2018 Toyota C-HR: jerking or lurching

6 of the 328 complaints about the 2018 Toyota C-HR describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 10 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2020
3
2019
3
2018
6

What owners say

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Transmission · OR

My 2018 Toyota CH-R started with a whining noise that sounded like a cat. I didn't get any lights on my dash that could pin point the problem. I took it to the dealership to get it diagnosed and they couldn't tell which part was making the noise. I asked the if they could do a transmission fluid change, and they told me that that type of transmission did not require service. Overtime the noise got worse and louder and a few times while driving in the freeway the car jerked and the RPM gauge drastically moved up and down. I took it to the dealership again and they quoted me $8,000 for a new transmission. At this point I am nervous I will lose power in the middle of the freeway during my daily commute which could cause an accident.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · OK

Started making a clicking noise after crossing a railroad track and then all of a sudden jerked and stopped going forward. I’ve only had the car for a year and never been in an accident.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Transmission · KY

Transmission internally failed. This has been confirmed through multiple sources. Dealership, mechanic. No warning lights, grinding noise. My safety is put at risk because A failing transmission creates multiple safety hazards while driving. The vehicle may lose power unexpectedly, hesitate, or fail to accelerate when needed, especially during turns, intersections, or highway merging. It can also shift unpredictably or refuse to shift, causing sudden jerking, surging, or deceleration that increases the risk of losing control. Transmission failure can lead to total loss of propulsion in traffic, leaving the vehicle stalled in dangerous locations. Additionally, fluid leaks and overheating pose fire risks. Overall, the unpredictable operation of a failing transmission significantly increases the likelihood of collisions and unsafe driving situations.

Filed Sep 17, 2025 · Engine · LA

I am writing to report a serious and potentially dangerous defect with my 2018 Toyota C-HR. Shortly after purchasing this vehicle, I began experiencing multiple issues related to the transmission. The car makes a persistent whining noise while accelerating, which was immediately concerning for a new vehicle. More alarmingly, the vehicle sometimes suddenly stops accelerating and begins to jerk unexpectedly while driving. This has happened on the road and creates a hazardous situation for myself and other drivers, as it can be difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, especially in traffic or at higher speeds. Despite owning the car for only a short period, I have been told that repairing these transmission issues will cost thousands of dollars, which is not normal for a relatively new vehicle. These problems are not only inconvenient but also pose a significant safety risk. I believe this may be a manufacturing defect affecting the transmission system. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter promptly to protect other consumers and ensure road safety. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Engine · CA

The transmission bearing has an internal failure making the vehicle jerk and noisy. When I drive the car it shakes / jerks A LOT. My safety is put at risk because the car can stall out. TOYOTA LET ME DRIVE MY CAR HOME FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AFTER FAILING TO FIX THE ISSUE. I currently cannot drive my car because I can stall out and crash! I had no warnings, no lights , no nothing telling me there was an issue ! It just started jerking when I was driving. I have been to the dealer I bought the car from and they did nothing to fix the issue. How can an issue like this not show up on my car dashboard!! ? I have video of the car jerking as well.

Filed Aug 30, 2023 · Transmission · ME

The final drive bearing within the continuously variable transmission is causing a whining noise. Diagnoses from the dealer is that the entire transmission needs to be replaced. This component transmits all engine torque to the wheels, and if failure occurs, it could cause overheating, slippage, jerking, or stalling putting the driver, passengers and all other persons on the road at risk. No indication of the failure was communicated by the vehicle via a light or message. I had to hear the noise, know it was a problem and bring it in to the dealership for diagnoses.