Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 8,521 model-year 2026 C-HR battery electric vehicles because a software programming error can overcharge the electric drive system battery and shut down the drive system while the vehicle is in motion. The condition is covered under NHTSA recall 26V570, which classifies the defect under the vehicle’s electrical system. According to the recall summary, an unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Highlights
- 8,521 vehicles affected, all model-year 2026 Toyota C-HR battery electric vehicles
- Remedy: free software update to the battery electric vehicle electronic control unit (BEV ECU) at Toyota dealers
- Owner notification letters expected to be mailed October 18, 2026
- Recall numbers: NHTSA 26V570; Toyota internal number 26TA17
What Causes the Loss of Drive Power?
The recall summary attributes the defect to a software programming error. Under certain driving conditions, the error may cause the electric drive system battery to become overcharged. When that happens, the electric drive system can shut down, and the vehicle loses drive power.
The C-HR is the second Toyota-built e-TNGA model to face a battery-control software campaign this year, following the 26V393 recall of 20,991 bZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra EVs in June. Toyota launched the 2026 C-HR BEV earlier this year as a compact electric crossover with standard all-wheel drive.
Remedy and Owner Notification
Dealers will update the BEV ECU software free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 18, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 and reference recall number 26TA17.
