32 of the
669 complaints filed about the Toyota C-Hr
are about the braking system —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving over a bumpy road surface, the message "See Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V717000 (Parking Brake). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that recall repairs were a one-time, free-of-charge service, and any additional related failures would be repaired at the owner's expense. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TO: CarMax Corporate Relations Attn: Jennifer Sheppard, AVP Customer Service Excellence 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway Richmond, VA 23238 [XXX] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Vehicle: 2020 Toyota C-HR 4D Sport Utility VIN: [XXX] Subject: Formal Safety Complaint, Inspection Failure, and Demand for Buyback To the Representatives of CarMax Corporate and NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a severe safety incident and a gross failure of the CarMax Certified Quality Inspection process. The negligence displayed by the CarMax Orlando staff not only violated the terms of our purchase contract but actively endangered my life and the lives of others on the road. 1. Timeline of Events and Staff Negligence On 04/30/2026, I purchased the above-referenced vehicle from CarMax Orlando. Upon attempting a test drive, I was denied by sales consultant Boris Iniquez, who stated the vehicle could not be driven until it was cleaned. On 05/01/2026, I took delivery and immediately noticed the brakes were non-responsive and emitting a loud "air brake" sound. I returned to the dealership on 05/02/2026. Mr. Iniquez performed a ride-along, personally witnessed the brake malfunction, and was informed of my immediate need to drive 450 miles to Atlanta, GA, for my role as a Site Inspector. Rather than providing a safe loaner or grounded vehicle, Mr. Iniquez and the acting manager explicitly instructed me to drive the vehicle to Atlanta, asserting that the car had "passed all inspections." 2. Mechanical Safety Failure Upon reaching Atlanta, the vehicle's condition became untenable. On 05/07/2026, CarMax GA inspected the vehicle and found: - Total failure of all four brake pads. - Front rotors requiring immediate replacement. It is mathematically and mechanically impossible for a vehicle with metal-on-metal rotors and failing pads to have passed a legitimate 125+ INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F
NHTSA complaint #11737906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I place my car in park and take my foot off the brake occasionally it will still drive. This has happened several times but this last time it did damage to my garage door.
NHTSA complaint #11698249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’m driving my car and all lights turn on dashcam and RPMs start going down really fast and unable to apply more gas/speed. This happened 3 times in the past year
NHTSA complaint #11695099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was told by dealership that my transmission needs replaced. As per Reddit, this year make and model has had many issues with transmissions needing to be replaced as soon as 50,000 miles. I’m not understanding why there has not been a recall on these specific transmissions. Dealership is wanting to charge me $12,000 for replacement. I don’t have that type of money especially when I owe $17,000 still on this car. Plz help me or I’m going to be out a vehicle and extreme debt if I can’t get this fixed. Also, I replaced my brakes already twice in the past couple years which is not normal at all, I don’t drive vehicle tech less nor has it ever been I wreck. Dealership is saying they need replacement again. Plz plz help me.
NHTSA complaint #11687276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, all started 3 month ago car wasnt turning on, mechanic said was the battery, battery installed but kept reading same malfunctions, ebs , collision malfunction, steering wheel, speeding problems, Autozone has checked engine light on no specifics on warning lights.
NHTSA complaint #11676156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "EPB and traction control fault detected" was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V717000 (Parking Brake), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The electric parking brake system on my vehicle has malfunctioned and is stuck in the engaged position, preventing my rear brake pads and rotors from being changed. The component is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This issue directly impacts vehicle safety, as I am unable to service or replace the rear brakes, which are a critical safety component. Additionally, the malfunction may cause the brake to engage or fail to disengage unexpectedly, creating a risk while driving or parking. Confirmed by a Professional: Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, which attempted to service the brakes but could not proceed due to the failure of the electric parking brake actuator/module. Inspection by Authorities or Manufacturer: As of now, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance, but I am seeking further diagnostic help from a dealer. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Yes, prior to the failure, I noticed warning messages on the dashboard related to the parking brake system, including a “Parking Brake Malfunction” alert.
NHTSA complaint #11658441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle experienced an “EPB Malfunction” resulting in the vehicle becoming unresponsive during use due to the electronic brakes failing to disengage or engage. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle is currently under inspection by the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11558004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yesterday While I was driving down i270 in Maryland without any car around the car hit the break and made the emergency break sound as well as saying “BREAK” in the driver dash. This has happened ~5 times in the past 3 years or so. It’s pretty scary thinking how lucky I have been so far with no one rear ending me when it happens. Also, this has happened a few times while in adaptive cruise control as well.
NHTSA complaint #11548307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11541450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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).
NHTSA complaint #11526384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EPB Malfunction visit dealer lit up on dash. Dealer does not have this as a recall for my vehicle, but there is a recall for certain 2018 CHRs. If I have this issue, just like other CHR owners, my vehicle should be included in the recall as well.
NHTSA complaint #11494444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Today suddenly, the vehicle gave me a warning message to "Pull over in a safe spot and to not drive the vehicle" along with other messages flashing "Braking power reduced" "Pre-collision system failure" and a bunch of lights came on. Mechanic, over the phone, said "He doesn't understand how a minor rear-bumper colission could affect sensors and electrical things in the front of the car. Another incident, last year, a small nick on one of the wires under the car disabled my entire car and it was undriveable until repaired. I am frustrated that one small issue with a wire, or sensor, or other small gadgety things in the vehicle can disable the entire car and put me in danger while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11493577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The electronic parking brake isn't operating properly, causing the parking brake to not disengage after it’s applied and as it stays engaged onto the brakes, its wearing out the brake pads and it eventually started to wear out causing loud screeching noise due to contact between rotors and brake pads metal. i swapped out the rotors and the brake pads twice already and its not stopping atall. i believe its something to do with emergency braking system where it sometimes does affect the functionality of the brakes and caliper and could cause a fatal incident if not addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11472584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EPB brake warning is showing on my display. I see there is a recall for this exacy item for the 2018 CH-R vehicles but it says that my car isnt involved. Is it just a coincidence?
NHTSA complaint #11471088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN DRIVING THERE AFTER USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THERE IS A WARNING ABOUT THE EPB MALFUNCTION. IT APPEARS CERTAIN CH-R MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS, BUT MY VIN DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ONE RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #11408237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1- OCCASSION #1 I MADE A SLOW RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WALGREENS. I PRESSED THE BRAKE, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD, JUMPED THE CURB AND WAS STOPPED BY A FENCE ABOUT 4 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CURB. NO HARM DONE. 2- I MADE A SLOW RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE AT SONIC, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE CAR JUMPED THE CURB, CONTINUED FORWARD AND STARTED DOWNWARD INTO A RETENTION POND (EMPTY, NO WATER) I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AND IT BEGAN TO WORK NORMALLY. MY CAR SCRAPED A FENCE POST AND I HAD TO DRIVE FORWARD INTO THE RETENTION AREA TO FREE MY CAR TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD. THESE INCIDENTS WERE ABOUT 5 MONTHS APART. RELATED - MY AUTOMATIC BRAKING LIGHT HAS FLASHED AND BEEPED WITHOUT ANY SITUATION BEING PRESENT. THE RADAR SENSOR HAS SLOWED THE CAR WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED AS A CAR INFANT OF ME PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY TO EXIT.
NHTSA complaint #11388826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.