21 complaints reported

2018 Toyota C-HR UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
21
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Mar 2026

The issue is the bearing in my CVT transmission. I've been advised by three different shops/dealerships that this is the problem while being quoted $10k plus to replace the transmission. Through research, this is a known issue with the 2018-2022 Toyota CHRs. Thus making this vehicle heavily UNSAFE to drive and Toyota is not taking any accountability with this problem. There have been no warning lights of this issue. Only an intense grinding noise in the front end of the vehicle and "jumping/hopping" at times and brief moments where the vehicle will not move. It seems to only occur when the warranty is expired but something needs to be done about this as I know I am not the only person experiencing this problem. This not only is a severe safety issue but also should never have happened if Toyota took responsibility for putting faulty CVT transmissions in this vehicle. They need to cover the costs and make this right!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2025
Feb 2026

My car has been making high pitched whining sound from front end for the last 20,000 miles. I am currently at 101,500 mi and have been advised it is the transmission. I have done some research on the 2018 Toyota CHR's and found that Canada has extended the warranty of the CVT transmission to 193,000 miles [XXX] ). When I reached out to Toyota USA they acted as if they were unaware and could not assist now that my warranty has expired. Toyota's are known for their reliability and good quality. Now I am left with a car that isn't even paid off yet and relatively low on miles especially considering the issue started at about 90,000 miles. I want to bring this to your attention in hopes that if other countries recognize this as an issue and have made it right maybe something can be done here to rectify the situation. I also located class a class action lawsuit that has begun for Toyota on this issue [XXX] ). I am a single mother and can't afford to replace a transmission. Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2025
Nov 2025

I am writing to formally request warranty service for my Toyota CH-R 2018, VIN [XXX] , currently with 88,341 miles. Despite its relatively low mileage and consistent maintenance, the vehicle has developed a transmission issue attributed to a defective bearing inside the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). As you are aware, Toyota issued a warranty extension specifically covering transmission failures resulting from this defect. This extension applies for up to 10 years or 193,000 kilometers (approximately 120,000 miles), whichever comes first. My vehicle clearly falls within these parameters. Given the nature of the defect and Toyota’s acknowledgment of its impact, I respectfully request that your dealership initiate the appropriate warranty repair or replacement process without delay. I am prepared to bring the vehicle in for inspection and provide any additional documentation required. Please confirm receipt of this letter and advise on the next steps to resolve this matter promptly. I trust Toyota will stand behind its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2025
Oct 2025

My car started making a loud noise several months ago so I took it to a mechanic. When he looked at it, he informed me that the bearing in my transmission failed and could not be repaired because it would all need replaced. I couldn’t afford it so I called 3 other places who told me it needed fully replaced also since it’s CVT. I’ve been trying to trade it in with issues for months and nobody will take it and I can’t afford to fix it or pay it down. I fear for my safety every time I drive it because it now shakes pretty hard and the noise is much louder. At any time it could fully die while I’m on the road or freeway. I don’t have a choice to drive it because I can’t afford it. When I called Toyota at 108k miles they said it was over 100k and therefore the would not help me. That is when it first occcurred but it obviously still is an issue. I am happy for others to look at it but I really just need help because I’m very scared and overwhelmed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Feb 2025
Sep 2025

There is a know reported issue for transmissions in this car. My car i making a whining noise wheelie accelerating. Looks like it has something to do with the transmission failing.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

CVT Transmission needs replacement at 120,000. Making a whining noise. Took it for service and it was confirmed. Same issues is being talked about in this Toyota CH-R Forum [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2025
Jun 2025

I have a CVT transmission and it has failed. Out of no where I use the top notch oil etc and this has occurred. Nobody wants to touch this to fix it but those that do all are quoting me over $13k to put in a used replacement. There should be a recall on these- this topic is all over Reddit and car forums for premature transmission failure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2025
Apr 2025

I have a Toyota CHR 2018, bought it brand new in July 2018. I recently noticed a noise and when driving a difference when using the gas. I took it to 2 different mechanics and it is my Transmission. Is my car under warranty? It has less than 110K miles on it

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2025
Apr 2025

The CVT transmission in my 2018 Toyota C-HR failed suddenly while driving. There were no warning lights, check engine indicators, or dashboard messages before the issue occurred. The only symptom was a sudden whining/whirring noise from the transmission area. The vehicle has been regularly maintained and serviced through ToyotaCare until the coverage expired in 2023. The failure happened on 11/02, and the car is currently available for inspection upon request. This failure created a potential safety risk because the car unexpectedly lost power and could not accelerate properly in traffic. The problem has been confirmed by a Toyota dealer (Toyota of Anaheim), who diagnosed it as an internal CVT transmission failure. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Toyota corporate, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure , only the noise that began a month ago and it when i accelerate, I decided to take it in to the dealership to take a look at.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2025
Feb 2025

Not even 80k miles and the transmission is out. Come to find out this is a very common problem with these cars and you cannot even order the proper parts to fix it. So now we are out of a car that does not even have 80k miles on it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2025
Feb 2025

My car has been making a whinny noise while I drive no matter how far with 84,000 miles also when I come to a complete stop the car starts vibrating but in any other gears it doesn’t and when I start driving again the vibrating stops. No lights have popped on my screen. Both Toyota dealership in Salinas California and another mechanic shop have told me upon inspections it is my car transmission going bad. This is my only car and only way to get around

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Feb 2025
Dec 2024

Transmission failing under 100k.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2024
Oct 2024

Car transmission is having issue and car has only 64000 mile, also multiple place that I got opinion mentioned this car model is having transmission issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2024
Jun 2024

Transmission problem with only 100k miles

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jun 2024
Apr 2023

The Transmission of the car is failing at 75000. If the transmission failed while driving it would have caused me to wreck the car. The dealership notified me it was unsafe to drive with the failing transmission. I had driven on with this issues for 35000 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2023
Oct 2022

There is usually a consistently loud humming, as if the vehicle is trying to switch gears, but its not happening. Transmission not changing might eventually lead to vehicle suddenly stopping, which might cause a pile up on a highway over time. Also at a complete stop, the engine revs up

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2022
Jun 2022

Transmission issues: Car makes noises. This was a concern because the car could just stop in the middle of the road. An independent mechanic and the dealer confirmed that it is the transmission. Although the car is only four years old, the transmission is out of warranty due to have exceeded 60,000 miles. I heard that other chrs had the same issue as well.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2022
Jan 2021

THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS BAD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDE ISSUE WITH A LOT OF C-HR OWNERS AND TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO TAKE OWNERSHIP TO RECALL THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A LARGE HUMMING AS YOU ACCELERATE THAT INCREASES OVER TIME.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2019
Sep 2018

I JUST PURCHASED THE NEW 2018 CHR. DRIVING HOME AND CAR ENGINE HAD A BURNING ODOR WITH EXHAUST FUMES, AND THE ENGINE SHIMMIED. I PULLED OVER AS I THOUGHT THE TIRE WAS FLAT. I WENT HOME AND GOT MY SON. HE CHECKED THE ENGINE AND IT WAS OVER HEATED. I HAD ONLY DRIVEN THE NEW CAR 60 MILES IN 2 WEEKS. WE DROVE TO TOYOTA AND ALL I COULD SMELL WAS A CARBON MONOXIDE ODOR IN THE CAR WITH EXHAUST FUMES. I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT. THE CAR IS WITH TOYOTA FOR THE WEEKEND. I AM FILING THIS REPORT, IN CASE OTHER CAR OWNERS OF CHR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS THIS CAR HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN A TOTAL OF 85 MILES. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE EXHAUST FUME, BURNING ODOR SMELLS GOING INTO THE CABIN WHICH ALMOST CAUSED ME TO PASS OUT. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2018
Jul 2018

CAME OUT OF WORK 7/24/18 AND MY BACK WINDOW ON HATCH HAD EXPLODED. BOTH SIDES ARE BLOWN OUT AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS CRYSTALIZED. THERE ARE NO IMPACT POINTS SHOWING ANYTHING HIT THE WINDOW. THE GLASS BLEW OUT, NOT INTO THE CAR. DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP COLLISION CENTER IN OKC. THEY HAVE THE CAR AND HAVE GIVEN ME A LOANER. THEIR FEELING IS THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT, BUT SOMEONE FROM LOCAL TOYOTA HAS LOOKED AT IT AND SAID NO. IT IS BEING ESCALATED TO DECIDE IF TOYOTA IS LIABLE AND SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. WITH THIS BEING A NEW MODEL, I'M CONCERNED THIS WILL BE HAPPENING TO OTHERS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2018
Aug 2017

DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT CONSISTANTLY UNLOCK WHEN CLOSING THE TRUNK OR USING THE WIRELESS REMOTE. LEFT STORE PUSHED UNLOCK AND ALL LOCKS UNLOCKED EXCEPT FOR DRIVERS DOOR HAS HAPPENED 12 TIMES SINCE MAY 31 2017 TOYOTA DIAGNOSED BUT CANT FIND THE ISSUE DUE TO INTERMITTENT TIMES HAVE 7 PEOPLE THAT CAN VERIFY THIS HAS HAPPENED. CAR WAS STATIONARY AND ON PARKING AREAS AND DRIVEWAYS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 TOYOTA C-HR, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2017

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2018 Toyota C-HR has 21 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.