2024 CHEVROLET TRAX Engine Problems
27 complaints about Engine
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Engine Complaints (27)
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.
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.
Serra Chevy has my trax. A mechanic checked it it is blown engine. No time frame for an engine. I believe a fail msg flashed after engine failed all systems stopped i pulled to side of road oil pouring out from under my vehical. I was driving on expressway (approx 70 mi per hour) approx 1 1/2 hour drive to dinner theater 120 miles away. I was 5 mins away from destination. I paid 120.00 plus ins covered miles towed. No fires just whitish grey smoke from engine...I was shocked my new car was failing.
My engine Light came on said I loss power car felt like I couldn't get up to speed . when I took it to the dealership they said my wastegate is cracked and I need a new turbo assembly my car has 76k miles & of course warranty expired at 75K said it will cost $2600 to repair
While accelerating from a tertiary road (45mph) to a highway (60mph), the engine suddenly produced a loud rhythmic clacking sound that increased in frequency based on rpms. No warnings or check engine light was activated. No increase in temp or change to oil pressure was noted. The vehicle was driven approximately 6 miles with no change in the sound. Vehicle was parked and sat for 2 hours. Vehicle was restarted. Sound continued. Vehicle was driven for approximately .3 miles when a warning came across the dash and an alarm sounded. It indicated no oil and to immediately halt driving. Continued for an additional .3 miles to a safe pull off point and parked the car. The oil level was checked and the dipstick measurement indicated a full oil reservoir. The following day the vehicle was towed to IG Burton Chevrolet in Lewes DE. Due to scheduling the vehicle was not diagnosed for 1 week. Initially the diagnosis was a faulty oil pump. Upon further exploration metal components were found within the oil pump that fell into it from the engine. The service department determined that a full engine replacement was required and would covered under warranty.
Made first report after car was at shop over 60 days case# 1168 5928 NHSA Motor and Screen Made report to GM Customer service 1-800-222-1020 case # 78472987 On 10-3-2025 Received 2024 Chevy Trax back from Ozark Chevrolet on about 9-21-2025 from motor being replaced on 9-22-25 check engine light came on took to dealership they said it was a quart low on transmission oil from them replacing motor The next evening check engine light came back on car started ticking at 45 mph and reduced power notification came on pulled over checked for leaks was none proceeded another mile and car quit running called Ozark Chevrolet they said have it towed to them on 10-6-2025 Ozark Chevrolet called said it blowed another motor the same way the 1st motor blowed they said it would take 7-10 days for motor to be in Motor #1 blowed at 19,200 miles.. Motor #2 blowed with less than 200 miles on it
WE HAVE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN STARTING OR EVEN WITH ACTIVE CODES IN VEHICLE HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION SEVERAL TIME TO NOT BE ACKNOWLEGDED THE REAR BRAKES LOCK UP WHEN YOU TOUCH THE BRAKE PEDAL HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP SEVERAL TIME TO NOT BE ADDRESSED THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE GOES SIDEWAYS AND SCARES YOU HAVE BROUGHT UP SEVERAL TIMES TO NOT BE ADDRESSED THE FORWARD COLLISION DOES NOT WORK THE VEHICLE HAS ACTIVE CODES AND THE CHECK ENGINE SHOULD ILLUMINATE AND WHEN TAKE IN FOR SERVICE WE ASK WHY AND ARE JUST IGNORED ALL THESE PROBLEMS STARTED 2 DAYS AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2023. iN ADDITION TO THE TRANSMISSION LEAKING, WAS TOLD HOWEVER THAT IT IS NOT A BIG ENOUGH ISSUE TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRENTY. THESE HAVE ALL BEEN ADDRESSED WITH DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS MANUFACTURER, AND AS OF TODAY 09/20/2025 THESE ISSUES HAVE NOT BEEN RESOLVED
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle on a downward angle, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the infotainment screen intermittently went blank while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that on one occasion, while driving 50 MPH and entering a highway, there was a banging sound coming from the vehicle, with white smoke coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. While at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was then informed that the engine was on backorder, and the vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Mileage: 19,000
I purchased the vehicle Oct. 19, 2023. I use the vehicle likely more than 99% of other owners. I drive for Amazon flex and had 54546 miles when I did my last oil change. I have changed the oil every 5000-7500 miles, including changing air filters regularly and spark plugs at 50,000. I also have always used higher quality oils from Mobil1 and ACDelco in the engine. This past weekend, a check engine light appeared and reduced power was noticed. The following day after restarting the car, the check engine light went away. It came back the following morning on the way to work, and went away after restarting in the afternoon. Code P0325 was the DTC for a knock sensor fault. During this time the MIL was illuminated, a slight metallic rattle sound was present at certain RPMs, but not loud or consistent. The same day after the last oil change and after delivering when going to moderatly accelerate to highway speeds, a sound characterized as a loud pop and bang occurred and smoke started flooding out of the engine. Reduced engine power and check engine lights appeared on the dash and the screens when black. I immediately braked and pulled to the side of the highway, where coolant and oil were flooding the side of the road. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where it was purchased, where I am expecting the “Total Engine Faliure” diagnosis.
Purchased the 2024 Trax in April 2024 and immediately received a critical engine and transmission notification the same day we took delivery. Returned the vehicle to the dealership and was told it was an faulty oil sensor issue, which they took care of. The car now has ~9,500 miles and the engine failed yesterday. While accelerating on the freeway, we heard a loud pop, saw smoke coming from the engine and tail pipe, the engine light and oil light came on, and a message on the dashboard said to turn off the engine immediately. The engine seized and began leaking all of the oil/fluid out onto the pavement. We had to pull onto the left shoulder of the freeway because the engine seized, which is extremely dangerous (the tow truck driver was nearly hit trying to load the vehicle onto the flatbed tow truck). The Trax had just been serviced at a local dealership for scheduled maintenance (oil and filter change, tire rotation and 27-point vehicle Inspection) on Friday, August 8th. The car was towed back to the same dealership, at which time we were informed that a rod was loose inside the engine and created a hole, which caused the engine to run on 2 cylinders and fail. The dealer claims the damage is unrelated to the recent oil change and confirmed that they did NOT inspect the engine during the scheduled maintenance appointment. We pay for OnStar and receive monthly vehicle health reports. Besides the critical engine and transmission notice we received when we first picked up the vehicle and a recall notice - which we had resolved - there have been no other messages or symptoms before yesterday's engine failure. The vehicle is still at the dealership and we are waiting to hear how this situation will be resolved.
The vehicle shut off completely while driving twice in 24 hours. Lost all power, brakes locked up, first incident on July 26, 2025. Vehicle did restart after and was able to drive home. Would not start, had no power on July 26, 2025. Tow truck came, jump started the vehicle. I pulled out of my driveway to take it to the dealer for service of issue, vehicle shut off as soon as I pressed the brake to stop at a stop sign and lost all power again. Brakes also locked up again after the vehicle lost power. Tow truck transported vehicle to the dealer from there.
I was on the expressway and going the speed limit at 70mph and I get an engine light and a message that says Engine power is reduced. I had to quickly get over and was almost hit because it wasn’t wanting to stay at speed. I was unable to go over 55mph. It was very dangerous situation.I drove to the next exit and called dealership and made appt for the following Monday. I get the car home and we put the ODMI reader on it and it says air intake problems. My car is at 28,882 miles there is no reason the turbo has already gone out.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over safely and was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. While driving and making a turn, the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the following day, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated while driving for three blocks on a three-lane street, the vehicle stalled in traffic. The vehicle restarted and the contact continued driving. The contact stated that the ABS, the braking system, security, park, and traction control failure messages were displayed and flashing. The contact called the local dealer and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was contacted and scheduled a tow. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Mileage: 20,000
Check engine light came on 5/22/25 sitting idle when I went on lunch at 1:00 pm. I left work and came home at 5:00 pm and made it home safely not sure what the failure is yet I will call the dealer in the morning. Car only has 28,000 miles on it and should not already be having engine issues. Also has dramatic drop in gas mileage.
My engine suffered catastrophic engine failure with less than 14,000 miles. I was travelling at highway speeds on a busy highway in rush hour. I heard what sounded like an explosion, lost all power, and had to steer across two lanes where I just made it onto the shoulder of the highway. The car was towed to the dealer who confirmed the catastrophic engine failure. There was absolutely no warning, no warning lights, no messages at all, I was driving and heard what sounded like an explosion and lost all power.
My car shuts down completely and everything goes black while I’m driving. Did it twice while I was driving on a busy highway. I almost got hit twice.
While driving vehicle on the Interstate without warning the engine failed. When this occurred the vehicle was being driven at 65 MHP and a strong vibration began that was felt through the steering wheel. Additionally, the vehicle was in the inside lane and had to be maneuvered to get over and to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the dealership that it was purchased from which was approximately 150 miles from the breakdown. Dealer indicates a similar issue which I just read about today regarding a Chevy vehicle recall for bearings/cylinder issue. I am submitting this as I believe this recent recall that was announced may involve more Chevy models than were listed. We have been without the vehicle for over 2 months at this time. We have been informed that there are no engines available. This could also be tied to the other engine issue.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the stabili-trak system warning light illuminated. The stabili-trak not functioning, the engine, and steering was reduced. The vehicle was violently shaking and rumbling while driving. The information screen went black while driving. Intermittently, the rear driver's side window was inoperable. The service tire monitoring system was illuminated. Service side-detection system was displayed. The Lane Keep Assist not available warning light was illuminated. The adaptive control temporarily not available message was displayed. The contact called the dealer, who completed a software update and informed the contact that the vehicle might reset after restarting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Mileage: 1,000
On Tues 11/19/24, my son left home about 10 mins prior headed back to school in our 2024 Chevy Trax purchased in 5/2023. On his way to school, he and his friend heard a loud pop sound, followed by all the lights on the instrument panel flickering like crazy, smoke coming from under the hood, and then the car slowing to a stop, still in the road. Luckily they were able to get out because all the doors, except the driver door, locked including the trunk. The smoke got worse until it caught on fire. Good Samaritans stopped to help my 17 yo son and his friend and there was an off duty responder that turned around to put out the fire with the extinguisher he had on him, ahead of the fire department arriving on scene. This could have been very detrimental and had a very different outcome and GM/Chevy need to make sure this doesn’t happen to another family. This car was serviced and had very low mileage of less than 12k in 1.5years.
While driving at approximately 60mph, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure. According to the licensed Chevy service repair shop, the engine “threw a rod that resulted in a hole in the engine block.” The car immediately lost power while driving on the highway with my wife and young child. The result of this scenario was lucky enough to avoid serious injury.
I was driving on [XXX]. The engine lights came on and the message said to basically shut the car off. I was going 70 MPH. I slowed down and pulled over. I heard a loud bang as the car started smoking. Oil and coolant leaked out over the road, there were pieces of a frayed belts and a broken bolt near the car. I had it towed 50 miles to the dealer (Serpentini Chevy) that i bought the car from. They told me that the rod blew and that the engine is shot. They are searching for a new engine and cant guarantee that it wont happen again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving on a busy expressway. My Trax began to lose power then there was a loud explosive sound and a cloud of black smoke. The Trax continued to lose power as I navigated across several lanes of traffic to the shoulder. There was oil everywhere. I was stranded with my dog in 100° heat. The Trax has been towed to the dealer and I am waiting on the official diagnosis.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine system including power train and electrical harnest. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving the engine light illuminated after i smelt burning. i immediately pulled over and called the dealership. The vehicle is brand new with less than 10 miles on the odometer. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes The dealership service department states Chevy is aware of the problem but has not issued a recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?Yes by the Chevrolet company Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the vehicle has less than 10 miles on the odometer. after possession of the vehicle while driving the engine light came on. i immediately notified the dealer and had car towed dor repair on 5/22. The car remains in the shop with no estimated date of repair.
Driving down the highway at a normal speed and the engine made a loud noise and then quit. We took it to a dealership and they said the engine is blown. They said there was a huge hole in the side of the engine.
I was driving the car on a highway and there was a small muffled boom sound under the hood. The “low oil pressure light” came on simultaneous to the sound and the car suddenly lost power. I managed to put on brakes and pull to the shoulder of a very busy highway with semi trucks passing closely by. I was luckily able to get out of traffic because I happened to be in the right lane. The vehicle was towed to a GM dealer where it remains. The service mgr stated it had a sudden catastrophic engine failure and there was a huge hole in the side of the engine block. They have no other updates for me and will not discuss it at this time. I’m not aware of anyone else examining the vehicle.
The contact owned a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 MPH, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that as her son attempted to steer the vehicle off of the highway, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. It is unknown if there was a police report taken at that time. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was diagnosed as totaled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,455.
Mileage: 6,455
This vehicle is programmed to shut off, if the driver leaves the vehicle with the key fob, after 15 minutes. This is very dangerous. I left my pet in the car, in the Florida sun, with the air conditioner running, while I stepped into a store briefly. When I got back to the car, I was surprised to discover my car had shut off. My pet was in a black SUV, in the Florida sun, without air. I researched the owner's manual. The owner's manual indicates the vehicle is designed to turn off, in this situation. I called Chevrolet customer service, and asked if this could be disabled, they said no it cannot be disabled. This is very dangerous for someone, if they leave a pet, an infirm person or a delicate item or product, which needs temperature control. The problem? Chevrolet will not permit an owner to change this feature. It is only a matter of time, before someone or something gets hurt, because the vehicle automatically shuts off, without the owner's knowledge. They do allow other safety features to be selectively disabled, why not this one?