2018 Toyota C-HR power train problems

“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.”

“My first transmission went out at 54,000 miles now my second transmission went out at 148,000 miles. First one was whinnning between 20-40 mph would not shift correctly then second one is doing the same thing.”

“am filing this complaint regarding a transmission failure in my 2018 Toyota C-HR that left me stranded on the freeway and created a serious safety hazard. The vehicle experienced a transmission-related failure that caused it to lose its ability to operate properly while I was driving. As a result, I was left stranded on the freeway, exposed to passing traffic and at risk of being involved in a collision. A vehicle losing its ability to maintain normal operation on a busy freeway can create a dangerous situation for both the driver and other motorists. I am concerned that this transmission failure may represent a safety-related defect that could affect other owners of 2018 Toyota C-HR vehicles. A transmission should not fail in a manner that leaves a driver unexpectedly stranded in an active traffic environment. I request that NHTSA investigate whether transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT) defects in the 2018 Toyota C-HR could cause sudden loss of power, loss of drive, or other dangerous failures while the vehicle is being operated. I believe this incident deserves attention because of the potential for serious injury or a collision. I am…”

“Unknown, ​I recently received a Customer Support Program notice from Toyota regarding a known transmission noise affecting certain 2018 Toyota C-HR vehicles. My vehicle exhibits the exact symptoms described in the bulletin—specifically, a small plane-like engine sound when driving between 20 and 40 mph. ​On XXX, I brought my vehicle to Toyota of [XXX] for diagnosis and service under this program. However, the dealership returned the vehicle without performing any repairs, claiming that it is outside the program's coverage. Given that my vehicle's symptoms directly match the documented defect covered by Toyota's customer support initiative, I am requesting a re-evaluation of my vehicle's eligibility and a resolution to this transmission issue. P.S. I escalated this to Toyota Headquarters and I received same denial response. I replied As many owners on public forums and social media have noted, CVT reliability concerns are a well-documented challenge for this model. Given Toyota’s strong reputation for long-lasting vehicles, I was surprised to find that my specific serial number is currently excluded from your service program. Could you please clarify if Toyota…”

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission bearing failed, causing the vehicle to coast to a stop on a main road. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The contact associated the failure with Customer Support Program: 26TE06 that provided a free transmission replacement for certain 2018-2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles experiencing continuously variable transmission failures. The dealer was contacted and stated that the transmission serial number on the vehicle was not included in the Customer Support Program. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”

“Car began making a grinding sound while driving on an expressway. From that point on, could no longer reach a speed above 30 MPH. Independent Mechanic diagnosed an issue with CVT. Car was inoperable and sat in my driveway for 8+ months as we tried getting Toyota to respond to calls and email. Received a CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 26TE06 letter from Toyota on 12Sep2026 explaining that they would provide coverage for the repair. Had the car towed to O'Brien Toyota in Indianapolis. Dealer said that the car would not be covered because they had received a REVISED letter from Toyota that only covered a specific range of CVT serial numbers and while the CVT malfunction, model and year of my car qualified.....my car did not have a CVT serial number in that range and NO REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE! Called the Toyota Brand engagement number and they confirmed that Toyota would not cover the CVT in that range and provided me with a case#: 260922002588.”