2019 Chevrolet Trax
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Trax › 2019
These records cover every 2019 Chevrolet Trax. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. 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 18365.
Owner complaints
136 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
My car started have turbo problems 2024. While driving, something disconnected, I heard and felt something fall off under my car and it had no power. I was about 5miles from home. It was the turbocharge that broke and fell off while I was driving! Nothing but problems. -engine and overheating…
My car started have turbo problems 2024. While driving, something disconnected, I heard and felt something fall off under my car and it had no power. I was about 5miles from home. It was the turbocharge that broke and fell off while I was driving! Nothing but problems. -engine and overheating, coolant leaks, oil leaks, air-conditioned wasn't working properly! I spent over $8000 on repairs for a car that's 7 years old! I dont have that kind of money! What happened to Chevrolet??? They lost a long time customer!
- Engine
The chevy trax has a faulty turbo system. There are so many problems, including accelerating without pressing the gas and stalling when pushing the gas. It is a huge safety issues that is occuring in most trax. Why isnt chevy doing something about it? Their dearlships want over 3500 to repair…
The chevy trax has a faulty turbo system. There are so many problems, including accelerating without pressing the gas and stalling when pushing the gas. It is a huge safety issues that is occuring in most trax. Why isnt chevy doing something about it? Their dearlships want over 3500 to repair it and Chevy says just buy a new car. . Why don't they care they are making faulty engines that endanger peoples lives and don't last 80,000 miles . I have spent over $1000 placing parts the app said it needed and paying gm to run the codes is $200 a piece.
- Engine · Power train
11/8/24 and 8/13/26. The turbo and engine has went out. Engine light came on. the engine reduced power and it shut off, while I was driving on interstate. Also had water coolant leak as well. Talk to dealership and was able to get it fixed the first time. The 2nd time, the same exact issues happened again. The priced was way higher, even with the same issues
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the air conditioning system was replaced twice. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure associated with the catalytic converter. The vehicle…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the air conditioning system was replaced twice. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure associated with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,400.
- Engine
I have 36400 miles on my vehicle. It has been to dealer for service as per maintenance manual On Monday the water pump blew. The oil covers blew. They are not even scheduled to be inspected until 60000 Miles I now have a 1800 bill. Service man said these things happen. They don’t make them like…
I have 36400 miles on my vehicle. It has been to dealer for service as per maintenance manual On Monday the water pump blew. The oil covers blew. They are not even scheduled to be inspected until 60000 Miles I now have a 1800 bill. Service man said these things happen. They don’t make them like they used to. WHAT In 2022 the whole radiator system had to be replaced at 26000 miles Tuesday while taking the car to dealership not knowing what was wrong I broke down on the 405freeway during rush hour. Horrible experience. I told service man to make sure this wouldn’t happen to me driving home. All he said was you’ll be fine I asked if he was going to be checking the belts hoses etc. connected to the water pump. He said no. That’ll be more money. Please help.
- Power train · Steering
While driving the car the start loosing power and attempts to shut down, other time the steering wheel locks up up and im unable to turn steering wheel. The check engine light comes on and turns off. The dealer/ Car repair shop has been unable to reproduce issue and unable tell me what this issue is. No accident has resulted from this as of yet. But car has some kind of malfuctioning issue.
- Engine and engine cooling
See attached document for complaint.
- Steering
Steering wheel frozen in position on morning cold start below 20 degrees Fahrenheit even when car is put in drive. I must warm the cabin for 15 minutes to thaw the steering column or manually pull down on wheel to loosen the column. Below 10 degrees, steering wheel is firm and power steering does…
Steering wheel frozen in position on morning cold start below 20 degrees Fahrenheit even when car is put in drive. I must warm the cabin for 15 minutes to thaw the steering column or manually pull down on wheel to loosen the column. Below 10 degrees, steering wheel is firm and power steering does not return wheel to original position going around turns unless physically coaxed. Problem goes away at warmer temperatures or if cabin stays warm. Chevy dealership replaced steering rack under warranty and recommends steering column kit be replaced. Will replace column by next fall. Problem started at around 60,000 mi. No warning lights or error codes when frozen.
- Air bags
I was in an accident and the seatbelt pretensioners activated but my airbags did not deploy. When i got my vehicle inspected the shop noticed my airbag system needed to be replaced saying the airbag diagnostic module, right & left front air bag impact sensors needed to be replaced. The impact of my…
I was in an accident and the seatbelt pretensioners activated but my airbags did not deploy. When i got my vehicle inspected the shop noticed my airbag system needed to be replaced saying the airbag diagnostic module, right & left front air bag impact sensors needed to be replaced. The impact of my vehicle was very minor and could not have damaged the airbag diagnostic module internally. I do believe this was a preexisting issue and it has just now been noticed when my car had to be thoroughly inspected.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The turbocharger gave code P0299 then more extensive look when you try to increase speed the turbo will not boost to allow you to go. 40-45 miles is the highest you can go . Dealership said there we complaints and recalls. The recalls are for 2017 and 2018 chevy trax. 2019 having the same issue..
- Engine
At roughly 90,000 miles, the turboboost charger went out in this vehicle and needed to be replaced. After speaking with my mechanic and other Chevy owners, it is a common issue in these vehicles, with many needing to be replaced well before the 90,000 mile mark that I hit.
- Engine
One of the first things I've noticed about my car is in the summer, when it's at least 75 degrees, my transmission will hesitate while speeding up. In march of 2024, my check engine light came on, i brought it into chevy and they said i needed a new turbo, so i asked them about a loaner car in the…
One of the first things I've noticed about my car is in the summer, when it's at least 75 degrees, my transmission will hesitate while speeding up. In march of 2024, my check engine light came on, i brought it into chevy and they said i needed a new turbo, so i asked them about a loaner car in the meantime while it gets fixed, they said no. they were on backorder for my turbo. So they told me to keep driving it while the part gets delivered. I did that. Eventually my turbo came in, brought my car in, they took it, put a new turbo in. When I went to get my car, I test drove it on the highway, speeding up slowly, and while doing that, I blew my engine. I lugged it back by going 20 mph back to the shop, luckily it was just off the highway. I brought it back and told them something happened, they checked it out and let me know that my engine, exhaust and all the needed components are broken. They finally decided to give me a loaner car, although I did have to fight for it a little bit at the end of my car getting finished, they wanted me to pay $1200. I refused as them having me drive my car while its broken is not a good idea and not my fault that it blew. I argued my side and got it down to $600. the next month on the 16th, i stopped to get gas and when i left the gas station, while speeding up, my car comes to an almost dead stop, so i pull it over, all lights on dash flashing, and car will not turn over. got it towed and they changed battery. a year later, my check engine light comes on again, I scan the code, it's the turbo. But it goes away. In January my temp sensor went out and my car said it was overheating as I was driving on the highway with no dash lights. 13th of february, my engine light came on while on my way home. I brought it to a local small shop Where they told me I need a new turbo again.
- Engine
This 2019 Chevrolet Trax has had the same dangerous and expensive problem twice: In 2022, when the car had just over 35,000 miles, it started to lose acceleration, especially at highway speeds, slowing it to a dangerously slow pace in traffic. At a later time, the check engine light came on. Culver…
This 2019 Chevrolet Trax has had the same dangerous and expensive problem twice: In 2022, when the car had just over 35,000 miles, it started to lose acceleration, especially at highway speeds, slowing it to a dangerously slow pace in traffic. At a later time, the check engine light came on. Culver City Chevrolet replaced the turbo charger under warranty. In late January and early February, 2026, after only about 25,000 miles of use since the repair, the car exhibited similar failure to accelerate on the highway and in local traffic and the check engine light came on. It requires a new turbocharger again at a cost of approximately $3,500. The 2019 Chevrolet Trax is not trustworthy for safety with this recurring issue.
- Engine
Bought 6/17/2023 with 81k miles (1.4L turbo). By ~7/1/2023 it ran rough and hesitated after refueling. Firestone (Brick, NJ, 7/5/2023 at 82,090 miles) said radiator leaking; keep topping off; noted open Chevy “special coverage” bulletin. Over ~2 years kept adding coolant (high consumption). Rough…
Bought 6/17/2023 with 81k miles (1.4L turbo). By ~7/1/2023 it ran rough and hesitated after refueling. Firestone (Brick, NJ, 7/5/2023 at 82,090 miles) said radiator leaking; keep topping off; noted open Chevy “special coverage” bulletin. Over ~2 years kept adding coolant (high consumption). Rough running worsened. Lester Glenn Chevy (Toms River, NJ, 10/20/2025 at 122,815 miles) replaced the evaporative emissions purge valve under special coverage N212338400; fixed post-refuel roughness but not overall rough running. Regular oil changes; last 10/1/2025 at 121,872 miles. Codes then: P0171, P0299, P0300, P0442, P0449, P0496. On 11/27/2025, at ~60 mph uphill on the Garden State Parkway, engine shook, dash showed “Engine Power Reduced/Service StabiliTrak” (CEL blinking), lost acceleration. Pulled over and towed; white smoke at tailpipe. Tow driver suspected coolant ingestion/head-gasket failure needing engine replacement. Odometer: 124,180. Traded in on 11/29/2025 at Automotive Avenues (Wall, NJ); no manufacturer/police/insurance inspection.
- Engine
Started my car and it made a noise that didnt sound good. Took it to Van Chevrolet and they said it was my turbo. My car is under 100,000 miles, 2019, and giving the code that should qualify it on the recall list. They are trying to charge me 4000 to fix and have not given a rental which is about to make me lose everything.
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while his wife was making a left turn, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that his wife shifted into reverse(R) and attempted to turn and was able to execute the turn the second time. The contact stated that there were no…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while his wife was making a left turn, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that his wife shifted into reverse(R) and attempted to turn and was able to execute the turn the second time. The contact stated that there were no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential had rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,200.
- Engine
The turbocharger cracked at only 50,000 miles. My mechanic stated it is a common issue with this engine size.
- Engine
Engine light with P0299 code: Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost. Car had hard time accelerating, especially going up the hills. Turbocharge By-Pass Valve replaced at a service center. Engine light came on again 2 weeks later when getting onto the freeway, attempting to accelerate to 70 mph. Same p0299 code. No prior concerns or symptoms, the car is under 89,000 miles.
- Power train
My 2nd chevy just under 79000 miles. Turbo went out on this one. I owe 11grand still Gonna cost 4 grand to fix. I dont know what. Chevy is doing but this is BS. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. MY FIRST newer Chevy, engine blew at just under 79000 miles, $8 grand later, new motor just to blow up, year in…
My 2nd chevy just under 79000 miles. Turbo went out on this one. I owe 11grand still Gonna cost 4 grand to fix. I dont know what. Chevy is doing but this is BS. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. MY FIRST newer Chevy, engine blew at just under 79000 miles, $8 grand later, new motor just to blow up, year in half later This vehicle sat at dealership for over a year combined time of both times Vehicle number 2 has just been diagnosed, I will never buy another. Chevy product once these 2 are fixed and sold. I see myself upside down I. Purchasing these chevies and trade in sucks.
- Electrical system
The screen that tells you all information on vehicle like; speed, miles on vehicle, tire pressure, oil, etc. is 100% broken. It’s a black screen. Car has been an issue since I got it with this. How am I supposed to know if my oil is getting low without opening the hood and checking manually? I’m not a very tall person so I can not access this part of my car.
- Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor › Resistor/speed control
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and became aware that the A/C unit failed to operate past level 4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the connector for the A/C unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and became aware that the A/C unit failed to operate past level 4. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the connector for the A/C unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic became aware that the wire for the A/C unit was burned, causing the A/C unit to malfunction. The A/C resistor, connector, and A/C blower motor were replaced. The contact stated that the resistor and connector had been burned 3 times and needed to be replaced again. The failure persisted, and the A/C unit continued releasing the burning odor. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,200.
- Engine
The turbocharger in this vehicle cracked at around 50,000 miles and my mechanic predicts it will happen again after another 50,000. This makes the vehicle unable to accelerate at unpredictable times, making the safety of the driver of the vehicle, as well as others on the road, compromised. My mechanic believes this is a common problem with GM vehicles of this engine size. Please advise. Thank you.
- Power train
Turbocharger was replaced in October 2024. Now it is bad again as confirmed by the dealership. Check engine light was on. They had it in their repair shop and did a diagnostic test. Car stalled in the middle of the highway. The 2017 & 2018 Trax with the same engine have a recall for the turbocharger. The dealership would not honor the parts warranty because they said it was low on oil. No check oil light came on.
- Engine · Power train
October 2024 the turbocharger was replaced. A few weeks ago check engine light came on. Bad turbocharger again while I was on a highway the car stopped running. Dealer said they will not replace it under the parts warranty. They said it was 3 quarts low on oil and I need to show receipts for last 3…
October 2024 the turbocharger was replaced. A few weeks ago check engine light came on. Bad turbocharger again while I was on a highway the car stopped running. Dealer said they will not replace it under the parts warranty. They said it was 3 quarts low on oil and I need to show receipts for last 3 oil changes. From previous times there they knew my son is a mechanic & did oil changes. They wanted me to call my son to ask him how much oil he put in 🙄 after looking online it is a very common problem with the Chevy turbochargers. It will but an excessive amount of oil and cause it to be black and sludgy. I emailed the general manager. He never responded. I also filed a complaint with GM and consumer protection. When they replaced it in October it was still under the extended warranty. It is now over the 100,000 miles. However, I think a turbocharger should last more than 6 months. I could have been killed on the highway while broken down due to a part they know is defective. Instead they treated me like trash. It is not the first time they have done this to me. The car already has a new radiator, transmission, faulty turbocharger, and something with the valves was fixed. The car is a lemon. I just want them to be held accountable since they know this is a common occurrence with the Chevy turbochargers
- Unknown or other
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on the right side of the 2 vehicle garage when it suddenly caught fire after approximately 1 hour of being parked. A popping sound alerted the contact and her spouse to the fire. The garage was unfinished with a…
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on the right side of the 2 vehicle garage when it suddenly caught fire after approximately 1 hour of being parked. A popping sound alerted the contact and her spouse to the fire. The garage was unfinished with a gravel floor and no outlets when it caught fire, and there was property damage. No warning lights illuminated. The fire department was called to the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. The fire department had put fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle was towed and totaled due to the vehicle being consumed by the fire. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer had sent personnel to take pictures of the fire and have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure however, the case was closed due to the manufacturer not finding a defect for the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011420This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. TAC is requesting the GDS2 session logs be sent in before the dealer contacts TAC.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
- 11010651This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010493This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009170This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11008986This Preliminary information communicatesdirection and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007155This informational bulletin advises the technician that the engine and related parts will be debited if found that the tech did not properly prepare the engine block from dirt and debris in bolt holes or if found that the block was damaged by the tech.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
Every Chevrolet Trax model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.