2020 Chevrolet Trax Engine Problems

CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT / LIFE-THREATENING VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD. On January 2, 2026, I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Within less than five months, while driving in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The vehicle completely lost all acceleration, leaving me trapped and stranded in a highly dangerous roadway position. Immediately following the power failure, the engine bay filled with heavy smoke and began severely overheating. The vehicle came within moments of bursting into a full thermal engine fire. This vehicle was a rolling death trap that almost killed me on the road. No one is taking this life-threatening safety failure seriously. The selling dealership refused to address the known hazard, forcing a predatory repossession that destroyed my financial life while leaving a severely defective, fire-prone vehicle completely unaccounted for. I need an immediate federal investigation into this vehicle before this defect causes a fatal fire for another driver.

NHTSA ID

11750507

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

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

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

I was driving my car and was at a stop sign and the vehicle started acting odd and it felt like it was lunging me forward. I was concerned that it was going to do it without my control and after that it almost sluggish and stalling until I could get it out of the intersection. Took it to a repair shop and the whole turbo unit needs to be replaced with 38,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11719156

Incident

Feb 8, 2026

For coolant reservoir being made out of polypropylene materials that is resistant to expansion and cracking, the overflow line into my reservoir is severally cracked causing excessive leaking of coolant causing steam and engine overheating.

NHTSA ID

11711401

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

Every winter because of the cold weather the tube for the turbo cracks and causes performance problems such as lack of throttle, sluggishness, limp mode activates. In limp mode the vehicle will only go about 10 miles per hour. This has happened on multiple occasions. In the warmer weather this problem does not arise. It is only in the winter time because the particular tube is made from plastic which breaks in cold weather.q

NHTSA ID

11705042

Incident

Dec 14, 2025

The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet TRAX. The contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the engine had been failing. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the engine overheated. The engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. Most recently, the vehicle was repossessed. The dealer made the manufacturer aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID

11700565

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

Mileage

64,000 mi

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

At 20,000 miles I was doing 70 which was the speed limit the engine light came on and flashed and put itself into limp mode it acted fine once the car was turned off and back on the dealer hooked a scanner up and said nothing but the electronic port was wrong which the charging port wouldn’t work half the time. At 149000 miles the water pump went out as soon as I paid it off due to Chevy dealer avoiding warranty work causing it to over heat and blow a head gasket.

NHTSA ID

11684633

Incident

Feb 5, 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

When putting shell premium gas I noticed my cars Rmps is way lower than usually and my acceleration is a lot slower/delayed I never had this problem when I put regular and midgrade (plus) gas furthermore I noticed I got a weird B3935 error check code but I don’t think that’s related to the gas though

NHTSA ID

11677872

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Turbo has failed twice causing loss of power and it is EXTREMELY dangerous on highway. As it takes considerable amount of time to reach highway speeds. And the risk for getting in an accident is VERY high. There shouldn't be a turbo replacement every 4 months. Considering each replacement at the dealership ~ $2000. I find it hard to fathom how the 2017-2018 Chevrolet Trax get special coverage up to 120,000 mi. for failed turbo chargers yet I have the same scenario for a 2020 Trax. But EVERYTHING is out of my pocket . I have a [XXX] son and would prefer not to tell his mom we were rear ended due to a sudden lose of power in a vehicle that is becoming completely unsafe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11677389

Incident

Jun 7, 2025

When driving my car around a 15 mile drive my car displays a Engine Overheating - Idle Engine message on my dash display and I go straight home to inspect the car and notice as shown in the photo I took the cap slowly after the car cooled down and I refilled it with antifreeze and close it and the hose/cable for the antifreeze was squeezing in antifreeze normally it would be out and took it for a little drive and someone from the outside of the car too see for any leaks it wasn’t leaking visibly it seems to be internal or a thermostat issue when driving for 5 minutes almost all of my antifreeze was drained this can be a safety issue especially if I kept driving as the engine would most likely stop to prevent engine could be especially harmful if I was on the turnpike or expressway

NHTSA ID

11663611

Incident

May 28, 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

I was forced to sell my Jeep and buy a chevy trax at Friendly Chevrolet back in 2020 because supposdely there was a pandemic and the economy shut down. It has been giving me lots of problems. I have taken it to Friendly Chevrolet, Young Chevrolet and Lakeside Chevrolet several times since 2020 and they always say: leave it here, we cannot loan you a car, it will take 5-7 days to repair it. It jerks when I drive it, every time I get gas, the car doesn't start unless I push the speed pedal and drive. The worst and recent incident was 2 weeks ago when I was driving in [XXX] , and the car turned off completely as if they had turned off the light of your house, it blacked out. I stayed on the road and I could see my death nearby. The cars that were driving behind me almost killed me and a multiple fatality accident is almost caused. Fortunately, I'm fine and the others are fine because they managed to slow down their speed in time or dodge me to avoid a wreck. I took my car to Lakeside Chevrolet to get it serviced and this is what the advisor told me: it will take 5-7 days to get your car ONLY diagnosed and it will cost you more than $200 for this step. I begged for a car loaner and he said that the owner of the dealership doesn't have money to give me one. He also mentioned that because the pandemic, he had to spend money from his savings to get his business-dealership going. My car is still there and they called me last friday to tell me that they cannot fix my car because Global Company is out of miles range. They told me that is was safe to drive my car to Friendly Chevrolet and take it there to get it fixed. I called Friendly Chevrolet and they said they cannot bring my car to them because they do not pay for towing. (What kind of stupid person they think I am to tell me to drive a unsafe car from Rockwall to Dallas?) These dealerships are not helping me, they are just [XXX]! I do not have money!!! Please help, I beg you, please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U

NHTSA ID

11644384

Incident

Feb 7, 2025

Vehicle hesitates upon accelerating. Have had it at dealership/ mechanics 4 times for the same problem without a solution. Has created numerous unsafe situations when it does not accelerate as expected when pulling out in traffic.

NHTSA ID

11608366

Incident

Nov 18, 2023

The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet TRAX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that smoke entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke came into the interior through the vents. The contact stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that immediately after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle was in flames. The Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was condemned total loss. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A Police report was filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and an inspection was completed. The contact was informed that the failure was not a manufacturer defect. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ID

11602957

Incident

Mar 17, 2024

Mileage

38,000 mi

1 problem happen several times last year 2024 my radiator fan stay on for long time after the car was turn off it should shutoff after 15 min but it stay on when I try to start my car the battery is dead, So I took to Carroll Chevrolet and they look at the car couldn't find any problem no light can on the dash board, No indicator light can on, So they told me there was nothing wrong, When the battery is dead no indicator light come on the dash to indicate that there is a problem, This happen at least 7 times last year during the Summer Months, So what I have to do is disconnect the battery and when I ready too get back in my car I have to re hook up the battery so I can start my car. I shouldn't have to do this. No invoice

NHTSA ID

11602005

Incident

Jul 14, 2024

TURBO Charger Internal Failure. It is available for inspection upon request. It put my Turo driver at risk of being stuck in the middle of no where. The vehicle has been inspected by Hennessy Mazda, Buick, GMC Certified Mechanic at the dealership. It was also inspected by Turo Specialist. The check engine light came on.

NHTSA ID

11570296

Incident

Jan 31, 2024

The Turbo Charger was cracked and hanging. Not spinning. Would not accelerate over 40 mph. They replaced it. Engine light came on today 1-10-2022 while acceleration uphill.

NHTSA ID

11446944

Incident

Oct 13, 2021

THE CAR LOST TURBO POWER, IT WAS IN THERE 3 TIMES AND THE REPAIR WAS NOT CORRECT. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT RON WESTPAHL, DAVID, SAID THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT FOR THE IFOR THIS PROBLEM, IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE NORTH WITH THE COLD WEATHER THE INVERTER GET CONDENSATION IN THE VEHICLE AND FREEZES. SINCE THE WEATHER HAS TURN WARMER THE CAR NOW RUNS WITH NO CHECK ENGINEER, BUT CHEVY HAS NOW REFUSED TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NO LONGER ON. THIS INVERTER HAS BEEN REDESIGNED T O PREVENT THE CONDENSATION. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THEY REDESIGNED A PART THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL TO ALL CHEVY TRAX IN THE NORTHERN REGION

NHTSA ID

11398458

Incident

Jan 25, 2021

Mileage

30,000 mi

WITHIN TWO DAYS OF GETTING THE CAR WITH 7 MILES ON IT, AS SOON AS I GOT OVER ONE HUNDRED MILES, THE CAR TEXTED ME AND SAID THAT I NEED TO GET THE EMISSIONS SERVICED ON THE VEHICLE. LAST TIME I WENT THROUGH THIS WITH KIA... THEY FIXED IT TWICE AND THEN MY ENGINE PRETTY MUCH DIED AND THEY BLAMED ME (ON A 7 YEAR OLD CAR)

NHTSA ID

11378236

Incident

Dec 5, 2020

Mileage

120 mi