2018 Chevrolet Trax Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact used the parking brake to slow and stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted to diagnose the vehicle. A dealer was not notified of the issue. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

The oil cooler/oil housing leaks oil on every single one of these vehicles, spanning many years, due to its plastic housing, mounted up against a hot engine. The cost of repair is between $2000-3000 at a dealership.

Service Brake Assist message appeared on the dash, brakes got soft , vehicle would not stop. Check engine light came on. Dealership reported no codes were reported but the Power Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor & Hose Assembly needs replaced due to a sensor malfunction. Say it is not covered under any safety/service bulletin so we need to pay for it. Other make and models are covered under 17-NA-314, Special Coverage Adjustment N182202780, Product Safety Recall N202300860. All similar issues but none for the 2018 Chevy Trax. Feel this is a huge issue as it is a direct issue with safety. Brakes are a critical part of safety when on the road.

My check engine light came on, I took my vehicle to Ken Ganley Chevrolet because that is where I purchased it. They claim they have no record I bought it there and at first refused service. I provided my loan documents that state I purchased it. Tim was in the service department, I brought the car in and he had it looked at. He said the issue is the turbocharger, which is a known issue with this year/make/model that GM knows about. The repair was under warranty, completed and the car returned to me. Less than 2 weeks later the check engine light came on and the diagnostic gave the same error. I took it back to the dealership and I got 3 different answers. One person told me it was an exhaust issue that was causing the turbo to overheat (the car is kicking out excessive amounts of carbon monoxide), the second person told me there was no issue and they weren't sure why the check engine light went off, the third person said it seemed like the exhaust and the overheating was a safety issue and it shouldn't be driven. They ultimately refused the repair and said bring it back if it gets worse. I called GM corporate to report the dealership and ask for an actual repair. They told me to take it to another dealership to be looked at. Multiple other dealerships have refused because the case is open with the original dealership. That Ken Ganley Chevrolet dealer is refusing to acknowledge a repair is needed. The car is continuing to kick out excessive carbon monoxide and smells like burning when driving. The engine chugs and doesn't get up to full speed. I requested goodwill reimbursement for part of the car from GM for failure to service and an unsafe vehicle and they have offered no solution because other dealers won't give a second opinion. The car is not safe to drive and is not being repaired.

The contact’s parents owned a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while a parent was driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the accelerator pedal was also simultaneously depressed the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure caused the contact’s parent to veer off the side of the road, which caused the vehicle to roll over several times before landing on a construction vehicle. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed during the rollover. The contact’s parent suffered several injuries and was taken to a local emergency room. The contact’s parents suffered back, neck, and rib injuries. The contact stated that a Police report was filed; however, the report number was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

The vehicle check engine light came on. Engine light is for a repair to the turbo charger. After looking online I noticed some of the 2017 and 2018 Chevy Trax cars are afftected however the VIN for my car is not included. I want to report the problem to see if my car can be checked to see if it's a faulty part.

I was driving my car to the post office in Waikii Ranch in Kamuela Hawai’i no or around [XXX] When all of a sudden my steering went out and my car could hardly turn without great effort from me and I am [XXX] I noticed a warning light stating my power steering was not working and to drive with caution This was a horrible drive home as I live where there are many turns and hills Once I made it home I contacted a friend to get some power steering fluid to remedy what I thought was the answer to remedy this problem I later found out my vehicle A 2018 Chevrolet Trax VIN #[XXX] does not take power steering fluid as its electronic. I contacted a mechanic to come and check out my car He hooked my car up to his computer and found it was indeed the steering and he would have to research and get back to me as he had never fixed this issue He later got back to me and told me there’s a recall on my Vehicle 2018 Chevrolet trax for this exact issue and the contact the manufacturer. Upon contacting Chevrolet by text on May 14 2025 a woman named Sherral told me there’s was indeed a recall for 2018 Chevy Trax however my vehicle is not included as it has a different vehicle Identification number so not included. Take it to a dealer and have it fixed at my cost. I did exactly that and the dealer, DELUZ Chevrolet in Hilo Hawai’i repair and replaced the FAULTY Steering unit that was DEFECTIVE in there own words. I have all supporting documents and the faulty equipment I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DRIVING this vehicle! I live on the side of a mountain with steep grades and many winding turns. This steering problem warning did not state DO NOT DRIVE DUE TO STEERING PROBLEM it stated TO DRIVE WITH CAUTION. I am filing a complaint with you to All Chevrolet Trax 2018 no matter what the vin# is A faulty defective part is STILL going to be faulty and defective no matter where manufactured. Truthfully submitted by [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Car smoking under the hood not even a month after getting repairs done to it for the same issue of coolant loss. Replaced engine oil cooler, coolant housing, and turbo. Car started smoking again less than a month later and mechanic baffled at what it may be this time for there is no warning lights illuminated to point to the problem. The vehicle has had its regular maintenance on time.

2018 chevy trax turbo messing up loss of power and making noise

I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.

Car filled with smoke and smell. Needed to replace the blower motor l, resistor, and pig tail or it would have killed my child.

Blower motor and resistor, wire lume melting. So many people have the same issue on several different models. Same part, same issues that could cause a fire. Well know issue by Dealership and auto repair facilities.

The indicator for the vehicle overheating illuminated as I checked. I noticed that the engine coolant was low so I brought a bottle to top it off however, I noticed once parking in front of my home that I had a puddle of the fluid on the ground.

Chevrolet had a recall (N232395330) for 2018 Trax models due to a problem with the turbocharger. For whatever reason, Chevrolet did not include all 2018 Trax models, and omitted ours. The turbocharger on ours failed, causing an oil problem and substantial damage to the engine (and, possibly, other parts), with an estimated $12,500 cost to repair. We have tried to work with both Chevrolet (case number X-XXX) and a local dealership (Tim Lally Chevrolet in Warrensville Heights, Ohio). Both are denying any liability for the problem. However, if Chevrolet had properly included all 2018 Trax models, and provided us with knowledge of the problem with the turbocharger, it would have been repaired without the substantial damage caused by Chevrolet's under reporting of the affected vehicles. The day of the problem, the Trax lost most power and did not indicate any oil issue. How does one get Chevrolet held responsible for the damage done because they under reported the affected vehicles? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine oil cooler leaking with no dash lights causing burning plastic fumes only when sitting at an idle to enter car cabin causing passengers to feel unwell at times. With no warning lights for specific leaks or overheating warnings caused high repair bills at the shop. Also, probably causing engines to malfunction earlier than normal since the only sign is the smell of something burning when at an idle and no other warning signs that would be cause of concern to a mechanic or owner. This would only happen if the recirculating outdoor air.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no oil in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Tech during an annual inspection found the rear Diff. Carrier cracked and crumbling apart into small pieces. There was evidence of fluid leaking onto the rear exhaust. Due to safety concerns tech would not inspect without the replacement of the rear diff. Carrier, Axel/Differential. Replacement cost was $2,681.41.

I was driving between 35 and 45 mph and ran over a manhole cover. The rear of my vehicle began to fishtail. I pulled into a gas station and upon attempting to leave my vehicle failed to drive forward. The car was still on but would not move forward. I had it towed by flatbed to the local chevy dealership where it was determined that the rear suspension swing bar has separated at the weld. If I were traveling at a higher rate of speed on the highway this could have been deadly. The current recall for this problem only mentions the front control arm but for the same issue. My car has been inspected by my insurance and the incident does not match the damage and I'm fighting to not have my vehicle considered totalled. There were no other warning signs or issues prior to this.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, she noticed a leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cooling system was leaking. The dealer determined that the cooling system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 87,046.

Power steering locks up while driving, service stabilitrack warning comes on, transmission drops and car will not drive, car will not reverse

My Trax 2018 was leaking a fluid .My mechanic advised me that it was my radiator ,compressor and condenser .My mechanic proceeded to look into this for me and said there was a special coverage to take care of this from GM .But when I took it to Serpitini they said my vin doesn’t match .So I have to pay ifor it yo get fixed .only has 52,159 miles on it. I feel I shouldn’t have to pay for these parts since they were defective ,and my car was made at another plant !!!

Engine runs roughly. Hardly any pick up present during acceleration.

Car was overheating and the temperature light never came on. There is no dashboard temperature gauge. I first noticed my driver side AC was blowing hot. I was told it needed Freon it was refilled but kept happening. It wasn’t until I was driving and my car said “engine overheating going into idle” that I pulled over and discovered I was out of coolant, which was just topped off a few days before. I ended up having to replace the entire cooling system, radiator, hoses, turbo hoses, fan, and was told I needed to replace the header. I replaced all that and then the turbo went out and a piston snapped off inside the engine and had to replace the entire engine. I feel like this could have all been prevented had there been a dashboard temperature gauge or had the temperature light come on sooner. I had no clue the car was running hot beyond my AC blowing hot and by then it was too late.

While driving the vehicle started to smoke under the hood. Once the engine cooled off, I opened the hood. There was coolant sprayed all over the engine. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was told the hose that connects to the fan had cracked off because the plastic piece used by Chevy isn’t robust. Even after repairs were made for the issue, a month later the same plastic piece could not hold up. Over 700$ put into this issue.

The contact’s aunt owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to malfunction, and the rear and front passenger’s side seat belts seized. The check engine warning light, traction control warning light, and power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle started to decelerate, the transmission disengaged, and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that she was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column and the main computer had inadvertently disconnected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Engine shut off on me I've replaced battery and alternator there is a strong smell of burning plastic from engine bay before this my AC went out only was blowing hot air but car now will not start after replacement of alternator and battery only had the car for a bit now everyone is breaking on me I've had it in the shop for half the time I've had it about to call finance company and give up on vehicle

I'd it's a 2018 Chevrolet Grad LT for almost two years. My engine light been cutting off and on since 5 months since I'd the vehicle. Now my stabilitrak light come off and on with showing the hazard light on the dashboard. I just want to be safe if the vehicle has problems with suspension issues to check out.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that at start up, the AWD disabled message was displayed. The service AWD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear differential clutch control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 7346-02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: 7346-02. The failure mileage was approximately 60,150.

FIRST MY ENGINE WENT OUT; REPLACE WITH USED ENGINE $5,000. ONE CV JOINT WENT OUT; REPLACED $1400. DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING WENT OUT; AUTO SHOP SAID HE CAN'T FIND BUSHING; HAS TO REPLACE WHOLE DIFFERENTIAL $3,800. I'M SURE I'LL HAVE TO REPLACE THE OTHER CV JOINTS SOON. THIS CAR HAS 128,000 MILES ON IT. HOW DOES AN ENGINE AND TURBO GETS RUINED? THAT DAMN CAR WAS $21,000. NOW THE REPAIRS ARE ALMOST AS MUCH AS THE STUPID CAR.

The steering of the vehicle is very tight and it doesn't spring back when turning the wheel on its own like most vehicles do . you have to manually bring your steering wheel back for the wheels to turn straight again..and this isn't normal by any means ... Also, The turbocharger in my vehicle isnt working correctly and is causing my check engine light to be on even after engine codes have issues have been repaired. I've changed air filters.. I've changed mass air flow sensors.. I've changed the intake manifold and the engine light comes back on after accelerating.. The engine code that keeps coming back on and returning is p0299.. this is an issue with the turbo boost.. And this is also something that has been recalled for other model Chevy lf the Chevy Trax.. my vehicle issues are recalls that are being done on other Chevy Trax but they're not being recalled for my model of the Chevy Trax as obvious that these recall issues pertain to my vehicle as well.. I know there are recalls on the Chevy Trax which are having these exact issues except my car isn't listed on the recall list.. and without a doubt it should be because these issues I'm having go hand and hand with other Chevy Trax models that are receiving recalls for these exact same issues

Approximately one week ago, I went to reverse out of my drive way and my brakes were very hard. I was able to stop ok, but it took more effort than normal. That day, while in traffic, the “Service Brake Assist” indicator came on my dashboard. This went away after I went into class and then started my Trax and began driving again. The indicator did not reappear until about two days later. I parked in my driveway and that next morning I reversed out like usual and I had to put every bit of my 158lbs on the brake. I drove very slowly and then tried reversing. The brakes were fine. The next night I was driving home and someone cut me off. I had zero brakes. I had to drive off the road to avoid a collision. I came less than a foot from slamming into the vehicle in front of me. I managed to miss most of the curb but ended up hitting the curb with my right rear tire (a chunk of the tire is now missing). Once the vehicle has been driven for a brief period of time there aren’t severe problems with the brakes (while in reverse). Overall the vehicle has significantly less braking power and requires maximum force from me to completely stop. The “service brake assist” light/indicator comes on sporadically and I have gone to a parts store three separate times for a scan but they say when the indicator is not active it may not trigger a read out. One of the stores said I needed to take it to a dealership but I do not have the money for that as I am a single mother in college. Tonight I parked differently so that I could mow the lawn and when I reversed into the driveway (at an incline), a “hill assist” indicator flashed very briefly. My vehicle currently has 36,859 miles, of which I have personally driven 30,259 miles. All maintenance is done as it should be at proper times.

You be driving down the road in the vehicle will make you feel like you hit somebody which is a big safety issue and the vehicle only has 42,000 miles on it should not be doing that this is a safety issue and needs to be resolved and fix my Chevrolet

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had experienced a loss of motive power. The vehicle did not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions the vehicle stalled while idling. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the stabili-trak message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the turbo charger and exhaust flex pipe were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

My vehicle has been giving me such a HEADACHE! I purchased the TRAX in (12/2021) and it has been in the shop for the same issue multiple times. It went in the shop in JULY and I did not pick my vehicle back up til September (2mths). the problem its having is the power steering keeps locking up and the engine and power steering lights keeps coming on. Once I come to a stop it will not pick up speed its liking I'm just sitting still and when it does start to go its taking a very slow time. I almost been in multiple accidents due to this issue. After spending thousands of dollars on rentals and Chevy service department, the issue still remains. I got the car out the shop in September and took it back a week later for the previous problem and they still cant find what is causing this problem. As I type this my car is back at Chevy service for the same issue its been in there since (10/8/22) and I had to spend more money for a RENTAL. This problem is becoming a burden on me and affecting my job. I require a vehicle for work. I need answer to my problem ASAP or issue me a new CAR.

All wheel drive system control module failed casing loss of awd. Dealer confirmed that this module needed to be replace and was not covered under power train warranty. Doing research i found that there is a known issue with some modules and gm has put out special coverage for these modules and their wiring harness. My vehicle was not covered under this special coverage and therefore i was forced to pay out of pocked for this repair.

The blower motor and blower motor resistor in this car have gone out numerous times. They do not work. Most owners of this car have it replaced multiple times, costing over $1000. This is unsafe, in both summer and winter months. During the summer, the people in the car over heat and can suffer from heat stroke. In the winter, you can't defrost your windows which can cause multiple accidents to take place. Having replaced both these parts numerous times, I believe this may be an electrical issue. Along with a parts issue.

Transmission leak due to the start/stop system My vehicle is to the point of barely moving forward to not moving forward when I am forced to come to a stop. I called chevy dealer, who refuses to fix the issue and said I have to let you know and get your approval My vehicle has the exact issue the recall is over, as the same year, and make Per the announcement you did not specify my vehicle being exempt I need service a.s.a.p!

The non return valve in the intake either broke or fell off( apparently defective) causing my vehicle’s check engine light to come and causing multiple error codes. As a result of this defective part it cause my vehicle to vibrate violently ,the lost of power, and ultimately stalling out Nearly causing me getting involved with a very serious accident. As a result of this incident I took my vehicle to the nearest mechanical shop had it diagnosed showing multiple error codes and ultimately revealing a missing part ( A rubber nipple ) which was supposed to be inside of the intake. As stated above the check engine light did come on one week prior to the above conditions as a result of this missing/defective part . I had tried on several occasions with the dealership where I purchased my vehicle from to have the above problem resolved with negative results. My mechanic has confirm with me that this is not the first time he has seen this part missing from other GM vehicles with the same type of engine . I did research about my issue and found numerous reports of this with the same type engine in it since 2012 , Also my mechanic was told by one of the service members of the dealership that they were aware of this problem obviously this is not the first time, but they refuse to have my car towed and wanted me to pay an additional $140 again to get the car diagnosed. The car was rendered unsafe to drive due to the fact of the above problems regarding this defective part . This needs to be addressed , there is no doubt in my mind that someone will ultimately die from this continuous problem with these engines with this particular part. I have kept all the parts that were taken off of my vehicle for further inspection especially if the NHTSA wishes to inspect it. I am appealing the decision from General motors concerning this Replacement part/ parts that I Purchase to render my vehicle safe and operable.Replacement parts are all GM products !

All wheel drive disabled when car is started, displaying AWD disabled message on startup instrument cluster. Scan for DTC 0121 lost communication with EBCM. RDCM corroded and needs replacing. Common issue with this vehicle but somehow not included with my particular VIN. Ref #17436-02: SPECIAL COVERAGE and REf# A162081280

Having engin light come on.. Emissions issues. Already got a letter about a future recall. Don't want to pay out of pocket. Rough starting and weird noise. Either engin or exhaust issue. I know I'm not the only person.

Antifreeze leak from the turbo. Only 22500 miles. A search revealed that this is a constant and consistent problem. GM needs to issue a recall

Turbo coolant pipes leaking No check engine light no warning noticed anti freeze on driveway.Seems like there is a lot of this happening. Glad I was home and not far away.

My car always randomly doesn’t want to speed up. All the lights turn in and constantly tells me service power steering and brakes drive with care. It says something about electrical. I have taken it to Chevy they tell me they don’t know what is wrong with my car. They charged me 350$ to fix something they thought it was but it wasn’t it because my car still does the same thing. It will even stop telling me how fast I’m going.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stopped independently with the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,240.

AC NO LONGER WORKS. AC ONLY BLOWS WARM AIR NO COOL AIR. THREE YEARS IS VERY SOON FOR A CAR TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE AIR CONDITION. THERE IS NO AC. THE HEATER WORKS FINE. HOWEVER, WHEN I TURN ON MY AC THE CAR VIBRATES AND MAKES A GRINDING SOUND. FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

-BACKUP CAMERA SENSOR SOUND STOPPED WORKING AROUND 55K MILES -WE BOUGHT OUT CAR BRAND NEW THREE YEARS AGO THIS MONTH, AND THE TURBO UNEXPECTEDLY CRACKED SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 68K-69K MILES. IT'S RELEASING A HORRIBLE SMELL IN THE CAR. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that abnormal sounds were coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the failure originally occurred three years ago however, the failure had become persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had previously received unknown manufacturer communication documentation which advised of a potential turbo charger failure with the vehicle. The contact was informed that parts to complete the repair were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW WITH 49 MILES ON IT. FROM THE FIRST DAY IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME A SERVICE REAR CAMERA SYSTEM ERROR, THE ENTIRE DASH WILL COMPLETELY BLACKOUT ON ME AND TAKES A WHILE TO COME BACK ON AND MY CAR WAS SLIPPING WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND REVERSE TO DRIVE. WITH ALMOST 65K MILES ON IT, I STARTED TO GET A SERVICE AWD, SERVICE POWER STEERING WITH A FAULTY POWER STEERING ISSUE WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR RANDOMLY WON'T START, DESPITE THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ALL BEING GOOD. I WAS RECEIVING EVERY ERROR CODE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RANDOMLY ON AND SHUTS OFF, WHEN I HAD THE CODES CHECKED, I HAD NEVER SEEN SO MANY ERROR CODES IN MY LIFE! LOW VOLTAGES, MAIN SYSTEM ERRORS, THE WHOLE BIT. NOW MY CAR THINKS I AM TRYING TO STEAL IT AS THE SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON.

THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH MODULE SHORTED OUT. VERY EXPENSIVE PART AND IS NOT COVERED IN THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY IT SHOULD BE . WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND MESSAGE CAME ON TO HAVE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SERVICED. SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PUT ANY MONEY INTO A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE THAT ONLY HAD 38,653 MILES ON IT.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the infotainment system was intermittently inoperable; however, the infotainment system and the instrument cluster had become inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,645.