2019 TOYOTA C-HR Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

28 complaints

Transmission CVT failure of the 2019 Toyota CHR at 107,000 miles, was not inspected until there was an undeniable sound coming from the transmission and specific request was made for the source of the sound. There were no dashboard lights or warnings prior or even now that I’ve been told the transmission needs replaced and is in failure. Transmission failure has been inspected and confirmed by Toyota Dealership. As a consumer I was not forewarned transmission will require specialty maintenance in order to keep the vehicle in service especially at just 100k miles, no formal requirements were ever made concerning the transmission to maintain the functionality of this particular vehicle. The sound began emitting from the transmission about 2 to 3 weeks prior and due to the government shutdown as a federal employee I took my car to get serviced for the issue when it was feasible to do so. There is a Toyota CHR forum and multiple media outlets discussing the faulty CVT transmissions in the Toyota CHR costing upwards of 9000 -14000 in replacement with no warnings but solely based on driver intellect that something is functionally wrong with the vehicle. In my observations and experience the transmission issue simply equates to replacement rather than a repair issue.

Nov 13, 2025

Car was under warranty until 100k miles. At 110k miles, transmission blew up. $12k minimum to replace, even with a used transmission. This needs to be a country-wide notification and Toyota needs to be held accountable. My transmission blew up at a stop light. If this had been on a major highway, the driver, passenger and outside drivers could have been seriously injured. Toyota should be replacing these free of charge and providing rentals. Canada already has a program in place to resolve this safety issue. Why don’t we have this in the states?

Nov 10, 2025

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.

Nov 06, 2025

The car started making weird noises and shaking. Took it to the dealership and the car has a bearing that’s bad on the Transmission. It is a known problem according to the technician who took a look at it. Multiple cars during the 2017-2019 che cars all have the same issues.

Nov 05, 2025

Transmission is failing at 101,000 miles. Toyota will do nothing, they quoted me at $10,600 to replace it. This is an ongoing issue with all the CHR’s and as of September 25th they have extended the warranties in Canada due to all the transmission failures. On the APA website for Canada they are reporting that they have a defective bearing inside the transmission that fails over time. The APA also recorded over 60 reports of CVT transmission failures on the Toyota C-HR. The majority of complaints cluster in the 2018-2019 model years, but a significant number of failures affect 2020 models. The average mileage at the time a failure was reported is just 118,000 km.

Oct 15, 2025

+ 23 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaints

My transmission is messed up

Nov 26, 2025

Transmission is slow to accelerate

Oct 29, 2025

Transmision

Aug 09, 2025

Transmission issues

Jul 07, 2025

Bought a 2019 Toyota C-HR in 2021. Took it for regular oil changes, yearly inspection, etc. After only 4 years of owning the car and less than 80,000 miles put on the vehicle, I took the car to the mechanic for an oil change and to investigate a loud noise I was hearing when driving the car. Turns out the CVT transmission was irreparably damaged, requiring a whole new part to be bought. Had the car towed to a Toyota service center for the estimate and the piece cost $15,000. At that point why not get a new car? Car has been deemed undrivable until the transmission is fixed. No warning lights, or suggestion that anything was wrong beyond the sound. Have been told this is a specific problem to C-HR's made between 2017-2022 and that Toyota was possibly trialing a new CVT transmission in these vehicles without telling anyone.

Jul 02, 2025

+ 7 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 complaints

Windshield cracked while sitting in my carport overnight. No impact damage, cracked from bottom of Windshield and is halfway across the Windshield. Filing insurance claim this week.

Sep 05, 2022

Issue with Windsheild. I've had several issues with random spots in the windshield, the dealer changed it twice and claimed the airo-dynamics causes these spots as wind hits it. I now have a crack on the windsheild that appeared out of now where. I wasnt even driving it. It came from under the passenger side wiper blade. After research, I see several people have the same problem and in the same location. There is NO Rock Chip, NO visual sign of anything hitting the window. My husband said Its a stress fracture. The angle of these windshields does not seem to be a good fit. I love the car, but cant continue with these problems. Toyota is now refusing to replace this window. The cost is over 1500.00! I hope this can be added to a list for a recall. Jay Wolff Toyota Dealership Has data, pictures Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Apr 20, 2022

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Windshield. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Cracked windshield. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Toyota and Dealer deny responsibility. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

Jul 09, 2021

WHILE SITTING STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY, 4500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING I NOTICED A LARGE CRACK HAD APPEARED ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD, THE CRACK ORIGINATED AT THE TOP EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD APPROXIMATELY 52 CM FROM RIGHT SIDE AND 61.5 CM FROM LEFT SIDE, TRAVELING DOWNWARD APPROXIMATELY 12 CM BEFORE ENTERING A SWEEPING CURVE TO THE RIGHT AND CONTINUING FOR ANOTHER 35 CM, TOTAL LENGTH OF CRACK IS CURRENTLY APPROXIMATELY 55 CM. THERE IS NO "STARBURST" PATTERN ALONG ANY PART OF THE CRACK INDICATING THAT THE CRACK FORMED WITHOUT IMPACT FROM FOREIGN MATERIAL. AT NO TIME DURING ANY TRIPS WERE THERE ANY NOISES HEARD CONSISTENT WITH A FOREIGN OBJECT STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. I AM THE ONLY PERSON THAT DRIVES THE VEHICLE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSISTED THAT THE CRACK WAS CAUSED BY A FOREIGN OBJECT STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD, I INFORMED THEM IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HAD NOT ENCOUNTERED ANY "ROAD HAZARDS" WHILE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THEY THEN STATED IT WAS CAUSED BY ROCKS FLYING THROUGH THE AIR. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO HONOR THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY AND INSISTED I PAY FOR THE CORRECTION. TOYOTA HAS A HISTORY OF HAVING DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS AS DOCUMENTED IN THE FOLLOWING CLASS ACTION COURT CASE HTTPS://WWW.COURTHOUSENEWS.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2018/03/TOYOTA.CA_.PDF. *TR

Jun 06, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

The alternator dies suddenly and without warning. The battery quickly drains, and you lose control of the power steering. All lights shut off, not allowing for hazards to be turned on. Testing shows the alternator is producing 0.7 Volts, and the battery is at 2 amps. The battery is a Toyota brand, less than 2 years old. The car has 60,000 miles on it.

Sep 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at a shopping center when she attempted to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called automotive roadside assistance who arrived and jumped started the vehicle. The contact stated that once the vehicle was started, the vehicle was idling very roughly. The contact attempted to shift the vehicle into drive however, the parking brake remained engaged and she could not move the vehicle. The contact was told by roadside assistance to try releasing the parking brake button again. The contact stated that the vehicle then started to move. The contact then moved the vehicle out from the parking lot onto the roadway and while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would not exceed 15 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle as a battery memory saver system failure. The battery was replaced. The contact then drove to her residence and contacted the dealer to set up an appointment. The dealer took the vehicle and diagnosed the problem as the memory saver system in the battery. The dealer did not replace the newly purchased battery. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

Jan 28, 2022

STARTED MY CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CAR SAID TO BRING TO DEALER. WHEN I WAS BRINGING MY CAR TO THE DEALER SUDDENLY MY WHOLE DASH LIT UP AND MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE STRANGE. THE DEALER THOUGHT IT WAS MY GAS CAP, BUT I MADE THEM CHECK MY CAR AND IT WAS RODENT DAMAGE TO THE WIRES. THEY SAID THIS IS COMMON SINCE CHANGING TO SOY BASED WIRING SINCE IT SEEMS TO ATTRACT ANIMALS, BUT IT IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM OR RECALL. LUCKILY MY CAR INSURANCE COVERED IT SO IT IS NOT GOING TO COST ME $300+ TO FIX, BUT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IF IT IS BECOMING COMMON AND THEY ARE AWARE OF IT. WE HAVE ALSO BECOME AWARE OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH NEWER VEHICLES THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO.

Nov 19, 2020

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

I was hearing a noise and took my car in. There is a faulty bearing in the CVT transmission. They can not replace the bearing alone, but have to replace the entire CVT transmission, over 9,000.00 cost. I have taken very good care of my car. I have not missed an oil change, tire rotation and have even had brake work done - because of good ownership responsibility. When looking into the issues with my car I saw MANY others are having the same issue. After research I came across a Toyota Service Bulletin that shows toyota is aware of the defect and still continued to sell the car. Service Bulletin TSB002418 was placed before my purchase. This is a default by the manufacture, and they should honor their product and correct.

Oct 13, 2025

No warning lights presenting on dash board, my car started making a noise around 100k (almost like something was rubbing against the tire, think playing card in a bicycle spoke) and I thought maybe it was my loose splash guard causing it. No physical issues (gears up/down fine, no vibrations, no shimmy, no play in the steering). Took it to Dav Cava toyota dealership and was told i needed to replace both my transmission and torque converter. $10,500 estimate. That's more than i owe on the vehicle. I have kept oil changes since I've had it (bought used at around 65k miles). I bought toyota because they're a trusted brand. Imagine the stomach-turning disappointment when I was told I needed to come up with $10,500 when I work hard to pay the payments and general maintenance on this car! Checking the forums it seems I'm not the only one having this issue and as a single mom who desperately needs a break, I hope toyota checks these forums and sees that this is an issue that needs addressed!

Dec 28, 2024

ENGINE

1 complaint

TRANSMISSION ISSUE WITH ECVT TRANSMISSION, CAR ONLY HAS 148,000+ MILES, TOYOTA REPAIR $11, 000 FOR REPAIR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL.

Oct 06, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

This vechicle started getting noise since 2020 when it was below 60 thousand miles. It was reported to the dealer and the tech did not document well( as I know now). Car was in California from2021 to 2024 and same issues were reported and it was not documented or no action took. Car came to Illinois in 2025. Oil changes and other maintenance issues were done by Toyota and fire stone. I took the car for oil change to the dealer in June 2025 and again repoted the whining noise from engine area.dealer diagnosed with transmission issues and replacement recommended. Called Toyota and because the miles are 71000, they refused , although this was reported from2020. Dealer said that 2021 to 2025, car was not maintained in the Toyota facility , they do not know what went wrong, when I look at cars of this type from 2017 onwards, has transmission issues and no recalls done. There are cases Toyota repaired individually. Because , it is not documented by the tech in the facility, I have to pay 9 to 12 thousand dollars to replace the transmission. These types of cars have transmission issues and nothing is done on it or recalled. Needs help,

Sep 16, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Component or system failed or malfunctioned: Pre-collision System Malfumcion. It is available for inspection upon request. Not sure how safety or the safety of others put at risk, The problem has not been reproduced, but has been confirmed by a dealer service center. The vehicle component has been inspected by the Dealership Service Department. There are warning lamps, messages to the failure, that first appeared serveral days ago.

Apr 08, 2025

TIRES

1 complaint

The Bridgestone AllSeason WeatherPeak 225/50R 18 tire tread was worn out at 15800 miles. Tires were rotated and alignment performed routinely at Firestone. Inflation was checked every two weeks. Many complaints for this issue by other customers. Early tread wear is dangerous and will cause accidents. How could this tire have a 700 tread rating and who is performing the test for the 700 tread rating?

Mar 10, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

This is unacceptable almost every CHR I have heard of has this same problem and Toyota refused to take responsibility for it! There transmissions in these cars are horrible and need to be addressed. Every 80k the transmission need to be replaced. Us people who continuously have to buy new cars or new transmissions are suffering because Toyota refuses to fix the issue. Instead they slide it under the rug and decline to help there customers.

Jul 18, 2024

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

I had two mayor accidents, one was from the rear and the other on the left doors from the passenger side. The airbags didn't deployed and I'm concerned. The body shop said he doesn't unsdertand why they didn't deployed.

Nov 24, 2023

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Yesterday While I was driving down i270 in Maryland without any car around the car hit the break and made the emergency break sound as well as saying “BREAK” in the driver dash. This has happened ~5 times in the past 3 years or so. It’s pretty scary thinking how lucky I have been so far with no one rear ending me when it happens. Also, this has happened a few times while in adaptive cruise control as well.

Oct 04, 2023

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

There is so many customers that is having the same problem with the replacement of transmission at only at 38,000 miles there has to be an issues with the Toyota CHR my car now is make the same humming noise it started out low and now it’s very loud only for find it need a new transmission. It needs to be recalled by Toyota my car needs work right now!!!!!! I paid 162.00 thinking the transmission need to be changed and it still made the same noise when done.

Sep 11, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

Vehicle only has 40K miles and it has been giving me battery issues along with an engine spurring sound. The vehicle stopped running suddenly and provided me with a check engine light as well as EPB malfunction. Contacted a mechanic and he believes it may be a manufacturer issues along with possible vehicle recalls. I have kept up with maintenance and there is no reason for so many issues.

Feb 15, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Today suddenly, the vehicle gave me a warning message to "Pull over in a safe spot and to not drive the vehicle" along with other messages flashing "Braking power reduced" "Pre-collision system failure" and a bunch of lights came on. Mechanic, over the phone, said "He doesn't understand how a minor rear-bumper colission could affect sensors and electrical things in the front of the car. Another incident, last year, a small nick on one of the wires under the car disabled my entire car and it was undriveable until repaired. I am frustrated that one small issue with a wire, or sensor, or other small gadgety things in the vehicle can disable the entire car and put me in danger while driving.

Nov 15, 2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The camera that controls Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking shuts off during high-temperature weather. This was brought up to the dealer, and they dismissed it as normal. This occurs randomly and during the adaptive cruise control use. The car will beep, show the system off, and revert to manual control.

Sep 25, 2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The system is malfunctioning. Indicators on dash come on showing pre collision system is off. And I have to manually go into the controls, turn it on, but it doesn't immediately turn on. I have to exit out, and enter the menu several times to get it to turn back on. It happens when idling and while driving.

Sep 05, 2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights were dim and failed to provide adequate illumination while driving at night. The headlights failed to operate intermittently. The contact replaced the headlight bulbs however, the failure recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 58,000. Consumer stated there was 2 more failures.

Jun 17, 2021

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

1- OCCASSION #1 I MADE A SLOW RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WALGREENS. I PRESSED THE BRAKE, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD, JUMPED THE CURB AND WAS STOPPED BY A FENCE ABOUT 4 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CURB. NO HARM DONE. 2- I MADE A SLOW RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE AT SONIC, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE CAR JUMPED THE CURB, CONTINUED FORWARD AND STARTED DOWNWARD INTO A RETENTION POND (EMPTY, NO WATER) I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AND IT BEGAN TO WORK NORMALLY. MY CAR SCRAPED A FENCE POST AND I HAD TO DRIVE FORWARD INTO THE RETENTION AREA TO FREE MY CAR TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD. THESE INCIDENTS WERE ABOUT 5 MONTHS APART. RELATED - MY AUTOMATIC BRAKING LIGHT HAS FLASHED AND BEEPED WITHOUT ANY SITUATION BEING PRESENT. THE RADAR SENSOR HAS SLOWED THE CAR WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED AS A CAR INFANT OF ME PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY TO EXIT.

Jan 19, 2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

GOT INTO MY CAR AND CLOSED THE DOOR AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED, THERE IS NO IMPACT POINT FROM A ROCK, IT JUST CRACKED RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES, IT'S A CRACK ABOUT 20 INCHES LONG, AFTER RESEARCHING THIS, I'VE FOUND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, I'VE ALSO SEEN SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS FILED AND WON, THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THESE WINDSHIELDS. THANK YOU

Jan 05, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 TOYOTA C-HR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING EAST BOUND, SAW A VEHICLE TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND FROM A STOP. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER DOOR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE, JUMPED A CURB AND KEPT GOING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE ASSIST DID NOT WORK AND EVEN THOUGH HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, AND HEADED TO A LIGHT POLE. THE CONTACT STEERED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID THE POLE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING HEAD ON. THERE WAS NO WARNING. ALL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISED CHEST AND RIGHT ARM. THE CONTACT CALLED HER DAUGHTER WHO TOOK HER TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE COWBOY TOYOTA DEALER, LOCATED AT: 9525 E R L THORNTON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75228 AND WAS TOLD TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WERE UNKNOWN RECALLS, HOWEVER, A THE VIN SEARCH SHOWED ONE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V877000 (SEAT BELT).THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,322.

Sep 28, 2020

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

WHEELS

1 complaint

THERE ARE REPORTS ON THE CONTINENTAL TIRE WEB SITE OF CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING BLOWOUTS WITH FAIRLY NEW PROCONTACT TX TIRES. ON JULY 12, 2020 OUR NEW CAR WITH 13,794 MILES AND NEW PROCONTACT TX 215/60R17 96H TIRES HAD A CATASTROPHIC BLOWOUT ON THE FREEWAY. WE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, THE TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED AS THEY WERE RECENTLY INSPECTED, AND WE WERE TRAVELING WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT. THE TIRE SIMPLY FAILED. AFTER BEING TOWED, WE TOOK THE CAR TO AN EXPERT AT LES SCHWAB TIRES WHO SAID THAT HE COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY A FAIRLY NEW TIRE COULD FAIL SO DRAMATICALLY AND DANGEROUSLY. SINCE OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE REPORTING SIMILAR ISSUES ON THE CONTINENTAL TIRE WEB SITE, I WANTED TO INFORM THE NHTSA THAT THERE COULD BE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE QUALITY OF THESE TIRES.

Jul 18, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING 55 MILES PER HOUR IN HIGHWAYS CAR SPEED DOWN 20 MILES PER HOURS AND COULDN'T ACCELERATE. *TR

Jun 09, 2020

⭐

4.4/5.0

55 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2019 TOYOTA C-HR have?

The 2019 TOYOTA C-HR currently has 67 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2019 TOYOTA C-HR?

The most common problems reported for the 2019 TOYOTA C-HR are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2019 TOYOTA C-HR problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2019 TOYOTA C-HR comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.