Owners have filed 394 complaints
about the 2018 Toyota C-Hr with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota C-Hr. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 22
4.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
926.5%
Warnings
823.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control
617.6%
Warning
38.8%
Body
38.8%
Assist
25.9%
Automatic Transmission
25.9%
Warnings
12.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1214.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
78.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1416.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1720.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
89.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2226.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
33.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2017peak 24Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2018 Toyota C-Hr
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 20175595,294 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 135 - Light Vehicle Brake Systems. The electric parking brake (EPB) may not apply or release due to an incorrectly programmed skid control ECU. If this occurs while the vehicle is parked on a grade without being place into the park position and the EPB warnings are ignored, the vehicle may roll away which would increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the programming of the skid control ECU.
Recall 201736339,189 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the electrical power cords of some dealer installed block heaters may have been improperly manufactured, causing the wires to contact each other, resulting in a short circuit. A short circuit could lead to a fire which would increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: For vehicles where the subject block heater was approved for installation, the dealer will replace the block heater assembly with a new one of an improved design. For vehicles where the subject block heater was not approved for installation, dealers will remove the block heater assembly. In the interim, until the remedy can be performed, dealers will cut the plug end from the block heater cord to disable the block heater's operation.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
South Lebanon, OHCrash
AIR BAGS
I was driving on the highway when I hydroplaned due to bad weather and hit the cement wall head on. The airbags did not deploy. There were no lights prior to failure. My insurance said that it was surprising that the airbags did not deploy given the extensive frame damage to my vehicle. My safety was put at risk due to potentially enduring life threatening injuries if any other cars hit me. My vehicle was totaled and taken possession of by insurance.
NHTSA complaint #11583443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin Park, il, ILCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
A file its atach
NHTSA complaint #11439519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11439519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash
AIR BAGS
No july 20 I had a car accident, I was driving on my road, and suddenly another car crashed into my car, moving 2 lanes in the opposite direction, the impact was so strong that the vehicle that hit me was completely destroyed. All the bags in the car that hit me exploted, but none of the bags in my car exploted.
NHTSA complaint #11431556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fanklin Park, ILCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
I PARK MY 2018 CHR IN THE STREET ON SOUTH SIDE OF MY DRIVEWAY ON PARKING WITH THE CAR ON I CLOSE THE DOOR AND WALK TO MY TOYOTA LAND CRUISER I HAVE PARK ABOUT 50 FEET AWAY ON NORTH SIDE OF MY DRIVEWAY WENT SOMETHING HIT ME AND WAS THE CHR GOIN IN REVERSE BY ITSELFT HIT ME WITH THE REAR END WAS NO TIME AND I GET CUT WITH THE REAR TIRE ON THE RIGHT FEET AND NOCK ME TO THE GROUND I FIGHT TO GET UP SOME HOW I GRAVE THE DOOR HANDLE AND OPEN THE DOOR AND BECAUSE THE DOOR OPENS UP I SWING UNDER THE CAR AGAIN AND GET CUT FOR THE FRONT TIRE LET GO CONTINUES ON REVERSE TO HIT THE LAND CRUISER AND GET STOCK BETWEEN ON THE HYDRANT AND THE LAND CRUISER THAT STOPE FROM RUNNING WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF DONT STOP (RUN ME OVER MY LEFT FEET AND ALL OVER MY ANKLE AND LEG TO MY PELVIS LEAVING MY BACK LEG MUSCLES BLOW UP WITH THE TIRES TRACKS ON ALL OVER WENT TO HOSPITAL FAUN BROKEN BONES ON RIGHT FEET AND LEFT ANKLE AND FEET AND FRACTURE ON TENDONS LEFT LEG I CANT WALK NOW DOCTORS SAY WILL BE AT LEST 3 MONTHS BEFORE GO TO WALK OR EVEN TO WORK NOW I AM HOME RESTING TRYING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA CORPORATION AND STILTS NO ANSWER OR NOT RESPONDING TO THIS INCIDENT WORKING HARD TO THIS PANDEMIC 10 TO 16 HR A DAY SOME TIME 15 DAYS NON STOP BECAUSE I AM INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC WORKING ON A FAMOUS ITALIAN BAKERY FIRTH RESPONDING EMPLOY NOW NO WAGES BECAUSE CANT WORK NOW I CAN SAY THINK BEFORE YOU BUY A TOYOTA CHR OR ANY TOYOTA WITH ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE EPB BECAUSE I HAVE A RECALL AND THE DEALER REPAIRED AND STILL SAME NOT WORKING AND I DONT KNOW AND CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO MUVE OR ROLLWAY THATS HAPENINT TO ME THE CAR MOUVED FROM PARKING TO REVERSE BY IT SELF ANDY E FRANKLIN P IL 8-25-20
NHTSA complaint #11354009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,280 milesFranklin Park, ILCrash1 injured
PARKING BRAKE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA C-HR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V717000 (PARKING BRAKE) THREE TIMES, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A STAND STILL IN PARK, THE VEHICLE REVERSED ON IT'S OWN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE WAS REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID SUSTAIN LEFT LEG AND RIGHT FOOT INJURIES MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT STATED A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, FILED A CASE, AND STATED THEY WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,280.
NHTSA complaint #11352334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Elizabeth, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Desconocido
NHTSA complaint #11758658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11758383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Billerica, MA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piscataway, NJ
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaneohe, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollis Center, ME
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11756517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
NHTSA complaint #11756585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #11756078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11756078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11756078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
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 service approximately six weeks before the vehicle was sold at auction. I am aware that Toyota Canada has issued a Warranty Enhancement Program (10 years / 193,000 km) for 2018–2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles covering CVT failures caused by a known defective internal bearing. No equivalent program currently exists in the United States. I am filing this complaint because I believe this same defect affects U.S.-market vehicles and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roswell, GA
POWER TRAIN
CVT transmission total failure. Clunking and grinding.
NHTSA complaint #11755297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mather, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11754109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keyes, OK
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keyes, OK
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pigeon Forge, TN
POWER TRAIN
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 devastated! This is a massive safety issue with a brand that considers themselves as the most safety oriented and reliable car company out there. PLEASE ISSUE THE RECALL and hold Toyota accountable INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWoodside, NY
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11752587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWoodside, NY
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11752587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWoodside, NY
PARKING BRAKE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11752587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange Park, FL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11751303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Magnolia, TX
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.