2020 Chevrolet Trax Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 25 1 crash

“Compré este carro en medio de una necesidad al dealer REAL TRUCKS AND CARS en buenas condiciones con 2000$ de downpayment y nunca me respondieron por la garantía del carro y encima tuve más de 2000$ en gastos y el día que decido cambiar el carro me llega la información de que ese carro tenía un título rebuild y dos choques fuertes en el pasado con daños en el chasis y el historial que me habían dado en el dealer estaba adulterado porque evidentemente no aparecía nada de lo detallado, posteriormente al reclamo, la persona que me lo vendió me amenazo con agredirme cuando se encontrara conmigo y…”
NHTSA complaint #11651490, 2025 · crash

“My full complaint of the 2020 trax after buying brand new and only I as the owner and driver. Nov 2023- seat belts would not stay latched. We found out slamming on the breaks for a tractor trailer that flipped in front of us on 495. February 2024 - dash screen out, on and off as it wanted. February 2024- Heat and AC control not turning like they were super glued March 2024- dash screen out again complete black out April 2026- strut replacement @60,000 miles April 2026- water pump coolant leak April 2026- 3 serpentine belts in 3 days. I think that's all the consumer needs to be aware of, make a…”
NHTSA complaint #11735568, 2026

“Digital Display & information screen goes black, you can't see anything at all. I had an issue with my Trax not to long after I purchased it had to take it back to dealership told service manager about it, nothing was done about the display. With the display out you couldn't read any warnings at all not even temperature and blown my engine. My Trax didn't have regular gages. The dealership had free lifetime powertrain warranty, now they don't want to put a new engine it.”
NHTSA complaint #11726824, 2025

Engine 21 1 crash 2 fire

“CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT / LIFE-THREATENING VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD. On January 2, 2026, I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Within less than five months, while driving in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The vehicle completely lost all acceleration, leaving me trapped and stranded in a highly dangerous roadway position. Immediately following the power failure, the engine bay filled with heavy smoke and began severely overheating. The vehicle came within moments of bursting into a full thermal engine fire. This vehicle was a rolling death trap that alm…”
NHTSA complaint #11750507, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet TRAX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that smoke entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke came into the interior through the vents. The contact stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that immediately after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle was in flames. The Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was condemned total lo…”
NHTSA complaint #11602957, 2024 · fire

“Compré este carro en medio de una necesidad al dealer REAL TRUCKS AND CARS en buenas condiciones con 2000$ de downpayment y nunca me respondieron por la garantía del carro y encima tuve más de 2000$ en gastos y el día que decido cambiar el carro me llega la información de que ese carro tenía un título rebuild y dos choques fuertes en el pasado con daños en el chasis y el historial que me habían dado en el dealer estaba adulterado porque evidentemente no aparecía nada de lo detallado, posteriormente al reclamo, la persona que me lo vendió me amenazo con agredirme cuando se encontrara conmigo y…”
NHTSA complaint #11651490, 2025 · crash

Unknown Or Other 17

“I think it is crazy that my 2020 chevy trax doesnt have a temperature garage, there was a 2019 recall concerning leaking coolant, and I believe a recall on something dealing with the oil cap or component all of which I am having problems with. First in February of 2026 I was on a busy multiple lane express way and all of a sudden my coolant image warning light came on and indicated :engine overheating idle engine". No pre-warning or nothing , no temperature gauge to even see if the car was running hot. So I had to merge over 3 lanes at night on a busy highway in order to get off on the next ex…”
NHTSA complaint #11727856, 2026

“Digital Display & information screen goes black, you can't see anything at all. I had an issue with my Trax not to long after I purchased it had to take it back to dealership told service manager about it, nothing was done about the display. With the display out you couldn't read any warnings at all not even temperature and blown my engine. My Trax didn't have regular gages. The dealership had free lifetime powertrain warranty, now they don't want to put a new engine it.”
NHTSA complaint #11726824, 2025

“The Instrument panel that shows the Tire Pressure, Speed, Oil, Mileage etc. goes blank black then comes back on. Its been happening for a year and I did contacted Chevy about it. I waited for them to contact me back but they never did. I have taken it for the oil changes at the dealer but its usually on. I explain to the Chevy Dealer service about it over the phone, they told me it would cost a certain amount to fix and they needed to do a diagnosis first. This has been going on for 3 years (the turning blank on and off) while driving .”
NHTSA complaint #11726865, 2025

Power Train 15 1 fire

“CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT / LIFE-THREATENING VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD. On January 2, 2026, I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Within less than five months, while driving in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The vehicle completely lost all acceleration, leaving me trapped and stranded in a highly dangerous roadway position. Immediately following the power failure, the engine bay filled with heavy smoke and began severely overheating. The vehicle came within moments of bursting into a full thermal engine fire. This vehicle was a rolling death trap that alm…”
NHTSA complaint #11750507, 2026 · fire

“I was driving my car and was at a stop sign and the vehicle started acting odd and it felt like it was lunging me forward. I was concerned that it was going to do it without my control and after that it almost sluggish and stalling until I could get it out of the intersection. Took it to a repair shop and the whole turbo unit needs to be replaced with 38,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11719156, 2026

“The coolant reservoir is missing hoses which are supposed to be connected. The head gasket is completely blown out, which is under warranty. Excessive overheating—three signs light up on the dashboard: red thermometer indicating an overheating engine; check engine light; and check engine light with arrow pointing downward indicating engine speed to be reduced. Trax stopped in the middle of the traffic light on and 7/26/25 and had it towed.”
NHTSA complaint #11679691, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 11 1 fire

“CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT / LIFE-THREATENING VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD. On January 2, 2026, I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Within less than five months, while driving in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The vehicle completely lost all acceleration, leaving me trapped and stranded in a highly dangerous roadway position. Immediately following the power failure, the engine bay filled with heavy smoke and began severely overheating. The vehicle came within moments of bursting into a full thermal engine fire. This vehicle was a rolling death trap that alm…”
NHTSA complaint #11750507, 2026 · fire

“My full complaint of the 2020 trax after buying brand new and only I as the owner and driver. Nov 2023- seat belts would not stay latched. We found out slamming on the breaks for a tractor trailer that flipped in front of us on 495. February 2024 - dash screen out, on and off as it wanted. February 2024- Heat and AC control not turning like they were super glued March 2024- dash screen out again complete black out April 2026- strut replacement @60,000 miles April 2026- water pump coolant leak April 2026- 3 serpentine belts in 3 days. I think that's all the consumer needs to be aware of, make a…”
NHTSA complaint #11735568, 2026

“It wouldn't pass smog due to an air/fuel intake. Coded every time. This caused it to go into " low engine power" after the mechanic looked at it, he said the oil had gotten into the manifold, the tubes and the turbo which apparently is a design flaw, and now my turbo is on its last leg. which is going to cost thousands. I am told it will do the same thing after a a year or so and will have to repeat this process. I can't pass smog. There is too much air coming out, and you can't block the airflow. So basically, I will have to replace the turbo, and the manifold, we already put in an oil tank t…”
NHTSA complaint #11708570, 2025

Service Brakes 11

“The manual parking brake system (hand lever) failed to adequately restrain the vehicle when fully engaged. The component is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk because the vehicle failed to remain securely parked with the parking brake fully engaged. If parked on an incline, this defect creates a risk of the vehicle rolling and causing an accident. Additionally, a fully functional parking brake is a critical emergency braking backup system, which is compromised by this malfunction. I have not gotten to a dealer to get it checked yet. There was a warning light event…”
NHTSA complaint #11702206, 2025

“Breaks lock down when driving. Had multiple things replaced and it still does it. Said they don’t know what could be still causing the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11697068, 2025

“I got a code for the electronic brake control module, and my front brakes kept locking up. took it to the dealership and they kept telling me that it’s fine. My safety was put at risk when I was going 60 down the interstate and the brakes locked up. The service stabilitrak light came on too.”
NHTSA complaint #11668214, 2025

Suspension 9 1 crash

“Something broke onthe suspension and I lost control of the car”
NHTSA complaint #11450865, 2022 · crash

“Repeatedly disply reduce engine warning, , stabiliTrak / traction warnings, loss of power while driving, and dashing board goes dark.”
NHTSA complaint #11705494, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving and making turns, the steering wheel had to be turned to the intended direction completely for the vehicle to turn as needed. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side lower control arm had failed due to defective factory assembly. The dealer replaced the lower control arm, and the…”
NHTSA complaint #11685876, 2024

Air Bags 6 2 crash 4 injury

“I was hit on left side of passenger side. Air bags didnt came out on either side. Mechanics says air bags aren't working properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11460063, 2022 · 2 injury(ies)

“My 2020 Chevy Trax did not deploy the air bags, at all, when hit cement wall head on. The impact to my chest area caused a wire from a chest surgery to snap, and is now dangling inside the middle of my chest, near my heart. I have the pictures & the witness was a Sheriff. It make no sense that none of the air bags deployed. NONE. I want to report it as will be pursuing, and to make sure others know that this is an issue that can cause bodily harm and there are no recalls on these cars. That's scary. No idea now what I must go thru due to this injury which never should've happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11625553, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet TRAX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60mph when the contact was involved in an accident which resulted in the driver-side air bag not deploying, and the driver-side seatbelt not locking. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then was towed to an insurance lot. The contact sustained concussion, broken nose, herniated and torn spinal discs, and sought medical treatment. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.”
NHTSA complaint #11439396, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 6

“There are vertical splits from the sidewall seam to the tread line. Oil spurted out when I checked the tire pressure. Bubba is the person who put on the tires. +1 (386) 868-9696”
NHTSA complaint #11748186, 2026

“Tire cracks on all tires. 4 separate reports. Please send link to upload information. All for tires replaced at GM Murfreesboro Bubba +1 (386) 868-9696. P205/70 R16 96 H Did not contact police. They ignored a human trafficking case and drug tracking by [XXX] Iowa pharmacy license revoked [XXX] Investigation stopped by Det. [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. FBI Mark Shaeffer. Have all evidence. Turned into the correct federal agency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11748196, 2026

“P205/70 R16 96 H radial tubeless Do not contact local law. Local law sent my divorce to all local law in 2010. Covered up human and drug trafficking cases by [XXX] pharmacy license revocation state of iowa [XXX]. Paperwork should be in file. Det [XXX], Sheriff [XXX] over warrants in 2010, [XXX] [XXX], Mark Shaeffer local FBI, Agee TBI all covered up. Daughter disappeared. Local law will impede any investigation. Bubba Ruffner +1 (386) 868-9696 is the manager for the installation of all tires and car repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552…”
NHTSA complaint #11748200, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 6

“Driving on a main road on news year eve on my way home from work in a snow storm, my vehicle decides to only drive 9mph or less indicating that it has gone into limp mode. Unable to go up hills of any incline caused panic from the drivers around me. Luckily I was able to pull into a parking lot and sit and call for help. My vehicle was showing a code for the accelerator pedal position sensor indicating an issue with the voltage difference between the APP and the Throttle position sensor. The computer was able to be reset and my car then drove fine but the next day, it did it again. And without…”
NHTSA complaint #11711404, 2025

“The manual parking brake system (hand lever) failed to adequately restrain the vehicle when fully engaged. The component is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk because the vehicle failed to remain securely parked with the parking brake fully engaged. If parked on an incline, this defect creates a risk of the vehicle rolling and causing an accident. Additionally, a fully functional parking brake is a critical emergency braking backup system, which is compromised by this malfunction. I have not gotten to a dealer to get it checked yet. There was a warning light event…”
NHTSA complaint #11702206, 2025

“The touch screen on the front dashboard and the interior lights get so hot sometimes that you cannot touch them. Definitely an electrical issue causing both of those issues. Part of the air vent next to the touch screen has actually melted from the heat! Also, you cannot drive with the air conditioner on. The car gets no power at all. Just to go 30 mph, you have to go all the way up to almost 5 RPMs. The only way to cancel this out is to pull over, turn the car off and than back on (with no AC on). All summer long it has been doing this… possibly a transmission issue. I’ve personally only own…”
NHTSA complaint #11681572, 2025

Seat Belts 5 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet TRAX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60mph when the contact was involved in an accident which resulted in the driver-side air bag not deploying, and the driver-side seatbelt not locking. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then was towed to an insurance lot. The contact sustained concussion, broken nose, herniated and torn spinal discs, and sought medical treatment. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.”
NHTSA complaint #11439396, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the rear passenger-side seat belt failed to retract, and the rear driver-side seat belt later failed to retract, resulting in both rear seat belts being unable to retract or adjust. The contact stated the failure prevented the installation of a child safety seat, rendering the vehicle unsafe for transporting an infant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that no recalls or warranty coverage applied to the failure and provided a diagnostic fee for further inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure,…”
NHTSA complaint #11749069, 2025

“THE DASHBOARD GOES IN AND OUT WITH THE SCREEN, CAN'T SEE MILEAGE, SPEED, OR ETC CONTROL PANEL. THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED IN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN, PERSON WAS SLAMMED INTO THE DASH. NERVOUS TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH SEATBELT DELATCHING NO MESSAGE DUE TO THE DASH BEING OUT, AND NO ALERTS THROUGH ON STAR. DASH LIGHTS GOING OUT FOR ABOUT A MONTH, SEATBELT INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO DAYS AGO, STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP CANT BE SEEN FOR TWO WEEKS”
NHTSA complaint #11555010, 2023

Steering 4 2 crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet TRAX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel independently turned to the right and seized. The contact's vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the failure occurred in a residential neighborhood. The contact's vehicle was damaged to the front passenger's side fender area. The parked vehicle was damaged to the driver's side fender area. The contact stated that she bumped her head during the crash, however did not seek medical treatment.…”
NHTSA complaint #11649068, 2023 · crash

“Something broke onthe suspension and I lost control of the car”
NHTSA complaint #11450865, 2022 · crash

“I'm contacting nhtsa to make a recall request on chevys 2020 trax . less than 3 years old and has 23,300 miles , the chevy trax needed both control arms, both side tie rod ends , 2 alignments. I'm going to say to nhtsa I think chevy didn't manufacture the 2020 trax with strong enough front suspension and steering parts. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The both front bottom control arms . I asked the ourisman dealership to give them to me after the repair was paid they didn't give . and the ourisman dealership said it was only…”
NHTSA complaint #11571662, 2023

Structure 4 1 crash 1 injury

“UNKNOWN. On July 16, 2021 as I was about to enter my vehicle, I pulled open the driver door, and it scraped across my left calf. It definitely hurt, but I didn't think anything more of it. When I arrived at my destination I noticed a blood spot on my jeans. At that point there wasn't much I could do. So, when I got home (about 3-1/2 hours later) I looked at the wound (certainly not serious), put some disinfectant and a band aid on it. This was not the first time for this to happen. My greater concern is for children who may be standing too close to the vehicle when the door is pulled open…”
NHTSA complaint #11425459, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“Compré este carro en medio de una necesidad al dealer REAL TRUCKS AND CARS en buenas condiciones con 2000$ de downpayment y nunca me respondieron por la garantía del carro y encima tuve más de 2000$ en gastos y el día que decido cambiar el carro me llega la información de que ese carro tenía un título rebuild y dos choques fuertes en el pasado con daños en el chasis y el historial que me habían dado en el dealer estaba adulterado porque evidentemente no aparecía nada de lo detallado, posteriormente al reclamo, la persona que me lo vendió me amenazo con agredirme cuando se encontrara conmigo y…”
NHTSA complaint #11651490, 2025 · crash

“I was forced to sell my Jeep and buy a chevy trax at Friendly Chevrolet back in 2020 because supposdely there was a pandemic and the economy shut down. It has been giving me lots of problems. I have taken it to Friendly Chevrolet, Young Chevrolet and Lakeside Chevrolet several times since 2020 and they always say: leave it here, we cannot loan you a car, it will take 5-7 days to repair it. It jerks when I drive it, every time I get gas, the car doesn't start unless I push the speed pedal and drive. The worst and recent incident was 2 weeks ago when I was driving in [XXX] , and the car turned…”
NHTSA complaint #11644384, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Rear back up camera image is foggy. Have tried to clean multiple times, but it continues to be foggy.”
NHTSA complaint #11738571, 2026

“On Oct 08, 2024 Milan Tire and Brake replace wiper motor part. Since then the wiper motor part only works for about 2 months . They replace it going on 3 times . Just went out yesterday again. On January 29, 2025 Milan tire and brake and Brake replace wiper transmission .”
NHTSA complaint #11656002, 2024

“I was driving to the post office and it was raining heavily so i turn on my wiper blades however after a couple minutes of doing so I saw my MICHELIN wiper blade silicone pealing off I was about to stop the blades but the Michelin blade broke in half and got blew away by wind if i was driving at night and the rain was more heavy and both blades were the same model I probably would’ve have crashed”
NHTSA complaint #11599584, 2024

Exterior Lighting 2

“Repeatedly disply reduce engine warning, , stabiliTrak / traction warnings, loss of power while driving, and dashing board goes dark.”
NHTSA complaint #11705494, 2025

“The touch screen on the front dashboard and the interior lights get so hot sometimes that you cannot touch them. Definitely an electrical issue causing both of those issues. Part of the air vent next to the touch screen has actually melted from the heat! Also, you cannot drive with the air conditioner on. The car gets no power at all. Just to go 30 mph, you have to go all the way up to almost 5 RPMs. The only way to cancel this out is to pull over, turn the car off and than back on (with no AC on). All summer long it has been doing this… possibly a transmission issue. I’ve personally only own…”
NHTSA complaint #11681572, 2025

Child Seat 1

“The contact owns a Chicco car seat, Model Number: (N/A), Model Type: Fit 4, Manufactured Date: March 3, 2020. The convertible car seat was being utilized in a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that upon removing the child from the car seat, she noticed that the headrest padding had detached. The contact stated that the child might have grabbed the head padding while in the safety seat causing it to detach. The contact stated that the safety seat was in a forward-facing position and was secured by a lap belt at the time of the failure. The contact stated that upon inspecting the car seat,…”
NHTSA complaint #11457124, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet TRAX. The contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the engine had been failing. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the engine overheated. The engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepa…”
NHTSA complaint #11700565, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“My car is a 2019 not 2020 and white not gray. The gas gauge doesn’t read pressure and drops by 1/4 up or down. I don’t have all the features which were supposed to be on the car. The rear door doesn’t close. I have ice inside my front windshield in the winter. I took the car back immediately. They refused to change the vehicle to the gray trax within the 48 hours. They sold me the car in the dark. The brand new tires skidded on wet pavement, and suction cups for placing a windshield appear in the ice on the inside of the front windshield. The car is dangerous. Continental. All foot tires just…”
NHTSA complaint #11748207, 2020