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2021 Toyota C-HR Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2021 Toyota C-HR Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2021 Toyota C-HR has 34 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.4/ 10

Based on 34 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

6 17.6%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 14.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 14.7%

SEAT BELTS

3 8.8%

AIR BAGS

2 5.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 17.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 16 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Toyota C-HR

The 2021 Toyota C-HR has 34 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 18% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2021 Toyota C-HR are POWER TRAIN (6), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 12 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Toyota C-HR?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2020 C-HR complaints2022 C-HR complaints2019 C-HR complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 16 of 16 systems

POWER TRAIN

6 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

incorrect programming - ECU

11/14/2021

Transmission failure. Required service visits always on time with no indication of any problems. After a noticeable change in the vehicle drive and noise from the engine, the vehicle was immediately brought to the dealer service center for inspection. The dealer confirmed transmission malfunction. The dealer refused to extend the warranty which would cover a good portion of the cost. Instead they suggested full out of pocket replacement or trade and buy. Despite all this, the monthly car payment is still my responsibility. Unfortunately being a one income household, I am unable to replace or buy a replacement vehicle. After some online investigation, the transmission issue is common and documented issues in the US and CAN. In my opinion, Toyota has done nothing to remedy the known transmission issues and has total disregard for the customer. At this point, all I need is a reliable car before I return to my job as a teacher's assistance..... before school is back in session. Thank you for your time and support. I look forward to hearing from you!

6/23/2025

4 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

REAR WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED IN THE MID-DAY SUN, ALONG ENTIRE LENGTH OF BOTH SIDES OF THE WINDSHIELD. CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN SEVERAL DAYS, AND WAS SITTING STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME. NO EVIDENCE OF DISTURBANCE IN THE SURROUNDING AREA.

3/29/2021

incorrect programming - ECU

11/14/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I purchased the car in April of 2021 and by the end of the month it was in the shop because it was consuming way to much fuel I’ve been back to the dealer since for this matter many times as well as many time for other safety defects like the lane keeping assist taking over and forcing me into opposite lanes of traffic and my finance manager noticed that the vehicle was mile jumping. I have been back for the above mentioned issues and safety concerns and the only response I have gotten so far is that the vehicle is operating as designed and final do not come back you are causing unnecessary problems and issues

6/12/2021

While driving my vehicle and with small children present on 11/18/21 the vehicle suddenly force brakes with the forward collision warning there was nothing forward of me and this incident nearly causes a rear end accident since this incident i keep getting forwarded warnings where there are none

11/20/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Hood latch keeps coming unlocked and is only noticeableat highway speed. Drivers seat belt lockes up when tension feature is not necessary. Both problems may cause an accident wich may cause serious injuryor death apon impact.

10/16/2022

My Chr Toyota 2021 has many issues, seat belt lock I have a pair of scissors just in case, usb don't work correctly, windshield wipers gets stuck right in the middle, brakes noise, back seat rug detaching from the floor, radio, Bluetooth, front seats move forward by it self creating a safety hazard condition, I am afraid of my driver seat move forward and get me against the steering wheel and kill me, etc. I raised a complaint to Toyota Headquarters and they prepared everything for a Lemon Law , last Monday June 5th we have a mediation with Ndcs and Toyota, and my case was denied because at any given time that I have taking my vehicle to South Dade Toyota in Homestead the service dept. Manager [XXX] refused to document the issues and only offer car wash. Since my paper work from the Dealer is limited they denied my case don't taking in consideration my and my family safety. My vehicle was at the dealer order by Toyota Headquarters were the Dealer offer me a car loaner for them to keep my Chr and try to repair , next day around 11.30 am I received a phone call from the Dealer and [XXX] that they couldn't find none of my complaints and in all the time the car was there they only drove 2 miles. Same situation I have to ask [XXX] for the copies of the " services that never was done" I was at the Dealer and someone there told me that since Chr has been a bad and wrong way manufactured the CHR HAS BEEN DISCOUNTINUED. I can't force this employees to give me complaints visit documents, and this is the reason why they have denied my complaint . Please guide me, appreciated you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

6/10/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

AIR BAGS

2 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE 9TH OF APRIL 2021 AT 06:45AM ON OUR COMPANY'S CAR PARK, THIRD LEVEL. AS I WAS PARKING THE TOYOTA CHR, I'M FULLY AWARE THAT I'M JUST LIGHTLY STEPPING ON THE GAS LIKE WHAT I'M DOING WHEN I'M PARKING THE CAR EVERYTIME I GO TO WORK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP. IT HAPPEN SO FAST AND WITHIN A SHORT DISTANCE I CRASHED ON THE WALL. I TRIED TO BACK UP AND IT REVVED UP BACKWARD AGAIN AND HIT THE REAR OF ANOTHER CAR. I TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD BY STEPPING LIGHTLY ON THE GAS AND IT ACCELERATES SO FAST FORWARD AGAIN UNTIL I HIT THE WALL AND SOMEBODY RAN OVER AND HELP ME OUT OF THE CAR. EVERYTHING HAPPEN QUICKLY THAT'S WHY I WAS IN SHOCK. I KNOW VERY WELL SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BECAUSE I PARK THE SAME WAY EVERYTIME I GO TO WORK AND NOTHING HAPPEN. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND SO WAS THE CAR THAT WAS HIT WHEN IT BACKED UP.

4/16/2021

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, while depressing the brake pedal the failed to stop and the vehicle and crashed into a brick mailbox. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed, and the front driver side seat belt failed to retract. The contact sustained injuries on his neck and back and sought medical attention at a nearby hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed impound lot. The contact was informed by the impound lot, that the cause of the brake failure was due to the bolt being loose on the A-frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front passenger air bag wire harness and the Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

8/29/2023

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I purchased the car in April of 2021 and by the end of the month it was in the shop because it was consuming way to much fuel I’ve been back to the dealer since for this matter many times as well as many time for other safety defects like the lane keeping assist taking over and forcing me into opposite lanes of traffic and my finance manager noticed that the vehicle was mile jumping. I have been back for the above mentioned issues and safety concerns and the only response I have gotten so far is that the vehicle is operating as designed and final do not come back you are causing unnecessary problems and issues

6/12/2021

this 21 chr has developed low idell at a signal light just like my 2019 corolla and the dealership said nothing was wrong with it after 4 visits, now it has a recall on it and i know longer have it after it died at a signal light.does the 21 chr have the same low pressure fuel pump.

4/22/2023

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

My Chr Toyota 2021 has many issues, seat belt lock I have a pair of scissors just in case, usb don't work correctly, windshield wipers gets stuck right in the middle, brakes noise, back seat rug detaching from the floor, radio, Bluetooth, front seats move forward by it self creating a safety hazard condition, I am afraid of my driver seat move forward and get me against the steering wheel and kill me, etc. I raised a complaint to Toyota Headquarters and they prepared everything for a Lemon Law , last Monday June 5th we have a mediation with Ndcs and Toyota, and my case was denied because at any given time that I have taking my vehicle to South Dade Toyota in Homestead the service dept. Manager [XXX] refused to document the issues and only offer car wash. Since my paper work from the Dealer is limited they denied my case don't taking in consideration my and my family safety. My vehicle was at the dealer order by Toyota Headquarters were the Dealer offer me a car loaner for them to keep my Chr and try to repair , next day around 11.30 am I received a phone call from the Dealer and [XXX] that they couldn't find none of my complaints and in all the time the car was there they only drove 2 miles. Same situation I have to ask [XXX] for the copies of the " services that never was done" I was at the Dealer and someone there told me that since Chr has been a bad and wrong way manufactured the CHR HAS BEEN DISCOUNTINUED. I can't force this employees to give me complaints visit documents, and this is the reason why they have denied my complaint . Please guide me, appreciated you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

6/10/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, while depressing the brake pedal the failed to stop and the vehicle and crashed into a brick mailbox. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed, and the front driver side seat belt failed to retract. The contact sustained injuries on his neck and back and sought medical attention at a nearby hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed impound lot. The contact was informed by the impound lot, that the cause of the brake failure was due to the bolt being loose on the A-frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front passenger air bag wire harness and the Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

8/29/2023

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE 9TH OF APRIL 2021 AT 06:45AM ON OUR COMPANY'S CAR PARK, THIRD LEVEL. AS I WAS PARKING THE TOYOTA CHR, I'M FULLY AWARE THAT I'M JUST LIGHTLY STEPPING ON THE GAS LIKE WHAT I'M DOING WHEN I'M PARKING THE CAR EVERYTIME I GO TO WORK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP. IT HAPPEN SO FAST AND WITHIN A SHORT DISTANCE I CRASHED ON THE WALL. I TRIED TO BACK UP AND IT REVVED UP BACKWARD AGAIN AND HIT THE REAR OF ANOTHER CAR. I TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD BY STEPPING LIGHTLY ON THE GAS AND IT ACCELERATES SO FAST FORWARD AGAIN UNTIL I HIT THE WALL AND SOMEBODY RAN OVER AND HELP ME OUT OF THE CAR. EVERYTHING HAPPEN QUICKLY THAT'S WHY I WAS IN SHOCK. I KNOW VERY WELL SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BECAUSE I PARK THE SAME WAY EVERYTIME I GO TO WORK AND NOTHING HAPPEN. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND SO WAS THE CAR THAT WAS HIT WHEN IT BACKED UP.

4/16/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE 9TH OF APRIL 2021 AT 06:45AM ON OUR COMPANY'S CAR PARK, THIRD LEVEL. AS I WAS PARKING THE TOYOTA CHR, I'M FULLY AWARE THAT I'M JUST LIGHTLY STEPPING ON THE GAS LIKE WHAT I'M DOING WHEN I'M PARKING THE CAR EVERYTIME I GO TO WORK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP. IT HAPPEN SO FAST AND WITHIN A SHORT DISTANCE I CRASHED ON THE WALL. I TRIED TO BACK UP AND IT REVVED UP BACKWARD AGAIN AND HIT THE REAR OF ANOTHER CAR. I TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD BY STEPPING LIGHTLY ON THE GAS AND IT ACCELERATES SO FAST FORWARD AGAIN UNTIL I HIT THE WALL AND SOMEBODY RAN OVER AND HELP ME OUT OF THE CAR. EVERYTHING HAPPEN QUICKLY THAT'S WHY I WAS IN SHOCK. I KNOW VERY WELL SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BECAUSE I PARK THE SAME WAY EVERYTIME I GO TO WORK AND NOTHING HAPPEN. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND SO WAS THE CAR THAT WAS HIT WHEN IT BACKED UP.

4/16/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I purchased the car in April of 2021 and by the end of the month it was in the shop because it was consuming way to much fuel I’ve been back to the dealer since for this matter many times as well as many time for other safety defects like the lane keeping assist taking over and forcing me into opposite lanes of traffic and my finance manager noticed that the vehicle was mile jumping. I have been back for the above mentioned issues and safety concerns and the only response I have gotten so far is that the vehicle is operating as designed and final do not come back you are causing unnecessary problems and issues

6/12/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving my vehicle and with small children present on 11/18/21 the vehicle suddenly force brakes with the forward collision warning there was nothing forward of me and this incident nearly causes a rear end accident since this incident i keep getting forwarded warnings where there are none

11/20/2021

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in inclement weather, the driver's and passenger's side front and rear windows became foggy. The contact activated the defroster; however, she was not able to see through the windows. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the vehicle performed as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

5/4/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that upon having the windshield replaced, the technician was unable to connect the LTA, RTA, and the pre-collision system. The contact stated that the LTA, RTA, and Pre-Collision system intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the system needed to be recalibrated. The contact was then informed that the vehicle was repaired; however, after the contact retrieved the vehicle, the warning lights failed to operate as designed. The dealer was then notified, and the contact was informed that the failure could potentially be due to the windshield. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,529.

1/24/2023

SEATS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My Chr Toyota 2021 has many issues, seat belt lock I have a pair of scissors just in case, usb don't work correctly, windshield wipers gets stuck right in the middle, brakes noise, back seat rug detaching from the floor, radio, Bluetooth, front seats move forward by it self creating a safety hazard condition, I am afraid of my driver seat move forward and get me against the steering wheel and kill me, etc. I raised a complaint to Toyota Headquarters and they prepared everything for a Lemon Law , last Monday June 5th we have a mediation with Ndcs and Toyota, and my case was denied because at any given time that I have taking my vehicle to South Dade Toyota in Homestead the service dept. Manager [XXX] refused to document the issues and only offer car wash. Since my paper work from the Dealer is limited they denied my case don't taking in consideration my and my family safety. My vehicle was at the dealer order by Toyota Headquarters were the Dealer offer me a car loaner for them to keep my Chr and try to repair , next day around 11.30 am I received a phone call from the Dealer and [XXX] that they couldn't find none of my complaints and in all the time the car was there they only drove 2 miles. Same situation I have to ask [XXX] for the copies of the " services that never was done" I was at the Dealer and someone there told me that since Chr has been a bad and wrong way manufactured the CHR HAS BEEN DISCOUNTINUED. I can't force this employees to give me complaints visit documents, and this is the reason why they have denied my complaint . Please guide me, appreciated you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

6/10/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owned a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, she collided with a deer attempting to cross the freeway. The contact stated that the collision was the result of the pre-collision avoidance system failing to activate. Both driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a tow yard, where it remained. The contact reported that two individuals were treated for injuries following the accident. The driver sustained whiplash, two herniated discs, a torn meniscus, and a torn retina. The passenger sustained whiplash and various other unspecified injuries. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and was deemed a total loss as a result of the collision. After investigating the issue, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V107000 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 30,000.

6/13/2023

ENGINE

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the message "Service Vehicle Now" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.

1/24/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota C-HR?

The most reported complaint category for the 2021 Toyota C-HR is POWER TRAIN, with 6 owner reports. That is about 18% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota C-HR a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 12 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Toyota C-HR?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota C-HR severe?

12 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota C-HR: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
34
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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