Toyota Recalls 8,521 C-HR EVs: A Software Error That Can Cut Power on the Road

Toyota is recalling 8,521 model-year 2026 C-HR electric vehicles in the United States because a software error in the battery-electric vehicle control unit could cause the high-voltage battery to be managed incorrectly under certain driving conditions. In the worst case, the battery could become overcharged and the electric drive system could shut down, leaving the vehicle unable to provide propulsion. The recall covers certain C-HR EVs built between February 6 and July 10, 2026.

The C-HR is not the only Toyota-related EV hit by this kind of issue in 2026. In June, a separate recall covered 20,991 model-year 2026 Toyota bZ, Lexus RZ and Subaru Solterra electric vehicles because of a separate battery-control problem that could also cause the electric drive system to shut down while driving. Together the two campaigns cover 29,512 vehicles. The two recalls should not be treated as the same defect, since Toyota has not confirmed they share a root cause — but the pattern is clear: on these EVs, battery-management software is now a safety-critical system, and a software error can strand a car as surely as a mechanical failure.

Toyota has also dealt with charging-related software issues outside these safety recalls. In July, the automaker released information concerning DC fast-charging errors affecting the 2026 bZ, bZ Woodland and electric C-HR. Owners of an affected C-HR should check their VIN, watch for a dealer remedy notice, and treat any sudden loss of propulsion warning as a reason to pull over safely and contact a dealer rather than continuing to drive on a possibly overcharged pack.