2017 Chevrolet Trax Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 10/02/2025

My 2017 Chevrolet Trax experiences intermittent engine rough running, hesitation and loss of power when accelerating from a stop. It runs especially rough around the shift into second gear. At idle, such as in a drive-through, the engine shakes and the RPM repeatedly drops and rises as though it may stop. This is near-stalling; I have not confirmed a complete engine shutdown. The unpredictable hesitation and loss of power when moving away from a stop raise concern that the vehicle may not accelerate adequately to clear an intersection or move with traffic. We drive it only short distances around town, not on the highway. Symptoms occur more often during or shortly after rain and in cold weather; it can run normally in warm, dry weather. Check-engine and StabiliTrak warnings appear intermittently during these episodes. The current symptoms were present before the October 2025 turbocharger replacement and continued afterward. The exact date they first appeared, and whether the warning lights preceded the symptoms, are unknown. There is a documented history of engine and turbocharger repairs. In February 2021, at approximately 91,586 miles, a Chevrolet dealership confirmed a cylinder 2 misfire, low compression, a cracked piston and a cracked turbo housing. All four pistons and rings and the turbocharger were replaced. Handwritten notes also document PCV hose replacement. An independent shop replaced the turbocharger again in October 2025 at approximately 195,510 miles. Its invoice records the complaint that the vehicle sputters when taking off from stop signs. Those symptoms continued after the repair. On October 6, 2026, at 197,216 miles, an O’Reilly scan recorded stored P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire) and P1101 (intake airflow system performance). A separate shop’s scanner also displayed stored P0304. These scans document codes, but the cause of the current intermittent problem has not been diagnosed. Another cracked piston or turbocharger failure has not been confir

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/10/2026

This car has experienced the same dangerous symptoms as reported in many cases on this site. Similar examples are NHTSA ID# 11756485, 11766116, 11756485 (nearly identical). What can I do. This 2017 vehicle was purchased in 2021 from a dealer for only $15K and had less than 50K miles. It has already cost us over $4k. What do you recommend?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 06/20/2026

I am filing this formal complaint regarding a severe, recurring, and catastrophic electrical and vehicle control system failure in my 2017 Chevrolet Trax. On multiple occasions while driving at highway speeds (70+ mph), the vehicle experienced simultaneous loss of critical safety and control systems—including power steering, traction control, and instrumentation displays—plunging the vehicle into a severe "limp mode." This sudden and unpredictable loss of control at high speeds presents an extreme safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS & DEFECT PATTERN 1. Initial Intermittent Failures (Past 12 Months): The traction control light began activating intermittently and randomly without cause. A dealership reset temporarily cleared the issue, but it later returned. 2. Sensor System Failures (Approx. March 2026): All four Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors began failing sequentially until complete loss of tire pressure telemetry across the dashboard. 3. First Major Highway Power Failure (July 2026): While traveling at 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suffered a complete system collapse: Simultaneous loss of Power Steering (requiring extreme manual steering effort at high speeds) and Traction Control. Check Engine Light illuminated. Instrumental cluster failed completely: digital tachometer and speedometer registered 0 RPM and 0 MPH while actively traveling at speed. Upon pulling off the highway, the vehicle entered a limp state, restricting speed to under 10 mph. After shutting off the engine, the vehicle's dashboard screen went entirely black/unresponsive upon re-attempting ignition. After sitting stationary for an extended period, the vehicle restarted, though the Check Engine Light remained illuminated. There is more to this but I ran out of characters to type it all so I'll include it with the files below. Thank you.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/08/2026

Turbocharger on my 2017 Chevy Trax failed at approximately 80,000 miles. Took it in for repair and they reported that upon examination a 299 code appeared and the turbocharger needed to be replaced. Check engines light also came on.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 12/15/2025

I work from home, so I drive my car maybe once a week and only on flat highways. One day, I heard a loud booming crack and then suddenly the vehicle was making a grinding noise and pulling strangely. I drove directly to a mechanic and had them looked at the vehicle since it was highly concerning to me. They said that the rear differential had split suddenly and that it was actually extremely dangerous that I had been driving still. They said if it had fully cracked it might have ended in my death! Again, this car is very underworked and not driving over so crazy terrain or anything to cause damage. The mechanic also mentioned that they've seen this problem in this vehicle make a lot, stating, "it's very common". I had to drop 3 grand to fix this. Given the danger and that it's a common problem I'm surprised this isn't already a recall.

ENGINE — Filed 04/25/2026

Vehicle engine light came on XXX and was driven immediately to Auto Zone to check the code. The code showed P0299. The vehicle was then taken 2 miles home and parked. It was towed to Lake Chevrolet in [XXX] on XXX to prevent any engine damage from occurring due to the failed turbo. Upon Lake's inspection they claim the manifold and valve cover gasket must be replaced. We agreed to that, and asked about an oil change as everything we read said that was mandatory with work like this. Was told the technician didn't suggest it but they would do it at our request for an additional charge. After they confirmed the turbo was bad and well as the items above we agreed to the repairs and they said the vehicle would be ready the next day. We called again at the end of the next day and they said the repairs were made and they were going to drive the vehicle to make sure all was well. The next call we received was the service advisor stating we need a new engine as after they drove it white smoke was coming from the exhaust and they now found a cracked piston. The vehicle was not blowing out white smoke when they received, it also passed emissions on 4/14/26. We also asked for all technician notes, diagnostics, etc. which they will not provide us unless we come in and get the non running vehicle and pay the 983.00 invoice. We would have to have the vehicle towed from their lot as it can't be driven since their repairs. We contacted GM and spoke with "Tamar" multiple times with no resolution. Service manager claims GM will pay 1,500.00 towards a 9,000.00 new engine. This engine damage is consequential damage of the turbo failure which the dealership is denying. GM and Lake Chevrolet are refusing to honor special coverage XXX for the resulting catastrophic damage. Dealership also refusing to provide documentation requested in attached letter. We seem to be expected to take their word for all of this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 01/03/2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that after the vehicle sat for a while on several occasions and was then driven, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. While driving on those occasions, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and DTC: P0171 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately six months later. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where DTC: P0300, US669T, 41121, and P0301 were retrieved. The ignition coil and spark plugs were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that four months later, after the vehicle sat for a while, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that there was an oil leak coming from the turbocharger return line and a fractured tube inside the engine. The oil connector and line were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two days later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,641.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/12/2026

My check engine light keeps staying on I go and have it scanned and they tell me it's sensors so each time I change my sensors the check engine light comes back on again, not sure how many sensor is that I have to keep changing in order for my check engine light to go off and I'm not sure if there's a problem with the diagnose of the engine light so I wanted to know if other people are having the same problem as me I can't keep paying to change all these sensors and each time I have it scan it shows up some more so I'm thinking it must be misdiagnosing something that's why I'm checking if there was any other complaints or recalls on this thank you very much

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/04/2026

When driving, speedometer/RPM dial both go to 0. The “Service Stabilitrak” message comes on followed by the “Service Power Steering, Drive With Care” message. The check engine light will also sometimes appear. The transmission is also affected (jerking when changing gears, inability to accelerate properly, revving). Power steering goes in and out. Car doesn’t feel safe to drive while it’s happening. No triggers or commonalities known. Car goes back to normal when left off and turned back on. Code U0073 "Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off” appeared with at home OBD2 scanner.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 11/17/2025

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request reimbursement or goodwill assistance for the repair of the turbocharger on my Chevrolet Trax, which failed unexpectedly and caused my vehicle to stall in the middle of the freeway, creating a serious safety hazard. I had previously reported concerns related to the turbo, and after the failure occurred, I learned that General Motors issued a Special Coverage Adjustment for turbocharger malfunction on certain Chevrolet Trax vehicles. Unfortunately, I never received any notification or letter informing me of this coverage. Had I been made aware, I would have taken appropriate action prior to the failure. Because this vehicle was my only means of transportation, I had no choice but to immediately repair it at my own expense. I later contacted GM Customer Assistance to inquire about reimbursement and was informed that my request was denied solely due to the vehicle exceeding 120,000 miles, despite the fact that: This is a known defect The failure resulted in a dangerous loss of power while driving I was never notified of the special coverage I was also advised that the notification was sent by a government department, yet no department could be identified, and despite multiple requests, I have not received a call back from a manager. Given the seriousness of the safety risk, the lack of notice, and the documented nature of this defect, I am respectfully requesting that GM reconsider my case for reimbursement or goodwill assistance for the turbocharger repair. I have attached copies of my repair invoice, proof of payment, and vehicle documentation for your review. I would appreciate escalation of this matter to a Senior Advisor or District Manager for further consideration. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2017, Chevy Trax [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 02/02/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to a nearby hotel. The contact resumed driving, but the amount of smoke coming from underneath the hood increased. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to remain upwards on snowy days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised that it was a design failure. Additionally, upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for service, the contact was informed that the brake sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

ENGINE — Filed 10/01/2025

The catalytic converter is failing and there is an oil leak somewhere within the engine system that is producing a burning smell from the heating vents.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 08/14/2025

On my two thousand seventeen, chevrolet tracks is not listed under the recalls.But what the recall has listed, those are the exact problems wrong with my car.What can I do about it

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/28/2024

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH; she T-boned with another vehicle (Ford F-150) however, the air bags did not deploy. No warning light had illuminated. During the impact, the contact's face hit the dashboard and she sustained a brain bleed, missing teeth, and a concussion that required medical attention. No police department arrived at the scene due to a high volume of crashed therefore no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by the insurance provider. The vehicle was diagnosed that the crash did not meet the criteria for deployment. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 03/21/2024

I am an [XXX] living on a remote ranch in northern Montana. Owning a 2017 Chevy Trax that has be in the repair shop 6 times since October 2023 to fix the heater fan blower motor that keeps burning up, leaving me without heat or defrost. Driving home on the evening of [XXX] the fan motor burned up again (6th time since Oct. 23) and left me with out heat or defrost. At night, about 10 miles away from home, I tried to drive home. With no heat or defrost my windows started immediately fogging up . I began to try to wipe the windshield with my hand to be able to see to drive. Frost appeared on the inside of the windshield because of being cold outside. I got to my driveway and went to turn in and missed the approach because I could not see. I ended up going down a steep ditch. When I braked my vehicle a stainless steel thermos dislodged from the center console and hit my right knee, injuring me. Chevy Trax and Sonic vehicles from 2014 to 2018 have a defective pigtail from the factory, that causes the heater blower motor to burn up. No recall and as of today Chevy has not manufactured a non defective pig tail. I feel this is a really dangerous situation for people in winter climates. Never knowing when the blower motor will stop working causing impaired visibility due to the car windows fogging up. Spending over $1,800 on repairs, that can never be fixed and as my only form of transportation, I am left with out a safe vehicle to drive. On the Chevy Trax forum you will see pages of people that have the same problem . The local Chevy dealer garage will not make the damage right & are very reluctant to honor the 2 recalls I have had on this car. Arguing with me that there was rodent damage that caused the fan to burn up. Their work order says no damage to the wiring, or no short. Also blaming Landreth automotive. The fan motor burns up with in days of repair even after the last Chevy garage repaired my car themselves, after blaming it on others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/06/2020

I bought this car from carvana in late July 2020not knowing that the car had an electrical problem. The check engine light came on in September 2020. I bought the car in and i was told a ground needed to be replaced. I got the car fixed and the check engine light ended up turning off. I ended up getting into a car accident in October 2020 because the car was still giving trouble. After getting the car fixed from the accident the check engine light has not come off no matter what repairs are done on the car.the car has been in the shop ever since and carvana won’t take the car back. I have all the documentation (invoices and police reports and insurance claims) since getting the car.

ENGINE — Filed 03/19/2022

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of an oil leak in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/08/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. DURING THE CRASH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY FROM THE SCENE. NOT INJURIES WERE REPORTED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,585.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 12/12/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ON THE FREEWAY ON AN INCLINE AND WHEN LED OFF THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ROLLBACK AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOR THE OTHER DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO NEITHER OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GORDON CHEVROLET, INC (1850 FORD RD, GARDEN CITY, MI 48135) AND WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTION THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IN HER DRIVEWAY IT WILL ROLLBACK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000.

STRUCTURE — Filed 09/18/2019

2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAILED WELDED JOINTS SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER CRASH DUE TO THE FAILED PARTS. THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL REPAIR NOTICE FOR THE FAILED PARTS. THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS *JS - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

SUSPENSION — Filed 10/11/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE LANDED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND BECAME UNCONSCIOUS. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED AND GLASS WAS SHATTERED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS FOUND WALKING AROUND THE FOLLOWING DAY BY THE SHERIFF AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION ON THE SCENE. THE DRIVER DID NOT HAVE ANY RECOLLECTION OF THE EVENTS THAT OCCURRED. THE DRIVER WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE FURTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED FOR INJURIES AND SCRATCHES TO THE ARMS AND LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 929039. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V652000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE RECALL WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. *LN ONSTAR RECORD ACCOUNT NUMBER XXXXXXXXX, CASE NUMBER XXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/27/2019

I HIT A DEER AT 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY DESTROYING THE ENTIRE FRONT END INCLUDING THE RADIATOR. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

ENGINE — Filed 05/21/2018

TL* THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING . WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE, EXITED, AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE ENGINE AND FRONT TIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 930. *TT

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/14/2017

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON NOVEMBER 22, 2017. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 14, 2017 WHERE I HIT A DOG AND MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DIDN'T BELIEVE THAT I HIT A DOG AND IT CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. I CONTACTED GM TO SEE IF THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE BUT THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE UNLESS MY INSURANCE CONTACTED THEM AND THEY ALSO TOLD ME TO READ MY MANUAL ON SEATBELTS WHEN I LET THEM KNOW THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I BELIEVE WHOLE HEARTEDLY THAT THIS CAR IS UNSAFE IF IT CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM HITTING A DOG AND THEY DOG WAS NOT LARGE AT ALL. PLEASE BE CAREFUL ID CONSIDERING THIS VEHICLE

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/07/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE RED LIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND HEAD THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-302-0913391. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. UPDATED 08/08/17*LJ *CN