Research · Compact Cars

2018 Toyota C-HRRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 328 owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota C-HR. Most complaints involve power train (217) and engine (39). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
29mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Nov 2017
Owner complaints
328
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Parking brake

Free remedy

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."

Parking brakeReported Nov 15, 2017NHTSA 17V717000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

328 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train217
  2. Engine39
  3. Electrical system29
  4. Service brakes21
  5. Forward collision avoidance18
  6. Air bags5
  7. Steering4
  8. Parking brake4
  9. Lane departure4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each C-HR model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2018328
2019116
202066
202136
20223
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

217 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced in 2023 at 93,000 miles. Before the failure, there was a high-pitched whining sound while driving at approximately 30 MPH, and the transmission was shifting hard. The transmission became inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Power trainODI 11772997

Engine

39 reports
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11756078

Electrical system

29 reports
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota C-HR. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,433 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 262,136.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Electrical systemODI 11759974
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S7)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
C-HR
Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273129$2,200305
  • C-HR
    Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    27 city · 31 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.2%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 12354
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 C-HR questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota C-HR have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Toyota C-HR problems?

Owners filed 328 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (217), engine (39), electrical system (29). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Toyota C-HR get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Toyota C-HR at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2018 Toyota C-HR?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Toyota C-HR 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026