RoadVitals

2020 Toyota C-HR Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
62
Latest Sep 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Toyota C-HR, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical56.6%
  • Engine56.6%
  • Driver assistance56.6%
  • Steering33.9%
  • Tires & wheels33.9%
  • Brakes22.6%
  • Other / unspecified22.6%
  • Seat belts22.6%
  • Suspension11.3%
  • Fuel system11.3%
  • Transmission11.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CVT failing, causing extreme bearing noise. Toyota insisted lifetime fluids with no transmission service or fluid changes. At 147000 miles it is noisy with no warning lights and no recommended service.

NHTSA ID 11763104 · filed Sep 9, 2026

Transmission went out 3,400 miles past the 60k warranty. Vehicle taken in at 59k miles and told there were no issues. Filed good will warranty claim. Toyota needs to do a recall. This is a know problem. 2018 and 2019 models recalled. 2020 models same issue, why no recall for 2020. I have read at least 17% of 2020’s have already failed.

NHTSA ID 11762609 · filed Sep 7, 2026
All 46 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The motor mounts broke when it hit a pothole and that snapped the wiring harness which caused the transmission to shift. Toyota dealership says it needs a new CVT transmission replacement. The engine has shifting issues. My insurance adjusters believe that the transmission failure is due to wear and tear, but the car did not have issues before the pothole. There were and are no warning lights or messages prior to and after the incident. I got the engine wiring harness and motor mounts fixed and there was still a noise and lag while accelerating and they finally said it was the transmission the second time I brought it in and that wasn’t covered by insurance. I’ve only put 11,000 miles on it and I’m the second owner. I bought it from a Lithia Nissan of Clovis.

NHTSA ID 11738452 · filed May 18, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11711562 · filed Jan 16, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, my 2020 Toyota C-HR suddenly lost acceleration in the middle of the road, with the vehicle failing to respond to throttle input. This has now happened twice. There was no warning noise (no whining or grinding) beforehand, and the loss of power occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous driving condition due to inability to maintain speed or safely merge/clear traffic.

NHTSA ID 11756861 · filed Aug 13, 2026

The motor mounts broke when it hit a pothole and that snapped the wiring harness which caused the transmission to shift. Toyota dealership says it needs a new CVT transmission replacement. The engine has shifting issues. My insurance adjusters believe that the transmission failure is due to wear and tear, but the car did not have issues before the pothole. There were and are no warning lights or messages prior to and after the incident. I got the engine wiring harness and motor mounts fixed and there was still a noise and lag while accelerating and they finally said it was the transmission the second time I brought it in and that wasn’t covered by insurance. I’ve only put 11,000 miles on it and I’m the second owner. I bought it from a Lithia Nissan of Clovis.

NHTSA ID 11738452 · filed May 18, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, my 2020 Toyota C-HR suddenly lost acceleration in the middle of the road, with the vehicle failing to respond to throttle input. This has now happened twice. There was no warning noise (no whining or grinding) beforehand, and the loss of power occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous driving condition due to inability to maintain speed or safely merge/clear traffic.

NHTSA ID 11756861 · filed Aug 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11733254 · filed Apr 23, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11434640 · filed Sep 28, 2021

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

NHTSA ID 11408450 · filed Apr 16, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11497522 · filed Dec 15, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11434640 · filed Sep 28, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TO: CarMax Corporate Relations Attn: Jennifer Sheppard, AVP Customer Service Excellence 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway Richmond, VA 23238 [XXX] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Vehicle: 2020 Toyota C-HR 4D Sport Utility VIN: [XXX] Subject: Formal Safety Complaint, Inspection Failure, and Demand for Buyback To the Representatives of CarMax Corporate and NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a severe safety incident and a gross failure of the CarMax Certified Quality Inspection process. The negligence displayed by the CarMax Orlando staff not only violated the terms of our purchase contract but actively endangered my life and the lives of others on the road. 1. Timeline of Events and Staff Negligence On 04/30/2026, I purchased the above-referenced vehicle from CarMax Orlando. Upon attempting a test drive, I was denied by sales consultant Boris Iniquez, who stated the vehicle could not be driven until it was cleaned. On 05/01/2026, I took delivery and immediately noticed the brakes were non-responsive and emitting a loud "air brake" sound. I returned to the dealership on 05/02/2026. Mr. Iniquez performed a ride-along, personally witnessed the brake malfunction, and was informed of my immediate need to drive 450 miles to Atlanta, GA, for my role as a Site Inspector. Rather than providing a safe loaner or grounded vehicle, Mr. Iniquez and the acting manager explicitly instructed me to drive the vehicle to Atlanta, asserting that the car had "passed all inspections." 2. Mechanical Safety Failure Upon reaching Atlanta, the vehicle's condition became untenable. On 05/07/2026, CarMax GA inspected the vehicle and found: - Total failure of all four brake pads. - Front rotors requiring immediate replacement. It is mathematically and mechanically impossible for a vehicle with metal-on-metal rotors and failing pads to have passed a legitimate 125+ INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F

NHTSA ID 11737906 · filed May 14, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11687276 · filed Sep 15, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11408450 · filed Apr 16, 2021

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

NHTSA ID 11395228 · filed Feb 8, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11707023 · filed Dec 25, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11685058 · filed Sep 4, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11408450 · filed Apr 16, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11690206 · filed Sep 28, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11730875 · filed Apr 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .