2018 Chevrolet Trax Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Trax years
Typical for this model
38/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Chevrolet Trax year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 40 of its 102 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Turbo and check engine light problems (21 complaints, median 64,338 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020, 2021
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 102filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 28,001miles, 39 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax most often describe front suspension problems, especially lower control arm concerns tied to two recalls, and many say parts for the remedy were unavailable for weeks or months. A second group of complaints involves the 1.4L turbo engine - check engine lights, turbo failures, coolant or oil loss - and owners also report electrical glitches, an AWD rear differential module failure, and brake assist problems.
- Suspension
Front lower control arm noise or separation
Mentioned in 11 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a clunk or knocking sound over bumps, especially while turning, and in some cases a loud crack followed by loss of steering control when the lower control arm separates. Several complaints say a dealer inspected the car under recall 19V312000 and then kept it because replacement parts were not available, sometimes for months with the owner in a loaner. A few say a joint was judged not affected and later came apart anyway. Most reports come between about 7,500 and 16,000 miles, many within the first two years of ownership.
Recall 19V312000Recall 19V652000
What to check: Ask whether the front lower control arm recall work was completed on both sides and request the repair paperwork; listen for clunks or pops over bumps and while turning the wheel.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11299491, filed 2020-01, 40,000 miles“The dash and radio has gone out since purchasing the car 9/2018. I called dealer they said they awaiting the update from gmc. Yet today this have I received a update on the computer in the dash. It's been 14 months. They radio just shuts off and won't come back on. I have taken it to service department by the time I drove there the radio came back on. I had the car serviced and the alignment was out. No one told me. I had to look at the service paperwork myself to find that there was a recall on the control arm weld. …”
NHTSA complaint #11280307, filed 2019-11, 22,548 miles - Electrical system
Interior and dash electrical glitches
Mentioned in 10 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe instrument clusters and radios that go blank or flicker, with warning lights cycling on and off, door locks cycling, the horn sounding on its own, and hood-open or backup camera warnings with nothing wrong. Others report blower motor and resistor failures that left them without heat, defrost or air conditioning, sometimes repeatedly. Dealers were described as waiting on software updates or as declining warranty coverage. Mostly reported between about 19,000 and 65,000 miles.
What to check: Test the radio, cluster, blower on every speed, door locks and horn during a test drive, and look for signs of melted wiring near the blower motor connector.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2018 chevy TRAX dashboard went bonkers. The digital speedometer on the right side of dash went black then as I was driving all the emergency lights, oil, engine, door open, tire, ABS, brake, battery, started going on and off, and the analog speedometer dial would would go all the up and all the down and then go black. This is very scary when driving, because you can't tell how fast you are going. It has happened on regular surface roads and the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11386679, filed 2021-01, 19,665 miles“I bought my car brand new with 49 miles on it. From the first day it has been giving me a service rear camera system error, the entire dash will completely blackout on me and takes a while to come back on and my car was slipping while shifting from park to reverse and reverse to drive. With almost 65k miles on it, I started to get a service awd, service power steering with a faulty power steering issue while driving, my car randomly won't start, despite the battery and alternator all being good. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396622, filed 2021-02, 65,000 miles - Engine
Turbo and check engine light problems
- 21 complaints (21%)
- median 64,338 mi at 3.5 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe a check engine light with reduced acceleration, rough running, and abnormal engine noise, which dealers have diagnosed as turbocharger or wastegate failure. Some say the turbo cracked or began leaking at the inlet joint, and a few report the repair was made but the light returned. Owners also mention the intake manifold check valve or non-return valve failing, causing vibration and loss of power. Mostly reported between about 20,000 and 70,000 miles, with a few much later in life.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the turbocharger or intake parts have been replaced, and check for stored check engine codes before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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, filed 2025-07“The steering of the vehicle is very tight and it doesn't spring back when turning the wheel on its own like most vehicles do . you have to manually bring your steering wheel back for the wheels to turn straight again..and this isn't normal by any means ... Also, The turbocharger in my vehicle isnt working correctly and is causing my check engine light to be on even after engine codes have issues have been repaired. I've changed air filters.. I've changed mass air flow sensors.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11561648, filed 2023-12 - Engine
Coolant loss and overheating without warning
- 10 complaints (10%)
- median 87,046 mi at 6.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners report coolant puddles under the car, low coolant with no dashboard gauge, and an overheating message followed by a full cooling system replacement in some cases. Several describe engine oil cooler or coolant housing leaks that produced smoke or a burning smell at idle, sometimes recurring shortly after a repair. Complaints also mention no warning light coming on before the coolant ran low. Reports are spread from roughly 50,000 to 143,000 miles, often after several years of use.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for residue or stains around the coolant housing, oil cooler and hoses; ask whether any cooling system repairs have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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, filed 2024-10“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 hoses, fan, and was told I needed to replace the header. …”
NHTSA complaint #11572805, filed 2024-02 - Brakes
Soft or unresponsive brake pedal
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 84,500 mi at 4.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe a hard or soft brake pedal, a service brake assist message, and in some cases the pedal going to the floor with the vehicle failing to stop. Dealers have replaced the power brake booster vacuum sensor and hose assembly, and owners note that similar repairs were covered on other models but not on their Trax. Others report grinding brakes and squealing. Reported from low mileage up to about 135,000 miles.
What to check: Press the brake pedal firmly with the engine running to check for a soft or long pedal, and ask whether the brake booster vacuum sensor or hose has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Approximately one week ago, I went to reverse out of my drive way and my brakes were very hard. I was able to stop ok, but it took more effort than normal. That day, while in traffic, the “Service Brake Assist” indicator came on my dashboard. This went away after I went into class and then started my Trax and began driving again. The indicator did not reappear until about two days later. I parked in my driveway and that next morning I reversed out like usual and I had to put every bit of my 158lbs on the brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #11483606, filed 2022-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11717353, filed 2026-02, 135,000 miles
Buying note. Check that the front lower control arm recalls were completed on both sides and get the paperwork, then have a pre-purchase inspection look at the turbo, cooling system, AWD module and brake booster, since these are the areas owners describe most often.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 102 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 74% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 28,001 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 899 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Chevrolet Trax model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 38 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension34 33%
- Engine30 29%
- Electrical system18 18%
- Other or unknown18 18%
- Brakes9 8.8%
- Steering9 8.8%
- Vehicle speed control6 5.9%
- Wheels6 5.9%
- Fuel system5 4.9%
Also reported: Air bags (2), Electronic stability control (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11386319, filed 2021-01, 36,000 milesEngine: “In february on zero degree day my 2018 TRAX had blue smoke coming out of the tail pipe and almost stalled car running. I saw another TRAX that same day with blue smoke coming out of the tail pipe. When I was at the dealership they were returning some one elses TRAX and it had blue smoke coming out of it. The TRAX has a 1.4 turbo engine and GM seems to have a problem with the pcv system on this engine. Gm needs to come up with a fix for this problem and there should be a recall on this. You can look on youtube and the mechanics there are aware of the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11270140, filed 2019-10, 3,000 milesElectrical system: “-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, filed 2021-04, 69,000 milesOther or unknown: “The rear differential clutch module shorted out. Very expensive part and is not covered in the power train warranty it should be . Was in my driveway and message came on to have the all wheel drive serviced. Shouldn't have to put any money into a two year old vehicle that only had 38,653 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11396739, filed 2021-02, 38,651 milesMileage when problems were reported
74% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,500 and 48,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Trax · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Chevrolet Trax version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Trax AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V652000Sep 12, 2019Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Chevrolet Trax 2015–2018
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…
- 19V312000Apr 18, 2019Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Chevrolet Trax 2017–2019
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…
Recall details for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 899 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Trax
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 3,000 | 0 | — | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 98 | 6,510 | 1 | 4 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 180 | 20,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2022 | 9 | 44,000 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 25 | 68,000 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 98 | 25,500 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 136 | 10,000 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 64 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 102 | 28,001 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 114 | 26,800 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 120 | 40,672 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 96 | 35,708 | 7 | 5 | 29 | 60 · Typical | Falling |
All Chevrolet Trax model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax most often describe front suspension problems, especially lower control arm concerns tied to two recalls, and many say parts for the remedy were unavailable for weeks or months. The issues reported most often: Front lower control arm noise or separation; Interior and dash electrical glitches; Turbo and check engine light problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax have?
NHTSA recorded 102 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 34 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine with 30.
Has the 2018 Chevrolet Trax been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Chevrolet Trax do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Chevrolet Trax 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Trax (Trax, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Trax reported?
Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 28,001 miles and the middle half falls between 10,500 and 48,000 miles; 74% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.