NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota C-Hr Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota C-Hr scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota C-HR achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This represents a notable decrease from the 2020 model's Exceptional score of 94. The primary factor in this decline was a recall specifically addressing the radar-based forward collision avoidance system. Despite this, the vehicle remains a solid safety performer overall, based on the published data.
The 2021 Toyota C-HR received a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota C-Hr ranks 46 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 46 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota C-Hr?
The 2021 Toyota C-HR's safety profile is defined by a critical recall impacting its crash-avoidance systems. While equipped with standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning, the radar sensor for these protections may not have been factory-activated, directly undermining the vehicle's otherwise perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance tech sub-score. This defect contributed to a six-point decline in the overall Safety Index, moving from an Exceptional 94 in 2020 to a Strong 88 for the 2021 model year. Despite the recall, crash protection remains a strong aspect of the 2021 C-HR, scoring 61 out of 70. This is supported by 5-star side impact ratings and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic rollover assessment. The defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20 reflects the severity of the single recall. Owner-reported complaints total 31, with 13 concerning powertrain issues and 4 specifically citing problems with forward collision avoidance, aligning with the recall's scope. For the 2021 C-HR, the primary safety concern lies in the discrepancy between its advertised safety technology and its confirmed operational status.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota C-Hr perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota C-HR achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was a strong point, earning the maximum 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance test both rated 4 stars. The C-HR demonstrated a 14 percent rollover risk, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16035
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota C-Hr have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota C-HR carries one recall campaign: a forward collision avoidance issue in which the radar sensor may not have been activated during manufacturing, potentially disabling the system without driver awareness. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but remedy completion should be verified.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR22V107000
Risk: An inoperative PCS that does not provide a malfunction indicator to the driver, or braking assist as expected, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and activate the radar sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA02.
Reported 2022-02-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota C-Hr?
Owners have filed 31 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently reported component is the power train, cited in 13 reports. Other alleged concerns involve the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, seat belts, and lane departure systems. Three crashes and three injuries are alleged among the reports.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota C-Hr?
Any shopper considering this 5-year-old C-HR should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. The radar sensor recall is the critical item: confirm the remedy was completed, since an unaddressed fix means the forward collision avoidance system may not function as intended.
- The 2021 C-HR's Safety Index dropped six points from the 2020 model's 94 Exceptional score to 88 Strong, with the defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20 reflecting the impact of the radar recall.
- A recall specific to 2021 C-HR vehicles addresses a radar sensor that may not have been activated during manufacturing, which could disable the forward collision avoidance system without any driver indication.
- Side crash protection is the standout result for this model year, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, while frontal and rollover protection each score 4 stars with a 14 percent rollover risk.
- Of the 31 unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 13 allege power train issues and 4 specifically allege problems with the forward collision avoidance system, the same system targeted by the 2021 recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota C-Hr places
The 2021 Toyota C-Hr qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota C-Hr safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota C-Hr crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota C-Hr, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota C-Hr crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota C-Hr earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota C-Hr have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Toyota C-Hr. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota C-Hr?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota C-Hr. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other C-Hr years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16035), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota C-Hr 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 46 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.