Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
1. I was driving at approximately 65 MPH for about an hour, with the outside temperature at approximately -10f to -15f. Please note that my vehicle does not have cruise (speed) control. 2. I noticed that the engine was revving on its own, and maxxing out! The accelerator no longer had any effect and the engine was going as fast as it could even with my foot completely off of the accelerator. Braking was ineffective because the engine counteracted any braking attempt. When I moved my gear shift to neutral the tachometer redlined. I left the vehicle in neutral, came to a stop and turned the engine off. A few minutes later I turned the engine on again and it was behaving normally again. I continued my trip, but 30 minutes later the same thing happened again. It does not occur when the weather is warmer (above -10f) 3. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Tracker. The contact stated the check engine light spontaneously illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly after the warning light illuminated the contact noticed that the vehicle would jerk forward at various speeds. The contact took his vehicle to an independent mechanic where the mechanic stated they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000.
I was driving to work one night when my right front tire felt like its was going to fall off I slowed down and pulled off on the side of the road could not find out why it was doing this when the tire was fine. So I drove very slowly with my caution lights on to and from work because as long as you did under 40 it didn't feel like that. The next day I had a mechanic take a look at it and he couldn't figure out what was wrong with it until he drove the car and it got up to about 50mph then he pulled over and found the problem which was that the crossmember and lca attachment bracket had rusted so bad it broke free and there was nothing holding the lower arm and tire in place this made me upset because I just had the car inspected four months earlier.and they did not catch this, so we brought it back to the mechanic that inspected it and he bought a new part for it and it was good but it …
Our Chevy Tracker was purchased new in oct 02. The first time the oil was changed the vehicle would not start back up imediatly. After spinning the motor over for several minutes it did start but smoked severley. This problem has persisted since that date. The repair tech. At Chevrolet agrees that the valves in the cylinder head are sticking open causing the vehicle to not have the compression to start. But after three attempts to repair they have failed and cannot find the problem what do I do?????????????
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Tracker. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact also noticed white smoke coming from the engine and smelled a strong oil odor. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000. Updated 02/12/16 the consumer stated the valve covers leaked oil onto the exhaust and caused smoke to emit from the engine. Updated 03/07/16.
The exhaust system, specifically the resonator canister on the tail pipe, corroded through forming a hole. This allowed exhaust gasses to exit under the vehicle. The exhaust leak could have resulted in carbon monoxide entering the passenger compartment and causing illness, injury or death. The corrosion results from a design defect that allows exhaust condensate to pool in the resonator and corrode the metal. This is the second new exhaust system replaced within 14 months and 10,000 miles. This defect was observed on every single Chevy Tracker and Suzuki vitara model years 1999 to 2003. The exhaust system was replaced under warranty.
Belt squealing in cold start, always in rainy or cold day. Have 4 repairs n this problem over the last two years with the same dealer, denooyer Chevrolet, albany, ny. Dealer just replaced belt tensioner and serpentine belts, however, not able to fix it permanently.
Severe vibration while driving from 32 up to 45 MPH. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on 6-7 occasions, and was unable to correct problem. Gas pedal was clicking, dealer replaced throttle valve control. Consumer complained of a noise under the hood, dealer replaced the catalytic converter. Dome light bulb was replaced. Windshield blade was worn, dealer replaced. Serpentine belt was causing a squealing sound, dealer replaced. Dealer has repaired brakes and muffler thinking these 2 components could be related to vibration, however neither were the cause of the vibration.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Tracker years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (15), 2000 (9), 2003 (9) and 2002 (8) model years. Engine complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Tracker engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Tracker model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Tracker engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (13 mentions), followed by the engine (7).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.