2024 Chevrolet Trax Engine Problems

We were driving on the highway when the Trax suddenly made a popping sound, all the electric went off, and then the engine cut off. We lost control of steering for a bit, we're able to get to the side of the road. We had the car towed to the local Chevrolet dealer for diagnostics. The service manager informed me the engine is unrepairable due to a hole in the engine block, likely where the engine threw a rod. In order to get the engine replaced we have to have it towed to a second dealership, which we are in the process of doing now. I just purchased this vehicle 3 weeks ago without knowing this issue was a possibility

NHTSA ID

11750739

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 - 50 MPH, the message that an update was needed was displayed. The contact selected to complete the update later; however, the computer system continued to perform the update, causing all indicators, screens, and displays to black out. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The following morning, the systems operated correctly, and the update had completed. While attempting to turn off the vehicle, the radio failed to turn off at the same time. The contact had to first turn off the radio manually. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the message “Power Steering Fluid Low - Drive with Care” was displayed. The contact was able to make it to a stoplight after idling and then attempting to make a left turn, but the vehicle failed to exceed 6 MPH. The contact drove to Auto Zone. A certified mechanic confirmed that the power steering fluid was low. The certified mechanic diagnosed the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was displayed. The contact confirmed that the warning light was illuminated; however, when the mechanic inspected the vehicle, the warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the issue and was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

NHTSA ID

11749936

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

Mileage

29,000 mi

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with cruise control engaged. The low-pressure oil light illuminated. The driver was able to pull over. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that it was 4 quarts low and replenished it. An oil compensation test was performed. The dealer found no issue. While driving, there was an abnormal banging sound. The "Pull over and turn off the engine" message was displayed. The driver noticed that there was smoke emerging from the engine. There was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as having a blown engine. A hole was located in the block due to low oil. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being backordered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ID

11737511

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

Mileage

41,000 mi

Traveling up I-XXX in [XXX] with my [XXX] daughter, heard a loud bang, pulled over to the side of the road and vehicle caught on fire. Connecting rod broke and blew out the side of the engine block. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735690

Incident

May 3, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to report serious, recurring, and potentially dangerous safety defects involving my 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Timeline of Safety-Related Mechanical Failures: March 12, 2026 – First Highway Safety Incident While driving to work on [XXX] [XXX] ight activated, and the vehicle began to hesitate during highway operation. This occurred during my daily commute at highway speeds, creating an unsafe driving condition and serious concern for vehicle reliability and safety. [XXX] is extremely [XXX] ring this incident, I was afraid for my life due to the vehicle’s behavior in heavy traffic. I depend on this highway daily for work, and my family depends on my safe return home. My wife, daughter, son, and parents deserve peace of mind knowing I operate a safe vehicle. March 15, 2026 – Diagnostic Codes- P0521 – Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range or Performance- P06DE – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On Concerns include oil pressure, lubrication issues, and potential engine damage. April 27, 2026 – Second Highway Incident While driving on Route 78 after work, the vehicle experienced another failure:- Severe shaking- Check engine light- Unsafe operation Code:- P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected GM Case Numbers:- XXX- XXX Manufacturer and Dealership Awareness: General Motors and the dealership are fully aware of these repeated issues. Vehicle is currently at: [XXX] Ongoing Safety Concerns:- Engine misfires- Highway hesitation- Severe shaking- Oil pressure faults - Possible engine failure- Risk of power loss while driving I am still making monthly payments on this vehicle despite these ongoing failures. Personal Impact: I depend on this vehicle for work and family safety. These repeated failures have caused fear, financial burden, and stress. I was also forced to rent a vehicle due to delays in loaner availability. VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO [XXX] S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

NHTSA ID

11735005

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a malfunction in the air conditioning system of my 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Specifically, the evaporator and/or condenser has failed, resulting in inadequate cooling performance and potential system leakage. This issue is more than a matter of comfort—it presents a significant safety concern. Operating the vehicle in high temperatures, particularly in Texas, creates hazardous conditions inside the cabin. Excessive heat can lead to driver fatigue, dehydration, and reduced concentration. Additionally, the malfunctioning A/C system affects humidity control, which may cause windshield fogging and reduced visibility while driving. The problem has been consistently reproducible during normal vehicle operation. Symptoms include poor cooling performance, inconsistent air temperature, and possible unusual odors or sounds when the A/C system is in use. Notably, no warning lights or dashboard messages appeared prior to the failure, making it difficult to detect the issue early. At this time, the vehicle is available for inspection and can be evaluated by a dealership, certified technician, or manufacturer representative upon request. I request a thorough inspection to confirm the failure and determine whether this is due to a manufacturing or design defect. If necessary, I am also willing to have the vehicle reviewed by independent service professionals or relevant authorities. Given that this issue has occurred in a nearly new vehicle, it raises concerns about reliability, quality control, and potential widespread defects affecting other vehicles of the same model. I urge prompt investigation and corrective action to ensure driver safety and product integrity. Please advise on the next steps for inspection, repair, and resolution of this matter. I appreciate your prompt attention to this serious issue. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 35300 Began@ 35,000 and progressed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

NHTSA ID

11733714

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

On 4 seperate occasions, my vehicle has completely shut off in the middle of the road. 3 times this has happened while traveling on the interstate. Every time with my 6 year old son in the car. The steering wheel locks up when it happens and you have to use all of your strength to get out of the road as soon as possible to avoid being smashed by oncoming traffic. On 8 seperate occasions, my vehicle randomly loses the majority of it's power, and takes over 6,000 rpms just to continue at 50mph. The issue fixes itself by the time I try to take it to the dealership and they tell me there is nothing they can do about any of these issues because it "isn't doing it now" - refusing to even look at it. If I don't take no for an answer, they said just a diagnostic will take 48 hours and they do not offer any sort of loaner vehicle. Both of these events happen without warning, at completely random times. Chevrolet service members each give me different advice and non of it is helpful. My car is a death trap. I bought it brand new with 5 miles on it. I had to order it and wait for it to be shipped to me. This has happened throughout the entire life of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11731862

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

On December 28, 2025, while driving normally with my children, my 2024 Chevrolet Trax displayed multiple warnings including Engine Power Reduced, Service ESC, Service Stability, and Steering Assist Reduced. The engine began sputtering and knocking. The next morning the vehicle would not start and was towed to Malcolm Cunningham Chevrolet. The dealership found the engine free-wheeling with no compression and denied my warranty claim alleging spark plug tampering. I never touched the engine. It went directly from my driveway to the dealership via tow. An active recall — A242435780, Engine Spark Timing Following Auto Stop Event — was noted on the repair order upon arrival but was not completed until February 17, 2026, seven weeks after the engine failed. GM’s own recall states engine knock and engine damage are the known risks of this unrepaired fault. The dealership told me verbally it was just a console update, directly contradicting GM’s published description. A second dealership performed a compression test showing Cylinder 1 at 10 PSI, Cylinder 2 at 90 PSI, and Cylinder 3 at 0 PSI. Normal compression is 150 to 200 PSI. No diagnostic codes were retrievable. This dealership initially found something different but reversed their position after speaking with the first dealership and receiving direction from GM. GM denied my warranty claim and offered only a $2,000 incentive toward a new vehicle. The vehicle remains completely unrepaired. I continue making monthly payments on a car I cannot drive. This aligns with class action Cook v. General Motors LLC, Case 1:26-cv-00229-RGA, filed March 4, 2026.

NHTSA ID

11731014

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

I was driving home I got a message on my dash about engine pressure and then heard a loud boom, pulled off on the shoulder called a tow and the guy used to be a mechanic, he stated there was a hole in my engine and that it looked like a rod broke off and shot through the engine, I did take it to a dealership to get a diagnostic and they called and said something happened internally not sure what at this point and time.

NHTSA ID

11730871

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

My engine failed with no warning on my 2024 Chevy Trax , at night in the express lanes of a very busy expressway in Chicago. I was able to get on an off ramp, but the car then stalled again and I was almost hit by other vehicles trying to exit the ramp. I did call 911 and was told to stay in my car because I would have a "better chance of survival". I had just had the car at the dealership for an oil change and check-up a few weeks before. The dealer explanation was the engine is defective and they replaced the engine, but I have no confidence in this car. I told the dealer and they did not seem to care. I have had nothing but problems with this car, it is a danger to myself and others driving this car.

NHTSA ID

11730200

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

17k miles, head a loud pop sound, engine light came and all the oil and coolant was on the ground, engine was smoking. Had the vehicle towed and was told by the service department the connecting Rod failed which caused the catastrophic engine failure. According to the service department and GM there is not Estimated time of arrival for an engine replacement and it’s already been a month.

NHTSA ID

11728313

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

My 2024 Chevy Trax’s engine (1.2L turbocharged I3 engine) went out while driving on the expressway (about 70mph) in the middle to left lane. I had to come to a complete stop and safely and immediately get my car on the left shoulder without injuring myself or others around me. My own safety was severely at risk as I was as close to the dividing wall on the left side as I possibly could be but cars are racing through right next to me. Another safety risk to be added is I was dropped off in the most sketchiest plaza and stranded from 12/1am-3am. I was left to lock myself in my non operating vehicle in a country I do not reside in. Issue was confirmed the following day or two at a dealership I got the car towed to, they found a hole in my engine block due to a rod. And all documents can be provided. Police and blocker trucks were unable to arrive to the scene for 40+ min and the car was fully investigated by GM. There were no engine lights or warnings on the Chevrolet app or car dash. The only thing I can mention is on my last documented oil change, the oil was low due to high consumption, no leaks were located. Dealership also found the fuse box blown, I assume hot oil gushed all over my wire harnesses or the oil switch flipped the sensor which caused further issues, or simply a power surge. Current cause is unknown.

NHTSA ID

11727205

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

I was driving on the highway going around a ramp when I went to press on the brakes to slow down the pedal just went to the floor and the car would not slow down, causing me to go off the road. My insurance company did an inspection and said the accident was caused by engine failure and won’t cover damage. GM did inspection said it wasn’t their fault but won’t release their inspection report

NHTSA ID

11725606

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

I was driving down the highway going with the flow of traffic and my car caught fire. I was told by the mechanic that “the turbo line combusted and put a hole in the engine” I’ve also been told “oil got on the turbo belt and caught fire” I’ve also been told “the software recall actually had nothing to do with the software and it was an issue with turbos and something was mechanically wrong with this car. I was in the car with my 9 month old daughter. In the middle lane in the highway. The car instantly stopped accelerating leaving us going very slow compared to others. We could’ve been killed! I had to figure out how to get over and then get my daughter out of the car safely and wait on the side of the highway with a baby for fire and police to come put the fire out. When I was driving it sounded like pressure popped under the car and then I could almost hear pieces flying out. And then the dash lights came on telling me to turn the engine off. It was extremely unsafe and now I’m afraid to even drive with my baby in any car.

NHTSA ID

11725012

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

My wife was driving her car in Maine on a narrow mountain road, it had been snowing and the roads had been plowed and treated but they were slushy and wet this is also a two lane road. She was driving and all of a sudden the warning lights came on and there was an immediate loss of power, she said that a logging truck was behind her and luckily he was paying attention or else he would have ran her over she could not accelerate and she could only go about 15 mph.There are no shoulders to pull off the road so she put on her flashers and drove it barely to a little gas station to pull off the road to call me. We had it towed to the closet Chevy dealership who had it for 39 days replacing the motor that had blown up, the dealership said that the #1 piston or rod broke and destroyed the engine. The car had only 28k miles on it and there were no motors to be found, they did after 39 days replace the motor and turbo in the car. Mine and her concern is with this immediate loss of power on these types of roads she could've been in an accident or even worse, there has to be answers as to why this happened and what is the long term solution to r his issue. We have seen on the GM forums of this happening to other Chevy Traxs vehicles. I do have the repair paperwork from the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11724380

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

It was about [XXX] {XXX} I was driving about seventy five miles an hour down [XXX] heading north to milwaukee, and there was a loud bang, and it seemed like the car went in reverse. And then it just stopped right on the road.I had to get off of the road.I and it said there was there was a message on the dashboard engine power reduced.My oil life was at sixty four percent at the time.And then it said, check oil pressure when I went into the dashboard.I sat on the side of the road and had it towed to lead chevrolet INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11722788

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

My 2024 Chevrolet Trax which has 51,000 miles on it recently developed what appear to be a low end engine knock. This was accompanied by an increased vibration and shakiness in the car. While trying to bring the car to the dealer for inspection in preparation for a incoming snow storm the vehicle which at the time was parked on a hill seemed sluggish and struggling move forward. I felt with road conditions and the noise becoming louder and accelerating as the vehicle accelerates that the safer option was to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. This car despite having 51,000 miles with more than 85% of those being highway travel, has been regularly maintained above what the manufacturer recommends. Ive since learned through others who own the same vehicle that around the same mileage they have had the exact same issue with a few having an official diagnosis of failed rod bearing requiring a full engine replacement. Many of these incidents including mine did not prompt any warning light on the dashboard. Upon here that I came across multiple complaints of individuals Chevrolet Trax with the 1.2l engine completely throwing rods some while driving at highways speeds, and even after engine replacements some report they replacement engine did the same thing. Some of these reports date back to as early as 2020 with this engine being used in the Trailblazer. Its a matter of time before this blatant issue causes engine failure at high speeds and resulting in a accident with injuries or fatalities, not including the financial issues this has on anyone buying a marketed “”affordable” vehicle if this happens outside of warranty. GM must already be aware of this issue yet it continues to persist especially on the back of ongoing lawsuits over their engines excessive oil consumption and failures. My dealer has now had the car for two days and has failed to call me or return mall calls on my vehicles issue. Im assuming based on others situation it is another case of bad bearings.

NHTSA ID

11717278

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

We have a 2024 Chevrolet Trax purchased in July 2024, brand new with 6 miles. On Jan 9, 2026, we towed it to Serra Chevrolet for service due to repetitive screen blackouts and the inability to start the car. On Jan 16, 2026, we picked up the car. The car was diagnosed with a radiator leak, a replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump, and an update to the information system. Within two hours, the car would not start again, and we had it towed back to the dealer. We have been told that it now requires an entirely new engine, and we have been renting a car since January 9th, with no reasonable solutions from the dealer or GM Customer Care. We have also been informed that the engine is on backorder, and we have no timeline for its repair.

NHTSA ID

11714717

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

I was driving on the highway at 60 miles per hourn, my car started shaking, my oil and engine light came on, if felt like little rock were hitting under my car and my car went out. I feared for my life. I was able to pull over on the median. When the tow truck came, the tow guy said my engine blew. I just had my oil changed by the dealer 12/26/2025.

NHTSA ID

11714563

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

I have been taking my 2024 Chevy Trax to jiffy Lube since I had it and they noted that my oil was low on had no oil on stick and another time had quart low I didnt that this chevy trax was using that much oil between oil changes the oil light did never show up It ran out of oil and engine blew even though I was changing oil every 4000 miles the vehicle is now setting at Gregg young chevy 17750 Burt St Omaha NE 68118 needing a new engine that cost $6700 I would say there is a defect with this engine loosing that much oil between oil changes

NHTSA ID

11713727

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

The contact's father owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left, she observed a noise emanating from under the vehicle that sounded like loose gravel, and she observed smoke outside of the "turn off ignition" message displayed. The contact stated that she observed white/grey smoke coming through the vents in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off, and when the contact exited the vehicle, she observed fire under the engine compartment, and the fire spread rapidly. The fire department distinguished the fire. The police reported the incident, but there was no report taken. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was deemed inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure was 7,696.

NHTSA ID

11710915

Incident

Jan 12, 2025

Mileage

7,696 mi

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to safely get the vehicle to the right side of the road and noticed smoke coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the turbocharger had failed and caused a leak coming from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired, but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

NHTSA ID

11709511

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

Mileage

66,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11706344

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11703522

Incident

Nov 28, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11701299

Incident

Nov 8, 2025