Last updated: 2026-07-26

2018 Toyota C-HR
RELIABILITY SCORE: 66/100 (GOOD)

2018 Toyota C-HR Reliability Report

The 2018 Toyota C-HR scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 296 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

1

Complaints

296

Complaint Rate

59.6per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$441

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,050

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity79/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (193)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
  • ENGINE (14)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2018 is the first model year of the First generation (AX10/AX50).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2020.
  • 1st generation C-HR (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.

2018: First generation (AX10/AX50) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Toyota C-HR?

At 66/100, the 2018 Toyota C-HR lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Its complaint rate of 59.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 27.1. The most common reports involve power train and power train (193).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train and power train (193). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Toyota C-HR, which scored 4 points higher.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Low recall count
  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • POWER TRAIN complaints dominate (65%)
  • POWER TRAIN: Premature failure of the transmission bearing (193 complaints)

Compare 2018 Toyota C-HR With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (193)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (32)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2018 Toyota C-HR carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

59.6

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

9

Crashes

0

Fires

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Toyota C-HR Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2018 Toyota C-HR. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

17V7170002017-11-15

PARKING BRAKE

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Toyota C-HR? Check its history first

Every 2018 Toyota C-HR has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Toyota C-HR NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 14.2%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Air Bags)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota C-HRRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$441

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

29 MPG

Running cost: $2,650/yr

Fuel + repair

27 city / 31 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
C-HR 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S7)273129$2,050

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Toyota C-HR.

  • Listen for whining or humming noises from the transmission during a test drive

  • Check for any transmission-related warning lights on the dashboard

  • Verify if the transmission has been replaced or repaired and request documentation

  • Inspect the electronic parking brake for proper engagement and disengagement

  • Test the forward collision avoidance system for proper functionality

2018 Toyota C-HR Common Problems by Component

296 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

193
32
POWER TRAIN (193)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (32)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)ENGINE (14)SERVICE BRAKES (11)AIR BAGS (5)STRUCTURE (4)PARKING BRAKE (3)Other (13)

POWER TRAIN

193 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR frequently report issues with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), particularly involving premature failure of the transmission bearing. Symptoms commonly described include a loud humming or whining noise that intensifies with acceleration, and in some cases, a complete loss of propulsion. These issues are typically reported around 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Multiple complaints note the absence of warning lights prior to failure, and some mention a potential safety hazard due to sudden power loss, with three reports involving crashes and two injuries. Buyers considering a used 2018 C-HR should be aware of these patterns, the potential high repair costs, and the absence of a recall in the U.S. despite similar issues being addressed in Canada.

193 complaints total3 crashes2 injuries

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

32 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR report frequent issues with the CVT transmission, often describing sudden transmission failure without prior warning. Common symptoms include a loud humming or whirring noise, difficulty accelerating, and the vehicle becoming immobile. Complaints typically occur around or before 100,000 miles, with some reports of failure as early as 80,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as the sudden loss of power can leave drivers stranded or unable to maneuver in traffic. Prospective buyers should be aware of these transmission issues and the potential for costly repairs.

32 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Toyota C-HR. A common problem involves the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving, often linked to blown fuses, with some owners needing frequent fuse replacements. Another frequent issue is the malfunction of the electronic parking brake, which can become stuck in an engaged position, hindering brake servicing and potentially affecting vehicle safety. Complaints also include dashboard warning lights illuminating randomly, sometimes accompanied by loss of power or vehicle control. These problems often occur at various mileage points, with some incidents reported as early as 9,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including instances where vehicles stop suddenly in traffic, posing risks of accidents.

21 complaints total
ENGINE (14 complaints)

ENGINE

14 complaints

Owners report recurring transmission issues in the 2018 Toyota C-HR, with many describing symptoms such as loud whining, humming, or grinding noises, and noticeable vehicle jerking or shaking. These problems often emerge between 60,000 and 120,000 miles, with some owners experiencing transmission failure multiple times. Complaints frequently mention transmission bearing failures, leading to significant repair costs and no support from Toyota once the vehicle is out of warranty. The described issues pose safety risks, including potential stalling and loss of vehicle control, with no prior warning lights or dashboard alerts reported by owners. Buyers considering a used 2018 C-HR should be aware of these transmission concerns and their associated safety implications.

14 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (11 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

11 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR frequently report issues related to the electronic parking brake (EPB) malfunctioning. Complaints commonly describe warning messages such as "EPB Malfunction" or "EPB Malfunction visit dealer" appearing on the dashboard, with some owners noting that their vehicles are not included in existing recalls despite experiencing similar problems. Symptoms include the parking brake not disengaging, leading to excessive wear on brake pads and rotors, and in some cases, loud screeching noises. A few owners mention that these issues occur shortly after purchase or within a few weeks, though specific mileage is not consistently reported. Safety implications are noted, with one owner experiencing vehicle movement while in park, resulting in damage to property, and another describing potential loss of control due to brake system malfunctions.

11 complaints total
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR frequently report airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints often describe significant vehicle impacts, including frontal collisions and side impacts, where airbags fail to deploy despite extensive damage. These incidents occur at various speeds, with mileage ranging from 372 to approximately 19,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as multiple reports involve crashes with injuries, including fractured bones and concussions. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag deployment issues when considering this vehicle.

5 complaints total5 crashes4 injuries
STRUCTURE (4 complaints)

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR report issues primarily related to the vehicle's structure, with multiple complaints highlighting problems with the front bumper molding and door components. The front bumper molding is described as loosening due to warped or cheap clips, often attributed to heat exposure. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the driver's side door, such as abnormal sounds and intermittent failure of the electric lock system. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with one owner noting a failure around 50,000 miles. While no direct safety incidents such as crashes or fires are reported, the potential for electrical issues in the door lock system is noted as a concern by owners.

4 complaints total
PARKING BRAKE (3 complaints)

PARKING BRAKE

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR report issues with the electronic parking brake, with problems occurring at various mileages ranging from approximately 28,280 to 82,607 miles. Common symptoms include warning messages related to the electronic parking brake and traction control, as well as instances where the brake system requires replacement or repair but remains problematic afterward. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly reversed while in park, resulting in an injury. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning the vehicle's ability to remain stationary when parked. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues with the electronic parking brake system.

3 complaints total1 crash1 injury
STEERING (3 complaints)

STEERING

3 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR frequently report issues related to electrical malfunctions affecting the steering system. Common symptoms include warnings of "Abnormal Voltage" and "Power Steering Low," with drivers experiencing a heavy or locked steering wheel, which can make controlling the vehicle difficult. These problems often occur without prior warning, sometimes leading to the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving, as noted by one owner who faced this issue on a freeway entrance. Complaints often involve vehicles with relatively low mileage, around 21,000 miles, and some owners have had to replace the battery multiple times. These incidents pose potential safety risks, particularly if the vehicle loses power steering assistance while in motion.

3 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota C-HR report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving the pre-collision system malfunctioning. Complaints frequently mention the system automatically turning off during adverse weather conditions such as snow and heavy rain. Another common issue is the inability to recalibrate sensors after windshield replacement, leading to persistent warning lights and disabled safety features like cruise control and lane departure alerts. These malfunctions often occur without prior inspection by a dealer or service center. While no accidents are reported, the deactivation of safety systems raises potential safety concerns for drivers.

3 complaints total

When Do 2018 Toyota C-HR Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

80,000–100,000 milesTransmission failures

Best & Worst Toyota C-HR Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Toyota C-HR Years to Buy

The best Toyota C-HR year is 2022 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (77/100) and 2020 (76/100).

Toyota C-HR Years to Avoid

The worst Toyota C-HR year is 2018 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to power train (193) issues.

66
Good

2018

(Current Model)

1Recalls
296Complaints

Toyota C-HR Reliability Score Trend

Toyota C-HR reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 68/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota C-HR reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201866/100Good
201970/100Good
202076/100Good
202177/100Good
202280/100Excellent

Toyota C-HR Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202280/100+3Excellent02
202177/100+1Good132
202076/100+6Good155
201970/100+4Good3101
2018(selected)66/100Good1296

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Toyota C-HR reliable?
The 2018 Toyota C-HR has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 66/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 296 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota C-HR?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Toyota C-HR include: POWER TRAIN (193 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (32 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21 complaints), ENGINE (14 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (11 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota C-HR have?
The 2018 Toyota C-HR has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Toyota C-HR expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Toyota C-HR has estimated annual repair costs of $441/year. With a reliability score of 66/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Toyota C-HR without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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