Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Chevrolet Trax owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of an oil leak in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that after the vehicle sat for a while on several occasions and was then driven, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. While driving on those occasions, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and DTC: P0171 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately six months later. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where DTC: P0300, US669T, 41121, and P0301 were retrieved. The ignition coil and spark plugs were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that four months later, after the vehicle sat for a while, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine. …
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to a nearby hotel. The contact resumed driving, but the amount of smoke coming from underneath the hood increased. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to remain upwards on snowy days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised that it was a design failure. Additionally, upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for service, the contact was informed that the brake sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. …
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated the A/C, and the heater were inoperable, and there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was due to a faulty wiring. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the repair, the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump, the radiator, the lifters, the thermostat, and unknown hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,956.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed again that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,981.
12/30/2022 - Check engine light came on. Vehicle struggled to accelerate. No openings available at the mechanics due to holiday. This vehicle is being used for business and travels frequently. 01/03/2023 - Mechanic diagnosed during my scheduled oil change. Check engine light - PO299 popped up (lack of power to turbo charge) check all vacuum lines and clamps all good. If check engine light comes on recommend taking to dealer. 01/05/2023 - Check engine light and StabiliTrax light came on, vehicle wobbled/shook a lot while driving at an intersection. I attempted to drive safely in traffic as the car shook. Returned to the mechanic and it was diagnosed. Valve cover removed and replaced. 01/08/2023 - Check engine light came on while I was getting ready for a long trip. I pulled my car on the side of the road and called for a ride. …
Around early Feb the engine started having issues. The vehicle would jerk and stall while driving and stopped in the middle of a busy street at a red light. And another time when going around a high traffic uphill turn. Around February 14 the car stopped on me and I had to have it towed to my mechanic and rent a vehicle so that everyone in the household could get to work and not lose our jobs. My mechanic confirmed that the turbo engine was failing just like it did in April of 2022. That time it was still covered under the manufacturer's warranty. In March I received a letter from GMC announcing issues with their Turbo Gas engine, stating all the issues I had experienced both times. …
This car consumes oil no matter what you replace. Replaced the pcv valve. Oil cooler and various other parts and still consumes one quart of oil per 100 miles. Now the engine needs replacing due to this issue. Gm was sued for oil consumption on other Chevy cars. This should be included. I have also have every receipt. Oil change and expense from the dealer if needed
Loss of heat due to radiator leak. I found A192219310 out on the NHTSA site for Chevy TRAX used as Maven vehicles, but nothing about radiator issues on my GM account in the warranty section. .My car is a 2017 with 49251 miles. Light driving. The dealer was not aware of any issues with radiators. If I had known of the issues I would have had a pressure test sooner.
Driving in cold weather...the car just completely had no power when pressing gas pedal...seems line fuel system froze or turbo freeze.....Car then shut off with No check engine light...no warning light!! Started right back up and still had no acceleration.....very upset with this vehicle and no recalls.....Ive seen many post's with this same issue!!
Engine complaints in other Trax years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 Chevrolet Trax, 42% of the model year's 114 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline › turbo/supercharger (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Chevrolet Trax engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Trax, though it has 3 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 2017 Chevrolet Trax engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 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.