Problems · by component

2017 Chevrolet Trax engine problems

44 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Trax cite engine, 39% of all 114 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
44
39% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“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
“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
“Vehicle engine light came on XXX and was driven immediately to Auto Zone to check the code. The code showed P0299. The vehicle was then taken 2 miles home and parked. It was towed to Lake Chevrolet in [XXX] on XXX to prevent any engine damage from occurring due to the failed turbo. Upon Lake's inspection they claim the manifold and valve cover gasket must be replaced. We agreed to that, and asked about an oil change as everything we read said that was mandatory with work like this. Was told the technician didn't suggest it but they would do it at our request for an additional charge. After they confirmed the turbo was bad and well as the items above we agreed to the repairs and they said the vehicle would be ready the next day. We called again at the end of the next day and they said the repairs were made and they were going to drive the vehicle to make sure all was well. The next call we received was the service advisor stating we need a new engine as after they drove it white smoke was coming from the exhaust and they now found a cracked piston. The vehicle was not blowing out white smoke when they received, it also passed emissions on 4/14/26. We also asked…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2026EngineODI 11743806
“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request reimbursement or goodwill assistance for the repair of the turbocharger on my Chevrolet Trax, which failed unexpectedly and caused my vehicle to stall in the middle of the freeway, creating a serious safety hazard. I had previously reported concerns related to the turbo, and after the failure occurred, I learned that General Motors issued a Special Coverage Adjustment for turbocharger malfunction on certain Chevrolet Trax vehicles. Unfortunately, I never received any notification or letter informing me of this coverage. Had I been made aware, I would have taken appropriate action prior to the failure. Because this vehicle was my only means of transportation, I had no choice but to immediately repair it at my own expense. I later contacted GM Customer Assistance to inquire about reimbursement and was informed that my request was denied solely due to the vehicle exceeding 120,000 miles, despite the fact that: This is a known defect The failure resulted in a dangerous loss of power while driving I was never notified of the special coverage I was also advised that the notification was sent by a government…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 15, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11711127
“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to a nearby hotel. The contact resumed driving, but the amount of smoke coming from underneath the hood increased. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to remain upwards on snowy days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised that it was a design failure. Additionally, upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for service, the contact was informed that the brake sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2025Service brakes, Engine, Visibility/wiperODI 11702716

Showing 6 of 44 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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

Other 2017 Trax problem areas