Toyota recalls 8,521 electric C-HR SUVs over software glitch

Toyota has issued a safety recall for 8,521 electric C-HR vehicles in North America due to a critical software defect. The glitch can cause the car’s electric drive system to shut down unexpectedly while driving, leaving the driver without power. This issue stems from an error in the battery control unit that allows the battery to overcharge under specific conditions, such as when regenerative braking is used with a nearly full charge.

The recall affects model-year 2026 C-HR vehicles produced between February 6 and July 10, 2026. According to Electrek, the company initially estimated the recall would cover about 10,000 units but confirmed the exact number in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners will receive notification letters on October 18, 2026, and can take their vehicles to dealerships for a free software update to resolve the issue.

How the software glitch causes power loss

The root cause is a programming error in the electronic control unit responsible for managing the battery. Instead of properly limiting the charge level, the faulty software permits overcharging when the battery is already at or near full capacity and the driver engages regenerative braking. This triggers warning lights and a buzzer, but more critically, the electric drive system shuts down, resulting in a total loss of propulsion.

Toyota’s internal investigation revealed that the incorrect software disrupted the charging limitation function. While the company has not disclosed specific crash data, the loss of power while driving poses a significant safety risk. The fix involves updating the software in the battery control unit, a procedure that technicians at authorized dealerships will perform at no cost to the owner.

Scope of the recall and global implications

The recall is currently limited to North American markets, but reports suggest it could extend to other regions. The electric C-HR sold in Europe, the UK, and other markets is essentially the same vehicle as the North American model, just without the plus sign in its name. Toyota noted in its filing that not all vehicles produced during the affected period were sold in the United States, leaving room for international recalls.

The C-HR is one of three electric SUVs Toyota sells in North America, positioned as a sportier, more affordable alternative to the bZ series. Priced starting at about $37,000, it went on sale earlier this year. This is its first recall, and it highlights the challenges of integrating complex software into new electric platforms. The 2027 model year is not affected, and buyers of newer vehicles do not need to worry about this specific defect.

What owners should do next

If you own a 2026 Toyota C-HR, you should wait for the official notification letter scheduled for October 18, 2026. In the meantime, you can contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331 to check if your vehicle is included in recall number 26TA17. Dealerships will update the software for free, and the process should not take long. Owners can also verify their vehicle’s status through the NHTSA website or their local dealer.