Owners have filed 191 complaints
about the 2019 Chevrolet Trax with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Trax. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 68
13.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
73% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
2331.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2027.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
79.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
912.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
810.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
34.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
34.1%
150,000+ miles
11.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2018peak 13Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2019 Chevrolet Trax
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V312000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
Risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
18V774000
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.
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20191948,585 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, a joint in the front lower control arms could break due to poor welds. This could cause a loss of steering control. Safety Risk: A loss of steering control could create the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the front lower control arm assemblies inspected and replaced if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
San Mateo, CACrash
AIR BAGS
I was in an accident and the seatbelt pretensioners activated but my airbags did not deploy. When i got my vehicle inspected the shop noticed my airbag system needed to be replaced saying the airbag diagnostic module, right & left front air bag impact sensors needed to be replaced. The impact of my vehicle was very minor and could not have damaged the airbag diagnostic module internally. I do believe this was a preexisting issue and it has just now been noticed when my car had to be thoroughly inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11719781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesLinden, VAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on the right side of the 2 vehicle garage when it suddenly caught fire after approximately 1 hour of being parked. A popping sound alerted the contact and her spouse to the fire. The garage was unfinished with a gravel floor and no outlets when it caught fire, and there was property damage. No warning lights illuminated. The fire department was called to the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. The fire department had put fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle was towed and totaled due to the vehicle being consumed by the fire. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer had sent personnel to take pictures of the fire and have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure however, the case was closed due to the manufacturer not finding a defect for the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesTaylor, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH when another vehicle was making a right-hand turn crashed into the vehicle's front end and side of the passenger's side front panel. The steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The contact received a concussion and burns to the left arm. Medical attention was needed. The contact was unsure if the occupants in the other vehicle received any injuries. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The other vehicles received damage to the body of the vehicle as well. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesGrove, OKCrash1 injured
STEERING
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check battery light illuminated and the instrument panel lights started flashing before the power steering failed, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and drive into a ditch. During the failure, the front seat passenger sustained an injured neck but did not require immediate medical attention. The vehicle was later towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11533699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesGrove, OKCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check battery light illuminated and the instrument panel lights started flashing before the power steering failed, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and drive into a ditch. During the failure, the front seat passenger sustained an injured neck but did not require immediate medical attention. The vehicle was later towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11533699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesYoungstown, OH1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact’s wife veered off the road to inspect underneath the hood of the vehicle when the radiator cap popped open and burned the contact’s wife. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the cooling fan had malfunctioned. Additionally, the electrical circuits failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer where it was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11533611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 72,400 milesSterling, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the air conditioning system was replaced twice. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure associated with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,400.
NHTSA complaint #11756485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Costa Mesa, CA
ENGINE
I have 36400 miles on my vehicle. It has been to dealer for service as per maintenance manual On Monday the water pump blew. The oil covers blew. They are not even scheduled to be inspected until 60000 Miles I now have a 1800 bill. Service man said these things happen. They don’t make them like they used to. WHAT In 2022 the whole radiator system had to be replaced at 26000 miles Tuesday while taking the car to dealership not knowing what was wrong I broke down on the 405freeway during rush hour. Horrible experience. I told service man to make sure this wouldn’t happen to me driving home. All he said was you’ll be fine I asked if he was going to be checking the belts hoses etc. connected to the water pump. He said no. That’ll be more money. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11749773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
POWER TRAIN
While driving the car the start loosing power and attempts to shut down, other time the steering wheel locks up up and im unable to turn steering wheel. The check engine light comes on and turns off. The dealer/ Car repair shop has been unable to reproduce issue and unable tell me what this issue is. No accident has resulted from this as of yet. But car has some kind of malfuctioning issue.
NHTSA complaint #11737520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
STEERING
While driving the car the start loosing power and attempts to shut down, other time the steering wheel locks up up and im unable to turn steering wheel. The check engine light comes on and turns off. The dealer/ Car repair shop has been unable to reproduce issue and unable tell me what this issue is. No accident has resulted from this as of yet. But car has some kind of malfuctioning issue.
NHTSA complaint #11737520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11728719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chassell, MI
STEERING
Steering wheel frozen in position on morning cold start below 20 degrees Fahrenheit even when car is put in drive. I must warm the cabin for 15 minutes to thaw the steering column or manually pull down on wheel to loosen the column. Below 10 degrees, steering wheel is firm and power steering does not return wheel to original position going around turns unless physically coaxed. Problem goes away at warmer temperatures or if cabin stays warm. Chevy dealership replaced steering rack under warranty and recommends steering column kit be replaced. Will replace column by next fall. Problem started at around 60,000 mi. No warning lights or error codes when frozen.
NHTSA complaint #11721921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Mateo, CACrash
AIR BAGS
I was in an accident and the seatbelt pretensioners activated but my airbags did not deploy. When i got my vehicle inspected the shop noticed my airbag system needed to be replaced saying the airbag diagnostic module, right & left front air bag impact sensors needed to be replaced. The impact of my vehicle was very minor and could not have damaged the airbag diagnostic module internally. I do believe this was a preexisting issue and it has just now been noticed when my car had to be thoroughly inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11719781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frametown, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The turbocharger gave code P0299 then more extensive look when you try to increase speed the turbo will not boost to allow you to go. 40-45 miles is the highest you can go . Dealership said there we complaints and recalls. The recalls are for 2017 and 2018 chevy trax. 2019 having the same issue..
NHTSA complaint #11719108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdonough, GA
ENGINE
At roughly 90,000 miles, the turboboost charger went out in this vehicle and needed to be replaced. After speaking with my mechanic and other Chevy owners, it is a common issue in these vehicles, with many needing to be replaced well before the 90,000 mile mark that I hit.
NHTSA complaint #11719015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frametown, WV
ENGINE
The turbocharger gave code P0299 then more extensive look when you try to increase speed the turbo will not boost to allow you to go. 40-45 miles is the highest you can go . Dealership said there we complaints and recalls. The recalls are for 2017 and 2018 chevy trax. 2019 having the same issue..
NHTSA complaint #11719108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frametown, WV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The turbocharger gave code P0299 then more extensive look when you try to increase speed the turbo will not boost to allow you to go. 40-45 miles is the highest you can go . Dealership said there we complaints and recalls. The recalls are for 2017 and 2018 chevy trax. 2019 having the same issue..
NHTSA complaint #11719108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Isanti, MN
ENGINE
One of the first things I've noticed about my car is in the summer, when it's at least 75 degrees, my transmission will hesitate while speeding up. In march of 2024, my check engine light came on, i brought it into chevy and they said i needed a new turbo, so i asked them about a loaner car in the meantime while it gets fixed, they said no. they were on backorder for my turbo. So they told me to keep driving it while the part gets delivered. I did that. Eventually my turbo came in, brought my car in, they took it, put a new turbo in. When I went to get my car, I test drove it on the highway, speeding up slowly, and while doing that, I blew my engine. I lugged it back by going 20 mph back to the shop, luckily it was just off the highway. I brought it back and told them something happened, they checked it out and let me know that my engine, exhaust and all the needed components are broken. They finally decided to give me a loaner car, although I did have to fight for it a little bit at the end of my car getting finished, they wanted me to pay $1200. I refused as them having me drive my car while its broken is not a good idea and not my fault that it blew. I argued my side and got it down to $600. the next month on the 16th, i stopped to get gas and when i left the gas station, while speeding up, my car comes to an almost dead stop, so i pull it over, all lights on dash flashing, and car will not turn over. got it towed and they changed battery. a year later, my check engine light comes on again, I scan the code, it's the turbo. But it goes away. In January my temp sensor went out and my car said it was overheating as I was driving on the highway with no dash lights. 13th of february, my engine light came on while on my way home. I brought it to a local small shop Where they told me I need a new turbo again.
NHTSA complaint #11718810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lansing, MI
ENGINE
This 2019 Chevrolet Trax has had the same dangerous and expensive problem twice: In 2022, when the car had just over 35,000 miles, it started to lose acceleration, especially at highway speeds, slowing it to a dangerously slow pace in traffic. At a later time, the check engine light came on. Culver City Chevrolet replaced the turbo charger under warranty. In late January and early February, 2026, after only about 25,000 miles of use since the repair, the car exhibited similar failure to accelerate on the highway and in local traffic and the check engine light came on. It requires a new turbocharger again at a cost of approximately $3,500. The 2019 Chevrolet Trax is not trustworthy for safety with this recurring issue.
NHTSA complaint #11716651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Point Pleasant, NJ
ENGINE
Bought 6/17/2023 with 81k miles (1.4L turbo). By ~7/1/2023 it ran rough and hesitated after refueling. Firestone (Brick, NJ, 7/5/2023 at 82,090 miles) said radiator leaking; keep topping off; noted open Chevy “special coverage” bulletin. Over ~2 years kept adding coolant (high consumption). Rough running worsened. Lester Glenn Chevy (Toms River, NJ, 10/20/2025 at 122,815 miles) replaced the evaporative emissions purge valve under special coverage N212338400; fixed post-refuel roughness but not overall rough running. Regular oil changes; last 10/1/2025 at 121,872 miles. Codes then: P0171, P0299, P0300, P0442, P0449, P0496. On 11/27/2025, at ~60 mph uphill on the Garden State Parkway, engine shook, dash showed “Engine Power Reduced/Service StabiliTrak” (CEL blinking), lost acceleration. Pulled over and towed; white smoke at tailpipe. Tow driver suspected coolant ingestion/head-gasket failure needing engine replacement. Odometer: 124,180. Traded in on 11/29/2025 at Automotive Avenues (Wall, NJ); no manufacturer/police/insurance inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11710113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ENGINE
Started my car and it made a noise that didnt sound good. Took it to Van Chevrolet and they said it was my turbo. My car is under 100,000 miles, 2019, and giving the code that should qualify it on the recall list. They are trying to charge me 4000 to fix and have not given a rental which is about to make me lose everything.
NHTSA complaint #11708299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,200 milesSt Johnsville, NY
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while his wife was making a left turn, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that his wife shifted into reverse(R) and attempted to turn and was able to execute the turn the second time. The contact stated that there were no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential had rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,200.
NHTSA complaint #11705632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, CT
ENGINE
The turbocharger cracked at only 50,000 miles. My mechanic stated it is a common issue with this engine size.
NHTSA complaint #11701583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, MI
ENGINE
Engine light with P0299 code: Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost. Car had hard time accelerating, especially going up the hills. Turbocharge By-Pass Valve replaced at a service center. Engine light came on again 2 weeks later when getting onto the freeway, attempting to accelerate to 70 mph. Same p0299 code. No prior concerns or symptoms, the car is under 89,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11700139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kewanee, IL
POWER TRAIN
My 2nd chevy just under 79000 miles. Turbo went out on this one. I owe 11grand still Gonna cost 4 grand to fix. I dont know what. Chevy is doing but this is BS. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. MY FIRST newer Chevy, engine blew at just under 79000 miles, $8 grand later, new motor just to blow up, year in half later This vehicle sat at dealership for over a year combined time of both times Vehicle number 2 has just been diagnosed, I will never buy another. Chevy product once these 2 are fixed and sold. I see myself upside down I. Purchasing these chevies and trade in sucks.
NHTSA complaint #11687182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The screen that tells you all information on vehicle like; speed, miles on vehicle, tire pressure, oil, etc. is 100% broken. It’s a black screen. Car has been an issue since I got it with this. How am I supposed to know if my oil is getting low without opening the hood and checking manually? I’m not a very tall person so I can not access this part of my car.
NHTSA complaint #11683389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,200 milesPoughkeepsie, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and became aware that the A/C unit failed to operate past level 4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the connector for the A/C unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic became aware that the wire for the A/C unit was burned, causing the A/C unit to malfunction. The A/C resistor, connector, and A/C blower motor were replaced. The contact stated that the resistor and connector had been burned 3 times and needed to be replaced again. The failure persisted, and the A/C unit continued releasing the burning odor. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,200.
NHTSA complaint #11681890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,200 milesPoughkeepsie, NY
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR:RESISTOR/SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and became aware that the A/C unit failed to operate past level 4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the connector for the A/C unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic became aware that the wire for the A/C unit was burned, causing the A/C unit to malfunction. The A/C resistor, connector, and A/C blower motor were replaced. The contact stated that the resistor and connector had been burned 3 times and needed to be replaced again. The failure persisted, and the A/C unit continued releasing the burning odor. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,200.
NHTSA complaint #11681890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, CT
ENGINE
The turbocharger in this vehicle cracked at around 50,000 miles and my mechanic predicts it will happen again after another 50,000. This makes the vehicle unable to accelerate at unpredictable times, making the safety of the driver of the vehicle, as well as others on the road, compromised. My mechanic believes this is a common problem with GM vehicles of this engine size. Please advise. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11679383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ambridge, PA
POWER TRAIN
Turbocharger was replaced in October 2024. Now it is bad again as confirmed by the dealership. Check engine light was on. They had it in their repair shop and did a diagnostic test. Car stalled in the middle of the highway. The 2017 & 2018 Trax with the same engine have a recall for the turbocharger. The dealership would not honor the parts warranty because they said it was low on oil. No check oil light came on.
NHTSA complaint #11665996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ambridge, PA
POWER TRAIN
October 2024 the turbocharger was replaced. A few weeks ago check engine light came on. Bad turbocharger again while I was on a highway the car stopped running. Dealer said they will not replace it under the parts warranty. They said it was 3 quarts low on oil and I need to show receipts for last 3 oil changes. From previous times there they knew my son is a mechanic & did oil changes. They wanted me to call my son to ask him how much oil he put in 🙄 after looking online it is a very common problem with the Chevy turbochargers. It will but an excessive amount of oil and cause it to be black and sludgy. I emailed the general manager. He never responded. I also filed a complaint with GM and consumer protection. When they replaced it in October it was still under the extended warranty. It is now over the 100,000 miles. However, I think a turbocharger should last more than 6 months. I could have been killed on the highway while broken down due to a part they know is defective. Instead they treated me like trash. It is not the first time they have done this to me. The car already has a new radiator, transmission, faulty turbocharger, and something with the valves was fixed. The car is a lemon. I just want them to be held accountable since they know this is a common occurrence with the Chevy turbochargers
NHTSA complaint #11663664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.