All dockets / Other Defects / RD-2026-017
Toyota Recalls 2026 Electric Crossovers Over Drive System Shutdown
- Docket No.
RD-2026-017- Filed
- 2026-09-10
- Manufacturer
- Toyota
- Hazard class
- Other Defects
- Units cited
- —
- Reported by
- Staff
Summary
Toyota Motor is issuing a safety recall covering 8,521 model-year 2026 C-HR battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to a software error that can cause the vehicle's electric drive system to suddenly shut down while driving.
Software Glitch Triggers Battery Overcharge Protection
According to recall documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from a software programming error within the vehicle's Battery Electric Vehicle Electronic Control Unit (BEV ECU).
Under certain driving scenarios—particularly when the traction battery is already operating at a high state of charge and regenerative braking continues to feed power back into the pack—the control software can allow the battery to become overcharged.
To protect electrical components from thermal or voltage damage, the vehicle's safety guardrails automatically shut down the electric drive system. A sudden loss of drive power while operating on public roads increases the risk of a crash.
Free Dealership Software Update
To resolve the defect, authorized Toyota dealership service departments will reflash and update the BEV ECU software free of charge. Because the vehicle architecture cannot accept over-the-air (OTA) updates for this specific control module, owners will need to schedule a service visit.
Toyota expects to begin mailing official owner notification letters on October 18, 2026.
Owners seeking additional information can contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, referencing internal recall campaign number 26TA17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) associated with the safety recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov under campaign number 26V570000.
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