VehicleVerdict

2018 Toyota C-HR problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 367 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.3 times the median C-HR year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 6 C-HR years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 51% of all reports (188 of 367), far ahead of other at 40. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

367

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other C-HR years?

C-HR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted367 complaints2018: 367 complaints2019: 133 complaints2020: 71 complaints2021: 46 complaints2022: 2 complaints2026: 1 complaints
C-HR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C-HR years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Toyota C-HR problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission18851%
Other4011%
Engine3710%
Driver Assistance288%
Electrical System288%
Brakes236%
Airbags51%
Body & Structure41%
Fuel System41%
Lighting31%
Steering31%
Seat Belts10%
Seats10%
Suspension10%
Speed Control10%

Does the 2018 Toyota C-HR have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V717000BrakesNovember 15, 2017 · 28,764 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota CH-R vehicles. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not operate properly, possibly causing the parking brake not to disengage after it is applied or prevent it from being applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

If the EPB cannot be applied, there is an increased risk of a vehicle rollaway if the vehicle is parked on a hill without being placed into "Park."

Remedy

Toyota has notified owners, and dealers will update the programming of the skid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0W.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA C-HR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND PARKED, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS, CRASHED INTO A POLE, AND THEN STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO JUMP INTO THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT FROM ROLLING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 3, 2018 · crash

“FRONT CAMERA HAS GONE OUT SEVERAL TIMES SINCE PURCHASING AUGUST 2019. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP IT IS "SENSITIVE" TO THE HEAT. THE EBS HAS FAILED TWICE SINCE MARCH 2020.. BOTH ISSUES HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION. THE FRONT BUMPER MOLDING CONTINUES TO SEPARATE DUE TO CHEAP CLIPS HOLDING IT TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 29, 2020

“General Defect with Transmission causing gear slippage at low RPMs from day one. Car can soft stutter to hard stutter going from idling position to soft press of accelerator. Hard transmission failure starting at 80K mi even with preventative maintenance. additional engine stalls randomly in middle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 23, 2023

“The vehicle experienced an “EPB Malfunction” resulting in the vehicle becoming unresponsive during use due to the electronic brakes failing to disengage or engage. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle is currently under inspection by the manufacturer. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 30, 2023

“Within the last 12 months, rodents have crawled into the engine chewing the wires due to being made o soybean. The first repair was $3000 and the second repair was $1700 I have 6 kids and can’t afford to keep repairing a car that was made with soybean and thus attracts rodents. Why is toyota…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 24, 2025

2018 Toyota C-HR — common questions

Is the 2018 Toyota C-HR reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 367 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 6 C-HR years. It is one of the C-HR years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 C-HR problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (188 complaints), other (40 complaints), engine (37 complaints).

Does the 2018 Toyota C-HR have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Toyota C-HR. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota C-HR years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C-HR years to avoid are 2018, 2019. The cleanest record among C-HR years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Toyota C-HR?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Toyota C-HR earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.