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2015 Chevrolet Trax problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Chevrolet Trax has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 96owner complaints
- 13crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 6injuries reported
96 complaints, against an average of 89 for the other 10 Chevrolet Trax model years.
Every Chevrolet Trax model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
The components named most often in the 96 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Chevrolet Trax owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 96 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?11 owners · 11.5%
- Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax stall, lose power or shut off while driving?6 owners · 6.3%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?5 owners · 5.2%
- Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax smell of burning or smoke?5 owners · 5.2%
- Does the 2015 Chevrolet Trax have emissions system or DPF problems?5 owners · 5.2%
- Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax idle rough, misfire or hesitate?4 owners · 4.2%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?4 owners · 4.2%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?4 owners · 4.2% · Recall 17V437000
- Why is my 2015 Chevrolet Trax burning or losing oil?3 owners · 3.1%
- Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax overheat?3 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2015 Chevrolet Trax been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Electrical System: Software General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
Equipment: Electrical: Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Equipment: Other: Labels General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire placards that do not provide the rim size information for the front or rear wheels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
Risk: If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and will send owners a corrected label, free of charge. The recall April 29, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15166.
Steering: Electric Power Assist System General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.
Risk: The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15168.
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Trax recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAChevrolet UK Takata Drivers Airbag
Risk: On affected vehicles the chemicals in the Takata airbags may deteriorate over time which may cause the inflator to rupture and lead to serious injury.
Fix: Exchange affected airbag modules as a precautionary measure.
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the inflator of the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments of the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a software problem, the frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy correctly, which may increase the risk of injury…Due to a software problem, the frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy correctly, which may increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat-belt tensioners of the front seats can fail to lock correctly after release and loosen again under the body weight of the person…The seat-belt tensioners of the front seats can fail to lock correctly after release and loosen again under the body weight of the person who is fastened in. This means there is a higher risk of injury to the driver and the front-seat passenger, particularly in head-on collisions and/or if the vehicle somersaults.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2015 Chevrolet Trax owners report?
12 of the 96 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The vehicle was recently purchased. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle lost steering functionality, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had not started since the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure.
Dash shuts down shutting off power steering, and power breaks, no dash readout, no turn signals breaklights or headlights, happens suddenly
Left red light on major hwy. Car stuck in first gear. Took MI turn around and no power steering. Limped home in first gear. Internet says there was a recall for 2014-15 Trax for same problems; Dealer says there's not, and told me to drive it there in 1st gear to check it out !
While driving in the highway vehicle lost power and gray smoke came out off the exhaust, it was hard to accelerate and TCS warning light and check engine light popped up. TCS warning light extinguished but check engine light still on. Cars behind me could have hit me from behind, because it was a sudden loss of speed, it made other drivers switch lanes creating the risk of crashing others or myself. I have taken the car to a mechanics and some say it’s the turbo and others say they don’t know what it can be and can’t really help me.
My radio turns up and changes by itself . It’s leaking oil an I’ve replaced everything a can’t figure it out , if anything it’s the engine it just won’t make sense . I dumped so much money into it already
I am unable to control my vehicle. Something in front end of vehicle pushes and pulls the vehicle from left to right without being able to regain control. Loud popping and clunking while turning..Braking has also been a majoir issue along with suspension/steering issues. I would greatly appreciate these things to be fixed immediately beings there has been a recall years ago and I was never notified!
I have had multiple engine problems with my trax. For starters, shortly after I bought it in 2021 I had to have the radiator replaced, then in Aug or Sept 2022 I had to have the coil pack replaced, the in Oct 2022 the turbo needed to be replaced. Exactly 1 year after replacing the turbo, I had to replace it again in Oct 2023. Now I'm being told that these cars are having problems with Piston rings going out. After repleacing the turbo once again, my car was still acting up. I took it back to the mechanic and they told me my piston rings are shot. Due to this issue, I now need a new motor. I've…
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel occasionally seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, where a software update was performed, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
I have recently heard what could best be described as a squealing sound. I could also smell fuel inside the vehicle while driving. I thought it was oil that had leaked onto the serpentine belt and had it replaced but the noise continued. Listening closer I realized it was coming from the area around the intake manifold. Searching online I found several YouTube videos and comments from people mentioning loose spark plugs caused their issue. Checking mine I found that two of the four spark plugs were loose enough to not require a wrench to remove them. Tightening them eliminated the noise. I…
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the engine suddenly began to sputter and the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the rear differential had previously failed and was replaced in 2019 however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 88,857.
EXPERIENCED SEVERE MECHANICAL ISSUES, SUCH AS THE ENGINE OVERHEATING, TEMPERATURE GAUGE BREAKING, COOLANT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING, BATTERY HAVING TO BE REPLACE TWICE, BRAKES OVERHEATING, BRAKES UNABLE TO COME TO A FULL STOP, BRAKES SQUEAKING, VEHICLE SQUEAKING WHEN BACKING UP, THROTTLE JUMPING, AND THE STABILITY TRACK ALSO BREAKING
RELAY SYSTEM- TRUCK RELAY WENT OUT MULTIPLE TIMES, UNABLE TO OPEN TRUNK. WHEN REPLACED CAUSED ALL RELAYS INCLUDING (AIRBAG, HEADLIGHTS, DASH BOARD, AND TRUNK RELAYS) TO NO LONGER WORK. HAVE HAD MECHANIC REPROGRAM SYSTEM BUT NO LONGER WORKS.
2015 Chevrolet Trax: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Chevrolet Trax; the most common categories were electrical system (23, 24%), engine (22, 22.9%), power train (18, 18.8%). There are 7 safety recalls. 13 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
Across 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (24% of complaints), engine (22.9% of complaints), power train (18.8% of complaints), steering (14.6% of complaints), air bags (12.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Trax have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax; the most recent (campaign 19V652000, 2019-09-12) concerns Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Lower Ball Joint. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
11 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (11.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "While driving in the highway vehicle lost power and gray smoke came out off the exhaust, it was hard to accelerate and TCS warning light and check engine light popped up. TCS warning light extinguished but check engine light still on." (NHTSA complaint 11702023, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (6.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While driving in the highway vehicle lost power and gray smoke came out off the exhaust, it was hard to accelerate and TCS warning light and check engine light popped up. TCS warning light extinguished but check engine light still on." (NHTSA complaint 11702023, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
5 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (5.2%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "While i was driving my 2015 chevy trax, the transmission got stuck in third gear. i switched to manual and it still wouldn't move out of third gear. in order to get it off the road, i had to drive it to a safe place." (NHTSA complaint 11378249, December 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax smell of burning or smoke?
5 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (5.2%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "While driving in the highway vehicle lost power and gray smoke came out off the exhaust, it was hard to accelerate and TCS warning light and check engine light popped up. TCS warning light extinguished but check engine light still on." (NHTSA complaint 11702023, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Trax have emissions system or DPF problems?
5 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (5.2%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "Component premature failure. 1. Purge valve replaced at 61,048 miles 2. Coolant flange and seal replaced at 61,511 miles 3." (NHTSA complaint 11434618, September 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
4 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (4.2%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "While stopped and ready to move forward when I press the accelerator the car jerks only from stop to go forward it hesitates. It has the same transmission symptoms as other car I had." (NHTSA complaint 11434783, September 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
4 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (4.2%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2015 chevrolet trax. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the back up camera failed to fully illuminate, as a section of the camera was blank. the failure recurred on numerous occasions." (NHTSA complaint 10864327, May 2016). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2015 Chevrolet Trax?
4 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (4.2%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 17V437000 (air bags: frontal). The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. One owner wrote: "I have had to take my vehicle in several times for repair i am the first owner of this vehicle and it only has 87,000 miles on it. at 87,000 miles i have had to have the valve cover replaced for leaking. i have also had to have an oil pan leak replaced." (NHTSA complaint 11354304, September 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2015 Chevrolet Trax burning or losing oil?
3 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (3.1%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "I notice a burning oil odor from inside my trax after the car warms up or in warm weather. using the air conditioner is out of the question on these 90+ degree days. i plan to get the car in tommorrow to he checked." (NHTSA complaint 10886038, July 2016). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 Chevrolet Trax overheat?
3 of the 96 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax (3.1%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Experienced severe mechanical issues, such as the engine overheating, temperature gauge breaking, coolant system malfunctioning, battery having to be replace twice, brakes overheating, brakes unable to come to a full stop, brakes squeaking, vehicle squeaking…" (NHTSA complaint 11377554, December 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Trax
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only.