2018 TOYOTA C-HR Unknown Or Other Problems

The issue is the bearing in my CVT transmission. I've been advised by three different shops/dealerships that this is the problem while being quoted $10k plus to replace the transmission. Through research, this is a known issue with the 2018-2022 Toyota CHRs. Thus making this vehicle heavily UNSAFE to drive and Toyota is not taking any accountability with this problem. There have been no warning lights of this issue. Only an intense grinding noise in the front end of the vehicle and "jumping/hopping" at times and brief moments where the vehicle will not move. It seems to only occur when the warranty is expired but something needs to be done about this as I know I am not the only person experiencing this problem. This not only is a severe safety issue but also should never have happened if Toyota took responsibility for putting faulty CVT transmissions in this vehicle. They need to cover the costs and make this right!!

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

I am writing to formally request warranty service for my Toyota CH-R 2018, VIN [XXX] , currently with 88,341 miles. Despite its relatively low mileage and consistent maintenance, the vehicle has developed a transmission issue attributed to a defective bearing inside the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). As you are aware, Toyota issued a warranty extension specifically covering transmission failures resulting from this defect. This extension applies for up to 10 years or 193,000 kilometers (approximately 120,000 miles), whichever comes first. My vehicle clearly falls within these parameters. Given the nature of the defect and Toyota’s acknowledgment of its impact, I respectfully request that your dealership initiate the appropriate warranty repair or replacement process without delay. I am prepared to bring the vehicle in for inspection and provide any additional documentation required. Please confirm receipt of this letter and advise on the next steps to resolve this matter promptly. I trust Toyota will stand behind its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

My car started making a loud noise several months ago so I took it to a mechanic. When he looked at it, he informed me that the bearing in my transmission failed and could not be repaired because it would all need replaced. I couldn’t afford it so I called 3 other places who told me it needed fully replaced also since it’s CVT. I’ve been trying to trade it in with issues for months and nobody will take it and I can’t afford to fix it or pay it down. I fear for my safety every time I drive it because it now shakes pretty hard and the noise is much louder. At any time it could fully die while I’m on the road or freeway. I don’t have a choice to drive it because I can’t afford it. When I called Toyota at 108k miles they said it was over 100k and therefore the would not help me. That is when it first occcurred but it obviously still is an issue. I am happy for others to look at it but I really just need help because I’m very scared and overwhelmed

I have a CVT transmission and it has failed. Out of no where I use the top notch oil etc and this has occurred. Nobody wants to touch this to fix it but those that do all are quoting me over $13k to put in a used replacement. There should be a recall on these- this topic is all over Reddit and car forums for premature transmission failure

The CVT transmission in my 2018 Toyota C-HR failed suddenly while driving. There were no warning lights, check engine indicators, or dashboard messages before the issue occurred. The only symptom was a sudden whining/whirring noise from the transmission area. The vehicle has been regularly maintained and serviced through ToyotaCare until the coverage expired in 2023. The failure happened on 11/02, and the car is currently available for inspection upon request. This failure created a potential safety risk because the car unexpectedly lost power and could not accelerate properly in traffic. The problem has been confirmed by a Toyota dealer (Toyota of Anaheim), who diagnosed it as an internal CVT transmission failure. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Toyota corporate, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure , only the noise that began a month ago and it when i accelerate, I decided to take it in to the dealership to take a look at.

I have a Toyota CHR 2018, bought it brand new in July 2018. I recently noticed a noise and when driving a difference when using the gas. I took it to 2 different mechanics and it is my Transmission. Is my car under warranty? It has less than 110K miles on it

Not even 80k miles and the transmission is out. Come to find out this is a very common problem with these cars and you cannot even order the proper parts to fix it. So now we are out of a car that does not even have 80k miles on it.

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.

Unknown, all started 3 month ago car wasnt turning on, mechanic said was the battery, battery installed but kept reading same malfunctions, ebs , collision malfunction, steering wheel, speeding problems, Autozone has checked engine light on no specifics on warning lights.

CVT Transmission needs replacement at 120,000. Making a whining noise. Took it for service and it was confirmed. Same issues is being talked about in this Toyota CH-R Forum [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My car has been making a whinny noise while I drive no matter how far with 84,000 miles also when I come to a complete stop the car starts vibrating but in any other gears it doesn’t and when I start driving again the vibrating stops. No lights have popped on my screen. Both Toyota dealership in Salinas California and another mechanic shop have told me upon inspections it is my car transmission going bad. This is my only car and only way to get around

There is a know reported issue for transmissions in this car. My car i making a whining noise wheelie accelerating. Looks like it has something to do with the transmission failing.

Transmission failing under 100k.

Car transmission is having issue and car has only 64000 mile, also multiple place that I got opinion mentioned this car model is having transmission issue.

Transmission problem with only 100k miles

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

The Transmission of the car is failing at 75000. If the transmission failed while driving it would have caused me to wreck the car. The dealership notified me it was unsafe to drive with the failing transmission. I had driven on with this issues for 35000 miles.

My car started making a whining noise from the engine. I took it into my Toyota dealer, and was told there was an internal bearing failure in the transmission. The transmission would have to be replaced. This is not right for a car only 4 1/2 years old. I contacted Toyota Brand Engagement Center Headquarters. They were of little help. I have researched other cases on the Toyota forum with exact same problems in the transmission. How can this not be a recall?

There is usually a consistently loud humming, as if the vehicle is trying to switch gears, but its not happening. Transmission not changing might eventually lead to vehicle suddenly stopping, which might cause a pile up on a highway over time. Also at a complete stop, the engine revs up

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.

Transmission issues: Car makes noises. This was a concern because the car could just stop in the middle of the road. An independent mechanic and the dealer confirmed that it is the transmission. Although the car is only four years old, the transmission is out of warranty due to have exceeded 60,000 miles. I heard that other chrs had the same issue as well.

THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS BAD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDE ISSUE WITH A LOT OF C-HR OWNERS AND TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO TAKE OWNERSHIP TO RECALL THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A LARGE HUMMING AS YOU ACCELERATE THAT INCREASES OVER TIME.

Mileage: 80,000

EPB MALFUNCTION LIGHT WARNING COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. HAS COME ON A TOTAL OF 15 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING IN 9/19. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE ISSUE. FRONT CAMERA HAS GONE OUT 7 TIMES WHILE DRIVING SINCE PURCHASE, DEALER STATES IT'S FROM THE HEAT. FRONT BUMPER MOLDING IS LOOSE DUE TO WARPED CLIPS USED BY TOYOTA PER THE DEALER

Mileage: 26,000

FRONT CAMERA HAS GONE OUT SEVERAL TIMES SINCE PURCHASING AUGUST 2019. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP IT IS "SENSITIVE" TO THE HEAT. THE EBS HAS FAILED TWICE SINCE MARCH 2020.. BOTH ISSUES HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION. THE FRONT BUMPER MOLDING CONTINUES TO SEPARATE DUE TO CHEAP CLIPS HOLDING IT TO THE FRAME PER THE TECH AT TOYOTA AVONDALE, AZ. *TR

Mileage: 25,000

I STOPPED AT A FRIENDS HOUSE. WHEN I LEFT, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. DASHBOARD MENTIONED MY BRAKES, MALFUNCTION. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAD BROUGHT THE CAR IN A FEW WEEKS EARLIER BECAUSE MY ODOMETER STARTED CHANGING FROM TRIP A TO TOTAL MILEAGE EVERY TIME I RESTARTED THE CAR. IT DIDN'T DO THAT BEFORE. ALSO THE CLOCK RANDOMLY LOOKS MORE LIKE AN ERROR CODE THAN THE TIME, IT CORRECTS ITSELF AFTER 10 MIN. OR SO. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE ODOMETER JUST CHANGES BACK ( I TOLD THEM IT NEVER DID THAT BEFORE) AND THE CLOCK WAS BECAUSE OF HEAT OR COLD. ITS LED, THAT IT JUST HAPPENS. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY ( ONLY 18000 MILES ON THE CAR) I ALSO TOLD THEM MY FOB WAS SHOWING RANDOMLY LOW BATTERY, SO WHILE I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP I ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT. HE SAID WHILE CHECKING THE FOB, SOMETIMES IT WAS SHOWING A FULL CHARGE THEN WOULD SHOW LOW BATTERY. AFTER THE CARE BATTERY WORK WAS DONE, THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE ODOMETER STAYED ON TRIP A.......HMMMMM. I AM AFRAID THAT I AM GOING TO BE STUCK WITH SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THE CAR. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL NEED TO LISTEN TO WHAT I AM SAYING. I AM VERY MECHANICALLY MINDED AND THIS JUST DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.

Mileage: 18,279

CAME OUT OF WORK 7/24/18 AND MY BACK WINDOW ON HATCH HAD EXPLODED. BOTH SIDES ARE BLOWN OUT AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS CRYSTALIZED. THERE ARE NO IMPACT POINTS SHOWING ANYTHING HIT THE WINDOW. THE GLASS BLEW OUT, NOT INTO THE CAR. DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP COLLISION CENTER IN OKC. THEY HAVE THE CAR AND HAVE GIVEN ME A LOANER. THEIR FEELING IS THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT, BUT SOMEONE FROM LOCAL TOYOTA HAS LOOKED AT IT AND SAID NO. IT IS BEING ESCALATED TO DECIDE IF TOYOTA IS LIABLE AND SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. WITH THIS BEING A NEW MODEL, I'M CONCERNED THIS WILL BE HAPPENING TO OTHERS.

Mileage: 11,000

I JUST PURCHASED THE NEW 2018 CHR. DRIVING HOME AND CAR ENGINE HAD A BURNING ODOR WITH EXHAUST FUMES, AND THE ENGINE SHIMMIED. I PULLED OVER AS I THOUGHT THE TIRE WAS FLAT. I WENT HOME AND GOT MY SON. HE CHECKED THE ENGINE AND IT WAS OVER HEATED. I HAD ONLY DRIVEN THE NEW CAR 60 MILES IN 2 WEEKS. WE DROVE TO TOYOTA AND ALL I COULD SMELL WAS A CARBON MONOXIDE ODOR IN THE CAR WITH EXHAUST FUMES. I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT. THE CAR IS WITH TOYOTA FOR THE WEEKEND. I AM FILING THIS REPORT, IN CASE OTHER CAR OWNERS OF CHR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS THIS CAR HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN A TOTAL OF 85 MILES. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE EXHAUST FUME, BURNING ODOR SMELLS GOING INTO THE CABIN WHICH ALMOST CAUSED ME TO PASS OUT. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 120

THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE FOLLOWING ERROR MESSAGES APPEAR SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE "BRAKE OVERRIDE MALFUNCTION. VISIT YOUR DEALER", DRIVE-START CONTROL MALFUNCTION.VISIT YOUR DEALER", "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW", "ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE HIGH. STOP IN A SAFE PLACE. SEE OWNER'S MANUAL". THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 5100 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR MORE THAN 2 HOURS (AFTER A 35 MILES DRIVE) IN MY DRIVEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE HIGH 40'S/LOW 50'S.

Mileage: 5,096

DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT CONSISTANTLY UNLOCK WHEN CLOSING THE TRUNK OR USING THE WIRELESS REMOTE. LEFT STORE PUSHED UNLOCK AND ALL LOCKS UNLOCKED EXCEPT FOR DRIVERS DOOR HAS HAPPENED 12 TIMES SINCE MAY 31 2017 TOYOTA DIAGNOSED BUT CANT FIND THE ISSUE DUE TO INTERMITTENT TIMES HAVE 7 PEOPLE THAT CAN VERIFY THIS HAS HAPPENED. CAR WAS STATIONARY AND ON PARKING AREAS AND DRIVEWAYS

Mileage: 100