According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2014-2026 Chevrolet Trax has 19 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are Rearview Camera Image Missing, Delayed, or Blue/Black Screen ($0-$900 repair), Engine Knock and Check Engine Light After Auto Stop/Start - ECM Ignition Timing Control (Field Action DCS6982) ($0-$200 repair), Air Bags May Not Deploy in a Crash - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000), Oil-Immersed (Wet) Timing Belt Shedding Debris into the Engine Oil ($250-$2,200 repair), Instrument Cluster Goes Blank - Virtual Cockpit Unit Software (Recall 23V744000) ($0-$900 repair), 1.2L Turbo Three-Cylinder (LIH/LBP) Connecting Rod and Rod Bearing Failure ($6,000-$9,500 repair) and Forward Collision Alert / Automatic Emergency Braking False Warnings or Unexpected Activation ($0-$1,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Coolant Leak from Water Outlet Housing with 180 owner reports. at .
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.
Campaign #23V74400006/11/2023
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According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2014-2026 Chevrolet Trax has 19 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rearview Camera Image Missing, Delayed, or Blue/Black Screen, Engine Knock and Check Engine Light After Auto Stop/Start - ECM Ignition Timing Control (Field Action DCS6982), Air Bags May Not Deploy in a Crash - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Trax reliable?
The 2014-2026 Chevrolet Trax has 19 known issues documented across 180+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: Rearview Camera Image Missing, Delayed, or Blue/Black Screen and Engine Knock and Check Engine Light After Auto Stop/Start - ECM Ignition Timing Control (Field Action DCS6982) and Air Bags May Not Deploy in a Crash - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000) and Oil-Immersed (Wet) Timing Belt Shedding Debris into the Engine Oil and Instrument Cluster Goes Blank - Virtual Cockpit Unit Software (Recall 23V744000) and 1.2L Turbo Three-Cylinder (LIH/LBP) Connecting Rod and Rod Bearing Failure and Forward Collision Alert / Automatic Emergency Braking False Warnings or Unexpected Activation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Trax problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Trax issues range from $0 to $9,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rearview Camera Image Missing, Delayed, or Blue/Black Screen, typically costs $0-$900 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Chevrolet Trax is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet Trax. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2014-2026 Chevrolet Trax with 19 documented issues documented across 180+ owner reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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When Issues Typically Appear
Rearview Camera Image Missing, Delayed, or Blue/Black Screen
11-Inch Infotainment Screen Freezing, Blacking Out, or Rebooting
0K-15K
Front Brake Squeal or Grinding from Premature Pad/Rotor Wear
3K-25K
013K25K38K50K mi
GM issued urgent dealer message DCS6982 on August 14, 2024 covering 2024 vehicles with the 1.2L gasoline engine - Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX and Envista. The engine control module may fail to properly control ignition timing following certain Auto Engine Stop/Start restart events. When that happens the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the engine runs rough or audibly knocks; GM's own bulletin warns that continuing to drive with the knock present can cause engine damage. The matching service bulletin, 24-NA-064, directs technicians to reprogram the ECM when the MIL is set with DTC P0324 (knock control system error) and/or P0116 (engine coolant temperature sensor performance). Because detonation on a small-displacement turbo three is exactly the loading that hurts rod bearings, this is worth chasing promptly rather than living with.
Check engine light after an Auto Stop/Start restart
Audible engine knock or detonation rattle
Rough running after the engine auto-restarts
Hesitation pulling away from a stop
How to Fix
Free remedy - the dealer reprograms the Engine Control Module with updated calibration; no parts are required. Reference GM message DCS6982 and bulletin 24-NA-064 when booking. If the knock persists after the reflash, insist on a borescope and an oil-analysis/bearing inspection rather than accepting 'normal three-cylinder noise'. In the interim you can reduce exposure by switching Auto Stop/Start off at each start and running top-tier 87-octane or better fuel.
Unlike the old 1.4L turbo, the 1.2L three-cylinder in the 2024+ Trax drives its camshafts with a rubber timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. GM acknowledges the design's shedding behavior in preliminary information bulletin PIP5938, which tells technicians that a quantity of debris found in the engine oil of these engines is a normal wear-in characteristic of the wet belt and is not by itself cause for engine replacement. The concern for owners is what that debris does over time: shed belt material collects in the sump, can partially block the oil pickup screen and the small lubrication passages that feed the main and rod bearings, and is a leading suspected contributor to the low-mileage rod bearing failures now the subject of a class action. Extended oil-change intervals, low oil level, or cheap non-dexos oil accelerate belt degradation dramatically.
Common Symptoms
Black rubber particles or sludgy debris in the drain oil or oil filter
Oil level dropping between changes
Low oil pressure warning
Bearing knock developing after an extended oil change interval
Timing/cam correlation faults in later stages
How to Fix
There is no recall and no revised belt part number published. Practical protection is maintenance discipline: change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles with dexos1 Gen 3 0W-20 regardless of what the oil-life monitor says, never let the level fall below the dipstick's lower mark, and ask the shop to cut open or inspect the old filter for black rubber particles. If the filter or drain pan shows significant rubber debris, or the engine has ever run low on oil, have the oil pan dropped and the pickup screen inspected and cleaned before bearing damage occurs - that is far cheaper than the engine. Wet-belt replacement is a full front-of-engine job (pan and cover off) and runs well into four figures if a belt is ever found deteriorated.
The 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder (RPO LIH, and the related LBP) fitted to the redesigned 2024+ Trax has produced a documented pattern of catastrophic bottom-end failures at very low mileage. Owners describe a sudden bang or heavy metallic knock followed by a 'Reduced Engine Power' message and a stall, after which the dealer diagnoses a broken connecting rod. A federal class action was filed against GM on March 7, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware covering 2024-and-newer Trax, Trailblazer, Encore GX and Envista, alleging connecting rod and bearing damage, oil starvation, engine-block porosity and defective lubrication passages. The named plaintiffs' 2024 Trax failed at 11,581 miles. Reporting on the NHTSA complaint set describes rod breakage as early as roughly 9,500 miles, and in the worst cases the rod exits the block, dumps oil onto hot exhaust components and starts a fire. This is a new-generation-only problem: it does not apply to the 2015-2022 Trax with the 1.4L turbo four.
Common Symptoms
Loud bang or explosion-like noise from the engine
Heavy metallic knocking or rod knock
Reduced Engine Power warning message
Sudden loss of acceleration or stall while driving
Oil light or low oil level between services
Smoke from under the hood; engine fire in severe cases
Engine will not restart after the noise
How to Fix
There is no recall and no repair procedure - GM replaces the long block or the complete engine under the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Replacement engines are sourced from Korea and have been backordered for 60+ days, so owners frequently lose the vehicle for months; press GM Customer Assistance for a loaner or a buyback and document everything for state lemon-law purposes. Out of warranty, owners have paid about $6,700 for an engine. Preventively, run only dexos1 Gen 3 0W-20, change oil on a fixed 5,000-mile interval rather than trusting the oil-life monitor, and check the dipstick monthly - low oil between services is the leading precursor. Any new knock, rattle or Reduced Engine Power message should stop the car immediately; continuing to drive turns a bearing into a hole in the block.
The plastic camshaft (valve) cover on the 1.2L three-cylinder integrates the crankcase ventilation regulator, and its internal diaphragm can rupture. When it does, manifold vacuum is applied directly to the crankcase and engine oil is drawn through the PCV path into the intake, burning off as blue-grey smoke. GM covers exactly this in preliminary information bulletin PIP5947/PIP5947A - a failed engine camshaft cover causing excessive engine oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust at low mileage - and the broader oil-consumption diagnostic in bulletin 22-NA-074 area guidance also applies. Owners typically notice the car is a quart low well before the next service. On this engine the consumption matters twice over: low oil is the precursor condition in the rod-bearing failures, so a leaking cam cover is not a cosmetic complaint. Note this is the 1.2L cover, distinct from the older 1.4L turbo consumption pattern.
Common Symptoms
Blue or grey smoke from the exhaust, worst on startup or hard acceleration
Oil level down a quart or more between changes
Whistling or hissing from the top of the engine
Rough idle
Oil residue in the intake tube or throttle body
How to Fix
Replace the camshaft cover assembly with the updated part and reset the oil consumption diagnosis - covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and typically $350-$650 out of warranty including gasket and labor. Ask the dealer to perform GM's documented oil consumption test (measured top-up over a fixed mileage) so the repair is on record. Top the oil back up to the full mark with dexos1 Gen 3 0W-20 immediately - do not wait for the next service interval - and have the spark plugs inspected for oil fouling if the smoke has been present for a while.
The 1.4L turbocharged engine in the Trax (shared with Cruze, Sonic, and Buick Encore) develops wastegate actuator failures. The wastegate seal degrades, allowing exhaust gases to bypass the turbine wheel and reduce boost. The wastegate actuator arm design has a known mechanical weakness. GM TechLink bulletin noted many returned turbochargers had no fault and emphasized proper diagnosis before replacement.
Confirm the fault before replacing parts by scanning for P0299, logging commanded vs. actual boost, and inspecting the turbo wastegate lever/actuator for excessive play, sticking, or a loose flapper; also smoke-test the intake/charge-air system and check the bypass valve, PCV system, and vacuum/pressure control plumbing so a boost leak is not mistaken for turbo failure. If the wastegate arm or flapper is worn, GM typically services this as a complete turbocharger assembly rather than the actuator alone; replace the turbo assembly with new gaskets, oil feed/return seals, and related hardware, then clear codes and verify boost on a road test. Typical repair cost is about $1,200-$2,000 at an independent shop or $1,800-$2,800 at a dealer depending on labor rates and whether the catalytic converter fasteners/oil lines also need replacement.
The Trax uses the same 1.4T Ecotec engine as the Cruze with similar issues: turbo oil feed line leaks, PCV system failures, and coolant system plastic component cracking. The coolant outlet/thermostat housing is the most common failure point.
The 1.4L turbocharged engine burns oil at an excessive rate, often consuming a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. The issue is attributed to piston ring design and PCV system routing. GM considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles "normal" but many owners find this unacceptable.
Monitor oil level between changes and top off as needed. Replace the PCV valve and inspect the intake manifold for oil buildup. For severe consumption, an engine teardown to replace piston rings and valve stem seals may be necessary. Use full synthetic 5W-30 oil as specified.
Multiple owners have reported the rearview camera failing to display when shifting into reverse, showing a blank/blue/black screen, or appearing only after a long delay. This issue is documented in owner complaints and overlaps with infotainment/display faults, but the safety impact is distinct because the camera is federally required equipment. In some cases the problem is intermittent, making it difficult to reproduce at the dealer.
Common Symptoms
no rear camera image in reverse
blue screen when backing up
black screen when shifting into reverse
camera image appears after several seconds
guidelines missing or frozen
How to Fix
Check for related GM service bulletins, software updates, and camera/radio module faults. Diagnosis should include verifying camera power/ground, coax or video signal integrity, and whether the issue is isolated to the camera or part of a broader infotainment dropout. If software updates do not resolve it, dealers may replace the camera or radio/display components depending on test results.
A small number of 2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles left the factory with the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) - the module that decides when the air bags fire - still set to "manufacturing mode" instead of being switched to its normal operating mode. On an affected Trax, the air bags may not deploy at all in a crash. NHTSA lists 12 vehicles for the entire campaign, which also covers the 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Traverse; that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count for the Trax specifically. GM's internal number for this recall is 18365.
Common Symptoms
Air bags may fail to deploy in a crash
How to Fix
The fix is free at any Chevrolet dealer: the dealer reprograms the SDM to the correct operating mode. Owner notification began November 6, 2018. Because so few vehicles are involved, the only reliable way to know if your Trax is one of them is to run your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and reference recall 18365.
Some 2024-2025 Trax owners have reported forward collision warnings triggering unexpectedly, emergency braking intervening without an obvious obstacle, or driver-assistance warnings appearing intermittently. These complaints are significant because they can startle the driver or create a rear-impact risk if the vehicle brakes unexpectedly. Reports point to camera calibration, sensor visibility, or software logic issues rather than a single mechanical failure.
Scan all ADAS modules for stored faults and verify windshield camera alignment/calibration status, especially after windshield replacement or front-end impact. Dealers typically inspect for obstruction, update software if available, and perform static or dynamic calibration of the forward camera. If warnings persist, the camera or related module may need replacement after confirming power, ground, and network integrity.
Software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) that drives the digital instrument panel can leave the cluster completely blank at startup or drop it out while driving. With the cluster dark the driver loses speedometer, fuel level, and every telltale and warning lamp. GM recalled the 2024 Chevrolet Trax along with the 2024 Buick Encore GX and Envista on November 6, 2023 under NHTSA campaign 23V744000 (GM number A232424320), with owner letters going out December 22, 2023. This is separate from the center-stack infotainment freezing complaints - it is the driver's cluster display, and it is by far the most-reported electrical failure on the 2024 Trax, with NHTSA complaints averaging around 2,300 miles at the time of failure. Some owners report the blackout continuing or the cluster failing outright after the software remedy was applied.
Common Symptoms
Digital instrument cluster completely black at startup
Cluster goes blank while driving
No speedometer, fuel gauge or warning lights
Cluster reboots repeatedly
Loss of telltales for ABS, airbag and charging system
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: the dealer reflashes the VCU software, or the fix arrives as an over-the-air update - no charge, and no parts needed. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether 23V744000 was already performed. If the cluster still blacks out after the software update, the module itself has failed and must be replaced; that is a warranty claim inside 3 years/36,000 miles and roughly $600-$900 out of pocket beyond it. Do not drive with a dark cluster - you have no speedometer and no warning lamps.
A number of owners have reported dead batteries, slow cranking, or complete no-start conditions after the vehicle sits overnight or for a few days. On new vehicles this often traces to software modules not going to sleep properly, telematics/infotainment wake-up issues, or a weak original battery rather than a traditional charging-system failure. The problem tends to appear early in ownership and can be intermittent.
Common Symptoms
dead battery after sitting
slow crank
click no-start
multiple warning lights on startup
remote start inoperative
infotainment resets after jump-start
How to Fix
Load-test the battery, verify charging voltage, and perform a parasitic draw test after all modules should be asleep. Dealers may update module software, inspect for modules staying awake on the network, and replace the battery if it fails testing. Repeated jump-starting without root-cause diagnosis can mask the actual draw problem.
What you need to diagnose it
The fix here starts with a test, not a part — which repair you need depends on what the test finds.
UNI-T UT210E Low-Current DC Clamp Meter
1 mA resolution on the 2 A range — a 0.1 A meter reads a 50 mA drain as zero
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Testing and isolating the fault is DIY work. Replacing or reprogramming a control module is not — most are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.
Owners of the redesigned 2024-2025 Trax have reported the center infotainment display freezing, going black, losing touch response, or repeatedly rebooting. Because HVAC controls, backup camera display, audio, and vehicle settings are integrated into the screen, the failure is more than a convenience issue. GM issued service guidance addressing intermittent blank or inoperative radio/display behavior on vehicles using the newer infotainment architecture.
Common Symptoms
center screen goes black
touchscreen stops responding
radio reboots while driving
backup camera image unavailable
HVAC or audio controls inaccessible through screen
Apple CarPlay or Android Auto disconnects
How to Fix
Confirm battery voltage and check for software updates or radio module calibrations before replacing hardware. Dealers typically reprogram the radio/HMI modules first; if the concern persists, diagnosis focuses on display, radio, or communication faults on the infotainment network. If the backup camera image is also lost, document that separately because it can elevate the safety significance.
After the instrument cluster, flickering exterior lighting is the single most-reported electrical complaint on the 2024 Trax. Two related behaviours show up in NHTSA complaints: the daytime running lights and low beams flicker or blink on and off at idle and while driving, and with the switch in AUTO the ambient light sensor mis-reads conditions so the headlamps snap on in bright sun and cycle on-and-off every time the car passes under a tree line, which reads to oncoming drivers as deliberate flashing. GM addresses the behaviour in service bulletin 24-NA-001 (headlamp/DRL/taillight flashing) and preliminary bulletin PIC6530 (headlamp and DRL flashing in shaded areas), which is confirmation the pattern is real rather than a handful of one-off modules. This is a lighting-module and body-control-module software concern, not the LED assemblies themselves in most cases.
Common Symptoms
Headlights or daytime running lights flickering or blinking
Auto headlamps turning on in bright sunlight
Headlights cycling on and off under tree shade
Taillights flashing intermittently
Other drivers flashing back thinking they are being signalled
How to Fix
The primary fix is a free software update - the dealer reprograms the body control module and lighting control modules per bulletin 24-NA-001 / PIC6530, covered by warranty. If flicker survives the reflash, the shop should check the headlamp connector and the chassis grounds for the front lighting circuit (GM's general procedure 10-08-45-001H covers conductive-fastener ground repairs); a corroded ground or a loose connector produces the same symptom. Only after those does the LED headlamp assembly itself get replaced, which is expensive - roughly $400-$700 per side. A persistently flickering DRL is a citable equipment defect in some states, so get it documented.
The plastic water outlet housing on the 1.4L turbo engine is prone to cracking and leaking coolant. The housing sits on the back of the engine block and deteriorates from heat cycling. Coolant loss can lead to overheating if not addressed.
High Confidence180 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
GM opened customer satisfaction/field action N232432960 covering replacement of the fuel rail pressure sensor on affected 2024 vehicles because the sensor's output can shift out of specification over time. On the direct-injected 1.2L turbo the ECM trims high-pressure fuel delivery directly from this sensor, so a drifting signal shows up as a hard or extended crank, a rough or surging idle, a stumble under load, and a check engine light for fuel rail pressure performance. Because the symptom set overlaps the far more serious rod-knock complaints, it is worth ruling in or out first: a pressure-sensor fault produces a stumble and a stored fuel code, not a mechanical bang. Early 1.2L builds have also drawn complaints about injectors that clog or stick, which produces a similar rough idle and a misfire code on a single cylinder.
Common Symptoms
Long or hard crank before starting
Rough or surging idle
Stumble or hesitation under acceleration
Check engine light for fuel rail pressure performance
Single-cylinder misfire after the car sits
How to Fix
Have the dealer check the VIN against field action N232432960 - if it applies, the fuel rail pressure sensor is replaced free of charge. Otherwise the sensor is a straightforward warranty or roughly $200-$400 repair. If the fault is a sticking or clogged injector instead, GM's intake and injector decarbonizing procedures (bulletins 16-NA-383 and 04-06-04-051H) are the first step before condemning an injector; a single-cylinder misfire that survives cleaning means injector replacement, roughly $350-$600 for one on this engine. Running TOP TIER detergent gasoline is GM's own documented preventive measure for this engine family.
The 2024+ Trax uses a compact HVAC case with electric actuators for temperature blend, and the temperature control can stick so that the cabin no longer follows the setpoint - the vents blow hot with the dial on cold, or refuse to warm up, often on one side only. GM covers the correction in service bulletin 24-NA-033 (HVAC temperature control switch sticking). A separate but related pattern seen on early cars is A/C going warm within the first 12-18 months from a refrigerant leak that traces to the evaporator inside the dash - the expensive one, since the whole instrument panel has to come out. Bulletin 23-NA-198 additionally documents HVAC cooling behaviour during remote start, which explains some 'A/C doesn't work on remote start' reports that are actually normal operation.
Common Symptoms
Temperature dial has no effect; air stays hot or stays cold
One side of the cabin blows a different temperature than the other
A/C gradually blows warm over the first year or two
Clicking or ticking from behind the dash when adjusting temperature
No cooling during remote start
How to Fix
For a stuck temperature setting, the dealer follows 24-NA-033 - the control head/switch is corrected or replaced and the blend actuator is recalibrated; warranty covers it inside 3 years/36,000 miles, otherwise roughly $250-$550. If the system is blowing warm on both sides, have the refrigerant charge measured and UV dye added before anything is replaced: an undercharge points to a leak, and if the dye shows at the evaporator drain the evaporator core is the source and replacement runs $1,200-$1,800 because of the dash-out labor. Get the leak diagnosis recorded before the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires.
Owners of the current-generation Trax have reported front brake squeal, scraping, or grinding noises at surprisingly low mileage, sometimes accompanied by rotor scoring or vibration. While some brake noise can be normal, repeated complaints at low mileage suggest pad material, hardware fitment, or rotor surface issues on some vehicles. The concern is usually more annoying than dangerous at first, but it can become a safety issue if wear is ignored.
Common Symptoms
front brake squeal
grinding noise when stopping
rotor scoring
vibration under braking
noise at low mileage
How to Fix
Inspect pad thickness, rotor condition, slide pins, and anti-rattle hardware rather than assuming the noise is normal. Dealers may resurface or replace rotors and pads if wear is abnormal, and should verify caliper movement and proper hardware lubrication. If the vehicle has been driven while grinding, rotor replacement is usually required.
The 6T40 automatic transmission exhibits rough or harsh shifts, delayed engagement from Park or Reverse, and occasional lurching. The valve body is the primary culprit, with wear on the pressure regulator bore causing erratic shift quality. Cold weather operation tends to make the issue more pronounced.
A transmission fluid and filter change using Dexron HP fluid is the first step. If symptoms persist, a valve body replacement or rebuild addresses the root cause. Have the TCM reflashed to the latest GM calibration. In severe cases, a remanufactured transmission may be the most cost-effective solution.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax Rearview Camera Image Missing, Delayed, or Blue/Black Screen?
Multiple owners have reported the rearview camera failing to display when shifting into reverse, showing a blank/blue/black screen, or appearing only after a long delay. This issue is documented in owner complaints and overlaps with infotainment/display faults, but the safety imp… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2024 Chevrolet Trax Engine Knock and Check Engine Light After Auto Stop/Start - ECM Ignition Timing Control (Field Action DCS6982)?
GM issued urgent dealer message DCS6982 on August 14, 2024 covering 2024 vehicles with the 1.2L gasoline engine - Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX and Envista. The engine control module may fail to properly control ignition timing following certain Auto Engine Stop… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: high.
What is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax Air Bags May Not Deploy in a Crash - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000)?
A small number of 2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles left the factory with the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) - the module that decides when the air bags fire - still set to "manufacturing mode" instead of being switched to its normal operating mode. On an affected Trax, the air bags… Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Chevrolet Trax Oil-Immersed (Wet) Timing Belt Shedding Debris into the Engine Oil?
Unlike the old 1.4L turbo, the 1.2L three-cylinder in the 2024+ Trax drives its camshafts with a rubber timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. GM acknowledges the design's shedding behavior in preliminary information bulletin PIP5938, which tells technicians that a quanti… Repairs typically run $250-$2,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2024 Chevrolet Trax Instrument Cluster Goes Blank - Virtual Cockpit Unit Software (Recall 23V744000)?
Software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) that drives the digital instrument panel can leave the cluster completely blank at startup or drop it out while driving. With the cluster dark the driver loses speedometer, fuel level, and every telltale and warning lamp. GM recal… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Chevrolet Trax 1.2L Turbo Three-Cylinder (LIH/LBP) Connecting Rod and Rod Bearing Failure?
The 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder (RPO LIH, and the related LBP) fitted to the redesigned 2024+ Trax has produced a documented pattern of catastrophic bottom-end failures at very low mileage. Owners describe a sudden bang or heavy metallic knock followed by a 'Reduced Engine P… Repairs typically run $6,000-$9,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax Forward Collision Alert / Automatic Emergency Braking False Warnings or Unexpected Activation?
Some 2024-2025 Trax owners have reported forward collision warnings triggering unexpectedly, emergency braking intervening without an obvious obstacle, or driver-assistance warnings appearing intermittently. These complaints are significant because they can startle the driver or… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax Coolant Leak from Water Outlet Housing?
The plastic water outlet housing on the 1.4L turbo engine is prone to cracking and leaking coolant. The housing sits on the back of the engine block and deteriorates from heat cycling. Coolant loss can lead to overheating if not addressed. Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax 12-Volt Battery Drain or No-Start After Sitting?
A number of owners have reported dead batteries, slow cranking, or complete no-start conditions after the vehicle sits overnight or for a few days. On new vehicles this often traces to software modules not going to sleep properly, telematics/infotainment wake-up issues, or a weak… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax 11-Inch Infotainment Screen Freezing, Blacking Out, or Rebooting?
Owners of the redesigned 2024-2025 Trax have reported the center infotainment display freezing, going black, losing touch response, or repeatedly rebooting. Because HVAC controls, backup camera display, audio, and vehicle settings are integrated into the screen, the failure is mo… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2026 Chevrolet Trax Camshaft Cover / PCV Diaphragm Failure Causing Oil Consumption and Blue Exhaust Smoke?
The plastic camshaft (valve) cover on the 1.2L three-cylinder integrates the crankcase ventilation regulator, and its internal diaphragm can rupture. When it does, manifold vacuum is applied directly to the crankcase and engine oil is drawn through the PCV path into the intake, b… Repairs typically run $350-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Output Shift Causing Driveability Faults?
GM opened customer satisfaction/field action N232432960 covering replacement of the fuel rail pressure sensor on affected 2024 vehicles because the sensor's output can shift out of specification over time. On the direct-injected 1.2L turbo the ECM trims high-pressure fuel deliver… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax HVAC Temperature Control Sticking - Cabin Air Stuck Hot or Cold?
The 2024+ Trax uses a compact HVAC case with electric actuators for temperature blend, and the temperature control can stick so that the cabin no longer follows the setpoint - the vents blow hot with the dial on cold, or refuse to warm up, often on one side only. GM covers the co… Repairs typically run $250-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax Headlamp, DRL and Taillight Flickering / Auto Headlamps Cycling in Shade?
After the instrument cluster, flickering exterior lighting is the single most-reported electrical complaint on the 2024 Trax. Two related behaviours show up in NHTSA complaints: the daytime running lights and low beams flicker or blink on and off at idle and while driving, and wi… Repairs typically run $0-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2025 Chevrolet Trax Front Brake Squeal or Grinding from Premature Pad/Rotor Wear?
Owners of the current-generation Trax have reported front brake squeal, scraping, or grinding noises at surprisingly low mileage, sometimes accompanied by rotor scoring or vibration. While some brake noise can be normal, repeated complaints at low mileage suggest pad material, ha… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo Wastegate Actuator Failure?
The 1.4L turbocharged engine in the Trax (shared with Cruze, Sonic, and Buick Encore) develops wastegate actuator failures. The wastegate seal degrades, allowing exhaust gases to bypass the turbine wheel and reduce boost. The wastegate actuator arm design has a known mechanical w… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax 6-Speed Automatic Rough Shifting and Delayed Engagement?
The 6T40 automatic transmission exhibits rough or harsh shifts, delayed engagement from Park or Reverse, and occasional lurching. The valve body is the primary culprit, with wear on the pressure regulator bore causing erratic shift quality. Cold weather operation tends to make th… Repairs typically run $200-$2,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax 1.4T Ecotec Turbo and Coolant Issues?
The Trax uses the same 1.4T Ecotec engine as the Cruze with similar issues: turbo oil feed line leaks, PCV system failures, and coolant system plastic component cracking. The coolant outlet/thermostat housing is the most common failure point. Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo Excessive Oil Consumption?
The 1.4L turbocharged engine burns oil at an excessive rate, often consuming a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. The issue is attributed to piston ring design and PCV system routing. GM considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles "normal" but many owners find this unacceptable. Repairs typically run $50-$2,500. Severity: medium.
