Transmission failure
Toyota C-HR transmission failure problems
175 of the 559 owner complaints about the Toyota C-HR describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 175
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical repair cost reported
- $11,500
- typical mileage
- 87,000
By model year
Often reported together
CVT failure 63Whining noise 39Loss of power 12Grinding brakes 12Stalling 8Slipping 6Check engine light 6Jerking 5
Trouble codes mentioned
P2757 1P075B 1P0741 1
What owners say
We purchased this vehicle from a local dealer brand new. It was titled in my father in-laws name but now ours (hence 2 owners on vin). at 108,XXX miles, we began to experience loud grumbling. We took it to a Toyota Dealer and it was diagnosed as "catastrophic transmission failure". They wanted $11k for a transmission replaced for a car worth maybe $14k. We did not perform the repair. After a few weeks, the noise got better. People online were having the same issue. At 129,XXX miles, we got a notice in the mail from Toyota Corporate with our name and VIN number on it. It stated extended warranty service coverage for up to September 2027 with no miles limitation. I took the car in to the dealer we purchased the vehicle from and they could not get the symptoms to replicate. After 1 week without the vehicle, we picked it up and went home. The symptoms have came and went, but at the end of October 2026, they were very bad. I dropped off the vehicle on 11/2/2026 and it was diagnosed again with a transmission replacement needed. After informing me and getting my hopes up again, they left me with a lemon that is unsafe to drive and worth $0 resale. The dealership followed the steps for Toyota's extended service, but the serial number on the transmission did not match the programs' needs. Neither Toyota or the local dealer will do anything for me even though the symptoms, model, make, year, and VIN all are recorded to have these same symptoms and issues. Toyota is aware of these issues but not willing to acknowledge certain serial numbers at this time..... Needs investigation.
The CVT had castrophic failure on the highway. Yes you may inspect it. Thankfully myself and my daughter were not injured, but it stalled out going 70 mph on the freeway and cars were speeding around us to avoid impaling us from behind. I was able to get it off the road and tow it home. There were no warning lights or indications that the transmission was failing it simply made a low whining noise that grew louder over time and then quiter at higher speeds. On the freeway it was imperceptable. It began making the noise in July and the CVT failed in August. I took it to a transmission shop as the dealership is outrageously over priced and I couldn't get it all the way to the dealership anyway. The transmission shop sent me photos of the pan dropped with huge pieces of metal debris inside it along with small glitter sized pieces filling the entire pan. Toyota issued customer support program 26TE06 in July 2026 but they capped the VINs included in September 2019 my CHR was made in the 3 months after September 2019 so it is not included in their program which replaces the CVT awknowledging the internal bearing failure leading to premature transmission failure and exhibiting the exact symptoms my car gave as it is the exact model of CVT (K114) that is in my CHR. Nothing else would have caused total breakdown of the internal bearings and belt as the car has never even been in a small accident and I have had it for over 5 years. Toyota still refuses to take responsibility however they put my life and my daughters at risk putting us on the road in a brand new car that had a faulty transmission when we purchased it, we could have been hit by another car on the highway and died. I bought a brand new toyota expecting to drive safely in a good car and that the car would last for at least 300,000 miles.
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.
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.
Failure transmission verify by Toyota, and Toyota has a program for this issues with this certain cars and it's called Toyota Customer Support Program (20T006) but they said that my car isn't not covered under this program not giving any reason why. Transmission failure puts your safety and the safety of others at risk primarily by causing a sudden loss of vehicle control or propulsion in traffic etc etc Yes, and i will be adding the diagnosis (invoice) from Toyota dealership stating my car's problem. Its been only inspected by the manufacturer. My car has never showed up any warning lights or messages etc etc.
Subject: Formal Vehicle Safety Complaint — Premature CVT Transmission Failure in 2019 Toyota C-HR Limited Vehicle: 2019 Toyota C-HR Limited Component: Power Train — Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Mileage at Diagnosis: Approximately 105,000 miles Diagnosing Dealership: Lodi Toyota, California Reported Symptom: Abnormal whining noise from the transmission I am submitting this formal vehicle safety complaint to the federal safety agency concerning a suspected premature failure of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) installed in my 2019 Toyota C-HR Limited. At approximately 105,000 miles, my vehicle was experiencing an abnormal whining noise originating from the transmission. I took the vehicle to Lodi Toyota in California for a professional diagnosis. The dealership confirmed a transmission-related problem and determined that the transmission assembly required replacement. This diagnosis raises serious concerns regarding the durability and potential safety implications of the CVT transmission installed in certain 2018–2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles. After receiving the dealership's diagnosis, I became aware of Toyota Customer Support Program 26TE06, which addresses certain abnormal CVT whining-noise conditions in eligible Toyota C-HR vehicles. Despite my vehicle exhibiting a similar symptom, Toyota informed me that my vehicle identification number (VIN) was excluded from the program. I contacted Toyota Corporate repeatedly to request an explanation and reconsideration of its decision. Toyota declined to provide assistance and ultimately informed me that my case had been reviewed, its position would remain unchanged, and no additional department was available for further escalation. My concern extends beyond Toyota's refusal to provide financial assistance. I believe the premature transmission failure diagnosed in my vehicle warrants examination alongside similar complaints involving Toyota C-HR CVT transmissions.
Transmission failure that toyota has already recognized in some vehicles. They have not covered all vehicles that are showing the same issues as the ones covered in the service program.
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 the federal safety agency 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 submitting this complaint so the incident can be documented and considered as part of any investigation into similar complaints involving this vehicle. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this incident and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted. Thank you for your attention to this vehicle safety concern.
Related recalls
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota C-HR vehicles. The rear axle hub bearing bolts may have been insufficiently tightened, causing the bolts to loosen and damage the rear brake components or cause a rear wheel to detach.
- Risk
- If the bolts loosen and damage the rear brake components, or cause a rear wheel to detach, it would increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle hub bearing bolts. If a bolt is found to be loose or detached, the dealer will replace the rear axle hub bearing assembly and rear axle carrier sub-assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0Y.
Recall number 18V710000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota C-HR transmission failure
Which Toyota C-HR years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (106 complaints), 2019 (36 complaints) and 2020 (25 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Toyota C-HR?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $11,500 (median of 45 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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