Toyota is recalling 8,521 examples of its 2026 C-HR electric SUV after finding that a battery software error can trigger a full shutdown of the drive system while the vehicle is moving, according to reporting that cites Toyota’s own recall notice, including Kelley Blue Book’s account of the filing.

Key Points

• The recall covers 8,521 vehicles, according to Toyota’s recall notice as reported by Kelley Blue Book.
• The defect stems from a programming issue in the battery electronic control unit that can allow the battery to become overcharged, particularly during extended regenerative braking on downhill stretches in cold weather when the battery is nearly full.
• When the overcharge condition is triggered, the vehicle first sounds a warning buzzer and dashboard light, then can shut down the electric drive system entirely, cutting power to the wheels without further notice.
• Toyota says it has not received reports of crashes or injuries tied to the defect, according to the recall notice.

What’s Affected

• 2026 model-year Toyota C-HR electric SUVs
• 8,521 vehicles in the recall population, per the filing
• Vehicles built with the affected battery ECU software version

What Owners Should Do

• Toyota dealers will check each vehicle’s software version and update it to the corrected release at no cost to the owner.
• Owner notification letters are expected to go out by early November 2026, according to the recall notice.
• In the meantime, owners can contact a Toyota dealer to confirm their VIN is included and ask about scheduling the software check.
• Drivers who notice the warning buzzer or dashboard alert described in the recall should have the vehicle inspected promptly rather than continuing to drive on extended downhill routes.

Sudden loss of drive power is treated as a serious defect category by regulators because, unlike a warning light or a minor system fault, it removes the driver’s ability to accelerate out of traffic or maintain highway speed. The C-HR EV is a relatively new addition to Toyota’s electric lineup, and this recall arrives well before most owners have logged significant mileage on the vehicle.