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2018 Toyota C Hr Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

296

Total

9

Crashes

0

Fires

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

ENGINE
218
OTHER
26
BRAKES
23
ELECTRICAL
11
AIR BAGS
5

Recent Complaints

ODI #11751303

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/18/2026

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.

ODI #11750474

POWER TRAIN — Filed 02/10/2026

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.

ODI #11749923

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/11/2026

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.

ODI #11749610

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/07/2026

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)

ODI #11748486

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/03/2026

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.

ODI #11747335

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/15/2026

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.

ODI #11746975

POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/27/2026

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.

ODI #11747000

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/07/2025

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.

ODI #11746907

POWER TRAIN — Filed 12/19/2025

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.

ODI #11746692

ENGINE — Filed 06/20/2026

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...

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov