2019 Chevrolet Trax Owner Complaints

I have 36400 miles on my vehicle. It has been to dealer for service as per maintenance manual On Monday the water pump blew. The oil covers blew. They are not even scheduled to be inspected until 60000 Miles I now have a 1800 bill. Service man said these things happen. They don’t make them like they used to. WHAT In 2022 the whole radiator system had to be replaced at 26000 miles Tuesday while taking the car to dealership not knowing what was wrong I broke down on the 405freeway during rush hour. Horrible experience. I told service man to make sure this wouldn’t happen to me driving home. All he said was you’ll be fine I asked if he was going to be checking the belts hoses etc. connected to the water pump. He said no. That’ll be more money. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11749773

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

While driving the car the start loosing power and attempts to shut down, other time the steering wheel locks up up and im unable to turn steering wheel. The check engine light comes on and turns off. The dealer/ Car repair shop has been unable to reproduce issue and unable tell me what this issue is. No accident has resulted from this as of yet. But car has some kind of malfuctioning issue.

NHTSA ID

11737520

Incident

Apr 11, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11728719

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

Steering wheel frozen in position on morning cold start below 20 degrees Fahrenheit even when car is put in drive. I must warm the cabin for 15 minutes to thaw the steering column or manually pull down on wheel to loosen the column. Below 10 degrees, steering wheel is firm and power steering does not return wheel to original position going around turns unless physically coaxed. Problem goes away at warmer temperatures or if cabin stays warm. Chevy dealership replaced steering rack under warranty and recommends steering column kit be replaced. Will replace column by next fall. Problem started at around 60,000 mi. No warning lights or error codes when frozen.

NHTSA ID

11721921

Incident

Dec 30, 2024

I was in an accident and the seatbelt pretensioners activated but my airbags did not deploy. When i got my vehicle inspected the shop noticed my airbag system needed to be replaced saying the airbag diagnostic module, right & left front air bag impact sensors needed to be replaced. The impact of my vehicle was very minor and could not have damaged the airbag diagnostic module internally. I do believe this was a preexisting issue and it has just now been noticed when my car had to be thoroughly inspected.

NHTSA ID

11719781

Incident

Feb 13, 2026

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..

NHTSA ID

11719108

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11719015

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11718810

Incident

Feb 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11716651

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11710113

Incident

Nov 27, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11708299

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while his wife was making a left turn, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that his wife shifted into reverse(R) and attempted to turn and was able to execute the turn the second time. The contact stated that there were no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential had rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,200.

NHTSA ID

11705632

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

Mileage

74,200 mi

The turbocharger cracked at only 50,000 miles. My mechanic stated it is a common issue with this engine size.

NHTSA ID

11701583

Incident

May 30, 2024

Engine light with P0299 code: Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost. Car had hard time accelerating, especially going up the hills. Turbocharge By-Pass Valve replaced at a service center. Engine light came on again 2 weeks later when getting onto the freeway, attempting to accelerate to 70 mph. Same p0299 code. No prior concerns or symptoms, the car is under 89,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11700139

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

My 2nd chevy just under 79000 miles. Turbo went out on this one. I owe 11grand still Gonna cost 4 grand to fix. I dont know what. Chevy is doing but this is BS. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. MY FIRST newer Chevy, engine blew at just under 79000 miles, $8 grand later, new motor just to blow up, year in half later This vehicle sat at dealership for over a year combined time of both times Vehicle number 2 has just been diagnosed, I will never buy another. Chevy product once these 2 are fixed and sold. I see myself upside down I. Purchasing these chevies and trade in sucks.

NHTSA ID

11687182

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The screen that tells you all information on vehicle like; speed, miles on vehicle, tire pressure, oil, etc. is 100% broken. It’s a black screen. Car has been an issue since I got it with this. How am I supposed to know if my oil is getting low without opening the hood and checking manually? I’m not a very tall person so I can not access this part of my car.

NHTSA ID

11683389

Incident

Aug 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and became aware that the A/C unit failed to operate past level 4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the connector for the A/C unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic became aware that the wire for the A/C unit was burned, causing the A/C unit to malfunction. The A/C resistor, connector, and A/C blower motor were replaced. The contact stated that the resistor and connector had been burned 3 times and needed to be replaced again. The failure persisted, and the A/C unit continued releasing the burning odor. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,200.

NHTSA ID

11681890

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

Mileage

71,200 mi

The turbocharger in this vehicle cracked at around 50,000 miles and my mechanic predicts it will happen again after another 50,000. This makes the vehicle unable to accelerate at unpredictable times, making the safety of the driver of the vehicle, as well as others on the road, compromised. My mechanic believes this is a common problem with GM vehicles of this engine size. Please advise. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11679383

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Turbocharger was replaced in October 2024. Now it is bad again as confirmed by the dealership. Check engine light was on. They had it in their repair shop and did a diagnostic test. Car stalled in the middle of the highway. The 2017 & 2018 Trax with the same engine have a recall for the turbocharger. The dealership would not honor the parts warranty because they said it was low on oil. No check oil light came on.

NHTSA ID

11665996

Incident

May 20, 2025

October 2024 the turbocharger was replaced. A few weeks ago check engine light came on. Bad turbocharger again while I was on a highway the car stopped running. Dealer said they will not replace it under the parts warranty. They said it was 3 quarts low on oil and I need to show receipts for last 3 oil changes. From previous times there they knew my son is a mechanic & did oil changes. They wanted me to call my son to ask him how much oil he put in 🙄 after looking online it is a very common problem with the Chevy turbochargers. It will but an excessive amount of oil and cause it to be black and sludgy. I emailed the general manager. He never responded. I also filed a complaint with GM and consumer protection. When they replaced it in October it was still under the extended warranty. It is now over the 100,000 miles. However, I think a turbocharger should last more than 6 months. I could have been killed on the highway while broken down due to a part they know is defective. Instead they treated me like trash. It is not the first time they have done this to me. The car already has a new radiator, transmission, faulty turbocharger, and something with the valves was fixed. The car is a lemon. I just want them to be held accountable since they know this is a common occurrence with the Chevy turbochargers

NHTSA ID

11663664

Incident

May 20, 2025

The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on the right side of the 2 vehicle garage when it suddenly caught fire after approximately 1 hour of being parked. A popping sound alerted the contact and her spouse to the fire. The garage was unfinished with a gravel floor and no outlets when it caught fire, and there was property damage. No warning lights illuminated. The fire department was called to the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. The fire department had put fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle was towed and totaled due to the vehicle being consumed by the fire. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer had sent personnel to take pictures of the fire and have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure however, the case was closed due to the manufacturer not finding a defect for the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ID

11661429

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

Mileage

41,000 mi

Turbo Charger/Super charger is not following sufficient air. The vehicle does not excelerate, and slowed down in the middle of traffic. I had to turn the car off for 15 minuetes. Before i could drive home. Check engine light continues to disappear and reappear for the last 60 days. Diagnostic code P0299. GMC will not cover the cost under special coverage, known issues with 2017-2018 which GMC has special coverage.

NHTSA ID

11659757

Incident

Apr 27, 2025

Since purchasing vehicles it looses coolant I replaced the coolant pump due to small crack and thought that may have been the issue but it’s not I have to put coolant in it at least 2 to 4 times a month When check at the dealer they said they could see anything how ever I did my own looking up online and it said that these vehicles have issues with leaking water pump I have had this car hoping and praying no damages come from something that can’t be seen

NHTSA ID

11651564

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

The 2016 through 2024 Chevy Trax all have an issue with the climate control fan resistor. It burns out on a regular basis. Very dangerous because as you can see in the pictures it got very hot. It's a bad design, the heat sink is not adequate to hold the voltage and or the motor is too small or bomdined. It's a serious issue that almost every Chevy Trax owner is experiencing. Please we really need your help to investigate this. My daughters drives this car and I need it to be safe. We only owned the car a month before this happened and someone already changed the fan motor and resistor before we got it. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11651326

Incident

Feb 12, 2025

Evaporative Emission Control System part had to be replaced 3/19/2025 at my repair service at which is a certified chevy dealership service center. my engine light came on so I had the service advisor check the codes, and I had poor fuel mileage as well, for about a month. apparently, the advisor didn't know there was a recall I only found out through my roommate

NHTSA ID

11649265

Incident

Mar 19, 2025