2018 CHEVROLET TRAX Engine Problems

24 complaints about Engine

24
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Deaths

This Problem Across All Years

All Engine Complaints (24)

Apr 17, 2025

Car smoking under the hood not even a month after getting repairs done to it for the same issue of coolant loss. Replaced engine oil cooler, coolant housing, and turbo. Car started smoking again less than a month later and mechanic baffled at what it may be this time for there is no warning lights illuminated to point to the problem. The vehicle has had its regular maintenance on time.

Mar 29, 2025

2018 chevy trax turbo messing up loss of power and making noise

Mar 6, 2025

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.

Dec 13, 2024

Car filled with smoke and smell. Needed to replace the blower motor l, resistor, and pig tail or it would have killed my child.

Oct 15, 2024

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-XXX) 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. How does one get Chevrolet held responsible for the damage done because they under reported the affected vehicles? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 7, 2024

The indicator for the vehicle overheating illuminated as I checked. I noticed that the engine coolant was low so I brought a bottle to top it off however, I noticed once parking in front of my home that I had a puddle of the fluid on the ground.

Jun 21, 2024

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.

Mileage: 111,000

Apr 28, 2024

Engine runs roughly. Hardly any pick up present during acceleration.

Mar 27, 2024

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.

Mileage: 21,000

Feb 19, 2024

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.

Feb 12, 2024

While driving the vehicle started to smoke under the hood. Once the engine cooled off, I opened the hood. There was coolant sprayed all over the engine. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was told the hose that connects to the fan had cracked off because the plastic piece used by Chevy isn’t robust. Even after repairs were made for the issue, a month later the same plastic piece could not hold up. Over 700$ put into this issue.

Feb 1, 2024

Power steering locks up while driving, service stabilitrack warning comes on, transmission drops and car will not drive, car will not reverse

Dec 23, 2023

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.. my vehicle issues are recalls that are being done on other Chevy Trax but they're not being recalled for my model of the Chevy Trax as obvious that these recall issues pertain to my vehicle as well.. I know there are recalls on the Chevy Trax which are having these exact issues except my car isn't listed on the recall list.. and without a doubt it should be because these issues I'm having go hand and hand with other Chevy Trax models that are receiving recalls for these exact same issues

Oct 24, 2023

FIRST MY ENGINE WENT OUT; REPLACE WITH USED ENGINE $5,000. ONE CV JOINT WENT OUT; REPLACED $1400. DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING WENT OUT; AUTO SHOP SAID HE CAN'T FIND BUSHING; HAS TO REPLACE WHOLE DIFFERENTIAL $3,800. I'M SURE I'LL HAVE TO REPLACE THE OTHER CV JOINTS SOON. THIS CAR HAS 128,000 MILES ON IT. HOW DOES AN ENGINE AND TURBO GETS RUINED? THAT DAMN CAR WAS $21,000. NOW THE REPAIRS ARE ALMOST AS MUCH AS THE STUPID CAR.

Aug 11, 2023

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.

Mileage: 70,000

Apr 18, 2023

Engine shut off on me I've replaced battery and alternator there is a strong smell of burning plastic from engine bay before this my AC went out only was blowing hot air but car now will not start after replacement of alternator and battery only had the car for a bit now everyone is breaking on me I've had it in the shop for half the time I've had it about to call finance company and give up on vehicle

Mar 27, 2022

The non return valve in the intake either broke or fell off( apparently defective) causing my vehicle’s check engine light to come and causing multiple error codes. As a result of this defective part it cause my vehicle to vibrate violently ,the lost of power, and ultimately stalling out Nearly causing me getting involved with a very serious accident. As a result of this incident I took my vehicle to the nearest mechanical shop had it diagnosed showing multiple error codes and ultimately revealing a missing part ( A rubber nipple ) which was supposed to be inside of the intake. As stated above the check engine light did come on one week prior to the above conditions as a result of this missing/defective part . I had tried on several occasions with the dealership where I purchased my vehicle from to have the above problem resolved with negative results. My mechanic has confirm with me that this is not the first time he has seen this part missing from other GM vehicles with the same type of engine . I did research about my issue and found numerous reports of this with the same type engine in it since 2012 , Also my mechanic was told by one of the service members of the dealership that they were aware of this problem obviously this is not the first time, but they refuse to have my car towed and wanted me to pay an additional $140 again to get the car diagnosed. The car was rendered unsafe to drive due to the fact of the above problems regarding this defective part . This needs to be addressed , there is no doubt in my mind that someone will ultimately die from this continuous problem with these engines with this particular part. I have kept all the parts that were taken off of my vehicle for further inspection especially if the NHTSA wishes to inspect it. I am appealing the decision from General motors concerning this Replacement part/ parts that I Purchase to render my vehicle safe and operable.Replacement parts are all GM products !

Mar 2, 2022

Transmission leak due to the start/stop system My vehicle is to the point of barely moving forward to not moving forward when I am forced to come to a stop. I called chevy dealer, who refuses to fix the issue and said I have to let you know and get your approval My vehicle has the exact issue the recall is over, as the same year, and make Per the announcement you did not specify my vehicle being exempt I need service a.s.a.p!

Jan 9, 2022

Having engin light come on.. Emissions issues. Already got a letter about a future recall. Don't want to pay out of pocket. Rough starting and weird noise. Either engin or exhaust issue. I know I'm not the only person.

Feb 17, 2021

I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW WITH 49 MILES ON IT. FROM THE FIRST DAY IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME A SERVICE REAR CAMERA SYSTEM ERROR, THE ENTIRE DASH WILL COMPLETELY BLACKOUT ON ME AND TAKES A WHILE TO COME BACK ON AND MY CAR WAS SLIPPING WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND REVERSE TO DRIVE. WITH ALMOST 65K MILES ON IT, I STARTED TO GET A SERVICE AWD, SERVICE POWER STEERING WITH A FAULTY POWER STEERING ISSUE WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR RANDOMLY WON'T START, DESPITE THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ALL BEING GOOD. I WAS RECEIVING EVERY ERROR CODE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RANDOMLY ON AND SHUTS OFF, WHEN I HAD THE CODES CHECKED, I HAD NEVER SEEN SO MANY ERROR CODES IN MY LIFE! LOW VOLTAGES, MAIN SYSTEM ERRORS, THE WHOLE BIT. NOW MY CAR THINKS I AM TRYING TO STEAL IT AS THE SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON.

Mileage: 65,000

Jan 3, 2021

AUGUST 2020 AT ABOUT 20K MILES TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE AT DEALER. ADDED RECOMMENDED TIRE ROTATION. EVERYTHING IS FINE. I INQUIRE ABOUT THE RECAL ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND PARTS WILL BE ORDERED AND SHOULD BE CALLED. NO CALL! MAY 2020 - TAKE CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR CODE REGARDING THE TURBO CHARGER (WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE WASTEGATE WAS STICKING) THEY ALSO WERE FINALLY ABLE TO INSTALL LOWER CONTROL ARM PARTS THAT THEY NEVER CALLED ME ABOUT. THIS IS ABOUT 30K MILES. DEC 31, 2020 AT ABOUT 36K MILES I TAKE IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. I AM NOW BEING TOLD MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL STUD IS CROSS THREADED AND I HAVE UNEVEN WEAR AND REQUIRE AN ALIGMENT. I'M ASSUMING THEY DID NOT ALIGN MY CAR WHILE INSTALLING THAT PART FROM THE RECALL AND THEIR TECH CROSS THREADED THE STUD ON MY WHEEL. I WILL BE GOING BACK TOMORROW BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT A PROBLEM UNTIL THEY INSTALLED THE NEW CONTROL ARM WHICH WOULD REQUIRE THEM TO TAKE THE TIRE OFF. I'M VERY FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THEY WERE ALREADY TRYING TO PUT THE BLAME BACK ON ME, HOWEVER, THEY ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT HAVE MOVED THE TIRES. I TRULY HOPE GUARANTY CHEVROLET IN SANTA ANA, CA DO RIGHT BY ME AND TAKE CARE OF SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE ONLY BEEN DONE ABOUT 6K MILES AGO AT THERE SERVICE SHOP.

Mileage: 36,000

Dec 28, 2019

ON 2/17, I PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVY TRAX. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 12/20/19 THEREFORE I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED TWO PROBLEMS BUT ONLY ONE WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. PROBLEM 1. TURBO LEAKING AT JOINT TO INLET COUPLER (COVERED). PROBLEM 2. OXYGEN SENSOR DEFECTIVE (NOT COVERED). I HAVE 63,676 MILES ON MY TRAX AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60,800 MILES ON THE OXYGEN SENSOR. MY CAR IS ONLY 1,400 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY AND I AM EXPERIENCING SO MUCH PROBLEMS. ALSO AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE VISUAL SCREEN GOES BLANK THEREFORE THE RADIO AND REVERSE CAMACA DOES NOT WORK. THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE DEALER TOOK CARE OF IT FREE OF CHARGE. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED ABOUT MY VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS NOT EVEN TWO YEARS OLD YET AND SO MUCH PROBLEMS. THIS CAR MUST BE A LEMON.

Mileage: 63,676

Oct 22, 2019

IN FEBRUARY ON ZERO DEGREE DAY MY 2018 TRAX HAD BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE AND ALMOST STALLED CAR RUNNING. I SAW ANOTHER TRAX THAT SAME DAY WITH BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. WHEN I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE RETURNING SOME ONE ELSES TRAX AND IT HAD BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF IT. THE TRAX HAS A 1.4 TURBO ENGINE AND GM SEEMS TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE PCV SYSTEM ON THIS ENGINE. GM NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. YOU CAN LOOK ON YOUTUBE AND THE MECHANICS THERE ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIPS AND GM SEEM TO NOT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM. THE 1.4 TURBO IS PUT IN MANY GM CARS. I WOULD THINK IF NOTHING ELSE THIS SHOULD BE A POLLUTION CONTROL RECALL.

Mileage: 3,000

Oct 2, 2019

WHEN I'M AT A STOP AND TRY TO PUSH ON THE GAS IT FEELS LIKE IT'S STALLING OUT, I'VE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO AND TURN SIGNAL, I'VE HAD THE RADIO SCREEN BE COMPLETELY BLACK BUT THE RADIO WAS PLAYING AND ON OTHER TIMES AFTER TAKING IT OUT OF REVERSE AND PUTTING IT IN DRIVE AND ACTUALLY DRIVING DOWN THE STREET THE TWO YELLOW MARGIN LINES STILL APPEAR ON THE SCREEN ACROSS THE RADIO STATION AND THE TURN SIGNAL SEEMS LIKE THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE OVERHEAD LIGHT IN THE CAR BECAUSE IT DID NOT FUNCTION AS WELL, IT DELAYS WHEN I TURN IT ON IT TAKES A COUPLE OF SECONDS FOR IT TO ACTUALLY START FLASHING I'VE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE EMISSION AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE OF CHEAP GAS AND THEY REPLACED SOMETHING WITH THE EMISSION CONTROL AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS DYING OUT BEFORE THEY FIXED IT AND IT STILL DOES. I BELIEVE SEPTEMBER 18TH WAS THE LAST TIME I TOOK IT IN FOR THESE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHY.