2020 Toyota C-HR: complete transmission failure

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Transmission · AR

I am reporting a transmission failure involving my 2020 Toyota C-HR Limited at approximately 111,852 miles. For several weeks, I had noticed an unusual humming or dragging noise coming from the front driver’s side of my vehicle while driving. The noise became increasingly noticeable, but I did not know what was causing it. On October 8, 2026, after driving approximately 30 miles at highway speeds of around 75 mph, I arrived home and began backing into my driveway. While the vehicle was moving in reverse, it suddenly made a noticeable clunk and jerk. This was the first and only time I had experienced the vehicle jerking. I took my vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership on October 9, 2026. The dealership recommended replacing the transmission assembly. I was verbally informed that an internal transmission bearing had failed. Throughout the weeks leading up to the diagnosis, my vehicle never displayed a check engine light, transmission warning, or any other dashboard warning message. I regularly drive approximately 60 miles per day, including interstate travel. I am concerned that an unexpected transmission failure while driving at highway speeds could cause a loss of propulsion or leave the vehicle disabled in traffic, potentially putting myself and other motorists at risk. Although I have not experienced a complete loss of propulsion, the worsening noise, sudden clunk and jerk while reversing, and dealership’s recommendation to replace the transmission have raised concerns about the vehicle’s continued safe operation. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and evaluate this transmission failure to determine whether it may represent a potential safety defect affecting Toyota C-HR vehicles.

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Transmission · UT

Transmission went out 3,400 miles past the 60k warranty. Vehicle taken in at 59k miles and told there were no issues. Filed good will warranty claim. Toyota needs to do a recall. This is a know problem. 2018 and 2019 models recalled. 2020 models same issue, why no recall for 2020. I have read at least 17% of 2020’s have already failed.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Transmission · IL

Transmission making winding noise, took into toyota told will need full transmission replacement. Said could just go out at anytime. 2020 with 75700 miles on car.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Transmission – Loss of Power / Jerking / Safety Hazard The vehicle is experiencing a serious issue with the K113 CVT transmission. The transmission produces abnormal noise and can jerk and lose power, creating a potentially hazardous condition, particularly when accelerating to overtake another vehicle or when merging onto a freeway. A sudden loss of power in these situations can significantly increase the risk of a collision. The vehicle has been properly maintained and driven normally. The transmission issue appears consistent with a known problem reported with this CVT/transmission design. I am concerned that the underlying manufacturing/design issue may cause premature transmission failure and create an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle currently has approximately 107,000 miles. Despite the issue, the vehicle may continue to operate and shift, making the problem difficult to identify until the transmission is under load or has been driven for some time. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this transmission issue and determine whether a safety defect or manufacturing/design defect exists and whether additional action by the manufacturer is warranted.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Had the car brand new since 2020 just started to hear noises took it to the dealership and they said the transmission needs to be replaced

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Transmission · TX

I purchased my Toyota CHR 2020 LE right off the lot in 2020. In 2023, I had to replace my first transmission, THANK GOD THAT ONE WAS UNDER WARRANT. It is now 2026 and I am again, having to replace my transmission. This is a real safety concern. Just in the beginning stage of failure my car is sluggish to accelerate and I live in Houston, TX! People will run you over here if you aren't careful. No to mention the highway robbery that is being committed for having to pay half the cost of my car for a new transmission that is absolute garbage. It is absolutely ridiculous that no one has done anything about this yet. You sell a vehicle you know is having these issues without disclosing them. Shame on everyone involved.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failure, sounds like there is a rattle inside of the transmission.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The motor mounts broke when it hit a pothole and that snapped the wiring harness which caused the transmission to shift. Toyota dealership says it needs a new CVT transmission replacement. The engine has shifting issues. My insurance adjusters believe that the transmission failure is due to wear and tear, but the car did not have issues before the pothole. There were and are no warning lights or messages prior to and after the incident. I got the engine wiring harness and motor mounts fixed and there was still a noise and lag while accelerating and they finally said it was the transmission the second time I brought it in and that wasn’t covered by insurance. I’ve only put 11,000 miles on it and I’m the second owner. I bought it from a Lithia Nissan of Clovis.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Transmission bearing failure. Whining noise started about 2 months ago and continually got worse before complete transmission failure.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · MD

My transmission is whining and the mechanic shop is stating that I need a new transmission. A common issue they are seeing within vehicles with the CVT transmission

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · FL · 1 injury

While taking off in my 2020 Toyota C-HR on the highway, the CVT transmission suddenly failed, resulting in an immediate and significant loss of propulsion power. The vehicle did not fully shut off but lost the ability to maintain normal highway speed, requiring me to rapidly reduce speed and carefully maneuver the vehicle to safety in active traffic conditions. This created a serious safety risk due to unexpected loss of acceleration and potential inability to maintain highway speed in traffic. The failure occurred at approximately 117,700 miles and shortly after purchase. The vehicle had a documented history of regular maintenance performed at Toyota dealerships approximately every 3,000 miles. I was later informed by Toyota service personnel that the vehicle had previously been documented on 2/2/26 in the manufacturer’s internal system with a CVT fault and a recommendation for transmission replacement prior to my purchase, which was not disclosed in any public vehicle history reporting system. This raises a major safety concern that the transmission failure may be part of a broader pattern of CVT reliability issues affecting this model and drivetrain family. I am submitting this complaint due to the sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed, which presents a potential safety hazard to drivers and surrounding traffic. And deceptive practices of undisclosed known safety issues by Toyota of USA.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · NC

CVT Transmission failure