Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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. …
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound that became louder during acceleration. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the bearings in the transmission had failed, causing the transmission failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the vehicle had been recalled in Canada due to the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 82,960.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. While at a stop, the vehicle vibrated abnormally without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but no cause for the issue was found. While operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle, with the message "Service Engine Soon" displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a diagnostic test revealed a failure with the ball bearings inside the CVT. The contact was informed that the transmission and the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to cover half of the cost of the repair. The transmission and torque converter were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was provided with a case number from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a grinding sound when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised that the service manager would go to the residence and the vehicle would be driven to the dealer by the service manager. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed to assist with the cost of the repair. In addition, the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while his daughter was at a stop sign, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift out of low gear and the vehicle failed to respond as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission bearing failed, causing the vehicle to coast to a stop on a main road. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The contact associated the failure with Customer Support Program: 26TE06 that provided a free transmission replacement for certain 2018-2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles experiencing continuously variable transmission failures. The dealer was contacted and stated that the transmission serial number on the vehicle was not included in the Customer Support Program. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota CH-R. The contact stated that while driving in ECO Mode, there was a humming sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission and torque converter were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer's Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure. The contact stated that a recall for the failure had been issued for certain vehicles manufactured in Canada. The failure mileage was 35,100.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure, and advised the contact that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a user error. The failure recurred and the vehicle was then taken to Charlie's Toyota (451 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330) where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. The contact has stated that after paying to get the vehicle fixed, they sold it.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission bearing failure. The mechanic recommended that the transmission be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. While investigating the failure online, the contact became aware that a recall was issued in Canada for similar vehicles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Transmission complaints in other C-HR years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Toyota C-HR?
NHTSA has 216 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Toyota C-HR, 66% of the model year's 326 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Toyota C-HR transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.