Owners have reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints29
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to the suspension, particularly with the lower control arms. Complaints often describe noises such as knocking or grinding, and in some cases, issues with tire wear and alignment. Many reports indicate that parts for recall repairs are unavailable or delayed, with some vehicles remaining unrepaired for extended periods. The typical mileage for these issues varies, with some occurring as early as 7,500 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of a crash due to a suspension failure, as well as instances where the vehicle became difficult to control. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and confirm that any necessary recall repairs have been completed.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system and instrument cluster becoming inoperable. Complaints often mention problems with the blower motor and resistor, which some describe as melting and potentially causing a fire hazard. Additionally, owners describe symptoms such as dashboard and warning lights malfunctioning, with some reporting complete vehicle shutdowns or failures to start, often accompanied by burning odors. These issues typically appear around 25,000 to 65,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, including one report of a fire and instances of vehicles stalling or losing power, which could pose risks during operation.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints12
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to engine oil leaks and turbocharger failures. Common symptoms include oil leaks from the oil cooler or housing, loss of engine power, unusual noises, and blue smoke from the tailpipe. Complaints often mention coolant loss leading to overheating, with some owners noting the absence of warning lights or dashboard temperature gauges. Turbocharger failures are cited as causing significant engine damage, with some reports of these issues occurring as early as 21,000 miles. Safety implications include potential engine stalling and loss of power, which may affect vehicle control. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential engine reliability concerns, particularly related to the turbocharger and cooling system.
Owner complaints9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, including premature failure and leaking, resulting in the system blowing hot air instead of cool. Complaints also highlight problems with the rear differential clutch module and the AWD system, with warning lights activating around 26,206 to 38,653 miles. Additionally, several owners mention significant delays and lack of support from dealerships when addressing recall-related repairs, such as those involving lower control arms, often without loaner vehicles provided. Safety implications include reports of burning plastic fumes entering the cabin due to engine oil cooler leaks, causing discomfort for passengers, though no crashes or fires are reported. These patterns suggest potential costly repairs and inconvenience for prospective used car buyers.
Owner complaints9
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the power train, particularly concerning the rear differential and turbo components. Common symptoms include the "AWD disabled" message upon startup and fluid leaks, with some owners noting a cracked rear differential or corroded RDCM needing replacement. Turbo-related complaints often involve coolant leaks and unpleasant odors, with some occurring as early as 22,500 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one owner describing a loss of power and stalling due to a defective intake part, posing a risk of accidents. These issues typically arise around 42,000 to 69,000 miles, providing potential buyers with insight into what they might expect.
Owner complaints7
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the power steering system, particularly the steering locking up or becoming unresponsive while driving. Complaints often describe a warning light indicating a power steering failure, accompanied by a "drive with caution" message, and some mention the steering wheel not returning to center automatically. These issues are sometimes associated with additional symptoms such as a lack of acceleration and the illumination of the service stabilitrack warning. The problems are reported across a range of mileages, with one owner noting the issue occurring at 128,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as owners mention the potential for loss of control, especially in areas with winding roads or steep grades. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring steering issues, which have led to multiple service visits and unresolved repairs according to owners.
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the service brakes, including symptoms such as the "Service Brake Assist" warning message appearing on the dashboard and brakes becoming hard or requiring excessive force to operate. Some complaints describe a loss of braking power, particularly after reversing, and there are reports of the brake pedal becoming soft and unresponsive. These issues are noted at various mileages, including as low as 36,859 miles and as high as 143,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one report involves a crash with injuries following simultaneous depression of the brake and accelerator pedals, leading to a rollover accident. Buyers should be aware of potential brake component failures and the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax report issues related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving difficulties with acceleration and speed maintenance. One complaint describes a scenario where the vehicle struggles to pick up speed after a few months of ownership, while another mentions a check engine light linked to a potential turbocharger issue, which could affect speed performance. These problems appear to manifest a few months after purchase, but specific mileage is not provided. No reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned, but the described symptoms could potentially impact driving performance and safety. This information may be relevant for used car buyers evaluating the condition and performance reliability of this model.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax report issues related to the airbag system, specifically involving repeated replacements and malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention problems with the passenger airbag sensor, with one owner noting the need for a third repair. These issues suggest recurring airbag sensor failures, though no specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the data. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with these airbag issues. Potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of repeated airbag sensor repairs in this model year.
