2018 Toyota C-Hr transmission problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

POWER TRAIN

CVT transmission total failure. Clunking and grinding.

NHTSA complaint #11755297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

POWER TRAIN

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)

NHTSA complaint #11749610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11748486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11747335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11746975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11747000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11746907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11745487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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)

NHTSA complaint #11745507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11745354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11745370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11743883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11743562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11743091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11742835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11742060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.