2018 Toyota C-HR

Vehicle: 2018 Toyota C-HR (Base Model) Issue: CVT Transmission Failure I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious defect in the CVT transmission of my 2018 Toyota C-HR. After owning it less than 2 years, the vehicle developed transmission problems that rendered it unsafe and ultimately undrivable. Multiple mechanics, including a dealership and a transmission specialist, confirmed the issue originates where the transmission meets the axle on the driver’s side. The recommended solution was a full transmission replacement, with repair costs quoted as high as $11,000, nearly equal to the car’s entire market value. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There were no warning messages or lamps to indicate an issue prior to the incident that occurred. This situation raises serious safety concerns: The transmission failure occurred suddenly, leaving me unable to operate the vehicle. I was on the way home during rush hour traffic. I approached a redlight and came to a stop. Once the light turned green, my car wouldn't accelerate and began rolling backwards any time I attempted to accelerate. A transmission defect can cause unexpected loss of power or drivability, putting myself, drivers nearby and passengers at risk on the road. The fact that this issue is widely reported among Toyota owners suggests a systemic defect that compromises public safety. Customers are forced to choose between paying exorbitant repair costs or continuing to make loan payments on a car they cannot drive. Toyota has long been viewed as a trusted brand known for reliability, yet this defect undermines that reputation and leaves loyal customers feeling misled. I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate this issue and Toyota to issue a recall or extended warranty coverage for affected CVT transmissions. Customers should not be left with unsafe, undrivable vehicles and repair costs that exceed the cars value. This is not only a matter of fairness but of public safety.

On 2/13/2023, an object hit my windshield & it cracked. I filed a claim with my insurance & took it to Safelite. Safelite replaced my windshield on 2/27/2023, however, they were not able to recalibrate the sensors within the windshield. This means 3 safety components in my car no longer work, which are; lane departure, cruise control, & pre-collision. I now have a flashing warning in my dash constantly because the sensors embedded in the windshield aren’t calibrated, which is a hazard. I filed complaint #11448934 on 1/26/2022 with NHTSA explaining how my pre-collision system was giving me problems. Safelite is going to try a different glass and then try to recalibrate on 3/4/2023. My car is available upon request. My & others safety are put at risk because Toyota opted to put important safety features in one of the most exposed & vulnerable places on a car, that I quite frankly wasn’t aware of until it cracked. I have not had it evaluated by the manufacturer, independent dealer/service center and it has not been inspected. There haven’t been any accidents.. yet. I will upload a picture of the Safelite work order. You will see it says, “Recal failed”