2018 Chevrolet Trax Powertrain (other) Problems

The vehicle suffers from an extreme, unresolved internal crankcase pressure defect stemming from the factory 1.4L Ecotec PCV system and intake manifold check valve. This pressure cascade has caused a total turbocharger failure, multi-gasket oil blowouts, water pump failure, and has now completely blown a critical coolant housing hose off its connection, causing total coolant evacuation. The vehicle is currently parked and available for inspection upon request. The safety of the driver and minority passengers is severely compromised. The vehicle actively smokes from under the hood when turned on, which worsens immediately when the cabin heater is utilized. This indicates highly flammable oil and coolant are leaking directly onto hot exhaust/turbo components, presenting an active vehicle fire hazard. Furthermore, the pressure defect previously caused a catastrophic engine oil blowout while traveling at highway speeds, risking sudden power loss, engine seizure, and traffic collisions. The vehicle is currently deemed completely unsafe to operate. The vehicle's core turbocharger failure was previously confirmed and replaced by an authorized manufacturer dealership under a factory warranty extension. However, the dealership failed to diagnose or repair the underlying PCV/intake pressure defect, causing the new components to fail immediately upon vehicle delivery. The manufacturer has been notified of the failure cascade but is refusing to inspect or intervene without requiring out-of-pocket consumer diagnostic fees. No police or insurance inspections have occurred. began over two years ago with random, intermittent check engine lights accompanied by random error codes, a high-pitched engine squeak, rough idling, severe fuel economy drops, and intermittent engine stalling. The engine eventually developed a heavy knocking sound resembling a diesel engine. Currently, the check engine lamp does not illuminate, but all physical symptoms remain active and increasing in sever

NHTSA ID

11770037

Incident

May 1, 2022

I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.

NHTSA ID

11651332

Incident

Mar 26, 2025

Tech during an annual inspection found the rear Diff. Carrier cracked and crumbling apart into small pieces. There was evidence of fluid leaking onto the rear exhaust. Due to safety concerns tech would not inspect without the replacement of the rear diff. Carrier, Axel/Differential. Replacement cost was $2,681.41.

NHTSA ID

11584972

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11551726

Incident

Jan 18, 2023

I'd it's a 2018 Chevrolet Grad LT for almost two years. My engine light been cutting off and on since 5 months since I'd the vehicle. Now my stabilitrak light come off and on with showing the hazard light on the dashboard. I just want to be safe if the vehicle has problems with suspension issues to check out.

NHTSA ID

11507514

Incident

Jan 20, 2023

All wheel drive disabled when car is started, displaying AWD disabled message on startup instrument cluster. Scan for DTC 0121 lost communication with EBCM. RDCM corroded and needs replacing. Common issue with this vehicle but somehow not included with my particular VIN. Ref #17436-02: SPECIAL COVERAGE and REf# A162081280

NHTSA ID

11499665

Incident

Jan 12, 2022

You be driving down the road in the vehicle will make you feel like you hit somebody which is a big safety issue and the vehicle only has 42,000 miles on it should not be doing that this is a safety issue and needs to be resolved and fix my Chevrolet

NHTSA ID

11481507

Incident

Aug 26, 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 !

NHTSA ID

11458524

Incident

Jan 24, 2022

Antifreeze leak from the turbo. Only 22500 miles. A search revealed that this is a constant and consistent problem. GM needs to issue a recall

NHTSA ID

11440798

Incident

Nov 13, 2021

Turbo coolant pipes leaking No check engine light no warning noticed anti freeze on driveway.Seems like there is a lot of this happening. Glad I was home and not far away.

NHTSA ID

11426122

Incident

Jul 21, 2021

-BACKUP CAMERA SENSOR SOUND STOPPED WORKING AROUND 55K MILES -WE BOUGHT OUT CAR BRAND NEW THREE YEARS AGO THIS MONTH, AND THE TURBO UNEXPECTEDLY CRACKED SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 68K-69K MILES. IT'S RELEASING A HORRIBLE SMELL IN THE CAR. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON

NHTSA ID

11412783

Incident

Apr 17, 2021

Mileage

69,000 mi