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2018 Chevrolet Trax problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Chevrolet Trax has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 102owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 2injuries reported
102 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
The components named most often in the 102 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Chevrolet Trax owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 102 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax?13 owners · 12.7%
- Why does my 2018 Chevrolet Trax stall, lose power or shut off while driving?8 owners · 7.8%
- Why does my 2018 Chevrolet Trax overheat?5 owners · 4.9%
- Why does my 2018 Chevrolet Trax smell of burning or smoke?5 owners · 4.9%
- Does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax have all-wheel-drive or 4x4 problems?4 owners · 3.9%
Has the 2018 Chevrolet Trax been recalled?
2 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.
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.
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 June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.
Is the 2018 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.
What do 2018 Chevrolet Trax owners report?
12 of the 102 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 vehicle suffers from an extreme, unresolved internal crankcase pressure defect stemming from the factory 1.4L Ecotec PCV system and intake manifold check valve. This pressure cascade has caused a total turbocharger failure, multi-gasket oil blowouts, water pump failure, and has now completely blown a critical coolant housing hose off its connection, causing total coolant evacuation. The vehicle is currently parked and available for inspection upon request. The safety of the driver and minority passengers is severely compromised. The vehicle actively smokes from under the hood when turned…
The diver side fuse box started a fire in the vehicle. The tracking control system light was flashing on and the vehicle lost power. Filed claim with insurance company. Insurance company issued a total loss and took possession of the vehicle.
There are known issues with the control arms on these vehicles and I have had a clunk any time I hit the slightest bump or crack and it is especially bad when my wheels are turned. There is no recall linked to my vin but this is the exact issue that has been recalled on other vins. This makes driving the car with my children very unsafe.
Both my control arms are loose and wheel baring is bad, plus a cracked catalytic converter. All of these are causing my car to be loud and burning smell, causing unsafe driving conditions for me and my children. Online states that the control arms are an issue with this vehicle make and model and have been recalled, however my VIN has not been recalled and I want to report this. improperly welded joints can fatigue and break, causing the lower control arm to partially separate from the vehicle. This can lead to a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. I have not…
My lower control arm weld has cracked. It was checked shortly after purchase and passed inspection at the Chevy garage in Elkins, WV. Now the weld is cracked on both driver and passenger sides and it making a clunking sound. I do not feel safe to drive this vehicle. This problem should of been fixed when the recall came out, they should of replaced with new parts. My husband Inspected the problem and found the cracks. I took photos to document it. We found the problem on [XXX] but has been clunking for over a month INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…
My check engine light came on, I took my vehicle to Ken Ganley Chevrolet because that is where I purchased it. They claim they have no record I bought it there and at first refused service. I provided my loan documents that state I purchased it. Tim was in the service department, I brought the car in and he had it looked at. He said the issue is the turbocharger, which is a known issue with this year/make/model that GM knows about. The repair was under warranty, completed and the car returned to me. Less than 2 weeks later the check engine light came on and the diagnostic gave the same error…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact used the parking brake to slow and stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted to diagnose the vehicle. A dealer was not notified of the issue. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the infotainment system was intermittently inoperable; however, the infotainment system and the instrument cluster had become inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,645.
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.
I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.
Tech during an annual inspection found the rear Diff. Carrier cracked and crumbling apart into small pieces. There was evidence of fluid leaking onto the rear exhaust. Due to safety concerns tech would not inspect without the replacement of the rear diff. Carrier, Axel/Differential. Replacement cost was $2,681.41.
I was driving between 35 and 45 mph and ran over a manhole cover. The rear of my vehicle began to fishtail. I pulled into a gas station and upon attempting to leave my vehicle failed to drive forward. The car was still on but would not move forward. I had it towed by flatbed to the local chevy dealership where it was determined that the rear suspension swing bar has separated at the weld. If I were traveling at a higher rate of speed on the highway this could have been deadly. The current recall for this problem only mentions the front control arm but for the same issue. My car has been…
2018 Chevrolet Trax: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Trax; the most common categories were suspension (34, 33.3%), engine (30, 29.4%), electrical system (18, 17.6%). There are 2 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
Across 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are suspension (33.3% of complaints), engine (29.4% of complaints), electrical system (17.6% of complaints), power train (11.8% of complaints), service brakes (8.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
13 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax (12.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Service Brake Assist message appeared on the dash, brakes got soft , vehicle would not stop. Check engine light came on. Dealership reported no codes were reported but the Power Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor & Hose Assembly needs replaced due to a sensor…" (NHTSA complaint 11715830, February 2026). 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax (7.8%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The diver side fuse box started a fire in the vehicle. The tracking control system light was flashing on and the vehicle lost power. Filed claim with insurance company. Insurance company issued a total loss and took possession of the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11746862, June 2026). 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax overheat?
5 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax (4.9%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11655325, April 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax smell of burning or smoke?
5 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax (4.9%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11646884, March 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 2018 Chevrolet Trax have all-wheel-drive or 4x4 problems?
4 of the 102 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax (3.9%) describe all-wheel-drive, 4x4 or transfer case faults. One owner wrote: "All wheel drive system control module failed casing loss of awd. Dealer confirmed that this module needed to be replace and was not covered under power train warranty." (NHTSA complaint 11477984, August 2022). 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), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.