Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Chevrolet Trax - part 1

On 4 seperate occasions, my vehicle has completely shut off in the middle of the road. 3 times this has happened while traveling on the interstate. Every time with my 6 year old son in the car. The steering wheel locks up when it happens and you have to use all of your strength to get out of the road as soon as possible to avoid being smashed by oncoming traffic. On 8 seperate occasions, my vehicle randomly loses the majority of it's power, and takes over 6,000 rpms just to continue at 50mph. The issue fixes itself by the time I try to take it to the dealership and they tell me there is nothing they can do about any of these issues because it "isn't doing it now" - refusing to even look at it. If I don't take no for an answer, they said just a diagnostic will take 48 hours and they do not offer any sort of loaner vehicle. Both of these events happen without warning, at completely random times. Chevrolet service members each give me different advice and non of it is helpful. My car is a death trap. I bought it brand new with 5 miles on it. I had to order it and wait for it to be shipped to me. This has happened throughout the entire life of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax 🔎.

To whom it may concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a malfunction in the air conditioning system of my 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Specifically, the evaporator and/or condenser has failed, resulting in inadequate cooling performance and potential system leakage. This issue is more than a matter of comfort—it presents a significant safety concern. Operating the vehicle in high temperatures, particularly in texas, creates hazardous conditions inside the cabin. Excessive heat can lead to driver fatigue, dehydration, and reduced concentration. Additionally, the malfunctioning a/c system affects humidity control, which may cause windshield fogging and reduced visibility while driving. The problem has been consistently reproducible during normal vehicle operation. Symptoms include poor cooling performance, inconsistent air temperature, and possible unusual odors or sounds when the a/c system is in use. Notably, no warning lights or dashboard messages appeared prior to the failure, making it difficult to detect the issue early. At this time, the vehicle is available for inspection and can be evaluated by a dealership, certified technician, or manufacturer representative upon request. I request a thorough inspection to confirm the failure and determine whether this is due to a manufacturing or design defect. If necessary, I am also willing to have the vehicle reviewed by independent service professionals or relevant authorities. Given that this issue has occurred in a nearly new vehicle, it raises concerns about reliability, quality control, and potential widespread defects affecting other vehicles of the same model. I urge prompt investigation and corrective action to ensure driver safety and product integrity. Please advise on the next steps for inspection, repair, and resolution of this matter. I appreciate your prompt attention to this serious issue. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] 35300 began@ 35,000 and progressed information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b).

I was driving home I got a message on my dash about engine pressure and then heard a loud boom, pulled off on the shoulder called a tow and the guy used to be a mechanic, he stated there was a hole in my engine and that it looked like a rod broke off and shot through the engine, I did take it to a dealership to get a diagnostic and they called and said something happened internally not sure what at this point and time.

I was driving 70mph down the highway, electronics blacked out, when they finally came back, the check engine light came on. Got to dealership, had 18 codes, engine, transmission, and electronics issues. Car is two weeks old with 498 miles on it.

It was about [xxx] {xxx} I was driving about seventy five miles an hour down [xxx] heading north to milwaukee, and there was a loud bang, and it seemed like the car went in reverse. And then it just stopped right on the road. I had to get off of the road. I and it said there was there was a message on the dashboard engine power reduced. My oil life was at sixty four percent at the time. And then it said, check oil pressure when I went into the dashboard. I sat on the side of the road and had it towed to lead Chevrolet information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

17k miles, head a loud pop sound, engine light came and all the oil and coolant was on the ground, engine was smoking. Had the vehicle towed and was told by the service department the connecting rod failed which caused the catastrophic engine failure. According to the service department and gm there is not estimated time of arrival for an engine replacement and it’s already been a month.

My 2024 chevy Trax’s engine (1. 2l turbocharged i3 engine) went out while driving on the expressway (about 70mph) in the middle to left lane. I had to come to a complete stop and safely and immediately get my car on the left shoulder without injuring myself or others around me. My own safety was severely at risk as I was as close to the dividing wall on the left side as I possibly could be but cars are racing through right next to me. Another safety risk to be added is I was dropped off in the most sketchiest plaza and stranded from 12/1am-3am. I was left to lock myself in my non operating vehicle in a country I do not reside in. Issue was confirmed the following day or two at a dealership I got the car towed to, they found a hole in my engine block due to a rod. And all documents can be provided. Police and blocker trucks were unable to arrive to the scene for 40+ min and the car was fully investigated by gm. There were no engine lights or warnings on the Chevrolet app or car dash. The only thing I can mention is on my last documented oil change, the oil was low due to high consumption, no leaks were located. Dealership also found the fuse box blown, I assume hot oil gushed all over my wire harnesses or the oil switch flipped the sensor which caused further issues, or simply a power surge. Current cause is unknown.

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. And then the dash lights came on telling me to turn the engine off. It was extremely unsafe and now I’m afraid to even drive with my baby in any car.

See attached document for complaint.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax 🔎.

At roughly 90,000 miles, the turboboost charger went out in this vehicle and needed to be replaced. After speaking with my mechanic and other chevy owners, it is a common issue in these vehicles, with many needing to be replaced well before the 90,000 mile mark that I hit.

One of the first things I've noticed about my car is in the summer, when it's at least 75 degrees, my transmission will hesitate while speeding up. In March of 2024, my check engine light came on, I brought it into chevy and they said I needed a new turbo, so I asked them about a loaner car in the meantime while it gets fixed, they said no. They were on backorder for my turbo. So they told me to keep driving it while the part gets delivered. I did that. Eventually my turbo came in, brought my car in, they took it, put a new turbo in. When I went to get my car, I test drove it on the highway, speeding up slowly, and while doing that, I blew my engine. I lugged it back by going 20 mph back to the shop, luckily it was just off the highway. I brought it back and told them something happened, they checked it out and let me know that my engine, exhaust and all the needed components are broken. They finally decided to give me a loaner car, although I did have to fight for it a little bit at the end of my car getting finished, they wanted me to pay $1200. I refused as them having me drive my car while its broken is not a good idea and not my fault that it blew. I argued my side and got it down to $600. The next month on the 16th, I stopped to get gas and when I left the gas station, while speeding up, my car comes to an almost dead stop, so I pull it over, all lights on dash flashing, and car will not turn over. Got it towed and they changed battery. A year later, my check engine light comes on again, I scan the code, it's the turbo. But it goes away. In January my temp sensor went out and my car said it was overheating as I was driving on the highway with no dash lights. 13th of February, my engine light came on while on my way home. I brought it to a local small shop where they told me I need a new turbo again.

I was driving my car and was at a stop sign and the vehicle started acting odd and it felt like it was lunging me forward. I was concerned that it was going to do it without my control and after that it almost sluggish and stalling until I could get it out of the intersection. Took it to a repair shop and the whole turbo unit needs to be replaced with 38,000 miles on it.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax 🔎.

The oil cooler/oil housing leaks oil on every single one of these vehicles, spanning many years, due to its plastic housing, mounted up against a hot engine. The cost of repair is between $2000-3000 at a dealership.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax 🔎.

My 2024 Chevrolet Trax which has 51,000 miles on it recently developed what appear to be a low end engine knock. This was accompanied by an increased vibration and shakiness in the car. While trying to bring the car to the dealer for inspection in preparation for a incoming snow storm the vehicle which at the time was parked on a hill seemed sluggish and struggling move forward. I felt with road conditions and the noise becoming louder and accelerating as the vehicle accelerates that the safer option was to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. This car despite having 51,000 miles with more than 85% of those being highway travel, has been regularly maintained above what the manufacturer recommends. Ive since learned through others who own the same vehicle that around the same mileage they have had the exact same issue with a few having an official diagnosis of failed rod bearing requiring a full engine replacement. Many of these incidents including mine did not prompt any warning light on the dashboard. Upon here that I came across multiple complaints of individuals Chevrolet Trax with the 1. 2l engine completely throwing rods some while driving at highways speeds, and even after engine replacements some report they replacement engine did the same thing. Some of these reports date back to as early as 2020 with this engine being used in the trailblazer. Its a matter of time before this blatant issue causes engine failure at high speeds and resulting in a accident with injuries or fatalities, not including the financial issues this has on anyone buying a marketed “”affordable” vehicle if this happens outside of warranty. Gm must already be aware of this issue yet it continues to persist especially on the back of ongoing lawsuits over their engines excessive oil consumption and failures. My dealer has now had the car for two days and has failed to call me or return mall calls on my vehicles issue. Im assuming based on others situation it is another case of bad bearings.

The turbocharger gave code p0299 then more extensive look when you try to increase speed the turbo will not boost to allow you to go. 40-45 miles is the highest you can go . Dealership said there we complaints and recalls. The recalls are for 2017 and 2018 chevy Trax. 2019 having the same issue. .

This 2019 Chevrolet Trax has had the same dangerous and expensive problem twice: in 2022, when the car had just over 35,000 miles, it started to lose acceleration, especially at highway speeds, slowing it to a dangerously slow pace in traffic. At a later time, the check engine light came on. Culver city Chevrolet replaced the turbo charger under warranty. In late January and early February, 2026, after only about 25,000 miles of use since the repair, the car exhibited similar failure to accelerate on the highway and in local traffic and the check engine light came on. It requires a new turbocharger again at a cost of approximately $3,500. The 2019 Chevrolet Trax is not trustworthy for safety with this recurring issue.

I was driving on the highway at 60 miles per hourn, my car started shaking, my oil and engine light came on, if felt like little rock were hitting under my car and my car went out. I feared for my life. I was able to pull over on the median. When the tow truck came, the tow guy said my engine blew. I just had my oil changed by the dealer 12/26/2025.

The turbo charger failed suddenly without a prior display of a warning light and was replaced by an independent service center in June 2025. I received a letter from gm in November 2025 stating there was a known "condition" that may cause the turbo charger to need replacing but a recall was not issued. On 1/22/26 the vehicle suddenly went into "limp mode" while driving. The throttle body injection unit, engine coolant water outlet, and coolant were replaced. The coolant had been topped off on 1/20/26. On 1/27/26 the vehicle began shuddering and lost power while I was driving on the highway. As I attempted to get to a gas station off of the next exit, it intermittently lost power and began smoking under the hood. It seemed to be overheating but there is no temperature gauge on the display. I had it towed to my service center again. At that time, four spark plugs and an ignition coil were replaced. After these repairs, I have continued to have significant power issues, the engine warning light has come back on, and the "service brake assist" warning light has come on. Additionally, the instrument panel frequently goes blank or displays what can best be described as "static" and the a/c and heat do not work, making it difficult to defrost and defog the windshield. The wiper fluid will not come out even though the reservoir is full. Due to prohibitive diagnostic fees at the dealership, which I was told would not be waived or reimbursed, I have continued to utilize my independent service center to maintain basic drivability. My service center has advised me that the engine may fail completely within a short time frame. I have reported these issues to the manufacturer and have been assigned a case number. I'm concerned that this may indicate a potential safety defect and/or premature engine failure affecting my vehicle and others of the same model. I'm submitting this complaint for documentation and safety tacking.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Trax 🔎.

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. The permanent ucode, which causes a communication blackout, never appeared in the vehicles memory, on a scanner, until after the local gm franchise conducted “repairs” (unsuccessfully) to fix the vehicle. (it wouldnt start, which is often a symptom of a permanent ucode. The gm investigation will determine if the dealership knew the safety liability, (the permanent ucode) and they tried bypassing or ignoring it, or, if they caused the safety defect. Also, the vehicle is now showing a permanent pcode, which means it is now a potential fire hazard.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, while the roads were clear, dry, and the weather was good, the engine seized, and the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 55 mph. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond and continued driving forward. While driving at 50 mph, the failure reoccurred. The engine and stabili-trak illuminated after the vehicle came to a complete stop. The local dealer was contacted regarding loaner vehicles on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was scanned, and dtc: tcm u0101 and p0700 were retrieved. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the local dealer and the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

We have a 2024 Chevrolet Trax purchased in July 2024, brand new with 6 miles. On Jan 9, 2026, we towed it to serra Chevrolet for service due to repetitive screen blackouts and the inability to start the car. On Jan 16, 2026, we picked up the car. The car was diagnosed with a radiator leak, a replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump, and an update to the information system. Within two hours, the car would not start again, and we had it towed back to the dealer. We have been told that it now requires an entirely new engine, and we have been renting a car since January 9th, with no reasonable solutions from the dealer or gm customer care. We have also been informed that the engine is on backorder, and we have no timeline for its repair.

For coolant reservoir being made out of polypropylene materials that is resistant to expansion and cracking, the overflow line into my reservoir is severally cracked causing excessive leaking of coolant causing steam and engine overheating.

I was driving on the highway going around a ramp when I went to press on the brakes to slow down the pedal just went to the floor and the car would not slow down, causing me to go off the road. My insurance company did an inspection and said the accident was caused by engine failure and won’t cover damage. Gm did inspection said it wasn’t their fault but won’t release their inspection report.

My wife was driving her car in maine on a narrow mountain road, it had been snowing and the roads had been plowed and treated but they were slushy and wet this is also a two lane road. She was driving and all of a sudden the warning lights came on and there was an immediate loss of power, she said that a logging truck was behind her and luckily he was paying attention or else he would have ran her over she could not accelerate and she could only go about 15 mph. There are no shoulders to pull off the road so she put on her flashers and drove it barely to a little gas station to pull off the road to call me. We had it towed to the closet chevy dealership who had it for 39 days replacing the motor that had blown up, the dealership said that the #1 piston or rod broke and destroyed the engine. The car had only 28k miles on it and there were no motors to be found, they did after 39 days replace the motor and turbo in the car. Mine and her concern is with this immediate loss of power on these types of roads she could've been in an accident or even worse, there has to be answers as to why this happened and what is the long term solution to r his issue. We have seen on the gm forums of this happening to other chevy Traxs vehicles. I do have the repair paperwork from the dealership.

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to safely get the vehicle to the right side of the road and noticed smoke coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the turbocharger had failed and caused a leak coming from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired, but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

My check engine light came on, I took my vehicle to ken ganley Chevrolet because that is where I purchased it. They claim they have no record I bought it there and at first refused service. I provided my loan documents that state I purchased it. Tim was in the service department, I brought the car in and he had it looked at. He said the issue is the turbocharger, which is a known issue with this year/make/model that gm knows about. The repair was under warranty, completed and the car returned to me. Less than 2 weeks later the check engine light came on and the diagnostic gave the same error. I took it back to the dealership and I got 3 different answers. One person told me it was an exhaust issue that was causing the turbo to overheat (the car is kicking out excessive amounts of carbon monoxide), the second person told me there was no issue and they weren't sure why the check engine light went off, the third person said it seemed like the exhaust and the overheating was a safety issue and it shouldn't be driven. They ultimately refused the repair and said bring it back if it gets worse. I called gm corporate to report the dealership and ask for an actual repair. They told me to take it to another dealership to be looked at. Multiple other dealerships have refused because the case is open with the original dealership. That ken ganley Chevrolet dealer is refusing to acknowledge a repair is needed. The car is continuing to kick out excessive carbon monoxide and smells like burning when driving. The engine chugs and doesn't get up to full speed. I requested goodwill reimbursement for part of the car from gm for failure to service and an unsafe vehicle and they have offered no solution because other dealers won't give a second opinion. The car is not safe to drive and is not being repaired.

On December 28, 2025, while driving normally with my children, my 2024 Chevrolet Trax displayed multiple warnings including engine power reduced, service esc, service stability, and steering assist reduced. The engine began sputtering and knocking. The next morning the vehicle would not start and was towed to malcolm cunningham Chevrolet. The dealership found the engine free-wheeling with no compression and denied my warranty claim alleging spark plug tampering. I never touched the engine. It went directly from my driveway to the dealership via tow. An active recall — a242435780, engine spark timing following auto stop event — was noted on the repair order upon arrival but was not completed until February 17, 2026, seven weeks after the engine failed. Gm’s own recall states engine knock and engine damage are the known risks of this unrepaired fault. The dealership told me verbally it was just a console update, directly contradicting gm’s published description. A second dealership performed a compression test showing cylinder 1 at 10 psi, cylinder 2 at 90 psi, and cylinder 3 at 0 psi. Normal compression is 150 to 200 psi. No diagnostic codes were retrievable. This dealership initially found something different but reversed their position after speaking with the first dealership and receiving direction from gm. Gm denied my warranty claim and offered only a $2,000 incentive toward a new vehicle. The vehicle remains completely unrepaired. I continue making monthly payments on a car I cannot drive. This aligns with class action cook v. General motors llc, case 1:26-cv-00229-rga, filed March 4, 2026.

My engine failed with no warning on my 2024 chevy Trax , at night in the express lanes of a very busy expressway in chicago. I was able to get on an off ramp, but the car then stalled again and I was almost hit by other vehicles trying to exit the ramp. I did call 911 and was told to stay in my car because I would have a "better chance of survival". I had just had the car at the dealership for an oil change and check-up a few weeks before. The dealer explanation was the engine is defective and they replaced the engine, but I have no confidence in this car. I told the dealer and they did not seem to care. I have had nothing but problems with this car, it is a danger to myself and others driving this car.

Started my car and it made a noise that didnt sound good. Took it to van Chevrolet and they said it was my turbo. My car is under 100,000 miles, 2019, and giving the code that should qualify it on the recall list. They are trying to charge me 4000 to fix and have not given a rental which is about to make me lose everything.

I have been taking my 2024 chevy Trax to jiffy lube since I had it and they noted that my oil was low on had no oil on stick and another time had quart low I didnt that this chevy Trax was using that much oil between oil changes the oil light did never show up it ran out of oil and engine blew even though I was changing oil every 4000 miles the vehicle is now setting at gregg young chevy 17750 burt st omaha ne 68118 needing a new engine that cost $6700 I would say there is a defect with this engine loosing that much oil between oil changes.

The engine failed at approximately 44,000 miles. The vehicle uses a wet timing belt engine design, where the timing belt runs inside the engine oil. The engine suddenly stopped working and now requires a full engine replacement. This failure happened much earlier than expected for a modern vehicle and could be a safety risk if the engine fails while driving.

Every winter because of the cold weather the tube for the turbo cracks and causes performance problems such as lack of throttle, sluggishness, limp mode activates. In limp mode the vehicle will only go about 10 miles per hour. This has happened on multiple occasions. In the warmer weather this problem does not arise. It is only in the winter time because the particular tube is made from plastic which breaks in cold weather. Q.

My check engine light went on and stayed on while I was driving. I called blaise alexander, altoona, PA. Reported and scheduled a checkup on Dec. 11. I drove to the garage, arriving at 10am. And noticed a smell of fire and saw smoke billowing out around the hood of the car. I ran into service area and told them the car must be on fire. They called the altoona fire dept. The police gave me a number, which I gave state farm insurance. I drove approximately 23 miles along rt I 99 to reach the garage. Apparently there is a history of 2024 and 2025 Trax models having fires in the engine. Possibly associated with the fuel system.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Trax 🔎.

For the past 3 to 6 months I've been hearing a gear backlash sound while using the adaptive cruise control when it would slow down for a car in front of the vehicle then when it would start to speed up. Brought the vehicle to the dealership on October 20th, 2025. They said that the sound is normal and there's a service bulletin that says its normal in other chevy models. Then on November 28th, 2025 I was driving home, turn right at a light, and started to accelerate. Then I heard the same backlash noise as before then the check engine light came on with the oil light. I pulled over immediately and turned off the engine just to see all the oil spilling out of the engine compartment onto the ground and white smoke. Got it towed to the dealership and they told me that "the engine had multiple components fail inside it and that I need a new engine assembly. " currently the engine is still in the vehicle awaiting a new engine assembly what is currently on backorder with no expected arrival time.

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. Tow driver suspected coolant ingestion/head-gasket failure needing engine replacement. Odometer: 124,180. Traded in on 11/29/2025 at automotive avenues (wall, NJ); no manufacturer/police/insurance inspection.