Toyota C-HR 2.0 PHEV
Plug-in hybrid version of the 2.0 Dynamic Force, exclusive to the second-generation C-HR. Electric range approx. 60 km, system output 164 kW. Still very new on the market.
Plug-in meets passion
164 kW plug-in hybrid — instant electric thrust plus sporty chassis. The most dynamic C-HR ever made.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The PHEV variant of the M20A-FXS shares the well-known EGR cooler defect of the Dynamic Force engine family. Cracks in the cooler allow coolant to seep into the combustion chambers.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust; coolant loss without external leak; sweet exhaust smell
On 2021/22 PHEV models, a potentially damaged rectifier module in the DC-DC converter has been documented, which can cause short circuits at temperatures below 5°C.
Symptoms: Vehicle does not charge or aborts charging in cold conditions, charging system warning, in worst case a short circuit
A cracked EGR cooler can direct coolant straight into the combustion chamber. On the PHEV this is particularly critical as overheating can lead to piston damage. Toyota has issued recalls for affected model years.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, sweet smell, dropping coolant level, possible overheating warning.
As a Dynamic Force engine, the M20A-FXS-PHEV shares the EGR cooler issue across the entire engine family (TSB EG-00691T-TME). A cracked EGR cooler can allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber.
Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, coolant loss without visible external leak, engine stumbling, overheating warning
On RAV4 Prime variants with the M20A-FXS-PHEV, fuel leaks at the high-pressure pump caused by seal corrosion have been reported. Toyota has handled some cases as goodwill.
Symptoms: Fuel smell under the bonnet, visible wetness around the high-pressure pump
In PHEV operation the combustion engine runs less frequently and for shorter periods, which promotes soot deposits in the EGR valve. Fault codes P0401/P0402 occur more frequently than in the full hybrid.
Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced hybrid output, rough combustion engine idle, fault codes P0401/P0402.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The hybrid battery of the C-HR AX50 can age prematurely during long periods of inactivity or at high temperatures.
The C-HR AX50 can show sporadic EPB error messages. The most common cause is a weak 12V battery. Rarely also software or actuator faults. The EPB may then fail to release.
C-HR AX50 owners criticise the infotainment system as outdated.
Because the C-HR AX50 brakes primarily through regeneration, brake discs rust over quickly.
The low roofline and sloping rear significantly restrict rearward visibility.
Many C-HR drivers report an inaccurate fuel gauge and range display. The indicated remaining range often does not match the actual fuel level. A widely discussed forum topic with 348 replies.
The standard 45 Ah starter battery (factory: Mutlu) drains too quickly on short runs and after extended parking due to permanent consumers (telematics, alarm, GPS). Well documented on chr-forum.de with multiple breakdowns reported.