According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2014 Chevrolet Trax has 1 documented issue. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo, 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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle.
Campaign #19V31200018/04/2019
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
Campaign #19V65200012/09/2019
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Campaign #18V77400001/11/2018
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Chevrolet Trax problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Chevrolet Trax. Free, no account needed.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2014 Chevrolet Trax has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: 1.4L Turbo Wastegate Actuator Failure. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Chevrolet Trax reliable?
The 2014 Chevrolet Trax has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. 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 $400 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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.
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.
