2020 TOYOTA C-HR Problems

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Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

26 complaints

The contact's customer owns a 2020 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding and whining sounds coming from the transmission. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the CVT transmission was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 76,000.

Apr 13, 2026

I have a 2020 Toyota C-HR with 95,000 miles. The transmission is making whining noises and needs to be replaced. This is a known defect that has been reported by an excessive amount of Toyota C-HR owners. In some regions, it was reported that Toyota extended the warranty on the CVT transmission for certain 2018–2019 models to 10 years or 193,000 km but they have not done this with the 2020 C-HR that has the exact same issue. [XXX] I am scared to drive the car because I don't want it to leave me stranded. The local Toyota dealer has given me a repair estimate of over $13,000 which is almost as much as the car is worth. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mar 02, 2026

ONLY AFTER 5YRS THE TRANS NEEDED TO BE REPLACE THERE SHOULD BE A WARRANTY FOR THIS TRANS THERE IS ONE FOR 2018 2019

Jan 28, 2026

My transmission started making whining noises about 100000 miles I brought it in to get diagnosed and was confirmed that my transmission is going out and will cost 10000 dollars to replace the car made it to about 130000 miles and the transmission fully went out the car is sitting behind my house currently waiting for me to raise the money to fix it the car was used for daily commute to work and had regular maintenance and I don't beat on my vehicles so there was nothing done on my half to cause any damage to the transmission

Jan 09, 2026

Car is making a clunking/whirring noise that speeds up with acceleration and slows with deceleration. Also beginning to have a vibration. No warning lights on the dashboard. Dealer states an entire new transmission is needed, more than $11,000. This is a large financial burden. I see reports online that there is a known issue with the CVT transmissions in C-HRs causing failure, and Toyota Canada has extended warranties to cover the problem. Toyota USA has not yet. As this is a known problem with this part, please initiate a recall or encourage a warranty extension, something to address this so that transmissions are not failing on the road - most owners do not have this amount of money to cover a sudden, expensive repair/replacement like this.

Jan 08, 2026

+ 21 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

CVT Transmission failure

Apr 01, 2026

Transmission issues before 120000 miles told by TOYOTA technician at maintenance.

Jan 07, 2026

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Vehicle: 2020 Toyota C-HR Mileage: 77,980 miles About a year ago, when the vehicle had fewer than 60,000 miles, I began noticing unusual noises and that the vehicle was not always accelerating smoothly. The symptoms were initially intermittent but gradually became more noticeable over time. Meanwhile, there were no warning lights or signs displayed and I was so insured that Toyota produces very safe cars that I wasn't so aware it could be unsafe to drive it. Recently the vehicle developed a severe rattling noise while driving. And even now - no warning light appeared on my car screen. Toyota dealership service inspection indicated an internal transmission failure requiring full transmission replacement, with an estimated repair cost of approximately 15,000. The vehicle currently has only 77,980 miles. A major transmission failure at this mileage appears premature. I have also learned that other Toyota C-HR owners have reported similar CVT transmission issues. Because the transmission affects acceleration and drivability, I am concerned that this condition could potentially create a safety risk in traffic, particularly during merging or acceleration situations.

Mar 11, 2026

Transmission noise Acceleration issues

Sep 14, 2025

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Apr 23, 2026

Injuries: 1

ENGINE

1 complaint

2020 CHR transmission failure. There were no lights no notice nothing appeared to warn me. The car started making a faint winding sound. Bought car brand new 2020 and Toyota Fred Anderson Raleigh diagnosed with internal transmission failure 2/28/26. The car is 20000 miles over warranty so they are telling me there’s no coverage for me and billed me 12000$ for a new transmission

Feb 28, 2026

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

Cvt transmission fails for no reason on a new car could be very dangerous for us and other on the road i think toyota should be responsible and resolve this issue

Jan 16, 2026

POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

I bought the car about 3 years ago. Car had 19,000 and today has 118,000. Transmission is completely failing. Back left seat belt does not work.

Dec 25, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

I was driving on the highway, roughly going 70-75 miles an hour, and as i began to exit the highway the check engine lights on the dashboard came on and the vehicle seized up. Upon inspection at the Toyota Dealership, they said that the transmission has been broken, as well as shrapnel metal being in the axles of the front wheel drive, stopping the car from moving. As i was stuck on the exit of the highway, NTTA was forced to block the exit as well as tow my car to the nearest parking lot, causing traffic jams on the highway. Upon research I found that issues with the transmission is not uncommon in this vehicle.

Dec 09, 2025

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The collision system turns off with the bad weather and the very bad transmission failure at 95 thousand mills

Sep 28, 2025

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I was told by dealership that my transmission needs replaced. As per Reddit, this year make and model has had many issues with transmissions needing to be replaced as soon as 50,000 miles. I’m not understanding why there has not been a recall on these specific transmissions. Dealership is wanting to charge me $12,000 for replacement. I don’t have that type of money especially when I owe $17,000 still on this car. Plz help me or I’m going to be out a vehicle and extreme debt if I can’t get this fixed. Also, I replaced my brakes already twice in the past couple years which is not normal at all, I don’t drive vehicle tech less nor has it ever been I wreck. Dealership is saying they need replacement again. Plz plz help me.

Sep 15, 2025

SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

1. The rear seat belts are malfunctioning. At times, they fasten properly, while at other times they fail to do so. 2. The warning light on the information board intermittently activates and deactivates. 3. IMPORTANT: The transmission system emits a dreadful noise. As the speed rises, the noise intensifies. It remains constant. Driving this vehicle makes me feel UNSAFE! I am worried for my safety and the safety of others.

Sep 04, 2025

TIRES

1 complaint

One tire blowout less than 2k miles, Sidewall and tread on all other tires, not holding air, losing traction causing lose of control and hydroplaning 215/60 17R Pro Continental

Dec 15, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Toyota dealership confirmed cup holder within console allowed liquid to leak within the cup holder down underneath into the console which shorted out the communication computer. The cup holders do not have a barrier to keep liquids within this area and will allow liquid to escape into the lower console. When the liquid leaked into that area and later trying to start my car I received a message stating key fob malfunction and to review the owners manual. Toyota said to drive it to their repair shop, but it would not start and had to get a tow. They fixed the key ignition issue and the next day same communication error, took car back and they realized it was from the liquid that leaked from the cup holder. Who has cup holders that are not leak-proof above a computer? Or at least put a shield around the computer so the liquid doesn’t short it out?

Jan 04, 2022

STEERING,TIRES

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the front passenger tire has had become defective; once for a blowout and another for excessive tread wear. Due to the failure, the contact has had multiple tire replacements; however, the failure had returned after each repair. The contact believed that the failure was caused by a defective tie rod. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and had been informed that her tie rods were fine and could find no failure with the vehicle; the contact did not agree with the assessment. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

Sep 28, 2021

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

WAS TURNING A CORNER AND MY CAR LOST CONTROL AND MESSED UP THE FRONT END

Apr 16, 2021

Crash: 1

STEERING,WHEELS

1 complaint

MY TIRE BLEW OUT ON BACK PASS A GET SIDE I ONLY HAVE 9500 MILES THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND BALANCED AT 5000 BOUGHT SEPT 18. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY TIRES WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY THE MANUFACTPRER CARRIES WARRANTY I CALLED THEM THEY SAID YES IS WARRANTIED BUT EVERY CAR I GRAY TO TAKE IT TO REPLACE THEY WANT TO BE PAID AND SAYS ITS ROAD HAZARD THE SIDEWALL HAS A I INCH HORIZONTAL SLIT IN IT I DIDN'T RUN OVER ANYTHING AND THE TIRES HAVE THREE YEAR WARRANTY. SO WHO DO I GET TO REPLACE AND HONOR WARRANTY THE DAME TORR IN 16 IS RECALLED DO TO THIS TYPE OF TREAD RIPPING AWAY FROM RIM 215 60R 16 MY TIRE IS SAME BUT 17

Feb 08, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA C-HR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND ANOTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER NEIGHBOR ASSISTED WITH JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE 3 TIMES IN TOTAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,384.

Nov 16, 2020

4.4/5.0

71 reviews

TOYOTA C-HR VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide

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Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2020 TOYOTA C-HR, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2020 TOYOTA C-HR for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2020 TOYOTA C-HR 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2020 TOYOTA C-HR VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2020 TOYOTA C-HR Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2020 TOYOTA C-HR dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your TOYOTA dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2020 TOYOTA C-HR have?

The 2020 TOYOTA C-HR currently has 44 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 2020 TOYOTA C-HR?

The most common problems reported for the 2020 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 2020 TOYOTA C-HR problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2020 TOYOTA C-HR comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2020 TOYOTA C-HR?

You can report safety problems with your 2020 TOYOTA C-HR directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2020 TOYOTA C-HR VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2020 TOYOTA C-HR reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2020 TOYOTA C-HR. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.