Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Chevrolet Trax owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, burning odor would emit throughout the vehicle cabin without warning. The contact's husband inspected that vehicle and discovered that the coolant had leaked out of the reservoir. The contact initially took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that the water pump and a transmission valve were leaking. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they replaced the serpentine belt. The contact stated that the vehicle was not equipped with a temperature gauge which caused the contact to not know that her vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that additional work needed to be performed on the vehicle due to the lack of a temperature gauge. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. …
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and hesitate, and excessive smoke was present coming from the rear exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was no lubrication to the engine due to a lack of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 72,000.
On 02/02/21 My 2015 Chevy Trax LTZAWD mileage 96,612 was taken to Karl Tyler Lewiston Chevrolet, Lewiston, Idaho. I experienced the check engine light and stabil trak light came on engine lost compression. The dealership said it had a code P300 misfire and replaced the coil, sparkplugs and oil change. the following morning on my way to work at 3:30AM the check engine light came on. Took the vehicle back to the dealership again a code P300 misfire. The following day again check engine light, again code P300 misfire was told sometimes the computer retains codes. On May 3, 2022 on my way home while traveling uphill the check engine light came on. Vehicle lost all compression car would not move forward I was on a curve going upward on an incline no shoulder, I put the car in neutral and allowed it to coast downhill till I could get to a place where it could be off road. …
I have recently heard what could best be described as a squealing sound. I could also smell fuel inside the vehicle while driving. I thought it was oil that had leaked onto the serpentine belt and had it replaced but the noise continued. Listening closer I realized it was coming from the area around the intake manifold. Searching online I found several YouTube videos and comments from people mentioning loose spark plugs caused their issue. Checking mine I found that two of the four spark plugs were loose enough to not require a wrench to remove them. Tightening them eliminated the noise. I have owned this vehicle since it was brand new and have never asked a mechanic to check or replace spark plugs, nor have I done it myself. I did recently replace the intake manifold, which required removing and reinstalling the ignition coil. …
I have had multiple engine problems with my trax. For starters, shortly after I bought it in 2021 I had to have the radiator replaced, then in Aug or Sept 2022 I had to have the coil pack replaced, the in Oct 2022 the turbo needed to be replaced. Exactly 1 year after replacing the turbo, I had to replace it again in Oct 2023. Now I'm being told that these cars are having problems with Piston rings going out. After repleacing the turbo once again, my car was still acting up. I took it back to the mechanic and they told me my piston rings are shot. Due to this issue, I now need a new motor. I've been told by 3 different Automotive shops that they have replaced several engine in the past 5 months due to the Piston rings and turbo going out in them. My car is a sitting duck. I'm highly mad. To add full to the fire, some of my features are not working due to an electrical issue.
While driving in the highway vehicle lost power and gray smoke came out off the exhaust, it was hard to accelerate and TCS warning light and check engine light popped up. TCS warning light extinguished but check engine light still on. Cars behind me could have hit me from behind, because it was a sudden loss of speed, it made other drivers switch lanes creating the risk of crashing others or myself. I have taken the car to a mechanics and some say it's the turbo and others say they don't know what it can be and can't really help me.
Component premature failure. 1. Purge valve replaced at 61,048 miles 2. Coolant flange and seal replaced at 61,511 miles 3. P0299 indicates problem with turbo charger compromised boost power, - injector control pressure sensor - EGR - MAP - Accelerator pedal Input I have to pay a expensive diagnostic from the dealer to find out the issue, it's too expensive to do that now after Covid-19 money is scarce.
When I'm driving I started to hear the gear shifter sound like it's moving inbetween drive or maybe out of drive I'm not really sure. Then after that happens when I stop driving and turn the car off the car won't release the key from the ignition. I have to wait for it to lock itself into park and then the key will release.
My radio turns up and changes by itself . It's leaking oil an I've replaced everything a can't figure it out , if anything it's the engine it just won't make sense . I dumped so much money into it already
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. While attempting to stop the vehicle, it lost power and the check engine indicator illuminated. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle began to smoke profusely while the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (turnpike Chevrolet, 4130 1 st avenue, nitro, wv 25143) informed the contact that the vehicle had no open recalls. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,295.
Engine complaints in other Trax years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Chevrolet Trax, 24% of the model year's 96 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Chevrolet Trax engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Chevrolet Trax engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.