Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Toyota C-HR owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved loudly while the transmission was stuck in low gear. The check engine, power steering, Forward Collision Avoidance, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon exceeding 25 MPH, the engine revved loudly to 4,000 RPM. The contact drove to the residence, where the vehicle was diagnosed by a mobile independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. Glen Burnie Transmissions was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were several similar vehicles at the location being repaired for the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
I am writing to report a serious and potentially dangerous defect with my 2018 Toyota C-HR. Shortly after purchasing this vehicle, I began experiencing multiple issues related to the transmission. The car makes a persistent whining noise while accelerating, which was immediately concerning for a new vehicle. More alarmingly, the vehicle sometimes suddenly stops accelerating and begins to jerk unexpectedly while driving. This has happened on the road and creates a hazardous situation for myself and other drivers, as it can be difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, especially in traffic or at higher speeds. Despite owning the car for only a short period, I have been told that repairing these transmission issues will cost thousands of dollars, which is not normal for a relatively new vehicle. These problems are not only inconvenient but also pose a significant safety risk. …
Transmission failed on a well maintained CHR at 80k miles. The noise started as a low hum and got louder and louder. When we brought it in for a diagnostic test, the dealer told us the transmission went bad and the repair was 9k. The car is out of their warranty so they refuse to replace the transmission. The transmission is faulty and it's failure had nothing to do with the car's maintenance. Forums online have shown this as a known problem. Toyota has not recalled this dangerous transmission. The failure started when we were in warranty, we just didn't know it was the transmission. We replaced breaks and put a new set of tires thinking this could be the issue. Toyota is failing to make good on their promise for safe and reliable cars. It's basically a lemon and sadly, we are not alone in the disappointment of Toyota not recalling this car for bad transmissions.
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...
My 2018 Toyota, which has around 96,000 miles, is experiencing transmission failure. I recently had it inspected by an independent repair shop, and they confirmed the issue is caused by a bad bearing inside the transmission-a problem they mentioned is common for this model. The transmission makes a loud whining noise and could fail at any time, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk since it could cause the car to lose power or stall in the middle of the road. There were no warning lights, messages, or signs before the issue started. I contacted Toyota about the problem, but they refused to cover the repair because the vehicle is out of warranty. However, given how new the car still is and that this issue is known to occur in similar models, I believe this is a safety hazard that Toyota should take responsibility for.
Power train failed on my 3 year old car. It could've been catastrophic if it failed on the road. The CVT transmission is a mess. It's also caused undue financial burden on every CHR owner since the power train had continued to fail uncontrollably. This car was traded in since the transmission had failed. There should be a recall on every CVT that was manufactured in 2018. Every owner and previous owner should be compensated for the loss. After market and rebuilt power trains weren't available since the car was 3 years old. Almost $10k to replace this transmission. This car was taken to a Toyota dealer who assured me that is was "cupped tires". I'm confident that they knew what the problem was. By the time the power train failure was detected, the car was out of warranty. Thanks
Mi guagua tiene problemas con la transmisi n. El fallo se manifiesta con un sonido extra o y fuerte que aparece al conducir. La transmisi n defectuosa sigue instalada y est disponible para inspecci n si se solicita. Esta situaci n pone en riesgo mi seguridad y la de otros, ya que el da o podr a empeorar y dejarme sin control del veh culo o inmovilizarlo por completo. Se ha evaluado la guagua y las indicaciones son problemas en la transmisi n, los s ntomas son constantes y f ciles de reproducir. No hubo luces de advertencia ni mensajes antes de que apareciera el fallo; el nico s ntoma previo fue un ligero ruido que con el tiempo se volvi m s fuerte. La causa exacta es desconocida, pero sospecho que puede ser problemas en la transmisi n.
The transmission on my 2018 Toyota C-HR has been malfunctioning, and there is a noticeable grinding or rattling noise coming from the front end while driving. The issue occurs consistently during driving. This problem puts my safety at risk because the vehicle hesitates to accelerate properly, and the noise suggests a potential mechanical failure that could lead to loss of control while driving. The issue has not yet been officially confirmed by the Toyota dealer, but I plan to have it inspected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem started around 67,000 mileages in October, and there were no warning lights or dashboard messages before the issue began. The noise has gradually worsened over time.
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.
I have a blue/white 2018 C-HR made in Japan. I do regular maintenance on my car monthly with oil changes every 3k miles. I had this car for 3 years only. I bought it from a toyota dealership with only 25k miles with one owner. At 35k miles it was whining and shaking and I took it to toyota to be serviced they kept it for a day and they found nothing wrong. I thought nothing of it but since then my car had this low shake/rattle to it. I've changed sparks and coils thinking it was that. Finally, today at only 49,900 miles with no signs previously this cars transmission blows not allowing me to reverse or switch gears on me and the head gasket blew allowing water to mix with the oil basically totaling my car.
Engine complaints in other C-HR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Toyota C-HR?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Toyota C-HR, 12% of the model year's 326 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Toyota C-HR engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Toyota C-HR, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Toyota C-HR engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 27,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.