2018 Toyota C-HR: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 308 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (68% of complaints); the 2019 and 2020 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 26 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Nov 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When I accelerate from a complete stop. It makes a roaring noise that dies down once the car is in full swing. Toyota dealership is saying that it is a common problem for Toyota CHR and needs to be replaced. Replacement cost from my pocket is $12k”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
“There was a loss of power while driving. As I pressed on the gas, the engine would rev, but the vehicle would not accelerate. This is a major safety risk.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“The transmissions on these vehicles have well issues. The only reason I bought the one I did was because the Carfax report falsely started that the transmission had been replaced. Toyota knows it's a safety hazard and can fail at highway speed but will not take responsibility. I bought the car and within 5 days it is making a grinding noise. The Toyota dealership states the car needs an entire transmission replacement for $12,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Transmission. My car started making loud noises and eventually got to this point where it is not shifting gears. I would put it into drive, press the gas, and it would accelerate and abruptly stop on me. I've had it for less than 10 years and I bought it brand new. Its completely un-drivable.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
“The internal transmission bearing defect causes sudden unpredictable loss of propulsion of the vehicle and creates a high risk on the interstate which is where I drive most the time and risks those in my car or around me. The dealer confirmed the issue. There are no warning lights just a whine while driving.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“A noise from under the hood kept getting louder. When I took it to the Toyota dealership for inspection, they determined that a bearing in the CVT transmission failed causing the transmission to need total replacement. I can not safely drive my car because the transmission could fail at any time. This issue has been widely reported for the 2018 Toyota C-HR and possibly other year models. There was no warning other than the whining noise that continued to get louder. I was quoted an estimate of $11,868 for repairs.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“I bought the car in May of 2021 with roughly 40,000 miles. It is now June of 2026 and I have roughly 111,000. Regularly maintenanced. My front sensor system went out last year, so I cannot use cruise control, auto brights, lane assist, emergency braking system, etc. It is a pretty penny to replace that. My transmission is now going out and I am faced with replacing the transmission or replacing the vehicle that I still owe money on- roughly $8,500. There are no warning signs other than the signs for my front sensor system not working. I have seen other complaints with the exact problems I am facing and I believe a recall is appropriate.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jun 2026
“I experienced a sudden transmission failure on roadway. This is a severe safety hazard. I lost all powertrain to my car while in motion. I had to coast the car onto side road at 4am on 6-15-26. Upon further investigation this car year 2018, make toyota and model ch-r, has premature K114 CVT transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
“Sudden transmission failure. Seems to be a known issue with Toyota CHR 2018 onward. I own the 2018 model and there have been recalls in Canada regarding this issue.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
“A bearing has gone bad in the CVT transmission with only 128000 miles on the vehicle. The repair cost over 10,000 dollars because the design of the transmission does not allow for the bearing to be replaced.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota CH-R vehicles. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not operate properly, possibly causing the parking brake not to disengage after it is applied or prevent it from being applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Remedy: Toyota has notified owners, and dealers will update the programming of the skid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0W.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact C-HR by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Toyota C-HR reliable?
NHTSA has 308 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2018 Toyota C-HR. The most complained-about area is power train (68% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Toyota C-HR problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 52,000 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Toyota C-HR have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning parking brake. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.