM20A-FKS 2.0 intake valve carbon buildupMajor · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Toyota C-HR’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Toyota models

Toyota Prado64 documented faultsToyota RAV463 documented faultsToyota Hilux59 documented faultsToyota Celica17 documented faultsToyota LC8017 documented faultsToyota Land Cruiser 30016 documented faults

Toyota C-HR buyer questions

Is the Toyota C-HR reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 17 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?

We've catalogued 17 known faults for the Toyota C-HR, covering transmission, engine, and electrical. All 17 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Toyota C-HR?

Most single repairs on the Toyota C-HR fall between $400–$950 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 17 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.