Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Toyota C-HR problems
Owners filed 328 complaints about the 2018 Toyota C-HR with NHTSA between Aug 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (217).
Complaints
328
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train217
- Engine39
- Electrical system29
- Service brakes21
- Forward collision avoidance18
- Air bags5
- Steering4
- Parking brake4
- Lane departure4
- Structure4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Exterior lighting3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Suspension2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
12
6
13
18
30
28
26
82
111
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 82 |
| 2026 | 111 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
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”
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.”
Service brakes
21 reports
“When I place my car in park and take my foot off the brake occasionally it will still drive. This has happened several times but this last time it did damage to my garage door.”
Forward collision avoidance
18 reports1 crash
“My EPB malfunction light goes off for no reason and kicks my cruise control off . My transmission is now making a crazy noise. Has happened MULTIPLE times since ownership.”
Air bags
5 reports5 crashes
“I was driving on the highway when I hydroplaned due to bad weather and hit the cement wall head on. The airbags did not deploy. There were no lights prior to failure. My insurance said that it was surprising that the airbags did not deploy given the extensive frame damage to my vehicle. My safety was put at risk due to potentially enduring life threatening injuries if any other cars hit me. My vehicle was totaled and taken possession of by insurance.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.