Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Chevrolet Trax problems

Owners filed 98 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Trax with NHTSA between Jan 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (28).

Complaints
98
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
2
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. Electrical system28
  2. Engine23
  3. Power train15
  4. Service brakes12
  5. Fuel/propulsion system11
  6. Suspension9
  7. Air bags7
  8. Tires6
  9. Vehicle speed control6
  10. Seat belts5
  11. Structure4
  12. Visibility/wiper4
  13. Steering4
  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
20207
20217
202212
20237
202421
202522
202622

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

Electrical system

28 reports1 crash
“The exterior lighting system failed due to a severely eroded rear license plate wiring harness and a damaged, melted electrical connector piece, causing the connected lamp assembly (GM Part 13502178) to fail 7 separate times. Total failure of the rear illumination reduces nighttime vehicle visibility to other motorists, increasing rear-end collision risks. Furthermore, the eroded, melted harness creates an un-fused short circuit risk, posing an ongoing thermal/fire hazard inside the rear bumper. The failure loop was officially reproduced and confirmed by Hertrich Chevrolet on September 29th, 2026. Two other Hertrich Chevrolet dealerships had replaced/ repaired this part and they clearly misdiagnosed the core electrical issue six times previously by only replacing the plastic housing. No dashboard warning lamps appeared; symptoms were restricted to broken mounting clips and burned-out bulbs from heat degradation, which first appeared in June 2021 under the factory warranty. The failed components are AVAILABLE for inspection, as the vehicle is currently held in dealer custody under an open warranty ticket waiting for parts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11767768

Engine

23 reports1 crash2 fires
“Radiator, ta 80k Miles the seal broke and causing a coolant leak, upon looking at forums related to my car there are NUMEROUS complaints, my safety was at risk because my car could've overheated and shutdown when traveling and caused a major accident. The Trax is known for this issue, yet no recalls or anything. There was no accident associated with this but I am truly hoping someone gets ahold of Chevy/GM about this issue”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026EngineODI 11770502

Power train

15 reports1 fire
“CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT / LIFE-THREATENING VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD. On January 2, 2026, I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Within less than five months, while driving in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The vehicle completely lost all acceleration, leaving me trapped and stranded in a highly dangerous roadway position. Immediately following the power failure, the engine bay filled with heavy smoke and began severely overheating. The vehicle came within moments of bursting into a full thermal engine fire. This vehicle was a rolling death trap that almost killed me on the road. No one is taking this life-threatening safety failure seriously. The selling dealership refused to address the known hazard, forcing a predatory repossession that destroyed my financial life while leaving a severely defective, fire-prone vehicle completely unaccounted for. I need an immediate federal investigation into this vehicle before this defect causes a fatal fire for another driver.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11750507

Service brakes

12 reports
“My 2020 Chevrolet Trax has experienced recurring brake problems for approximately two years. The issue involves the brake pedal becoming unusually resistant and the vehicle failing to brake normally when I apply the pedal. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection. My first known documented occurrence was August 21, 2024, one day after I picked up the vehicle from AutoNation Chevrolet. I had dropped it off July 29, 2024, and picked it up August 20, 2024, after it was diagnosed and repaired for reduced-power issues, including shaking while driving. On August 21, 2024, I was driving normally when I attempted to brake. The brake pedal suddenly became resistant and the vehicle would not stop normally. I repeatedly pressed the brake pedal without resolving the problem. I pulled the emergency brake and waited. Approximately five minutes later, the dashboard displayed a “Service StabiliTrak” warning, along with the ABS and check-engine lights. After the warning lights appeared, the brakes began functioning normally again. This is the first occurrence I personally documented on my phone to my knowledge. Over the past two years, I have taken the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11756588

Fuel/propulsion system

11 reports1 fire
“My full complaint of the 2020 trax after buying brand new and only I as the owner and driver. Nov 2023- seat belts would not stay latched. We found out slamming on the breaks for a tractor trailer that flipped in front of us on 495. February 2024 - dash screen out, on and off as it wanted. February 2024- Heat and AC control not turning like they were super glued March 2024- dash screen out again complete black out April 2026- strut replacement @60,000 miles April 2026- water pump coolant leak April 2026- 3 serpentine belts in 3 days. I think that's all the consumer needs to be aware of, make a logical choice but the extra warranty it will save you I promise. All items have been covered by warranty, extended warranty or special warranty coverage. Make sure you research. And definitely make sure your dealership upholds their word and warranty. I carry my book with me Everytime I head to the shop. All work has been done under 63000 miles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11735568

Suspension

9 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving and making turns, the steering wheel had to be turned to the intended direction completely for the vehicle to turn as needed. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side lower control arm had failed due to defective factory assembly. The dealer replaced the lower control arm, and the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C system was inoperable, and the infotainment system screen was significantly hot and turned off intermittently while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the A/C system motor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact was advised that the A/C system motor was not the cause of the failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2025Suspension, Electrical systemODI 11685876
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.