Toyota CHR common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Toyota CHR is known for (2016–2023), 3 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Toyota CHR
Petrol leak from the engine fuel pump
Safety risk
2018–2023 · 8NR-FTS · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Smell for petrol at the top of the warm engine and look for wet fuel staining around the high-pressure pump.
Why it matters: Toyota says a leak from the pump can reach an ignition source and cause a fire. Any petrol smell on a 1.2 turbo C-HR means do not buy until a Toyota dealer has checked the pump; the replacement pump is a free dealer fix on cars in the affected build range.
Typical repair: NZ$800–NZ$2,000 in New Zealand · A$820–A$2,060 in Australia
What to look for: Smell for hot or burnt plastic in the engine bay after the drive and watch for any hybrid or warning lights.
Why it matters: Toyota says the short can cause heat damage and, in the worst case, a vehicle fire. It is a free dealer fix, so a car in the affected build range without a record of it should go to a Toyota dealer before you pay.
What to look for: Feel for stutter, jerks or surging accelerating gently from low revs, and watch for a flashing engine light.
Why it matters: A new set of coils and plugs usually cures it, but some owners report misfires that came back after coils, plugs and a carbon clean, so a 1.2 turbo with an unresolved misfire is a gamble. A misfire left running can also damage the catalytic converter.
Typical repair: NZ$400–NZ$1,500 in New Zealand · A$410–A$1,550 in Australia
What to look for: Look across the whole screen from inside and outside, especially the top corners, the edges under the trim and behind the mirror.
Why it matters: Replacement is not just glass: cars with Toyota Safety Sense have a camera behind the mirror that must be recalibrated after a new screen, otherwise lane and pre-collision functions give warnings or misbehave. It is a wear item rather than a safety issue, but it belongs in the price.
Got a question about a Toyota CHR? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.