2019 Toyota C-HR: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Transmission · GA

Driving home from work on the freeway, the loud droning and whining sound was already present. Same issue that I thought had been previously resolved by replacing the transmission from the dealership it was purchased from. Though this time it was accompanied by a horrible grinding sound coming from the bearings in the transmission. After much research into this issue, iI found that it is a very common issue wtih this particular vehicle. Specifically the K1114 transmissions used in them. Toyota has since used different transmissions in newer models, but has not issued a recall for the ones that are so commonly breaking and keep replacing but not fixing the issue.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Transmission · CA

While driving my 2019 Toyota C-HR normally on [XXX] in [XXX] at approximately 8:00 PM, traffic began slowing due to congestion. When traffic began moving again, the vehicle accelerated very slowly and did not respond normally to the accelerator. Shortly afterward, the dashboard displayed a “Pull Over Safely” warning. The vehicle then completely lost its ability to move under its own power. It would not move normally in either Drive or Reverse and had to be towed off the freeway. Condition of the car when we check it ourselves: Vehicle goes into Drive/Reverse Engine revs Vehicle doesn't move Vehicle rolls in Neutral Vehicle stops in Park EPB-related warnings occurred The vehicle was subsequently taken to a mechanic and then to Toyota of [XXX] for diagnosis. Toyota has issued Customer Support Program 26TE06 and T-SB-0048-26 concerning premature CVT wear and abnormal whining/grinding conditions on certain 2018–2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles. I subsequently learned that Toyota corporate denied the dealer's request for assistance with my vehicle because the vehicle is no longer operable and the dealership cannot perform the road test/video required to reproduce the whining noise described in the TSB. The vehicle's inability to produce the specified whining noise during a road test is because the CVT has progressed to a complete loss of propulsion. The vehicle currently remains at Toyota of [XXX]. I am reporting this because the vehicle experienced a complete loss of propulsion while being driven on a major freeway, creating a potentially serious safety situation. I was fortunate that the vehicle could be safely moved off the freeway and that no collision or injury occurred. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this incident as a potential safety-related CVT/transmission failure and consider whether similar failures are occurring in 2018–2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic internal failure of its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) at 139,000 miles. While driving, a heavy grinding noise began coming from the vehicle during acceleration. A certified technician at a Toyota dealership inspected the vehicle and officially diagnosed it with an internal center differential grind and noted that the transmission fluid was burnt and filled with metal flakes. The dealership stated the entire transmission must be replaced at a cost of over $10,000. Toyota explicitly markets and describes this CVT transmission fluid as 'lifetime' fluid with no standard required maintenance, leading consumers to believe the unit is sealed and durable. However, this internal bearing/differential disintegration is a known material manufacturing defect affecting 2018-2022 Toyota C-HR models. This is a severe safety hazard as a sudden internal transmission failure can cause an immediate loss of vehicle propulsion while driving at high speeds in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. This should not be happening at all at this mileage

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Transmission · 130,001 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was associated with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission might lock and that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,001.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Transmission · MS

Rubbing, grinding sound coming from Transmission

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Transmission · FL

The transmission on my 2019 vehicle began making loud grinding and whining noises and then started hesitating during acceleration. A Toyota dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed a failing transmission bearing and advised that the entire transmission must be replaced. The repair was quoted at approximately $12,000. The vehicle has been regularly maintained and serviced. Despite proper maintenance, the transmission failure occurred unexpectedly and prematurely. Because of this issue, the vehicle became unsafe to drive and has now been undrivable for nearly a year. The failure creates a safety risk due to hesitation, loss of acceleration, and unpredictable shifting while merging into traffic or maintaining highway speed. The issue has been reproduced by the dealer and fully documented. There were no warning lights or error messages prior to the failure; the first signs included grinding noises and difficulty shifting. Publicly available reports indicate that Toyota extended warranty coverage in Canada for similar CVT transmission concerns affecting comparable model years, suggesting manufacturer awareness of premature internal component defects. My vehicle’s symptoms match those issues. This defect poses a significant safety hazard, especially given the possibility of sudden power loss. I am filing this complaint because this is clearly a premature CVT failure that has left the vehicle unusable.

Filed Jul 12, 2025 · Transmission · FL

Vehicle had just over 100k miles on it and a grinding sound started in the front right side of the vehicle. After driving for another month the sound had become louder and a rattling could be heard under the car. Took the car to the dealer and they wanted $15,000 to replace the transmission. The CVT type transmission used on this vehicle and the 2018 model have had repeated reports of failure at as low as 20k miles.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · NY

Took it to the mechanic because I heard grinding and they stated I need a whole new transmission. The transmission in the car is no good and made with faulty materials.

Filed May 22, 2025 · CA

About a year ago my car started to make a grinding noise when accelerating. I had taken it to the shop before to get inspection but was never notified about the problem until I had to report to them about the noise that I was hearing. It was then that they told me that my transmission was failing and would need to get it replaced soon. This is scary because for work I drive clients around and if tha transmission were ever to fail on me it could put them and myself at risk of a severe accident. I’m past my warranty and they had quoted me $10k for it which is way more than what I owe left on my car. It’s very unfortunate because I had planned to keep this car for the long term but now it’s looking like I will have to sell it. I’ve tried contacting Toyota about this problem but they said that they can’t do anything about it and I would have to pay out of pocket for it.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a squeaking sound coming from the rear suspension of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V710000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change. The contact made the dealer aware of the failure and the recall. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.