Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Chevrolet Trax problems

Owners filed 114 complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Trax with NHTSA between May 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (44).

Complaints
114
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine44
  2. Electrical system25
  3. Steering19
  4. Power train10
  5. Suspension10
  6. Fuel/propulsion system9
  7. Service brakes9
  8. Vehicle speed control7
  9. Electronic stability control (esc)6
  10. Visibility/wiper5
  11. Air bags5
  12. Engine and engine cooling4
  13. Structure4
  14. Exterior lighting2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20174
201813
201922
202014
20218
20228
202313
202410
202512
202610

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

44 reports2 fires
“My 2017 Chevrolet Trax experiences intermittent engine rough running, hesitation and loss of power when accelerating from a stop. It runs especially rough around the shift into second gear. At idle, such as in a drive-through, the engine shakes and the RPM repeatedly drops and rises as though it may stop. This is near-stalling; I have not confirmed a complete engine shutdown. The unpredictable hesitation and loss of power when moving away from a stop raise concern that the vehicle may not accelerate adequately to clear an intersection or move with traffic. We drive it only short distances around town, not on the highway. Symptoms occur more often during or shortly after rain and in cold weather; it can run normally in warm, dry weather. Check-engine and StabiliTrak warnings appear intermittently during these episodes. The current symptoms were present before the October 2025 turbocharger replacement and continued afterward. The exact date they first appeared, and whether the warning lights preceded the symptoms, are unknown. There is a documented history of engine and turbocharger repairs. In February 2021, at approximately 91,586 miles, a Chevrolet dealership…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026EngineODI 11769604

Electrical system

25 reports2 crashes
“I am filing this formal complaint regarding a severe, recurring, and catastrophic electrical and vehicle control system failure in my 2017 Chevrolet Trax. On multiple occasions while driving at highway speeds (70+ mph), the vehicle experienced simultaneous loss of critical safety and control systems—including power steering, traction control, and instrumentation displays—plunging the vehicle into a severe "limp mode." This sudden and unpredictable loss of control at high speeds presents an extreme safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS & DEFECT PATTERN 1. Initial Intermittent Failures (Past 12 Months): The traction control light began activating intermittently and randomly without cause. A dealership reset temporarily cleared the issue, but it later returned. 2. Sensor System Failures (Approx. March 2026): All four Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors began failing sequentially until complete loss of tire pressure telemetry across the dashboard. 3. First Major Highway Power Failure (July 2026): While traveling at 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suffered a complete system collapse: Simultaneous loss of Power…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11766116

Steering

19 reports
“When driving, speedometer/RPM dial both go to 0. The “Service Stabilitrak” message comes on followed by the “Service Power Steering, Drive With Care” message. The check engine light will also sometimes appear. The transmission is also affected (jerking when changing gears, inability to accelerate properly, revving). Power steering goes in and out. Car doesn’t feel safe to drive while it’s happening. No triggers or commonalities known. Car goes back to normal when left off and turned back on. Code U0073 "Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off” appeared with at home OBD2 scanner.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11715731

Power train

10 reports1 crash
“This car has experienced the same dangerous symptoms as reported in many cases on this site. Similar examples are NHTSA ID# 11756485, 11766116, 11756485 (nearly identical). What can I do. This 2017 vehicle was purchased in 2021 from a dealer for only $15K and had less than 50K miles. It has already cost us over $4k. What do you recommend?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11766719

Suspension

10 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“It’s either my ball joints or the suspension or the arms. But they have a recall of the same exact issues I’m having but my car isnt part of the recalled list. But I am having the same issues and I’m at 109k miles. And i wasn’t in an accident. It actually started happening after I had my car in the shop to replace my turbo. Since ive gotten it back it sounds and drives horribly and from what I’m hearing its my ball joints or suspension or arms to that.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 23, 2025Steering, SuspensionODI 11644417

Fuel/propulsion system

9 reports
“Turbocharger on my 2017 Chevy Trax failed at approximately 80,000 miles. Took it in for repair and they reported that upon examination a 299 code appeared and the turbocharger needed to be replaced. Check engines light also came on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11751924
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.