RoadVitals

2021 Toyota C-HR Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints 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.
14
Latest Jul 7, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
44%
of 32 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Toyota C-HR submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 14 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming powertrain

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 7, 2026

It will not drive forward and only in reverse. There is a known bearing issue but unfortunately this is past the 60k and no recall.

NHTSA ID
11748849
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota CH-R. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound that progressively became louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for routine maintenance since the whining sound started, but the dealer had not advised the contact of a transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a goodwill assistance offer, which the contact declined. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11740114
Incident
Nov 26, 2025
Mileage
60,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 11, 2026

The car has developed a growl/whine from the transmission. A trip to the mechanic determined that it sounded as if a bearing inside the transmission is failing. A check online showed multiple complaints regarding the transmission failing with the same issues as my car, and what appeared to be a possible class action lawsuit being filed regarding this transmission issue. No recall is showing for the transmission from Toyota. Recommendation from the mechanic was to replace the transmission rather than repair it.

NHTSA ID
11736933
Incident
Mar 3, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 10, 2026

unusual noises, unexpected slipping, deacceleration. According to mechanics is a CVT bearing failure

NHTSA ID
11736839
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 28, 2026

The transmission has failed. Started making a whirring noise at 60000 and got worse from there. Toyota wants to charge 13k to fix issue.

NHTSA ID
11734414
Incident
Apr 13, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 9, 2026

My transmission went out on my 2021 C-HR. The problem is, Toyota continued making and selling the car after they knew there was an issue. The 2018 and 19 models had transmission recalls, but they failed to fix the issue and continued to let others purchase a vehicle that was going to fail.

NHTSA ID
11722990
Incident
Feb 6, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 19, 2026

I was told that the bearing was going out in the transmission. Toyota is charging $11,000 to replace it. Seems to be a common occurrence amongst these vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11719018
Incident
Jan 15, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 28, 2026

The transmission all of a sudden started making a whistling noise. Took it to the shop for them to tell me the transmission is bad and needs replaced.

NHTSA ID
11713945
Incident
Jan 14, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 20, 2025

Electrical failure of the transmission. No inciting incident. Confirmed by the dealership who has done all maintenance on the vehicle. Vehicle suddenly cannot go above 25mph and will not shift gears. Vehicle has approx 60k miles on it.

NHTSA ID
11706249
Incident
Dec 17, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 27, 2025

Bought car December 2024 with 54,557 miles and had it inspected at time of purchase; inspection was fine. Car started making odd noise last week, so I took it in for an oil change and they ran diagnostics and determined it needs the transmission replaced, having 67,764 miles. Mechanic told me this is a "known issue" that Toyota is aware of this and won't recall the affected cars. It's going to cost me $12k to fix. Toyota Canada has already acknowledged there is a problem with the cars.

NHTSA ID
11695928
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 2, 2025

Transmission went out at 40 thousand miles.this car has been serviced and maintaned as directed. No rough use what so every.

NHTSA ID
11691014
Incident
Sep 24, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 3, 2025

Original owner. Vehicle has internal failure of transaxle at exactly 60,000 miles. All routine services for the life of the car has been completed by a Toyota dealer.

NHTSA ID
11684835
Incident
Sep 3, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 23, 2025

Transmission failure. Required service visits always on time with no indication of any problems. After a noticeable change in the vehicle drive and noise from the engine, the vehicle was immediately brought to the dealer service center for inspection. The dealer confirmed transmission malfunction. The dealer refused to extend the warranty which would cover a good portion of the cost. Instead they suggested full out of pocket replacement or trade and buy. Despite all this, the monthly car payment is still my responsibility. Unfortunately being a one income household, I am unable to replace or buy a replacement vehicle. After some online investigation, the transmission issue is common and documented issues in the US and CAN. In my opinion, Toyota has done nothing to remedy the known transmission issues and has total disregard for the customer. At this point, all I need is a reliable car before I return to my job as a teacher's assistance..... before school is back in session. Thank you for your time and support. I look forward to hearing from you!

NHTSA ID
11668781
Incident
May 19, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 14, 2021

incorrect programming - ECU

NHTSA ID
11440400
Incident
Nov 14, 2021

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 .