Urgent Safety Recall: 2019 Toyota C-HR Rear Axle Bolt Issue
Toyota has issued an urgent safety recall for approximately 700 model-year 2019 C-HR subcompact SUVs due to potentially insufficiently tightened rear axle bearing bolts that could lead to serious safety consequences. This article provides complete details about the recall, affected vehicles, and immediate steps owners should take.
Recall Details: Understanding the Safety Risk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned recall number 18V-680 to this safety campaign. The specific concern involves:
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Potential Safety Consequences
- Insufficiently torqued rear axle hub bearing bolts may loosen over time
- Possible damage to rear brake components
- Potential wheel detachment in extreme cases
- Increased risk of loss of vehicle control
- Higher crash risk if condition develops while driving
Toyota has confirmed that the issue stems from a manufacturing process error at the production facility, not from any design flaw in the C-HR model.
Affected Vehicles: Is Your C-HR Included?
The recall impacts a limited batch of 2019 model year vehicles:
| Model | Model Years | Production Dates | Estimated Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota C-HR | 2019 | July 18, 2018 - August 29, 2018 | ~700 (U.S. market) |
How to Check Your Vehicle
Owners can verify recall involvement through:
- Toyota Recall Lookup: www.toyota.com/recall
- NHTSA VIN Check: www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Toyota Customer Service: 800-331-4331
Repair Process: What Dealers Will Do
Toyota has authorized the following repair procedure at all dealership service centers:
Inspection Process
- Visual inspection of rear axle hub bearing bolts
- Torque verification using calibrated tools
- Test drive to check for unusual noises/vibrations
Required Repairs (If Needed)
- Replacement of rear axle hub bearing assembly
- Replacement of rear axle carrier sub-assembly
- Complete wheel alignment check
- Road test verification
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Note: All recall repairs will be performed free of charge at authorized Toyota dealerships. The estimated repair time is approximately 2-3 hours.
Owner Action Steps: What You Should Do Now
If you own a 2019 C-HR, follow these important steps:
Immediate Recommendations
- Check your VIN using the tools above
- Listen for symptoms - clunking noises from rear
- Monitor handling - unusual vibrations or pulling
- Schedule service if your vehicle is affected
- Consider parking if experiencing symptoms until inspected
Timeline for Resolution
- November 2018: First owner notifications mailed
- December 2018: Full parts availability confirmed
- Ongoing: Repairs performed as vehicles are identified
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive my C-HR before the repair?
Toyota states that vehicles not exhibiting symptoms (unusual noises, vibrations) may be driven normally until the recall service can be performed. However, any signs of trouble should prompt immediate inspection.
How long will the repair take?
Most vehicles will require 2-3 hours at the dealership. Some may need to be kept overnight if parts replacement is necessary.
Will Toyota provide a loaner vehicle?
Policy varies by dealership. Toyota recommends contacting your preferred service center in advance to arrange alternative transportation if needed.
Does this affect the vehicle's resale value?
Properly completed recall repairs should not impact resale value. The recall will appear on vehicle history reports but shows the issue was addressed.
Related Recalls & Service Bulletins
Owners of 2019 C-HR models should also be aware of these related service actions:
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| Reference | Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| TSB-0189-18 | ECU software update | Service campaign |
| RC-2018-098 | Fuel pump inspection | Voluntary recall |
Always check with your Toyota dealer for the most current service bulletins applicable to your vehicle.
About Toyota Recalls & Safety
Toyota's recall process follows strict quality control protocols:
- Safety First: Issues potentially affecting vehicle safety receive highest priority
- Transparency: All recalls publicly reported to NHTSA
- Owner Notification: Multiple contact attempts via mail and email
- Repair Quality: Technicians receive special training for recall repairs
Toyota maintains one of the industry's most comprehensive warranty programs, standing behind its vehicles even after recall repairs are completed.
