2018 TOYOTA C-HR Engine Problems

My 2018 CHR has a faulty bearing in its transmission. This is a common problem in this make and model. Toyota is quoting customers $13,000 to replace this part. My vehicle started experiencing a noise and when taken to dealership was told the transmission is going out at only 90,000 miles. This is a huge safety concern that they know this is an issue with this vehicle and no recall has been made. This car is a true lemon and customers are being put in danger by owning it with no recall.

My front camera sensor light came on stating it was unavailable, then turned back on after a few minutes. About a week later on several occasions, the emergency brake notification came on when I was on the freeway with no vehicles in front of me to cause this. There has been an excessive whirring sound coming from the engine also. With these issues there have been no warning signs including check engine lights or other vehicle maintenance lights on. Reading complaints from other Toyota, CHR owners with similar issues, and stating they’ve had costly transmission failure brings a great deal of concern for my safety and those on the road.

Transmission failure at under 100,000 miles

The night of the incident November 16th, 2025, the transmission in my daughter's 2018 Toyota C-HR failed suddenly while the vehicle was in motion. The car lost the ability to accelerate and then became completely immobile. The failure occurred without warning and with no prior symptoms. She could not shift into drive or reverse. My daughter, a [XXX] college student was driving at the time, and the breakdown left her stranded in the dark on a roadway with limited visibility and no safe shoulder. She was in a semi-safe neighborhood. I called AAA as I am a premier member and it took 4 hours to get her car towed. This created a significant safety risk—both the danger of being struck by approaching vehicles and personal safety concerns associated with being stranded alone at night until almost midnight. I am several hours away (Canton, GA) and could not get to her safely. We specifically picked a reliable Toyota model to take to college so that this would not happen. The transmission and related components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request at my home. The car is not drivable and we are stuck with a costly repair. This appears to be a very common problem with this specific Toyota model even with low milage but no recall has been issues. After the vehicle was towed to Group 1 Toyota in Columbus, GA an inspection by the dealership was performed at a $200 cost to diagnose a transmission failure. A faulty CVT transmission that is not covered under any warranty and is $11,000 to repair. Attached is a report showing excellent condition of other car components. There were no warning lamps, messages, noises, or other symptoms leading up to the failure. The transmission malfunction occurred suddenly, with the first and only indication being the loss of power and inability to move the vehicle. Toyota addressed the issue by no longer using this type of transmission and discontinuing this model but will NOT offer a solution. Please help!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR

Within the last 12 months, rodents have crawled into the engine chewing the wires due to being made o soybean. The first repair was $3000 and the second repair was $1700 I have 6 kids and can’t afford to keep repairing a car that was made with soybean and thus attracts rodents. Why is toyota allowed to put products on the vehicle which are rodent attracted and cost consumers so much to fix.

My transmission failed and I took it to the dealership. They recommended I replace the transmission that would cost $11,000. I have 120k miles driven in my car and regular get it maintenance. After looking online I saw that I was not alone with the Ch-r model. It is ridiculous that a repair would cost half of a brand new car. This is very anti consumer behaviors coercing car owners to buy new cars since repairing them is so expensive.

I started experiencing a whirring noice coming from the engine of my 2018 Toyota CHR earlier this summer. I took it to a mechanic shop and was told that the noice was coming from the transmission. I had to take it to a transmission shop where they diagnosed the problem coming from my transmission. They quoted $13K & $15K. The Toyota dealer quoted $12K. I had just paid of the car and was ready to enjoy it. I’m disappointed that Toyota doesn’t have a recall for this problem. It is documented on several online forums and YouTube videos. For what it’s worth I’m documenting this problem. Thank you.

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.

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.

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. I believe this may be a manufacturing defect affecting the transmission system. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly to protect other consumers and ensure road safety. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.

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.

My transmission is going out at 60 thousand miles

Mi guagua tiene problemas con la transmisión. El fallo se manifiesta con un sonido extraño y fuerte que aparece al conducir. La transmisión defectuosa sigue instalada y está disponible para inspección si se solicita. Esta situación pone en riesgo mi seguridad y la de otros, ya que el daño podría empeorar y dejarme sin control del vehículo o inmovilizarlo por completo. Se ha evaluado la guagua y las indicaciones son problemas en la transmisión, los síntomas son constantes y fáciles de reproducir. No hubo luces de advertencia ni mensajes antes de que apareciera el fallo; el único síntoma previo fue un ligero ruido que con el tiempo se volvió más fuerte. La causa exacta es desconocida, pero sospecho que puede ser problemas en la transmisión.

My transmission started failing 4 years after I bout it. And now it’s worse than ever

Transmission went out more than once, the first time within warranty only a few years after the vehicle was on the market two years after getting it replaced it was no longer within warranty and they are refusing to repair it. I would have to pay $1200 if you look at the Toyota forum there are thousands and thousands and thousands of people with 2018 CHR who are having the same exact problem. The fact that the Corolla CVT engines are being recalled and other vehicles are being recalled except for the CHR is ridiculous. Please look into

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 failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Mileage: 91,000

The transmission bearing has an internal failure making the vehicle jerk and noisy. When I drive the car it shakes / jerks A LOT. My safety is put at risk because the car can stall out. TOYOTA LET ME DRIVE MY CAR HOME FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AFTER FAILING TO FIX THE ISSUE. I currently cannot drive my car because I can stall out and crash! I had no warnings, no lights , no nothing telling me there was an issue ! It just started jerking when I was driving. I have been to the dealer I bought the car from and they did nothing to fix the issue. How can an issue like this not show up on my car dashboard!! ? I have video of the car jerking as well.

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

General Defect with Transmission causing gear slippage at low RPMs from day one. Car can soft stutter to hard stutter going from idling position to soft press of accelerator. Hard transmission failure starting at 80K mi even with preventative maintenance. additional engine stalls randomly in middle of driving starting to appear with no error codes.

The transmission and torque converter both failed one morning. As soon as I️ realized I️ had a problem I️ took it to the mechanic. My car is available for inspection. I️ was lucky is happened while not driving. The issue has been confirmed by the mechanic as the problem and the NHTSA comments from others show it is a reoccurring problem with 2018 CHR Toyotas. The car has not been inspected by police or insurance representative. My car had a oil change a month prior at same mechanic and no lights or issues.

This specific vehicle has a major issue with the transmission system that has not been addressed and ignored by dealer/seller. No warning lamps appeared notifying driver of issue.

Powertrain transmission breakdown and failure. From my investigating it is clearly evident this is a common recurring safety malfunction. pertaining to 2018 Toyota Chr. I have read over 100 cases in online forums describing exactly what is now happening to my vehicle. Starts with a loud front end humming or whistling noise when the car is accelerating over 5mph. In a short time the problem worsen to shuttering, and ultimate transmission failure. Almost all the cases I have read the occurrence happens between 60,000 - 90,000 miles. Once brought in for diagnosis the outcome is the same for all vehicles the Transmission and torque converter are at fault and needs to be replaced. What I have further discovered is Toyota did a recall on the one vehicle that is identical to the 2018 Toyota Chr: Toyota recalls Corolla Hatchbacks The torque converter in the Continuously Variable Transmission could fail Read less Toyota is recalling about 3,400 model year 2019 Corolla Hatchbacks. The torque converter in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) could fail, resulting in a loss of motive power increasing the risk of crash. What to do Toyota is currently obtaining parts to replace the Direct Shift-CVT with a new one containing a new torque converter not affected by this issue at no cost to customers. Owners of all recalled vehicles will will be notified by first-class mail. The recall is expected to begin in mid-February. Owners may contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331 Toyota is recalling about 3,400 model year 2019 Corolla Hatchbacks.The torque converter in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) could fail, resulting in injury From what I read this was not a Government or Safety mandated recall and Toyota did this recall silently, letting the problem vehicles come to them first. Please see that something is done for this clear and present safety issue.

Just driving hearing noise from passenger side wheels took to toyata 15000 for repair Transmission bad

I am currently at 57,110 miles and I noticed a whining noise coming from the front of my car while driving with the window down on June 5, 2022. It’s as if it’s coming from the wheel bearing or front axle. I also noticed today that my car had a kick to it, like a horse galloping. This seems to be very mysterious as I just took my car to a Toyota dealership at the end of April and they reported absolutely no issues. I’m afraid that my power train/transmission may be going bad, which would be very very awful as my car hasn’t even reached 60,000 miles yet.

I have had this car since Oct of 2017, I bought it from Kerry Toyota of Florence ky, I have spent so much money on this car, and I'm at 59k miles. I have heard a whining noise for some time now, I took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong but recently it got worse so I took it to an autobody shop that I trust and they said it was the transmission. So I took it to Kerry again it was still under warranty just by 1000 Miles. Turns out it was my transmission. I've never been rough on my vehicles obviously I drove it to 59K I should not have to get a whole new transmission. So I did some digging turns out MULTIPLE people have had the same issue with their 2018 CHR's. Also when I went to pick it up from the dealership it was dead so they jumped it for me. Then when I got to where I was going and then got back in to start my car it wouldn't start again. So come to find out my battery is shot. Now On average, a car battery lasts from 5 to 7 years. I understand that that can differ tremendously but I saw where multiple people have been through a lot of batteries with their CHR's so I was upset and angry about my car so I traded it in. Now they gave me $15,000 at first. They said I needed new tires, New battery, I had a scratch on my back bumper and apparently my front bumper. Now upon me looking at my car I do have a scratch in the back bumper but the front isn't touched. So they gave me $15,500 I feel like I should have got more for my car due to the problems I have gone through. I had $12 left on my car so I did get positive equity but the quality of the car isn't my problem and I don't feel I should suffer the depreciation because of the issues it has had because that's on the manufacturers, not I. They should have already done a Recall on the Transmissions. Here is the BIG reason why. IF my car was covered, if I drove 1000 more miles I would have had to pay $8,600 for them to fix my transmission!

Electrical system malfunction. Abnormal voltage power steering low. These messages turned on after we felt the steering wheel become really heavy and making it hard to make the freeway entrance. The Toyota Ch-R shut down right before we merged onto the freeway. We were left on the blind spot of the freeway entrance in the night, so it left us quite vulnerable to an accident and possible death. The vehicle will be taken to Toyota dealership, since it still falls under the 60 month warranty.

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.

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT NIGHT ALL THE SUDDEN MY CAR TURNS OFF, COASTED OFF EXIT. GOT IT STOPPED AND RESTARTED IT AND GOT GOING AGAIN. COULD HAVE BEEN MAJOR CRASH. IT ONLY HAS 13,000 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS JUST IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT LAST WEEK.

Mileage: 3,000

THE EPB MALFUNCTION CAME UP ON MY SCREEN WHILE I DROVE MY CAR IT BECAME I INOPERABLE AS I DROVE. I WAS DRIVING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE AND MY CAR WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO AT ABOUT 5MPH WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED

Mileage: 26,765

I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON MARCH 9TH, 2018 AT 8:00 PM AT HERITAGE TOYOTA CATONSVILLE) AND DROVE TO WORK NEXT DAY (MARCH 10TH, 2018). WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY ROUTE 100, THE CAR SUDDENLY AND COMPLETELY STOPPED / DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AND I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR BEHIND ME. I CALLED THE DEALER (HERITAGE TOYOTA CATONSVILLE WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE) TO GET THE CAR BACK AND ASKED THEM TO EXCHANGE ANOTHER ONE BUT THEY REFUSED. I'M REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY FOR MY LIVE WHEN I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK EVERYDAY. I'M EXPECTING TOYOTA TAKE THIS CAR BACK AND LET ME EXCHANGE FOR ANOTHER ONE.

Mileage: 57