NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. Most complaints involve suspension (34) and engine (30). The EPA rates it 27–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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 on, which worsens immediately when the cabin heater is utilized. This indicates highly flammable oil and coolant are leaking directly onto hot exhaust/turbo components, presenting an active vehicle fire hazard. Furthermore, the pressure defect previously caused a catastrophic engine oil blowout while traveling at highway speeds, risking sudden power loss, engine seizure, and traffic collisions. The vehicle is currently deemed completely unsafe to operate. The vehicle's core turbocharger failure was previously confirmed and replaced by an authorized manufacturer dealership…”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 313 |
| Trax AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 335 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (34), engine (30), electrical system (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Trax at 27–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Chevrolet Trax 5 out of 5 stars overall.