2018 Chevrolet Trax Complaints

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/02/2026

Turbo failed

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 04/14/2026

The diver side fuse box started a fire in the vehicle. The tracking control system light was flashing on and the vehicle lost power. Filed claim with insurance company. Insurance company issued a total loss and took possession of the vehicle.

SUSPENSION — Filed 01/02/2026

There are known issues with the control arms on these vehicles and I have had a clunk any time I hit the slightest bump or crack and it is especially bad when my wheels are turned. There is no recall linked to my vin but this is the exact issue that has been recalled on other vins. This makes driving the car with my children very unsafe.

SUSPENSION,WHEELS,ENGINE — Filed 05/01/2026

Both my control arms are loose and wheel baring is bad, plus a cracked catalytic converter. All of these are causing my car to be loud and burning smell, causing unsafe driving conditions for me and my children. Online states that the control arms are an issue with this vehicle make and model and have been recalled, however my VIN has not been recalled and I want to report this. improperly welded joints can fatigue and break, causing the lower control arm to partially separate from the vehicle. This can lead to a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. I have not gotten in an accident, but was at risk of this happening. My car is being worked on and it will cost me $800 for these repairs for the issues related to the 2018 Chevy traxs. I would like this VIN to be recalled and receive a refund for the work done to my vehicle.

STEERING — Filed 05/18/2026

Power steering isn’t working

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 05/24/2026

My lower control arm weld has cracked. It was checked shortly after purchase and passed inspection at the Chevy garage in Elkins, WV. Now the weld is cracked on both driver and passenger sides and it making a clunking sound. I do not feel safe to drive this vehicle. This problem should of been fixed when the recall came out, they should of replaced with new parts. My husband Inspected the problem and found the cracks. I took photos to document it. We found the problem on [XXX] but has been clunking for over a month INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 12/29/2025

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 02/10/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 02/06/2026

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 BRAKES — Filed 01/26/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/16/2021

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/28/2025

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 06/27/2025

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.

STEERING — Filed 04/20/2025

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)

ENGINE — Filed 04/12/2025

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.

ENGINE — Filed 03/28/2025

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

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/26/2025

I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 08/17/2024

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/28/2024

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.

ENGINE — Filed 12/12/2024

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

ENGINE — Filed 09/08/2024

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,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/03/2024

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.

ENGINE — Filed 06/19/2024

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/01/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DOOR LOCKS WOULD UNLOCK AND LOCK SUDDENLY. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THEY ENTERED THEIR VEHICLE AND WHILE STARTING, THE VEHICLE'S HORN SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISE FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AFTER THE CONTACT HAD REPEATEDLY PRESSED THE HORN IN HOPES TO DEACTIVATE IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THEY STARTED THE VEHICLE AFTERWARDS, THE FAILURE REOCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING A BURNING ORDER FROM THE HEATING/AC COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (SERPENTINI CHEVROLET OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS 2810 BISHOP RD, WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH 44092; (440) 701-5417) WHO WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY OR DUPLICATE THE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,600.

SUSPENSION — Filed 07/19/2019

ON 7/11/19 I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT MY CAR WAS UNDER RECALL. RECALL #A182202370. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND NOT TO BE IMPACTED BY THE RECALL AND I LEFT. ON 7/19/19 MADE A U-TURN IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT, I HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND THEN HAD A HARD TIME STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT-SIDE PASSENGER TIRE OF THE VEHICLE HIT THE CURB AND THEN THE TIRES WERE TURN SIDEWAYS. I CALLED AND HAD MY CAR TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I ASSUMED THE PROBLEM HAD TO DO WITH THE RECALL. THE SERVICE MANAGER FROM THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME TO INFORM ME THAT THERE WAS $2200 IN DAMAGE AND THAT THE RECALL HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ACCIDENT, THEY SUGGESTED I CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON 6/30/19, WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UDDER THE RECALL. AFTER NOT HEARING FROM THE DEALERSHIP I CALLED THEM ON AUGUST 2ND AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WOULD BE READY ON 8/5 OR 6. PRIOR TO CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP, MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER TOLD ME THAT THE DEALERSHIP RE-TESTED MY VEHICLE WITH A SPECIAL TOOL AND FOUND IT WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THAT THEY WOULD BE REPLACING AT LEAST ONE OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. I ASKED MY SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACT ABOUT THE RE-TEST AND THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SHE INDICATED SHE DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT A NEW TOOL AND THAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER DECIDED TO CHANGE BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS AS A COURTESY AND SHE ALSO MAINTAINED THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER RECALL. I WENT ON TO THIS WEBSITE TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS 1 UNADDRESSED RECALL. I AM CONTACTING YOU BECAUSE I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS REPAIR AND THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT TELLING ME THE TRUTH ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND NEED MY CAR TO GET AROUND AND IT HAS BEEN IN THEIR POSSESSION SINCE JULY 19TH.