2018 Toyota C-HR transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   Unknown, ​I recently received a Customer Support Program notice from Toyota regarding a known transmission noise affecting certain 2018 Toyota C-HR vehicles. My vehicle exhibits the exact symptoms described in the bulletin—specifically, a small plane-like engine sound when driving between 20 and 40 mph. ​On XXX, I brought my vehicle to Toyota of [XXX] for diagnosis and service under this program. However, the dealership returned the vehicle without performing any repairs,…

   NHTSA complaint #11768200 · source
2. Filed Sep 24, 2026105,000 miSCTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11766749 · source
3. Filed Sep 23, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain

   Car began making a grinding sound while driving on an expressway. From that point on, could no longer reach a speed above 30 MPH. Independent Mechanic diagnosed an issue with CVT. Car was inoperable and sat in my driveway for 8+ months as we tried getting Toyota to respond to calls and email. Received a CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 26TE06 letter from Toyota on 12Sep2026 explaining that they would provide coverage for the repair. Had the car towed to O'Brien Toyota in…

   NHTSA complaint #11766291 · source
4. Filed Sep 9, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11763153 · source
5. Filed Sep 3, 2026LAAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 · source
6. Filed Aug 29, 2026ORTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11760556 · source
7. Filed Aug 24, 2026SCTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 · source
8. Filed Aug 21, 202691,000 miOHTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11758512 · source
9. Filed Aug 20, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain

   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 · source
10. Filed Aug 19, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11757868 · source
11. Filed Aug 17, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

    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 · source
12. Filed Aug 12, 2026METransmission & Drivetrain

    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 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology