2018 CHEVROLET TRAX Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX has 13 complaints and 2 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the blower motor wiring melting, turbocharger problems causing loss of power, and engine oil cooler leaks that emit burning plastic fumes without triggering warning lights. Other concerns include steering failures and unexpected accelerator engagement resulting in accidents.
Common Issues
- Blower motor wiring melting. Multiple owners report the blower motor resistor wires melting, presenting a potential fire hazard. This issue is known by dealerships and repair shops.
- Turbocharger malfunction. The turbo causes loss of power and unusual noises, affecting drivability and performance.
- Engine oil cooler leaks. Leaks occur without dashboard warnings, producing burning plastic smells that enter the cabin and may cause passengers to feel ill. Repairs are costly and can lead to premature engine failure.
- Recurring smoke emissions. The vehicle smokes under the hood shortly after repairs related to coolant leaks, with no warning lights to identify the issue.
- Electronic power steering failure. Steering becomes difficult with a warning to drive with caution. Repairs require replacing a faulty steering unit. The recall for this issue does not cover all affected vehicles.
- Unintended accelerator engagement. A reported incident where the accelerator was depressed with the brake pedal also applied, causing a rollover accident and serious injuries without any warning lights.
- Check engine light for turbocharger. Owners report engine light indicating turbocharger repairs. Some affected vehicles are excluded from official recalls based on VIN verification.
Two recalls affect the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX, both involving front lower-control arm ball joints. These recalls address welding defects that may compromise suspension integrity and vehicle handling.
Recalls
- Front lower-control arm ball joint (Recall 19V652000). Affects 93,722 vehicles. Improperly welded joints may break, partially separating the control arm and causing the front wheel to toe outward. This affects steering and increases crash risk. Repairs involve inspection and replacement of affected parts free of charge. Notification began November 6, 2019. GM customer service number is 1-800-222-1020.
- Front lower-control arm ball joint (Recall 19V312000). Affects 112,958 vehicles. Similar defect with improperly welded joints risking partial control arm separation and compromised vehicle handling. Dealers will inspect and replace parts at no cost. Recall started June 14, 2019. GM customer service number is 1-800-222-1020.
Owners facing repeated repairs, unresolved recall issues, or serious safety defects with this vehicle may have rights under their state lemon laws. Consulting a legal professional familiar with consumer protection and automotive cases could help clarify those rights.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX Summary
2018
Model Year
13
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
206680
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
93722 vehicles affected
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.
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.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
112958 vehicles affected
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.
Complaints
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2108074VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle check engine light came on. Engine light is for a repair to the turbo charger. After looking online I noticed some of the 2017 and 2018 Chevy Trax cars are afftected however the VIN for my car is not included. I want to report the problem to see if my car can be checked to see if it's a faulty part.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2108073UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle check engine light came on. Engine light is for a repair to the turbo charger. After looking online I noticed some of the 2017 and 2018 Chevy Trax cars are afftected however the VIN for my car is not included. I want to report the problem to see if my car can be checked to see if it's a faulty part.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2104230SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
The contact’s parents owned a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while a parent was driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the accelerator pedal was also simultaneously depressed the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure caused the contact’s parent to veer off the side of the road, which caused the vehicle to roll over several times before landing on a construction vehicle. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed during the rollover. The contact’s parent suffered several injuries and was taken to a local emergency room. The contact’s parents suffered back, neck, and rib injuries. The contact stated that a Police report was filed; however, the report number was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2104229VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact’s parents owned a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while a parent was driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the accelerator pedal was also simultaneously depressed the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure caused the contact’s parent to veer off the side of the road, which caused the vehicle to roll over several times before landing on a construction vehicle. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed during the rollover. The contact’s parent suffered several injuries and was taken to a local emergency room. The contact’s parents suffered back, neck, and rib injuries. The contact stated that a Police report was filed; however, the report number was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2100152STEERING
I was driving my car to the post office in Waikii Ranch in Kamuela Hawai’i no or around [XXX] When all of a sudden my steering went out and my car could hardly turn without great effort from me and I am [XXX] I noticed a warning light stating my power steering was not working and to drive with caution This was a horrible drive home as I live where there are many turns and hills Once I made it home I contacted a friend to get some power steering fluid to remedy what I thought was the answer to remedy this problem I later found out my vehicle A 2018 Chevrolet Trax VIN #[XXX] does not take power steering fluid as its electronic. I contacted a mechanic to come and check out my car He hooked my car up to his computer and found it was indeed the steering and he would have to research and get back to me as he had never fixed this issue He later got back to me and told me there’s a recall on my Vehicle 2018 Chevrolet trax for this exact issue and the contact the manufacturer. Upon contacting Chevrolet by text on May 14 2025 a woman named Sherral told me there’s was indeed a recall for 2018 Chevy Trax however my vehicle is not included as it has a different vehicle Identification number so not included. Take it to a dealer and have it fixed at my cost. I did exactly that and the dealer, DELUZ Chevrolet in Hilo Hawai’i repair and replaced the FAULTY Steering unit that was DEFECTIVE in there own words. I have all supporting documents and the faulty equipment I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DRIVING this vehicle! I live on the side of a mountain with steep grades and many winding turns. This steering problem warning did not state DO NOT DRIVE DUE TO STEERING PROBLEM it stated TO DRIVE WITH CAUTION. I am filing a complaint with you to All Chevrolet Trax 2018 no matter what the vin# is A faulty defective part is STILL going to be faulty and defective no matter where manufactured. Truthfully submitted by [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2083485ENGINE
Car smoking under the hood not even a month after getting repairs done to it for the same issue of coolant loss. Replaced engine oil cooler, coolant housing, and turbo. Car started smoking again less than a month later and mechanic baffled at what it may be this time for there is no warning lights illuminated to point to the problem. The vehicle has had its regular maintenance on time.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2077947ENGINE
2018 chevy trax turbo messing up loss of power and making noise
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2077752POWER TRAIN
I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2077751UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2077750VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2071424UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine oil cooler leaking with no dash lights causing burning plastic fumes only when sitting at an idle to enter car cabin causing passengers to feel unwell at times. With no warning lights for specific leaks or overheating warnings caused high repair bills at the shop. Also, probably causing engines to malfunction earlier than normal since the only sign is the smell of something burning when at an idle and no other warning signs that would be cause of concern to a mechanic or owner. This would only happen if the recirculating outdoor air.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2071423ENGINE
Engine oil cooler leaking with no dash lights causing burning plastic fumes only when sitting at an idle to enter car cabin causing passengers to feel unwell at times. With no warning lights for specific leaks or overheating warnings caused high repair bills at the shop. Also, probably causing engines to malfunction earlier than normal since the only sign is the smell of something burning when at an idle and no other warning signs that would be cause of concern to a mechanic or owner. This would only happen if the recirculating outdoor air.
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
ID: 2053450ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Blower motor and resistor, wire lume melting. So many people have the same issue on several different models. Same part, same issues that could cause a fire. Well know issue by Dealership and auto repair facilities.