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 2019 Chevrolet Trax owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and engine power reduced warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated pulled off the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle and on several occasions the vehicle regained normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure occurred in cold weather and the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact's wife veered off the road to inspect underneath the hood of the vehicle when the radiator cap popped open and burned the contact's wife. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the cooling fan had malfunctioned. Additionally, the electrical circuits failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer where it was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I was driving on 95 N and out of the clear blue, my car began to smoke. There was no warning lights on the dashboard that indicated that I needed to check the oil or engine, etc. I pulled over, taking the nearest exit to a gas station.As I turned into the gas station, I heard a loud popping sound. My husband and I looked under the hood and discovered the engine was on fire. My husband and gas station attendant helped get rid of the fire by using a fire extinguisher. My mother and stepdaughter were in the car at the time. While the fire was being extinguished, we ran away from the car and called 911. An auto mechanic discovered the transfer case was broken and thus, empty.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated dramatically. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing a blanket for the front of the vehicle but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the air conditioning system was replaced twice. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure associated with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,400.
My check engine light came on after filling up with gas, after checking the purge valve cantilever was bad, I bought it and had licensed mechanic who owns his business replace it. Once again the check engine might came on. The error was cylinder 4 miss , I was told either the spark plug or coil was bad. My mechanic said ger coil and if that's not it he would replace spark plugs. I purchased the coil for a four cylinder engine because that's the only way they come. My mechanic took off the part which was broke and upon taking it out.he saw water in the coil holder and told me this was bad. He suggested I look up recalls on my vehicle upon which I found e recall on the puge valve along with a recall on the coil system which described the same problem of water leaking into the engine. …
October 2024 the turbocharger was replaced. A few weeks ago check engine light came on. Bad turbocharger again while I was on a highway the car stopped running. Dealer said they will not replace it under the parts warranty. They said it was 3 quarts low on oil and I need to show receipts for last 3 oil changes. From previous times there they knew my son is a mechanic & did oil changes. They wanted me to call my son to ask him how much oil he put in after looking online it is a very common problem with the Chevy turbochargers. It will but an excessive amount of oil and cause it to be black and sludgy. I emailed the general manager. He never responded. I also filed a complaint with GM and consumer protection. When they replaced it in October it was still under the extended warranty. It is now over the 100,000 miles. However, I think a turbocharger should last more than 6 months. …
Bought 6/17/2023 with 81k miles (1.4L turbo). By ~7/1/2023 it ran rough and hesitated after refueling. Firestone (Brick, NJ, 7/5/2023 at 82,090 miles) said radiator leaking; keep topping off; noted open Chevy "special coverage" bulletin. Over ~2 years kept adding coolant (high consumption). Rough running worsened. Lester Glenn Chevy (Toms River, NJ, 10/20/2025 at 122,815 miles) replaced the evaporative emissions purge valve under special coverage N212338400; fixed post-refuel roughness but not overall rough running. Regular oil changes; last 10/1/2025 at 121,872 miles. Codes then: P0171, P0299, P0300, P0442, P0449, P0496. On 11/27/2025, at ~60 mph uphill on the Garden State Parkway, engine shook, dash showed "Engine Power Reduced/Service StabiliTrak" (CEL blinking), lost acceleration. Pulled over and towed; white smoke at tailpipe. …
Air conditioning compressor failed, took to a GM dealership service center and was informed that the AC compressor failed at a weld joint, most likely due to an improper weld. This happened during the intense heat wave this summer (Tennessee Summer 2022) and my air conditioning failed, causing incredibly hot climate conditions in the car, which I had no substitute that I could drive during 100 degree weather. Symptoms had occurred previously, beginning as soon as I purchased the vehicle (but did not realize it was a symptom until the unit went out.) I smelled a chemical smell anytime the air conditioner was running and just believed it to be a normal occurrence, as well as any time I went a long distance using the ac, it would stop working. …
Engine complaints in other Trax years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, 31% of the model year's 136 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › fan (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Chevrolet Trax engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Trax engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.