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 2018 Chevrolet Trax owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 dealer where the failure was diagnosed turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had previously received unknown manufacturer communication documentation which advised of a potential turbo charger failure with the vehicle. The contact was informed that parts to complete the repair were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had experienced a loss of motive power. The vehicle did not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions the vehicle stalled while idling. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the stabili-trak message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the turbo charger and exhaust flex pipe were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
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. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, she noticed a leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cooling system was leaking. The dealer determined that the cooling system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 87,046.
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.
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.. I've changed the intake manifold and the engine light comes back on after accelerating.. The engine code that keeps coming back on and returning is p0299.. this is an issue with the turbo boost.. And this is also something that has been recalled for other model Chevy lf the Chevy Trax.. …
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-[redacted]) and a local dealership (Tim Lally Chevrolet in Warrensville Heights, Ohio). Both are denying any liability for the problem. However, if Chevrolet had properly included all 2018 Trax models, and provided us with knowledge of the problem with the turbocharger, it would have been repaired without the substantial damage caused by Chevrolet's under reporting of the affected vehicles. The day of the problem, the Trax lost most power and did not indicate any oil issue. …
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. I replaced all that and then the turbo went out and a piston snapped off inside the engine and had to replace the entire engine. I feel like this could have all been prevented had there been a dashboard temperature gauge or had the temperature light come on sooner. I had no clue the car was running hot beyond my AC blowing hot and by then it was too late.
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 separate from the vehicle. This can lead to a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. I have not gotten in an accident, but was at risk of this happening. My car is being worked on and it will cost me $800 for these repairs for the issues related to the 2018 Chevy traxs. I would like this VIN to be recalled and receive a refund for the work done to my vehicle.
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 or owner. This would only happen if the recirculating outdoor air.
Engine complaints in other Trax years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, 30% of the model year's 102 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Chevrolet Trax engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, though it has 2 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.