2018 Toyota C-HR

Above average

Owners filed 328 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 1 time.

Avoid One of the Toyota C-HR years to avoid: 3.6× the complaints of a typical C-HR year. Which Toyota C-HR years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

62 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2018 Toyota C-HR problems

209 of the 328 complaints (64%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train · transmission207
302
Unknown or Other33
000
Engine25
000
Service Brakes · brakes18
000
Electrical System17
000
Air Bags · airbags5
504
Parking Brake4
101
Structure › Body · body and frame3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
000

2018 Toyota C-HR transmission problems

64% of all complaints

209 of the 328 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • sets off warning lights on the dash14% · 29
  • knocks, grinds or clunks11% · 24
  • loses power4% · 9
  • slips or will not engage a gear3% · 7
  • vibrates or shakes3% · 7

Share of the 209 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,000 mi
median of 27 reports
Peak year of filing
2026
83 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota CH-R. The contact stated that while shifting gears or while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. There was no warning light illuminated.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 21, 2026 at 91,000 miles
“The internal transmission bearing defect causes sudden unpredictable loss of propulsion of the vehicle and creates a high risk on the interstate which is where I drive most the time and risks those in my car or around me. The dealer confirmed the issue. There are no warning lights just a whine while driving.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 13, 2026

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2017: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmission'172018: 12 complaints, 1 about the transmission'182019: 6 complaints, 1 about the transmission'192020: 13 complaints, 3 about the transmission'202021: 18 complaints, 9 about the transmission'212022: 30 complaints, 17 about the transmission'222023: 28 complaints, 20 about the transmission'232024: 26 complaints, 21 about the transmission'242025: 82 complaints, 54 about the transmission'252026: 111 complaints, 83 about the transmission'26Recall 17V717000 (parking brake)
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)

Complaints about the 2018 C-HR peaked in 2026, with 111 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 64% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 111 so far.

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Parking Brake17V717000
Filed Nov 15, 201728,764 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota CH-R vehicles. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not operate properly, possibly causing the parking brake not to disengage after it is applied or prevent it from being applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk. If the EPB cannot be applied, there is an increased risk of a vehicle rollaway if the vehicle is parked on a hill without being placed into "Park."

Remedy. Toyota has notified owners, and dealers will update the programming of the skid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0W.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

160 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2018 C-HR. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 68body and frame 34electrical system 12engine 9transmission 6visibility 6tires 4parking brake 3
26TE06Warranty extensionSep 22, 2026transmission

Although the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to an abnormal whine noise in the CVT.

26TE06Warranty extensionSep 16, 2026transmission

Although the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to an abnormal whine noise in the CVT.

26TE06Warranty extensionSep 15, 2026transmission

Although the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to an abnormal whine noise in the CVT.

26TE06Warranty extensionAug 13, 2026transmission

Although the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to an abnormal whine noise in the CVT.

T-SB-0048-26 Rev1Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 4, 2026transmission

Some 2018 – 2019 model year C-HR vehicles may exhibit a grinding and/or whining noise from the transaxle while accelerating from 15 – 30 mph and/or decelerating from 30 – 15 mph. An updated transaxle is available when the specified noise and serial number requirements are met.

T-SB-0048-26Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 13, 2026transmission

Some 2018 – 2019 model year C-HR vehicles may exhibit a grinding and/or whining noise from the transaxle while accelerating from 15 – 30 mph and/or decelerating from 30 – 15 mph. An updated transaxle is available when the specified noise and serial number requirements are met.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2018 Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.2%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Oct 22, 2026147,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced in 2023 at 93,000 miles. Before the failure, there was a high-pitched whining sound while driving at approximately 30 MPH, and the transmission was shifting hard. The transmission became inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 22, 2026OH

I owned a 2018 toyota CHR just this year. I only had it for 9 months and the bearing in the transmission went bad. When it happened it wasn't covered under warrenty because this was a worldwide problem with these vehicle's. Well I didn't know what to do so I went ahead and traded in my vehicle and only got back 2750.00 in trade in. Mind you I soent almost 17,000.00 on the vehicle. A month later I get a letter in the mail saying I can bring in the vehicle that there is a warrenty on it. So now I am stuck in 400.00 payments every month. I have lost money over this and I would like to be reimebursed for what I have lost.(I have more documentation it wouldn't let me add all of it)

Power Train
Filed Oct 20, 2026AL

My first transmission went out at 54,000 miles now my second transmission went out at 148,000 miles. First one was whinnning between 20-40 mph would not shift correctly then second one is doing the same thing.

Power Train
Filed Oct 13, 2026CA

Am filing this complaint regarding a transmission failure in my 2018 Toyota C-HR that left me stranded on the freeway and created a serious safety hazard. The vehicle experienced a transmission-related failure that caused it to lose its ability to operate properly while I was driving. As a result, I was left stranded on the freeway, exposed to passing traffic and at risk of being involved in a collision. A vehicle losing its ability to maintain normal operation on a busy freeway can create a dangerous situation for both the driver and other motorists. I am concerned that this transmission failure may represent a safety-related defect that could affect other owners of 2018 Toyota C-HR vehicles. A transmission should not fail in a manner that leaves a driver unexpectedly stranded in an active traffic environment. I request that NHTSA investigate whether transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT) defects in the 2018 Toyota C-HR could cause sudden loss of power, loss of drive, or other dangerous failures while the vehicle is being operated. I believe this incident deserves attention because of the potential for serious injury or a collision. I am submitting this complaint so the incident can be documented and considered as part of any investigation into similar complaints involving this vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted. Thank you for your attention to this ve

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2026TX

Transmission bearing defect

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 5, 2026FL

Warning light comes on frequently saying EPB need service. This is a known recall for this car but for some reason my vin # is not on recall list.

Power Train
Filed Sep 30, 2026PA

Unknown, ​I recently received a Customer Support Program notice from Toyota regarding a known transmission noise affecting certain 2018 Toyota C-HR vehicles. My vehicle exhibits the exact symptoms described in the bulletin—specifically, a small plane-like engine sound when driving between 20 and 40 mph. ​On XXX, I brought my vehicle to Toyota of [XXX] for diagnosis and service under this program. However, the dealership returned the vehicle without performing any repairs, claiming that it is outside the program's coverage. Given that my vehicle's symptoms directly match the documented defect covered by Toyota's customer support initiative, I am requesting a re-evaluation of my vehicle's eligibility and a resolution to this transmission issue. P.S. I escalated this to Toyota Headquarters and I received same denial response. I replied As many owners on public forums and social media have noted, CVT reliability concerns are a well-documented challenge for this model. Given Toyota’s strong reputation for long-lasting vehicles, I was surprised to find that my specific serial number is currently excluded from your service program. Could you please clarify if Toyota will reimburse the costs if I have this repair performed by a private mechanic, as indicated at the bottom of your recent letter? I am currently documenting all related records for my files. My response was ignored. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Sep 24, 2026105,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission bearing failed, causing the vehicle to coast to a stop on a main road. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The contact associated the failure with Customer Support Program: 26TE06 that provided a free transmission replacement for certain 2018-2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles experiencing continuously variable transmission failures. The dealer was contacted and stated that the transmission serial number on the vehicle was not included in the Customer Support Program. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 23, 2026IN

Car began making a grinding sound while driving on an expressway. From that point on, could no longer reach a speed above 30 MPH. Independent Mechanic diagnosed an issue with CVT. Car was inoperable and sat in my driveway for 8+ months as we tried getting Toyota to respond to calls and email. Received a CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 26TE06 letter from Toyota on 12Sep2026 explaining that they would provide coverage for the repair. Had the car towed to O'Brien Toyota in Indianapolis. Dealer said that the car would not be covered because they had received a REVISED letter from Toyota that only covered a specific range of CVT serial numbers and while the CVT malfunction, model and year of my car qualified.....my car did not have a CVT serial number in that range and NO REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE! Called the Toyota Brand engagement number and they confirmed that Toyota would not cover the CVT in that range and provided me with a case#: 260922002588.

Power Train
Filed Sep 9, 2026FL

The cvt transmission completely failed making the car undriveable

Power Train
Filed Sep 9, 2026WA

Purchased vehicle in Costa Mesa, CA. Mileage on vehicle when taken to auto repair shop: 70,037. Request for transmission fluid replacement and diagnostic on front end noise. Notes from Auto Repair Shop: Performed transmission service with cvt service kit. Technician test drove customer vehicle and confirmed there's a rotational groaning from the front of the car. Unable to determine cause at this time, requesting further diagnostic time Performed nvh diagnostic for front end rotational noise concern. Isolated noise to transaxle internal.Technician determined transmission failure (torque converter) and recommended replacement. Afterwards, while driving home and waiting at a red light, vehicle did not accelerate when light turned green. I put the car into park, then back into drive. No movement. Switched to manual mode, no movement. Went back to automatic and car started to go. Felt that the transmission was slipping. I was afraid that it was going to stall out again, so I ran the next light to get onto to the freeway to get my vehicle home ASAP. I will never drive another vehicle with a CVT transmission. If I would have known about any issues with CVT’s, I would NOT have purchased this vehicle.

Power Train
Filed Sep 3, 2026LA

The car suddenly started shaking and making a weird noise and it turns out the transmission went out. I know I’m not the only one with this issue.

Power Train
Filed Aug 29, 2026OR

My 2018 Toyota CH-R started with a whining noise that sounded like a cat. I didn't get any lights on my dash that could pin point the problem. I took it to the dealership to get it diagnosed and they couldn't tell which part was making the noise. I asked the if they could do a transmission fluid change, and they told me that that type of transmission did not require service. Overtime the noise got worse and louder and a few times while driving in the freeway the car jerked and the RPM gauge drastically moved up and down. I took it to the dealership again and they quoted me $8,000 for a new transmission. At this point I am nervous I will lose power in the middle of the freeway during my daily commute which could cause an accident.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Aug 27, 2026262,136 milesNY

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota C-HR. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,433 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 262,136.

Power Train
Filed Aug 24, 2026SC

The Toyota CVT transmission has failed and is incredibly expensive to replace. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE CARS! I will never buy a Toyota again!

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 202691,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota CH-R. The contact stated that while shifting gears or while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the transmission was not operating properly due to a bearing failure and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 2026NJ

Desconocido

Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 2026VA

The transmission failure I a known issue for this year make and model. It has been recalled in Canada and is being honored there with extended warranty’s. It is not honored here in the US even though they know it is an issue. This vehicle has been inspected by both an independent shop and a Toyota dealership and both recommend replacement. The cost is 12,000-14,000. Toyota corporate denied any good faith assistance. This a safety hazard for all concerned.

Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 2026MA

I own a 2018 Toyota. My transmission has died prematurely. The car has less than 140k miles and has been meticulously maintained. The only component that has not been serviced is the transmission because no one wanted to “take the liability” according to 5 different local shops. This clearly tells me that this issue has been known. Toyota in Canada has already acknowledged the issue and issued a recall. Any mechanic will tell you that no component lasts “forever” so having a forever seal transmission was destined to fail, especially when the parts produced break down. Having any transmission with such low miles is already rare but for a Toyota to fail so completely is just exceptionally rare. All of this indicates willful ignorance and disregard for safety on Toyotas part. Please investigate this and help us regular owners get justice.

Power Train
Filed Aug 17, 2026NJ

The transmission on the vehicle needed to be replaced. The dealership told me that I was responsible for the repair. The price quote was $14,000.00. The Toyota dealership knew that the transmission were problematic and said nothing.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 14, 2026HI

Transmission. My car started making loud noises and eventually got to this point where it is not shifting gears. I would put it into drive, press the gas, and it would accelerate and abruptly stop on me. I've had it for less than 10 years and I bought it brand new. Its completely un-drivable.

Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 2026ME

The transmission started a whining noise 2022 approx 10k miles it got worse. I took it toyota and got an estimate for 10k plus to replace transmition which is probably what the car is worth.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 12, 2026SC

I bought my 2018 CHR in 2017 from Huntersville NC, it has 112,000 miles on it and it is paid off. My CHR has only been serviced at Toyota dealerships and I have all the invoices. On [XXX] Toyota performed the 100,000 mile multi-point inspection and everything was good to go. However, approximately 2 weeks later I started hearing a whining noise. On [XXX] Toyota inspected my vehicle and notified me that the transmission was going bad, and there was no time frame on when the CHR would leave me stranded. Upon my own research the CHR in Canada has issued a 10 year extended warranty due to a faulty bearing in the CVT Transmission; which is the same issue my CHR in North America is having. There has not been an extension on my specific vehicle. I inquired to my local Toyota dealership about Goodwill Assistance and was shut down. The Toyota dealership is only concerned with selling me a different vehicle at this point. I am [XXX] and do not have sufficient income to cover expenses nor a monthly payment. Toyota needs to be held responsible for the same manufacturer defect they recognize in Canada, here in North America as well. It definitely put a sour taste in my mouth about purchasing another Toyota. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Aug 10, 2026NC

When I accelerate from a complete stop. It makes a roaring noise that dies down once the car is in full swing. Toyota dealership is saying that it is a common problem for Toyota CHR and needs to be replaced. Replacement cost from my pocket is $12k

Power Train
Filed Aug 9, 2026IL

The transmission (CVT) in my 2018 Toyota C-HR failed at 101,740 miles, approximately 5,000 miles and 2 months after I purchased the vehicle used. The vehicle began making a whining/rotary noise while driving. I took it to Toyota of Downtown Chicago (RO [XXX], 7/28/2026), where the technician test-drove the vehicle, confirmed the noise originates from the transmission, and recommended full CVT replacement. The quoted repair cost is $14,271.52. The vehicle is currently not being driven and is available for inspection upon request. Safety concern: a CVT that is failing internally can produce unpredictable loss of power, hesitation, or sudden changes in acceleration while driving, which creates a risk of being unable to safely merge, accelerate away from a hazard, or maintain consistent speed in traffic. I have stopped driving the vehicle to avoid this risk. The problem has been confirmed by a Toyota dealership (Toyota of Downtown Chicago), not by an independent shop. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer's field engineering, police, or insurance representatives. Prior symptoms: the whining/rotary noise was the only symptom I noticed, and it appeared shortly before I brought the vehicle in for inspection. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared at any point. I do not know how long the underlying defect was present before I purchased the vehicle, though vehicle history records show the previous owner's independent shop performed a CVT transmission fluid se

Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 2026GA

CVT transmission total failure. Clunking and grinding.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 5, 2026PA

K114 CVT internal Bearing Defect Toyota CHR 2018 There is a humming/buzzing sound coming from my CHR as I accelerate. This occurred around 115,000 miles.

Power Train
Filed Aug 1, 2026TX

The transmissions on these vehicles have well issues. The only reason I bought the one I did was because the Carfax report falsely started that the transmission had been replaced. Toyota knows it's a safety hazard and can fail at highway speed but will not take responsibility. I bought the car and within 5 days it is making a grinding noise. The Toyota dealership states the car needs an entire transmission replacement for $12,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 30, 2026GA

There was a loss of power while driving. As I pressed on the gas, the engine would rev, but the vehicle would not accelerate. This is a major safety risk.

Power Train
Filed Jul 27, 2026OK

My EPB malfunction light goes off for no reason and kicks my cruise control off . My transmission is now making a crazy noise. Has happened MULTIPLE times since ownership.

Power Train
Filed Jul 26, 2026TN

Recently my car started making a grinding metallic noise while trying to accelerate from a stop this was the first real indicator to start doing research. I found that Toyota CH-R 2018 has known issues with premature CVT transmission bearing failure, with recalls in Canada but not in the US even though they are exactly the same. I also discovered the class action lawsuit due to Toyotas blind eye and several complaints. Before this metallic grinding and slippage I had noticed gear noises but at the time thought it was just the gears shifting. As of now, my dash lights are on. I am a mother of a [XXX] with multiple Dr and pediatrician appts and I'm terrified to drive with my baby. I'll also add that I've recently paid my car off, replaced tires, rotors and brakes as a safety measure but due to Toyota's lack of issuing a recall on a known default I may not only be subjected to a safety hazard but also a complete loss financially after over 45k in finance fees and repairs that should've ensured peace of mind. I bought a Toyota because they are supposed to be safe, reliable and back their product. I'm finding out now that US Toyota is not to be trusted due to their complete lack of responsibility with this known issue. In addition, I purchased the platinum warranty and am just 10,000 over which would covered the 10,000 - 15,000 repair to the CVT but now, due to no recall on a known faulty part I have to submit a good will claim and pray they make it right. I'm absolutely devastate

Parking Brake
Filed Jul 24, 202680,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving over a bumpy road surface, the message "See Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V717000 (Parking Brake). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that recall repairs were a one-time, free-of-charge service, and any additional related failures would be repaired at the owner's expense. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 18, 2026FL

I started to hear a whining noise under acceleration so I asked Firestone to check it out when I dropped it off for a 100k mile service. They said it was the transmission beginning to fail. I researched online and saw that it is a very common and known problem with the Toyota chr CVT transmission. We went with Toyota because they are known for their reliability and here we are at 102k miles with what is about to become a paperweight that needs a 10-12k repair. That's half the cost of the car itself. At the time we purchased this vehicle new Toyota claimed that this transmission is sealed and maintenance free and the transmission fluid is "lifetime fluid". We have had the car for 8 years, quite short of a lifetime.

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2026TX

I am experiencing a severe and hazardous failure of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) bearing. While driving, the vehicle produces a loud, persistent humming noise that increases in volume with higher RPMs. A failure of this nature leads to a complete loss of propulsion while in motion, creating a critical safety hazard and a high risk of high-speed rear-end collisions. The vehicle has been officially inspected twice confirming the CVT bearing failure. It’s being recall in Canada but not the USA Toyota has refused the usa market for any help. American drivers are left operating vehicles with a known, unaddressed safety defect that can cause sudden power loss at highway speeds.

Power Train
Filed Jul 13, 2026NE

The internal transmission bearing defect causes sudden unpredictable loss of propulsion of the vehicle and creates a high risk on the interstate which is where I drive most the time and risks those in my car or around me. The dealer confirmed the issue. There are no warning lights just a whine while driving.

Power Train
Filed Jul 10, 2026OR

1) CVT transmission bearing failed. Currently available for inspection. 2) Loud humming noise while driving, louder with higher rpms. If continue driving would lose complete power of vehicle causing extreme safety risk at high speeds. 3) CVT transmission has been inspected by Toyota dealership. 4) There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Failure first appeared on XXX and diagnosed on XXX. Note: Toyota has already officially extended the warranty on this exact part for 2018 C-HRs up to 120,000 miles in [XXX] due to defective bearings. This vehicle is in the exact failure window, unfortunately Canada's extension does not apply in the United States. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Jul 6, 2026AR

A noise from under the hood kept getting louder. When I took it to the Toyota dealership for inspection, they determined that a bearing in the CVT transmission failed causing the transmission to need total replacement. I can not safely drive my car because the transmission could fail at any time. This issue has been widely reported for the 2018 Toyota C-HR and possibly other year models. There was no warning other than the whining noise that continued to get louder. I was quoted an estimate of $11,868 for repairs.

Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2026NC

I experienced a sudden transmission failure on roadway. This is a severe safety hazard. I lost all powertrain to my car while in motion. I had to coast the car onto side road at 4am on 6-15-26. Upon further investigation this car year 2018, make toyota and model ch-r, has premature K114 CVT transmission.

Power Train
Filed Jun 28, 2026OK

I bought the car in May of 2021 with roughly 40,000 miles. It is now June of 2026 and I have roughly 111,000. Regularly maintenanced. My front sensor system went out last year, so I cannot use cruise control, auto brights, lane assist, emergency braking system, etc. It is a pretty penny to replace that. My transmission is now going out and I am faced with replacing the transmission or replacing the vehicle that I still owe money on- roughly $8,500. There are no warning signs other than the signs for my front sensor system not working. I have seen other complaints with the exact problems I am facing and I believe a recall is appropriate.

Power Train
Filed Jun 28, 2026AR

The transmission is failing and it has been confirmed. When it is being driven it makes loud sounds that can be heard over the radio.

Power Train
Filed Jun 27, 2026OH

Transmission went out at 103,000 miles. Transmission replacement is over 10,000. Known issue with vehicle and Toyota will not offer any support to fix.

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2026OH

I was driving when the dashboard lights all turned on and started getting warning messages too. The gas pedal wasn't giving anymore and the car would not accelerate. Luckily I was able to roll into a parking lot where we waited almost 2 hours for a tow. The car fortunately was still running so we had the a/c on while waiting (important for later.) Had it taken to a collision center thinking a squirrel got in the engine... that happened a few months ago. They had it towed to Toyota who said there was no issue found and it was most likely a battery issue. No sir it didn't turn off after stalling on me for 2 hours which hello... battery! So he said he would check it again after I informed him I don't feel safe in it. Well next day I get told its the transmission with no warranty because it's just over 60,000 miles. Ridiculous! Oh and no mention of the battery now...

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2026AL

I own a 2018 Toyota C-HR with approximately 117,600 miles. The vehicle has developed a transmission bearing failure, causing a loud whining/humming noise that increases with vehicle speed. I have been informed that the bearing inside the transmission is failing. This appears to be a premature transmission defect that could affect the safe operation and reliability of the vehicle. I am submitting this complaint because I believe other Toyota C-HR owners may be experiencing similar transmission bearing issues. The vehicle has been maintained regularly, and this type of major transmission failure should not occur under normal use. I request that NHTSA investigate potential transmission defects in the 2018 Toyota C-HR.

Power Train
Filed Jun 21, 2026CA

I have taken my car to the dealership some I bought it. With less than 100K miles already has a faulty transmission. This failure was already recognized and in Canada. The dealer wants almost 14K to replace it. This is not fair. A less than 100k should not be having these problems.

Power Train
Filed Jun 21, 2026VA

Transmission Failure. I purchased a 2018 model year Toyota CH-R new from a dealer and recently heard a clicking/grinding noise from some component of the powertrain. Inspection by an independent automotive repair shop and a Toyota dealership have advised the problem is a non-specific transmission issue (without removing and taking apart the transmission, the precise transmission component which is failing can not yet be determined). In conducting some research, it appears that the 2018 Toyota CH-Rs sold in North America were equipped with an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which has since been shown to have a known transmission bearing defect primarily affecting the 2018-2020 model years. With the 2018 model year appearing to be the most problematic model year (41% of reports). Consequently, Toyota Canada has initiated an extended warranty for the CVT in this model for vehicles purchased in Canada which reportedly extends the warranty to 10 years and an unlimited number of miles for repairs made before September 2026. Unfortunately, Toyota within the United States does not appear to have provided this same consideration for a problem which Toyota would appear to admit is a known issue. It is unclear (to me) whether this matter would be considered a 'safety issue', although I would assume a seizing transmission while at highway speeds would certainly be a concern for the driver/passengers of that vehicle and possibly other drivers in proximity when this occu

Power Train
Filed Jun 20, 2026NC

1. The Transmission Failed. It is currently at Toyota Of Elizabeth City. It has75,000 miles and it was determined the Transmission needs to be replaced, which after investigation is a known issue with this model. There estimate for replacing was nearly $12,800. 2. The vehicle was taken to the dealer when I heard a strange noise when driving. 3. The vehicle has been inspected and is currently at my local Toyota Dealer (Toyota Of Elizabeth City) 4. there were no light or warning other than a loud growling noise when driving. I have 5 Vehicles and all are Toyotas. I have stuck with them based on reliability. This is very upsetting and I would like Toyota assistance in resolving this issues.

Power Train
Filed Jun 20, 2026DC

High-pitched whining or droning noise in the transmission area. internal bearing inside the K114 CVT

Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2026IN

- Transmission Bearing is failing. Which is common in this make and model from what I can look up. - My safety is at risk because at any given moment my transmission can go out, from what the mechanic said is a faulty bearing Toyota has made in these cars before. - Yes, I saw a mechanic who stated this issue. - No, Toyota won’t do anything or give me an extended warranty on the transmission because of the faulty bearings unless you guys state that the car is recalled. - No signs or anything, the only way I knew something was wrong was because my car randomly started a “low growl” that got louder quickly

Power Train
Filed Jun 13, 2026TX

CVT bearing failure started a little after 100,000 miles. Toyotas estimate for repair is $14,000 and the CVT is on national back order for at least 3 months. Toyota does not sell replacement parts so even if a transmission shop wanted to do the repair they couldn’t because parts are not available. This totaled our car that we bought new only 8 years ago.

Power Train
Filed Jun 11, 2026CA

Sudden transmission failure. Seems to be a known issue with Toyota CHR 2018 onward. I own the 2018 model and there have been recalls in Canada regarding this issue.

Complaints 1-50 of 328, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20268100Routine
20223000Routine
202136100Routine
202066100Routine
2019114300Routine
2018 — this page328100Above average

Compare every C-HR year →

2018 Toyota C-HR: questions buyers ask

Is the 2018 Toyota C-HR a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the C-HR years to avoid: owners filed 328 complaints, 3.6 times as many as a typical C-HR year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (64%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 5 stars overall.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Toyota C-HR?

The transmission: 209 of the 328 complaints (64%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (14%), knocks, grinds or clunks (11%) and loses power (4%). The typical report comes at 80,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota C-HR have?

1 safety recall on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Nov 15, 2017. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2018 Toyota C-HR problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 50,000 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 80,000 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 2018 Toyota C-HR?

The manufacturer filed 160 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (34), the electrical system (12) and the engine (9). They include a warranty extension, 26TE06, filed Sep 22, 2026. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 15, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.