Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and while coming to a stop, the vehicle was jerking and the transmission experienced hard shifts. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer performed a required ECM software update; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139.
I was driving down the highway going with the flow of traffic and my car caught fire. I was told by the mechanic that "the turbo line combusted and put a hole in the engine" I've also been told "oil got on the turbo belt and caught fire" I've also been told "the software recall actually had nothing to do with the software and it was an issue with turbos and something was mechanically wrong with this car. I was in the car with my 9 month old daughter. In the middle lane in the highway. The car instantly stopped accelerating leaving us going very slow compared to others. We could've been killed! I had to figure out how to get over and then get my daughter out of the car safely and wait on the side of the highway with a baby for fire and police to come put the fire out. When I was driving it sounded like pressure popped under the car and then I could almost hear pieces flying out. …
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel intermittently went blank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a defective valve body and torque converter. The contact retrieved the vehicle, and the failure returned immediately upon exiting the parking lot. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,900.
The vehicle has 2 permanent codes. One is a communication blackout, the other code means the hardware is melting. GM is doing a formal inspection in April. The Ucode meant that the engine stopped talking to the transmission or visa versa. The vehicle "ran my daughter and I" off the highway into the dirt, on 2 different occasions. They are described as "catastrophic engine failures". The last one occurred on MLK Jr Day 2026, before the vehicle was permanently grounded. It could have been fatal. GM is doing a formal investigation to see what liability the have for it because the vehicle is now considered a "lemon". There were no external (dashboard) warnings before the events, but, there may have been internal ones that require a professional grade scanner to detect. …
1/23/25 This is the 3rd time the turbocharger has malfunction within 2 1/2 months and is once again at the dealership service department. Horrible smoke was filling the inside of the car while I was driving and smelled as though something was badly burning. The car had began shaking with minimal driving and loss of power. Electric dashboard not working which should indicate if there is any particular problems going on with my Trax. This is a real Safety Hazard. My car should be recalled in order to fix this hazardous problem once and for all!
CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT / LIFE-THREATENING VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD. On January 2, 2026, I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Within less than five months, while driving in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The vehicle completely lost all acceleration, leaving me trapped and stranded in a highly dangerous roadway position. Immediately following the power failure, the engine bay filled with heavy smoke and began severely overheating. The vehicle came within moments of bursting into a full thermal engine fire. This vehicle was a rolling death trap that almost killed me on the road. No one is taking this life-threatening safety failure seriously. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a stop sign, the Hill Assist function failed to operate as intended. The contact removed her foot off the brake pedal and the vehicle rolled backwards. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer again. The contact was informed that the vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the contact was informed that it was normal for the vehicle to roll backward when the brake pedal was released. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had started seven days after the vehicle was purchased. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trax years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (18), 2020 (15), 2024 (15), 2016 (13) and 2018 (12) model years. Transmission complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trax transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Chevrolet Trax 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 Trax transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 72% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the clutch assembly (1 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (1).
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.