2018 Toyota C-HR Powertrain & Transmission Problems

The transmission in this specific car model for not only me, but others as well always have problems and go out at any time. Dealership won’t help with me having my warranty go out even tho it’s a notorious problem. Typically costs over 10k in in repairs of replacing the transmission that will eventually go out again.

On 3/31/2026, SUDDEN Power train failure occurred with 122k miles.

The CVT transmission failed on my 2018 Toyota C-HR, which I purchased in 2022. The vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic on a day with elevated temperatures while my special needs child was a passenger, creating an immediately life-threatening situation. The car showed no signs of any issue prior to this failure. I attempted to have the vehicle inspected multiple times before the failure occurred, but this defect is not detectable without a deep diagnostic inspection and by the time that level of inspection is needed, the transmission is already in the process of failing. There are no warning lights or symptoms until complete failure occurs. When I contacted Toyota, the representative acted as though this was an isolated issue and not a known defect. This is false. This is a viral, widespread problem that the vast majority of 2018 Toyota C-HR owners are experiencing and actively reporting across forums, consumer complaint sites, and to NHTSA itself. Toyota is fully aware of this defect. Upon seeking an independent inspection, the mechanic showed me the same transmission from another vehicle of the same make and compared it to mine, explaining that the C-HR uses a larger CVT transmission, making a used replacement approximately $6,000 alone and advised that given the repair cost relative to the car’s value, purchasing a new vehicle may be the only realistic option. I am now completely without transportation due to what is clearly a premature manufacturing defect on a 7-year-old vehicle, causing severe financial hardship. Notably, Toyota Canada has already issued a recall and extended the warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles for this exact same defect on the same model. U.S. owners are being denied the same protection and quoted $10,000–$14,000 for a known manufacturing defect. I am requesting NHTSA investigate and issue a U.S. recall for all affected 2018 Toyota C-HR vehicles immediately.

The 2018 Toyota C-HR has a known continuously variable transmission (CVT) defect. Toyota should extend its powertrain warranty to cover failures of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the model.

Complete transmission failure.

My transmission broke down, There have been multiple reports of CVT transmission failures. Toyota experimented with a new transmission in the 2017-2020 CH-r models. No disclosures were attached. Replacements are the only option for this repair. Toyota is charging between $10,000-$14,000 for parts and labor.

Transmission creating a very load whining sound and feels wrong. It sounds like it’s going to blow up. Mechanic said it’s a known issue that can’t be repaired and no recall has been issued. The car is necessary for college and I’m concerned about the safety of driving it with the potential of total transmission failure.

Bearing in transmission failed. Need to replace the whole transmission. Car is 8 years old and has 59,000 miles

Transmission completely gave up. Took it to be looked at and the people who service my car regularly were incredibly confused. No service light. No warnings. Nothing other than a rattling sound when I accelerated was the indicator. I searched online and this model has recalls outside the U.S. for the SAME reason but recalls are not available here in the U.S. so many customers are suffering because of this car. I too cannot afford to replace it & I barely had it for 4 years so it wasn’t even completely paid off once it died. I have a commute on the interstate of 30 minutes to and from work every day. I’m so relieved I took it to be checked before I put myself in danger on the road. It had absolutely NO warning to let me know that it was having transmission issues. Not even a check engine service light or error. My service area didn’t even notice anything wrong when I had my oil changed 2 months before I made them check the noise. It has been inspected by 2 local repair businesses. The only symptom I had was a very light rattling noise. I thought it was the plastic cover underneath my vehicle. If I didn’t go for that reason, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me. They had to bring in a seasoned repair man to find out the culprit in the end & I received the bad news before they closed up shop

On February 6, 2026 the transmission in my 2018 Toyota CHR began to malfunction while on interstate 90. IF the transmission had completely failed on a major highway it could have impacted my safety as well as anyone travelling in proximity to me. When I was able to get off the thru-way there was considerable screaming and clunking from the front end. Two auto repair businesses confirmed that it was the tranmission. The vehicle is available for inspection. No indication prior to the event. I had taken the vehicle to a local dealer in December to have the transmission serviced and was told by their service department that it was not necessary unless there were warning lights on or if the car was not operating in a normal manner.

Purchased my car, kept up with regular maintenance. Toyota and another mechanic confirm that I need to replace my transmission at 130k miles. It will cost me 12k. This is a known issue from Toyota because of a defective bearing. Yet I as the consumer must foot the bill. This needs to be recalled as it’s a common failure among over 4 years of this cars model. Toyota of Canada has recalled and issued a warranty extension on all 2018 and 2019 models which replaced this issue FREE OF CHARGE. Toyota US is charging me 12 thousand dollars. Needs a recall

TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT ONLY 74,000 MILES. VERY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT THEY ONLY HAVE A SPECIAL COVERAGE AVAILABLE IN CANADA FOR THIS ISSUE AND NOT THE UNITED STATES.

The wheel bearings inside of the transmission of the 2018 CHR and newer models commonly fail and seize up causing the vehicle to lock up and create a dangerous situation while driving. In Canada the highway safety has recalled the Transmissions and had them repaired unlike in the United States. The wheel bearings in my 2018 CHR CVT transmission or seizing up and causing damage to the engine which could result in severe safety risks while driving possibly leading to accident or loss of life. Out of fear of safety after I was told by Toyota that this was the issue that was reported Nationwide and that the country of Canada recalled the transmission out of safety concerns for the public I decided to park the vehicle and not drive it anymore for fear of safety for my family.

Vehicle has a cvt transmission and has faulty bearings. Started making a dragging rough noise. Needs a whole new transmission.

Transmission failing, I’ve read this is extremely common on these cars. In Canada they have issued a recall on these vehicles. It’s been making noise for quite a while, it recently started getting. Loud grinding squeaky sounds.

I left my apartment on my way to school when my vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. I was on a three lane, one way street and I was stuck in the middle. My vehicle could not move forward or backward despite the engine still running and being gear. It was a really busy time of day and I sat there for about 3 hours, still in the middle of the street, waiting for a tow. A police officer had to sit behind me with his lights on and cones out to prevent other drivers from colliding with me. No warning lights came up on my dash prior to or during the incident. The repair shop diagnosed it to need a new transmission and torque converter costing roughly $16k to fix. My vehicle is under 100k miles and I have seen others complain about the same issue. Toyota Canada has issued an extended warranty on these same vehicles because this is a known issue however, the same cannot be said for the US. My car is currently still in the shop as I am still trying to figure out how I’m going to get it repaired.

Transaxle assembly, consistent with a possible differential bearing fault no transmission fault I have been quoted of price range $5,000 to $11,000 and have read that for 2018-2019 there have been issues but why is my vehicle not included. I was told by Toyota my vehicle not included in the extended warranty

Yes, Toyota has extended the warranty for the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) on certain C-HR models (specifically 2018-2019) in Canada and potentially the US due to widespread reports of a defective bearing, covering failures up to 10 years or 193,000 km (around 120,000 miles) and offering refunds for past repairs, a move prompted by consumer advocacy, though US action often lags Canada's. Details of the Extension (Canada-focused, but relevant for US): Models Affected: Primarily 2018 and 2019 Toyota C-HRs, with investigations extending to 2018-2022 models. The Problem: A faulty bearing inside the CVT can fail, leading to very expensive ($10,000-$15,000) transmission replacements, notes the Automobile Protection Association (APA). New Coverage: Up to 10 years or 193,000 km (about 120,000 miles) from the original purchase date, with some reports mentioning no mileage cap until September 2026. Reimbursement: The program also provides refunds for owners who paid out-of-pocket for repairs before the extension was announced.

Transmission bearings

CVT is making a Whining noise when driving. Cold it when it's heard the most but always there. Seeing posts that the CVT has and is having a bearing issue.