2020 Chevrolet Trax Electrical Problems

My 2020 Chevrolet Trax has experienced recurring brake problems for approximately two years. The issue involves the brake pedal becoming unusually resistant and the vehicle failing to brake normally when I apply the pedal. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection. My first known documented occurrence was August 21, 2024, one day after I picked up the vehicle from AutoNation Chevrolet. I had dropped it off July 29, 2024, and picked it up August 20, 2024, after it was diagnosed and repaired for reduced-power issues, including shaking while driving. On August 21, 2024, I was driving normally when I attempted to brake. The brake pedal suddenly became resistant and the vehicle would not stop normally. I repeatedly pressed the brake pedal without resolving the problem. I pulled the emergency brake and waited. Approximately five minutes later, the dashboard displayed a “Service StabiliTrak” warning, along with the ABS and check-engine lights. After the warning lights appeared, the brakes began functioning normally again. This is the first occurrence I personally documented on my phone to my knowledge. Over the past two years, I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and/or Big O Tires approximately 15 times for service and repairs, including work I was told could help resolve the issue. These visits also included routine services such as tires, oil changes, and emissions testing. Despite repeated service and recommended repairs, the brake problem continues. The vehicle is currently at the dealership as of August 11, 2026, being diagnosed for the same recurring brake issue. This problem has repeatedly placed my safety, the safety of my 6-year-old child, and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians at serious risk. The intermittent loss of normal braking makes it difficult to safely stop or avoid a collision. I have repeatedly sought professional assistance, but the underlying issue has not been permanently resolved.

NHTSA ID

11756588

Incident

Aug 21, 2024

My full complaint of the 2020 trax after buying brand new and only I as the owner and driver. Nov 2023- seat belts would not stay latched. We found out slamming on the breaks for a tractor trailer that flipped in front of us on 495. February 2024 - dash screen out, on and off as it wanted. February 2024- Heat and AC control not turning like they were super glued March 2024- dash screen out again complete black out April 2026- strut replacement @60,000 miles April 2026- water pump coolant leak April 2026- 3 serpentine belts in 3 days. I think that's all the consumer needs to be aware of, make a logical choice but the extra warranty it will save you I promise. All items have been covered by warranty, extended warranty or special warranty coverage. Make sure you research. And definitely make sure your dealership upholds their word and warranty. I carry my book with me Everytime I head to the shop. All work has been done under 63000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11735568

Incident

May 4, 2026

The Instrument panel that shows the Tire Pressure, Speed, Oil, Mileage etc. goes blank black then comes back on. Its been happening for a year and I did contacted Chevy about it. I waited for them to contact me back but they never did. I have taken it for the oil changes at the dealer but its usually on. I explain to the Chevy Dealer service about it over the phone, they told me it would cost a certain amount to fix and they needed to do a diagnosis first. This has been going on for 3 years (the turning blank on and off) while driving .

NHTSA ID

11726865

Incident

May 1, 2025

Digital Display & information screen goes black, you can't see anything at all. I had an issue with my Trax not to long after I purchased it had to take it back to dealership told service manager about it, nothing was done about the display. With the display out you couldn't read any warnings at all not even temperature and blown my engine. My Trax didn't have regular gages. The dealership had free lifetime powertrain warranty, now they don't want to put a new engine it.

NHTSA ID

11726824

Incident

Feb 12, 2025

The CarPlay no longer gives me accurate directions. The directional arrow drifts on the map and sends me everywhere except the direct route. I've tried using both Google and Apple maps to no avail.

NHTSA ID

11714472

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Repeatedly disply reduce engine warning, , stabiliTrak / traction warnings, loss of power while driving, and dashing board goes dark.

NHTSA ID

11705494

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

Since purchasing the vehicle brand new, the transmission went out at 30,000 miles (mostly the accelerator components), the water pump, motor, and fuel pump all went out around 90,000 miles. Have gotten all things fixed, but lights keep popping back up no matter what gets repaired. Excessive overheating—three signs light up on the dashboard: red thermometer indicating an overheating engine; check engine light; and check engine light with arrow pointing downward indicating engine speed to be reduced. This car is a danger to anyone in it or around it.

NHTSA ID

11697049

Incident

Mar 24, 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving and making turns, the steering wheel had to be turned to the intended direction completely for the vehicle to turn as needed. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side lower control arm had failed due to defective factory assembly. The dealer replaced the lower control arm, and the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C system was inoperable, and the infotainment system screen was significantly hot and turned off intermittently while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the A/C system motor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact was advised that the A/C system motor was not the cause of the failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11685876

Incident

Oct 9, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

The touch screen on the front dashboard and the interior lights get so hot sometimes that you cannot touch them. Definitely an electrical issue causing both of those issues. Part of the air vent next to the touch screen has actually melted from the heat! Also, you cannot drive with the air conditioner on. The car gets no power at all. Just to go 30 mph, you have to go all the way up to almost 5 RPMs. The only way to cancel this out is to pull over, turn the car off and than back on (with no AC on). All summer long it has been doing this… possibly a transmission issue. I’ve personally only owned the vehicle for 2 yrs and the year of the car is a 2020, so there’s no reason it should be doing this. There is no exact date. It happens all the time, so I’ll just put the beginning of the spring

NHTSA ID

11681572

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

The coolant reservoir is missing hoses which are supposed to be connected. The head gasket is completely blown out, which is under warranty. Excessive overheating—three signs light up on the dashboard: red thermometer indicating an overheating engine; check engine light; and check engine light with arrow pointing downward indicating engine speed to be reduced. Trax stopped in the middle of the traffic light on and 7/26/25 and had it towed.

NHTSA ID

11679691

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument cluster display screen intermittently malfunctioned, displaying either a black or snowy screen. During the failure, the driver was unable the view the speedometer and the gear selector information. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11661844

Incident

May 19, 2022

Mileage

30,000 mi

The dash screen behind the steering wheel (showing the speed/milege/trip info) randomly stops working. According to forums, this is a common issue with this make and model.

NHTSA ID

11653389

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Compré este carro en medio de una necesidad al dealer REAL TRUCKS AND CARS en buenas condiciones con 2000$ de downpayment y nunca me respondieron por la garantía del carro y encima tuve más de 2000$ en gastos y el día que decido cambiar el carro me llega la información de que ese carro tenía un título rebuild y dos choques fuertes en el pasado con daños en el chasis y el historial que me habían dado en el dealer estaba adulterado porque evidentemente no aparecía nada de lo detallado, posteriormente al reclamo, la persona que me lo vendió me amenazo con agredirme cuando se encontrara conmigo y se burló mío por el dinero que me quitó y lo que ganó él y todo lo que yo perdí… incluso quiero una compensación reclamando todo el dinero que le invertí al carro, el downpayment y daños y prejuicios causados…

NHTSA ID

11651490

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Stabilitrak keeps coming on along with 3 other warning lights. I lose speed driving is off and it's hard to maneuver. Had 3 tests ran no response lights went off. then back on on a consistency that is getting annoying and now 3 shops can't diagnosis whats wrong. I don't have thousands to send to dealership for what was supposed to be a brand new car and this is driving like it's a 25 year old car. I think you need to check that a majority of your trax 2020 customers are also experiencing the same and this issue needs to be a recall. especially since mechanics can't diagnos this.

NHTSA ID

11633208

Incident

Dec 23, 2024

June 2024 all dashboard lights flickered on then went off, radio wouldn't turn on so dealership replaced the instrument cluster. Last night had to jump car off, the battery and alternator checked out fine. However, the radio/back up camera didn't come back on. This is the only car I have and now in the shop 2 tines in 6 months for the same thing.

NHTSA ID

11632331

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

The driver information center in the cluster intermittently goes completely black or glitches while driving. It will go into all white dots, completely black out, or be garbled. You lose the ability to monitor your speed digitally and it causes issues with safety because it will change in and out at random times and you are forced to change your attention to the needle instead of focusing on the road. No warning lamps or trouble codes present. I have not contacted the manufacturer but have had a mechanic inspect it and he cannot find a cause but thinks possibly is an electric short or fault module. This began happening in June 2024 and is now getting worse and very unreliable.

NHTSA ID

11617799

Incident

Jun 3, 2024

The service stabilitrak and service powersteering will come up. Have had vehicle hooked up to computer multiple times no codes. The vehicle would not drive. The vehicle has started shaking. The engine light comes on. There is 30k miles on the vehicle. I bought this 3 months ago to have a safe vehicle. My spouse and I are disabled and we do not feel secure. I googled and it says probably a computer error from factory. I'd appreciate if I can get my vehicle recalled & fixed. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11616885

Incident

May 30, 2024

The driver information center in the cluster intermittently goes completely black or glitches while driving. This is a safety concern because it is distracting while driving and removes important trip and vehicle information. I paid $222.79 for the dealership to inspect and they were not able to recreate the issue. They stated that the entire cluster would need to be replaced. I called GM to report the problem, but received no further options. After some research I found many posts online from others having the same issue with their 2020 Chevy Trax. I also saw that the 2024 Chevy Trax was recalled for the same issue stating it is a safety concern. My car is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11613880

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the instrument panel would suddenly blackout for approximately 15 - 25 minutes before returning to normal operation. The failure occurred intermittently while driving or the vehicle was idling. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11611512

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

Mileage

88,000 mi

THE DASHBOARD GOES IN AND OUT WITH THE SCREEN, CAN'T SEE MILEAGE, SPEED, OR ETC CONTROL PANEL. THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED IN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN, PERSON WAS SLAMMED INTO THE DASH. NERVOUS TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH SEATBELT DELATCHING NO MESSAGE DUE TO THE DASH BEING OUT, AND NO ALERTS THROUGH ON STAR. DASH LIGHTS GOING OUT FOR ABOUT A MONTH, SEATBELT INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO DAYS AGO, STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP CANT BE SEEN FOR TWO WEEKS

NHTSA ID

11555010

Incident

Nov 12, 2023

This is the either 5th or 6th complaint for this vehicle. I am making after almost 6 months, most of which my car has been in the dealership. The brakes locked up in the parking lot at my bank, I noticed the signs that it was about to lock up and pulled into the parking lot before it threw a code. I was in fact on the phone with the dealership when it happened. They sent their tow truck and as of today the car has now been in their possession for 3 weeks. I got a call from the dealership telling me they are replacing the brake booster. This car now has over 2,700.00 in new parts, this doesn't count the labor cost. This includes, coil pack, plugs, master cylinder, fuse box, abs module and related pressure valve and brake switch. The manager said they are running out of ideas and parts to replace. When I asked him what happens if this still doesn't fix it, he said that that situation was to unheard of to consider. I pointed out that if the dealership can't find the problem then GMC needs to step up because I still have 3 years left to pay for this car and that eventually there either have already been others who've died or there will be in the future, because unless this car is defective, it can't be the only one like this. I wonder how many people have died from this and it just wasn't caught that this problem caused it. I also explained that my next step would be to find a lawyer.

NHTSA ID

11506349

Incident

Jan 12, 2023

This is the second complaint I have filed, but it is the 3rd time my car has been at the dealership for the same thing. The brakes lock up without warning and the traction control error light and stabilitrak error light come on. This time the transmission didn't go into limp mode it just shut down. The 1st repair, dealership told me that it was a corroded fuse block. I paid to repair that. The day the car was released back to me, it broke down, required towing 3 miles after I left the dealership. I towed it back. They said they couldn't find problem, I told them to drive exact same route, they did, it locked up again. Mechanic then said the master cylinder was binding up on the inside and it was replaced. Six weeks later it failed the same way again, had it towed. Dealership said it was the abs module and a valve, replaced those. They put a rush on it as it was right before Christmas, two days after Christmas it broke down again. It is currently at the dealership, and I was told that they can't figure out what's wrong with it????? Each time it has locked up, I have been in traffic, once doing 70 mph highway, once doing 60 mph highway I managed to pull off but then blocked an on ramp to a bridge on a highway, once going uphill in town at 35 mph. Each time I narrowly missed hitting other people and once almost got run over by a gasoline tanker. In any of these events I could have either died or killed someone else. Each time there was no warning at all, no lights, noises or anything. Even if I get my car back, I will be terrified to drive it. My husband said, and I quote, "I will bleed through my eyes before I buy another Chevy" end quote. My local dealership is doing everything they can, but I am getting frustrated, because sometimes they have a loaner car and sometimes they don't. I work two jobs, since my husband got sick with covid-19 last year and spent 10 days on a ventilator. He can't work like he used to, so I am picking up the slack, please help us.

NHTSA ID

11500250

Incident

Dec 29, 2022

My car brakes locked down while I was driving home from work, at 70 mph, posted speed limit. I got it to the dealership, it started out that it was a broken wire, now they tell me I need a new fuse box and it's not covered. My car was purchased in may of 2020 and has 47k miles on it. The repairs have gone from 412.00 dollars, not including the tow bill to 719.00 dollars, not including the tow bill. A fuse box shorting out at two years old, and locking down the brakes is absurd. I work at a trucking company and have 40+ years experience with no tickets or accidents, I don't know how my car didn't flip forward it stopped so hard, it's hard to think about what would have happened to someone with less driving experience than I have trying to control a car in the same instance. Please check on this, if you need to know, my car is now at Don Hall Chevrolet in Ashland KY, ph. 606-618-9616, my car is in their service center.

NHTSA ID

11486631

Incident

Sep 15, 2022

This is the 3rd time this has happened in our vehicle, my second complaint here. I was driving on the interstate at posted limit of 60 when brakes began locking up on me. I got it off to the side of the road, I thought my car was going to flip over the brakes locked down so hard. Service stabilitrak light came on, abs light and traction control light came on. I called the dealership who told me onstar provided the stabilitrak code for it. They told me it would be 160 to have it hooked up to diagnostics, that if it isn't covered by warranty it is a customer assumed cost. My husband replaced the ignition coil and spark plugs thinking that it was the problem, well over 200.00 for parts. The car is now doing the same thing, but I noticed it happened an incline, then realized it happened the 1st and 2nd time on a decline. I am now wondering if the transmission isn't going out at 47,363 odometer miles. The dealership is no help, they have the actual codes but won't provide them or tell me what's wrong. All I know is that for a 25,000 k car, it's dangerous. I am lucky I was able to maintain control of the vehicle on an interstate highway.

NHTSA ID

11484756

Incident

Sep 15, 2022

RADIO SCREEN GOES BLACK AND NO BUTTONS WILL WORK NOR THE RADIO WILL NOT SHUT OFF

NHTSA ID

11366265

Incident

Aug 10, 2020