2018 Chevrolet Trax Problems & Owner Complaints

Suspension 34 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11241748, 2019 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11745169, 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 gott…”
NHTSA complaint #11741821, 2026

Engine 28 1 fire 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11746862, 2026 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 gott…”
NHTSA complaint #11741821, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11716193, 2026

Electrical System 18 2 fire 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11746862, 2026 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 C…”
NHTSA complaint #11395800, 2021 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11634549, 2024

Unknown Or Other 17

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11717561, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11672479, 2025

“I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11651332, 2025

Power Train 11

“I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11651332, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11584972, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11551726, 2023

Service Brakes 9 1 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11669818, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11717353, 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11715830, 2026

Steering 9

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11739885, 2026

“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 p…”
NHTSA complaint #11666945, 2025

“Power steering locks up while driving, service stabilitrack warning comes on, transmission drops and car will not drive, car will not reverse”
NHTSA complaint #11569192, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 6 1 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11669818, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11672479, 2025

“I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11651332, 2025

Wheels 6

“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 gott…”
NHTSA complaint #11741821, 2026

“AUGUST 2020 AT ABOUT 20K MILES TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE AT DEALER. ADDED RECOMMENDED TIRE ROTATION. EVERYTHING IS FINE. I INQUIRE ABOUT THE RECAL ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND PARTS WILL BE ORDERED AND SHOULD BE CALLED. NO CALL! MAY 2020 - TAKE CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR CODE REGARDING THE TURBO CHARGER (WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE WASTEGATE WAS STICKING) THEY ALSO WERE FINALLY ABLE TO INSTALL LOWER CONTROL ARM PARTS THAT THEY NEVER CALLED ME ABOUT. THIS IS ABOUT 30K MILES. DEC 31, 2020 AT ABOUT 36K MILES I TAKE IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. I AM NOW BEING TOLD MY LEFT FR…”
NHTSA complaint #11386319, 2020

“WE PURCHASED OUR 2018 CHEVY TRAX JANUARY 2018. IN APPROX. JULY WE WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FACTORY RECALL FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. UP UNTIL THIS POINT WE HAVE BEEN BRINGING OUR TRAX IN FOR OIL CHANGES AND TIRE ROTATIONS TO DALE EARNHARDT JR CHEVROLET. THE DAY I DROPPED OFF MY TRAX FOR THE RECALL INSPECTION I WAS TOLD THAT BOTH MY FRONT TIRES WERE IN EXTREME HAZARDOUS CONDITION AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I DECLINED PURCHASING NEW TIRES AT THAT POINT BECAUSE I WANTED A SECOND OPINION. REASON BEING HOW COULD THEY BECOME "EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS" IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. AS IT BE UPON…”
NHTSA complaint #11299491, 2019

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11618402, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11571390, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11507514, 2023

Air Bags 2

“IT HAPPENED 3RD TIMES NOW. FIRST 2 HAD BEEN REPLACMENTS AND NOW I HAVE TO RETURN IT TO FIX IT FOR 3RD AIRBAG”
NHTSA complaint #11378632, 2020

“2018 CHEVROLET TRAX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. *LD *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11128910, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“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 n…”
NHTSA complaint #11537865, 2022

“MY CAR WAS CALL BACK FOR A RE-CALL JAKE SWEENEY CHEVROLET HAD IT OVER A MONTH WHEN I RECEIVED IT BACK IT WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES IF THEY HAD REPLACED MY TIRES WITH OLD TIRES THE TIRES I HAD IN THERE HAD A IRON SOMETHING IRON IN IT ALSO IS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE IS WAVING BACK AND FORTH IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT WHEN I HIT A BUMP AND SWAYS OVER TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OTHER PEOPLE'S SAFETY IS INVOLVED TO OF THIS CAR I'M FEARED FOR MY LIFE IT'S A 2018 TRACK AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER IT WHEN THEY TOOK ME TO LOOK UNDER THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND HAD OLD PARTS…”
NHTSA complaint #11254629, 2019

Back Over Prevention 1

“-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”
NHTSA complaint #11412783, 2021

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11570819, 2024

Seat Belts 1

“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 whe…”
NHTSA complaint #11514380, 2023

Structure 1

“SUDDENLY STARTING TO RECEIVE "HOOD OPEN" WARNING WHILE DRIVING; HOOD IS COMPLETELY CLOSED. WHEN PARKED, ALARM STARTED TO GO OFF, TO ALERT THAT HOOD IS OPEN WHILE CAR IS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY; AGAIN, HOOD IS COMPLETELY CLOSED.”
NHTSA complaint #11254092, 2019

Tires 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX EQUIPPED WITH TWO CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE: P205/70/R16 (NA). THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V312000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER TIRES SHOOK AND WERE WORN DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED THE GAUGE INSPECTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GORTSEMA MOTORS, INC. (227 N STATE ST, GRANGEVILLE, ID 83530, (208) 983-0320), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO…”
NHTSA complaint #11254175, 2019

Traction Control System 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11425196, 2021