TireKick

Model-year record

2018 Toyota C-HR
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Toyota C-HR

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

296

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

29

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (65% of 296 reports), followed by unknown or other (11%).

Power Train65% · 193 reports
Unknown Or Other11% · 32 reports
Electrical System7% · 21 reports
Engine5% · 14 reports
Service Brakes4% · 11 reports
Air Bags2% · 5 reports
Structure1% · 4 reports
Forward Collision Avoidance1% · 3 reports

+ 7 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 296 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11439519, ODI 11354009, ODI 11109651, ODI 11751303, ODI 11750474.

Individual complaint reports(296)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Power TrainJul 2026 · ODI 11751303Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11751303 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2026 · ODI 11750474Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11750474 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2026 · ODI 11749923Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11749923 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2026 · ODI 11749610Details +

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)

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11749610 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2026 · ODI 11748486Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11748486 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11747335Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11747335 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11746975Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11746975 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11747000Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11747000 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11746907Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11746907 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2026 · ODI 11746692Details +

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...

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11746692 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2026 · ODI 11745761Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11745761 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11745487Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11745487 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11745507Details +

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 occurs; and this is a systemic issue in a specific make/model of vehicle. I am basing my information provided from the Canadian Automobile Protection Association (APA), found at www.apa.ca website (specific link to issue: [XXX]). Additional sites claiming the same or similar information can also be found online. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11745507 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11745354Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11745354 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11745370Details +

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

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11745370 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2026 · ODI 11744592Details +

- 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

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11744592 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11743883Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11743883 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11743562Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11743562 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11743091Details +

I noticed a whining sound coming from the vehicle. It would get louder as I accelerated. Took it into a mechanic he drove it, put it on the lift and said the noise was coming from the transmission. I took it to another shop and they quoted me $9,000. For a replacement. This is a problem that Toyota and other manufacturers know about. The CVT is unserviceable.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11743091 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2026 · ODI 11742757Details +

UNKNOWN. Car has been making a humming noise for the last 4 years. I have taken it to multiple shops, and repair companies for inspection. Wheel bearings have been repaired 2x, ball joints, as well as sway bars. Tires have been replaced, breaks and rotors have been replaced. Noise still persisted. Noise has recently become louder, creating question when driving the car. Mechanic has determined that the noise is coming from inside the transmission. Upon inspection, the Internal Bearing has been failing. Due to Toyota's negligence, there is no official recall or plan to help car owners fix the problem.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11742757 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11742835Details +

A bearing has gone bad in the CVT transmission with only 128000 miles on the vehicle. The repair cost over 10,000 dollars because the design of the transmission does not allow for the bearing to be replaced.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11742835 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11742060Details +

There was a complete failure of the CVT transmission. It left my daughter completely stranded in a parking lot. The car was inspected at the local Toyota dealership and that is where the transmission failure was confirmed. There were no lamps or messages until my daughter tried to start the car again and every light on the dashboard lit up. Before that, there had been a slight whining sound but we were not sure what was causing it.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11742060 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2026 · ODI 11742194Details +

Started making a clicking noise after crossing a railroad track and then all of a sudden jerked and stopped going forward. I’ve only had the car for a year and never been in an accident.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11742194 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11741135Details +

Transmission bearing which caused entire transmission to fail.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Dec 1969
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11741135 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11741028Details +

Car only had 80,000 miles and started humming or whining. Mechanic said these cars are bad about the cvt bearing going out but have to change whole transmission.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11741028 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11738300Details +

The vehicle developed a loud whining noise coming from the transmission/final drive area while driving. The noise became progressively worse over time. A dealership/service center diagnosed the issue and confirmed that the transmission needs to be replaced due to failure in the final drive portion of the transmission. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.. The transmission issue creates a potential safety concern because worsening transmission failure could affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate, maintain speed, or continue operating safely while driving. This car is only a 2018 model and has less than 85k miles. The abnormal whining noise was present prior to diagnosis and continued to worsen. The issue has been confirmed by a professional service center during a multi-point inspection and diagnostic evaluation. No crash or injury has occurred at this time.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11738300 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11737218Details +

Car has started whining while driving. Mechanic says the whole transmission will need replaced due to cvt bearing failure. It only has 94392 miles on it.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11737218 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11737068Details +

have a bad bearing in the transmission, which makes a whining noise when driving. Was notified that the transmission will go out at some point. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer. No warning lights have been triggered for the problem.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11737068 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11736413Details +

I bought my 2018 Toyota CHR back in November from a Mitsubishi dealership. When I first test drove it, it was making a weird whining noise, I was told it was the bearing and that they will fix it before I pick the vehicle up. They kept the car for several days to repair it and inspect it. A few days after picking the car up I started to hear a very low noise. I couldn’t describe the sound because it wasn’t a rattling and it wasn’t the same kind of sound from the first time. When I brought it back in we did a test driver but the GM couldn’t hear it. I did a recording of the noise and sent it to him, they told me to wait until my warranty was active before they can do anything. As time went on the noise got louder and now sounds like a motorcycle when I accelerate. And makes a whining down noise when I’m slowing down. When I accelerate it doesn’t feel like the car is moving but it sounds like it is. I have not been put in any danger yet but I don’t feel safe driving it. I’ve reached it online and found out what I am experiencing is common failure and there is currently a class action happening in Canada for a transmission bearing failure. From what have been reported, if I continue to drive it the transmission can fail.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11736413 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2026 · ODI 11735708Details +

Transmission

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11735708 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2026 · ODI 11734370Details +

When I drive the car it just cuts off I took it to the dealer ship many times they claim that didn’t know want the issue was but said something about replacing fuse so I replace the fuse the car drives maybe 5 to 10 miles then cuts off and the fuse is blown again. I constantly have to change fuses dealer can’t help. It’s an electrical or wire problem. I have two people that had. 2018 Toyota chr that does the same thing

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11734370 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11734385Details +

The transmission has a failing bearing which requires replacement. This is a lawsuit already and recall in Canada plus three other countries internationally. Do the right thing and force Toyota to fix a faulty issue that's happening in almost 35% of the this year's vehicle.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11734385 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11734064Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission bearing failure. The mechanic recommended that the transmission be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. While investigating the failure online, the contact became aware that a recall was issued in Canada for similar vehicles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11734064 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2026 · ODI 11734193Details +

My transmission failed after only having my vehicle for 4 months. My safety and the safety of my passengers was put at high risk because of this issue due to stalling in traffic and loss of acceleration. My problem was confirmed by 2 separate mechanics and my local Toyota dealership. I also was able to confirm in this process that this is a common issue with this specific year of the CH-R and it needs to be addressed by Toyota. This issue came without warning.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11734193 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11733255Details +

When you give the car gas the car starts to rumble. Sounds like gears slipping or grinding. Brought car to Price LeBlanc Toyota in Baton Rouge, LA where car was purchased and service department stated nothing was wrong and that noise had stopped. When driving car home noise was worst than when brought to service department stated.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11733255 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2026 · ODI 11732491Details +

Whirring noise, something loose in transmission - many cases of this but no recall or recourse to fix a defect

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11732491 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2026 · ODI 11731195Details +

Transmission issue per car dealer

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11731195 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11730095Details +

Transmission completely gave up. Took it to be looked at and the people who service my car regularly were incredibly confused. No service light. No warnings. Nothing other than a rattling sound when I accelerated was the indicator. I searched online and this model has recalls outside the U.S. for the SAME reason but recalls are not available here in the U.S. so many customers are suffering because of this car. I too cannot afford to replace it & I barely had it for 4 years so it wasn’t even completely paid off once it died. I have a commute on the interstate of 30 minutes to and from work every day. I’m so relieved I took it to be checked before I put myself in danger on the road. It had absolutely NO warning to let me know that it was having transmission issues. Not even a check engine service light or error. My service area didn’t even notice anything wrong when I had my oil changed 2 months before I made them check the noise. It has been inspected by 2 local repair businesses. The only symptom I had was a very light rattling noise. I thought it was the plastic cover underneath my vehicle. If I didn’t go for that reason, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me. They had to bring in a seasoned repair man to find out the culprit in the end & I received the bad news before they closed up shop

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11730095 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2026 · ODI 11730177Details +

It’s the transmission failure, most owners have complained about the same issues and Toyota ain’t doing nothing about it

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11730177 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11729824Details +

The transmission in this specific car model for not only me, but others as well always have problems and go out at any time. Dealership won’t help with me having my warranty go out even tho it’s a notorious problem. Typically costs over 10k in in repairs of replacing the transmission that will eventually go out again.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11729824 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11729518Details +

On 3/31/2026, SUDDEN Power train failure occurred with 122k miles.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11729518 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11729315Details +

Bearing in transmission failed. Need to replace the whole transmission. Car is 8 years old and has 59,000 miles

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11729315 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11728463Details +

Complete transmission failure.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11728463 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2026 · ODI 11728388Details +

The CVT transmission failed on my 2018 Toyota C-HR, which I purchased in 2022. The vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic on a day with elevated temperatures while my special needs child was a passenger, creating an immediately life-threatening situation. The car showed no signs of any issue prior to this failure. I attempted to have the vehicle inspected multiple times before the failure occurred, but this defect is not detectable without a deep diagnostic inspection and by the time that level of inspection is needed, the transmission is already in the process of failing. There are no warning lights or symptoms until complete failure occurs. When I contacted Toyota, the representative acted as though this was an isolated issue and not a known defect. This is false. This is a viral, widespread problem that the vast majority of 2018 Toyota C-HR owners are experiencing and actively reporting across forums, consumer complaint sites, and to NHTSA itself. Toyota is fully aware of this defect. Upon seeking an independent inspection, the mechanic showed me the same transmission from another vehicle of the same make and compared it to mine, explaining that the C-HR uses a larger CVT transmission, making a used replacement approximately $6,000 alone and advised that given the repair cost relative to the car’s value, purchasing a new vehicle may be the only realistic option. I am now completely without transportation due to what is clearly a premature manufacturing defect on a 7-year-old vehicle, causing severe financial hardship. Notably, Toyota Canada has already issued a recall and extended the warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles for this exact same defect on the same model. U.S. owners are being denied the same protection and quoted $10,000–$14,000 for a known manufacturing defect. I am requesting NHTSA investigate and issue a U.S. recall for all affected 2018 Toyota C-HR vehicles immediately.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11728388 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2026 · ODI 11727072Details +

The wheel bearings inside of the transmission of the 2018 CHR and newer models commonly fail and seize up causing the vehicle to lock up and create a dangerous situation while driving. In Canada the highway safety has recalled the Transmissions and had them repaired unlike in the United States. The wheel bearings in my 2018 CHR CVT transmission or seizing up and causing damage to the engine which could result in severe safety risks while driving possibly leading to accident or loss of life. Out of fear of safety after I was told by Toyota that this was the issue that was reported Nationwide and that the country of Canada recalled the transmission out of safety concerns for the public I decided to park the vehicle and not drive it anymore for fear of safety for my family.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11727072 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2026 · ODI 11727103Details +

The transmission has failed at 135K miles. The dealer has confirmed. Cost to repair around $10,000. The vehicle periodically loses power/acceleration without warning - no lamps/lights/messages. Seems to be a common issue with this make and model.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11727103 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2026 · ODI 11725867Details +

The 2018 Toyota C-HR has a known continuously variable transmission (CVT) defect. Toyota should extend its powertrain warranty to cover failures of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the model.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11725867 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2026 · ODI 11720908Details +

Currently has a whine and grinding noise from transmission. Toyota dealers would not replace transmission and Toyota USA was contatacted. Transmission, but not the torque converter was replaced at ~53,000 miles. Noises returned ~10,000 miles after replacment and was advised sound is normal. Noises got increasingly worse over time, despite regular service. Vehicle is drivable, but is no longer driven to prevent total failure. Current mileage is ~123,000 miles. Transmission fluid changed every ~25,000 miles using Toyota genuine fluid. Vehicle was used for commuting, mostly highway, with no towing (no tow hitch installed).

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11720908 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2026 · ODI 11720547Details +

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)

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11720547 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2026 · ODI 11720113Details +

TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT ONLY 74,000 MILES. VERY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT THEY ONLY HAVE A SPECIAL COVERAGE AVAILABLE IN CANADA FOR THIS ISSUE AND NOT THE UNITED STATES.

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11720113 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Parking Brake · 17V717000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
C-HR2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive273129

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Toyota C-HR: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Toyota C-HR?

Owners filed 296 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Toyota C-HR. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Toyota C-HR?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (65% of complaints) and unknown or other (11%).

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

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2018 Toyota C-HR, covering components such as parking brake. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Toyota C-HR get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Toyota C-HR at 29 mpg combined.