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Where do they make Toyota C-HR?

There isn't a single factory that builds the Toyota C-HR; production is spread across multiple plants worldwide to serve regional markets.


Toyota employs a global assembly network for the C-HR, aligning output with local demand, trade rules, and capacity. The model has been produced in several regions, with shifts over time as new generations arrive and market needs evolve. This means the exact country and plant can vary by year and market.


Global production footprint


The following overview highlights where the C-HR has been assembled to support key regions. Note that plant allocation can change with new generations or regional strategy.



  • Europe: European supply has come from regional plants, notably in Turkey for European sales, and historically at a UK-based facility for some variants.

  • Asia-Pacific: Southeast Asia and Japan rely on regional production, with Thailand serving as a major hub and Japan producing for the domestic market. Chinese-market C-HR is produced through local joint ventures to meet regional demand.

  • China: China-market C-HR is manufactured at local joint-venture plants to comply with regulatory and market needs.


In practice, buyers should check the latest official Toyota information or local dealer notes for the exact assembly location of a given C-HR variant, as production lines shift with model years and market strategy.


Europe: regional focus and shifts


In Europe, Toyota's strategy has leaned on regional facilities to balance import duties and supply with demand. European C-HR variants have typically drawn from plants in Turkey for European sales, with some earlier or alternative trims produced at a UK facility. Market evolution, including the introduction of related models, can influence which plants handle specific trims or generations.


Asia-Pacific: Southeast Asia and Japan


For Asia-Pacific, Thailand serves as a key production hub for Southeast Asia, while Japan covers domestic demand. Variants sold in nearby markets may be sourced from these regional plants, depending on generation and trim levels, with adjustments made to meet local preferences and regulations.


China and joint ventures


In China, C-HR production relies on locally operated joint ventures designed to meet Chinese regulatory requirements and consumer preferences. These plants enable the model to be sold domestically with specifications aligned to the Chinese market.


What this means for buyers


Because production locations are not fixed, the exact place where a given C-HR is built can vary by year, trim, and destination market. If the origin matters for you, consult the dealer or review the vehicle’s build details, which often include a manufacturing plant code.


Summary


The Toyota C-HR is produced across a multinational manufacturing network rather than at a single site. Regions served include Europe, Asia-Pacific, and China, with production historically linked to plants in Turkey, the UK, Thailand, Japan, and China. As with many global models, production assignments evolve over time, so current assembly sites can differ from prior years.

What is the common problem with Toyota C-HR?


Common problems reported for the Toyota C-HR include issues with the CVT transmission in earlier models (2018), problems with the 12-volt battery and charging system, electrical gremlins like faulty warning lights, and paint-related concerns. Other less frequent issues include blind spot limitations, infotainment system glitches, and potential wear on interior materials.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the common problems with Toyota C-HR: 58sReDrivenYouTube · Oct 29, 2023
Powertrain and engine 

  • CVT transmission: Some 2018 models have reported noisy, grinding, or humming sounds, potentially due to a faulty final drive bearing. The fix can be expensive, as it may require replacing the entire transmission unit. 
  • 12-volt battery: The 12-volt battery can have issues, sometimes due to its small capacity and being drained by electronics. This can cause starting problems, even though it's not a major engine failure. 
  • Engine: In some cases, the engine oil level may rise above the maximum mark, though this is reportedly not a safety issue. 

Electrical and electronic systems 
  • TPMS sensors: A common issue is the failure of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors. 
  • Electrical gremlins: Other electrical problems can include faulty warning lights, general sensor malfunctions, and connectivity issues with the infotainment system. 
  • Pre-Collision System (PCS): The warning light may activate frequently in rainy or snowy conditions, but the system usually resolves itself once it dries. 

Body and interior
  • Paint: Some owners have reported issues with paint, especially on white models.
  • Interior wear: The leather on the steering wheel, gear knob, and seats can show wear over time.
  • Rear windows: Some 2020 models have experienced rear window cracking or shattering.
  • Blind spot: Due to the design of the C-HR, visibility is limited, which can make lane changes challenging and create a blind spot. 

Suspension
  • Shock absorbers: Early models sometimes had noisy shock absorbers. 
  • Suspension components: Owners have reported premature wear on some suspension components. 



How do I know if my Toyota is Japan or USA built?


You can tell if your Toyota is built in Japan or the USA by checking the first character of the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); 'J' indicates Japan, while '1', '4', or '5' indicate the USA. The VIN can be found on the driver-side dashboard or door jamb.
 
Method 1: Check the VIN

  • Locate the VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. 
  • Examine the first character: Look at the very first letter of the VIN. 
    • 'J': The vehicle was assembled in Japan. 
    • '1', '4', or '5': The vehicle was assembled in the United States. 
  • Other country codes: For your reference, other common codes are: '2' for Canada, and '3' for Mexico. 

Method 2: Check the window sticker (if available) 
  • Find the original sticker: If you have the original window sticker, also known as the Monroney label, look for a section that states the "Final Assembly Point" or "Country of Origin". 

Method 3: Check the 11th digit for specific models (e.g., RAV4) 
  • For certain models, such as the RAV4, the 11th digit of the VIN can also specify the assembly plant. An 'A' or 'T' can indicate an American plant, while 'J' can indicate a Japanese plant. 



Where is the Toyota C-HR manufactured?


The Toyota C-HR is primarily manufactured in Turkey at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT) plant in Sakarya. For the second-generation model, production is exclusive to this European plant, which also features the first European battery assembly facility for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Previous generations were also built in Turkey for the European market, and some models for other regions were manufactured in Japan, China, or Thailand.
 

  • Current production: The second-generation C-HR is exclusively produced in Sakarya, Turkey, for the European market. 
  • European plant: The TMMT plant in Sakarya, Turkey, is Toyota's main production hub for the C-HR in Europe. 
  • Previous production: Some earlier models were manufactured in Japan, China, and Thailand, with production locations often determined by the specific market. 



Why is Toyota discontinuing the C-HR?


The Toyota C-HR was discontinued in North America after the 2022 model year due to low sales compared to the more popular Corolla Cross, which offers a combination of utility and efficiency. Other factors contributing to its discontinuation included its small interior space, underpowered engine, and the fact that it was only available in front-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross was the more practical choice for buyers and has become the smallest crossover in Toyota's lineup.
 

  • Lower sales: The C-HR never reached the sales figures of competing models, and even the Corolla Cross sold significantly more units when it was introduced. 
  • Practicality issues: The C-HR's stylish, coupe-like design came at the cost of a cramped rear seat and limited cargo space. 
  • Performance: The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 144 horsepower was seen as underpowered, and it was only offered in a front-wheel-drive configuration, which was less appealing to consumers looking for more capability. 
  • Internal competition: The Corolla Cross was a more practical and appealing option that cannibalized C-HR sales and offered all-wheel drive, which was a key feature for many buyers. 
  • Product lineup evaluation: Toyota is constantly evaluating its product lineup, and the C-HR's discontinuation made way for other models like the Corolla Cross, which offered a better combination of utility and efficiency for the compact SUV segment. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.