2018 Chevrolet Trax engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

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 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed Apr 17, 2025TXEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11655325 · source
6. Filed Mar 6, 2025TXEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11646884 · source
7. Filed Dec 13, 2024IAEngine

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

   NHTSA complaint #11630658 · source
8. Filed Oct 15, 2024OHEngine

   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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11619910 · source
9. Filed Oct 7, 2024WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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 · source
10. Filed Jun 21, 2024111,000 miPAEngine

    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.…

    NHTSA complaint #11595634 · source
11. Filed Mar 27, 202421,000 miTXEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that abnormal sounds were coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the failure originally occurred three years ago however, the failure had become persistent. The vehicle was taken to the…

    NHTSA complaint #11579695 · source
12. Filed Feb 19, 2024CAEngine

    Car was overheating and the temperature light never came on. There is no dashboard temperature gauge. I first noticed my driver side AC was blowing hot. I was told it needed Freon it was refilled but kept happening. It wasn’t until I was driving and my car said “engine overheating going into idle” that I pulled over and discovered I was out of coolant, which was just topped off a few days before. I ended up having to replace the entire cooling system, radiator, hoses, turbo…

    NHTSA complaint #11572805 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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