Owners have filed 403 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
4.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 90
53% 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
1214.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
78.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1416.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1720.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
89.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2327.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
33.5%
150,000+ miles
11.2%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2018 Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD
14.2% risk
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 24Sep 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.
United States — NHTSA
17V717000
PARKING BRAKE
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."
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.
Tampa, FL
POWER TRAIN
The cvt transmission completely failed making the car undriveable
NHTSA complaint #11762975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independence, LA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11761882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independence, LA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11761882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independence, LA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11761882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hood River, OR
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11759974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, SC
POWER TRAIN
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!
NHTSA complaint #11759111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesCuyahoga Falls, OH
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11758512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
