CHEVROLET TRAX · model year

2018 CHEVROLET TRAX

143 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018CHEVROLETTRAX carries 143 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 TRAX is suspension with 31 filings, followed by engine (26) and electrical system (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2018 TRAX, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

143
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 CHEVROLET TRAX — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

143 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION31
ENGINE26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
POWER TRAIN10
SERVICE BRAKES7
STEERING7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
WHEELS5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
AIR BAGS2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
TIRES1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1

Recalls (2)

19V31200018/04/2019

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.

19V65200012/09/2019

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.

Recent Complaints

20260212ENGINE

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. I took it back to the dealership and I got 3 different answers. One person told me it was an exhaust issue that was causing the turbo to overheat (the car is kicking out excessive amounts of carbon monoxide), the second person told me there was no issue and they weren't sure why the check engine light went off, the third person said it seemed like the exhaust and the overheating was a safety issue

20260212UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. I took it back to the dealership and I got 3 different answers. One person told me it was an exhaust issue that was causing the turbo to overheat (the car is kicking out excessive amounts of carbon monoxide), the second person told me there was no issue and they weren't sure why the check engine light went off, the third person said it seemed like the exhaust and the overheating was a safety issue

20260211SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 135,000

20260206ENGINE

The oil cooler/oil housing leaks oil on every single one of these vehicles, spanning many years, due to its plastic housing, mounted up against a hot engine. The cost of repair is between $2000-3000 at a dealership.

20260205SERVICE BRAKES

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 malfunction. Say it is not covered under any safety/service bulletin so we need to pay for it. Other make and models are covered under 17-NA-314, Special Coverage Adjustment N182202780, Product Safety Recall N202300860. All similar issues but none for the 2018 Chevy Trax. Feel this is a huge issue as it is a direct issue with safety. Brakes are a critical part of safety when on the road.

20260116ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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.

Mileage: 36,645

20260116ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 36,645

20250710UNKNOWN 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.

20250710VEHICLE 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.

20250627CrashVEHICLE 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

Mileage: 143,000

20250627CrashSERVICE 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

Mileage: 143,000

20250614STEERING

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

20250417ENGINE

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.

20250329ENGINE

2018 chevy trax turbo messing up loss of power and making noise

20250328VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.

20250328UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.

20250328POWER TRAIN

I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.

20250306ENGINE

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.

20250306UNKNOWN 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.

20250107ELECTRICAL 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.

Compare 2018CHEVROLETTRAX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX have?
The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX has 143 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
Yes, the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
The most-complained component for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX is SUSPENSION with 31 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.