2018 Chevrolet Trax problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
66
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
2
Median mileage
40,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 27 of 66 complaints (41%).
  • Electrical System (14) and suspension (11) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 40,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 injuries.
  • The 2018 Chevrolet Trax has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 7th of 11 Chevrolet Trax model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 12% fewer complaints than the 2017 model year (75).

2018 Chevrolet Trax problems by category

  • Engine
    27 complaints
  • Electrical System
    14 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    13 complaints
  • Suspension
    11 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    11 complaints
  • Steering
    9 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine26
Electrical system14
Unknown or other13
Suspension11
Power train10
Steering9
Vehicle speed control5
Service brakes4

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k610k–30k930k–60k560k–100k3100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2018 Chevrolet Trax complaints that list mileage.

2018 Chevrolet Trax recalls (2)

  • Recall 19V652000Sep 12, 201993,722 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.

    Risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.

  • Recall 19V312000Apr 18, 2019112,958 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle.

    Risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.

Recent 2018 Chevrolet Trax complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jun 27, 2026ILFire1 injuredElectrical SystemEngine
    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 · source
  2. Filed Jun 18, 2026PASuspension
    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 · source
  3. Filed Jun 3, 2026NYEngineSuspensionWheels & Tires
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11741821 · source
  4. Filed May 25, 2026WVSteeringSuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11739885 · source
  5. Filed Feb 12, 2026OHEngineOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11717561 · source
  6. Filed Feb 11, 2026135,000 miMDBrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11717353 · source
  7. Filed Feb 6, 2026NYEngine
    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 · source
  8. Filed Feb 5, 2026IABrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11715830 · source

Compare the 2018 Chevrolet Trax with another vehicle →

Other 2018 Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology