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2016 Chevrolet Trax engine complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 47, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2016 Chevrolet Trax engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WV

We have had problems with this vehicle since we purchased it 2yrs ago. It started with loosing power once in awhile, then the AC quit working, both sets of keys have lost the buttons on the keypad, we have to manually lock and unlock the doors and the auto start is unusable, and now it stalls out at a speed above 30mph and starts smoking severely. It is not drivable. I have to pull over every 2 to 3 miles, because it overheats. We had it towed to a mechanic 2 weeks ago and he did what he could for what we could afford, but we didn't get 10 miles before it started again. The mechanic said this vehicle had a lot of problems. We are [XXX] and we always have our grandchildren [XXX] and [XXX] with us. You can imagine how frightening it is when this happens and we pull over and get everyone out. People pull off and try to help, but we worry about the wrong person stopping for the wrong reason. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Engine · 87,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while her niece was driving 40 MPH, she became aware there was coolant leaking from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was drivable until arriving at the residence. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir and became aware there was coolant leaking on the driveway. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN, and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2025 · Engine · MO

My 2016 chevy Trax has had 4 replacement of the the thermostat housing assembly with sensor. It causes the engine light to come on and can make the car idle rough, die at a red light, can cause the car to suddenly just go to 5 miles an hour. I have 79,900 miles on this chevy trax and this is the 4th replacement in less then 2 or 3 month.

Filed Mar 2, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · FL

The air bag light randomly came on about two yeatago and never went off. The engine(turbo) has been having problems for two years now. I’ve been to the dealership several times over the year. I was almost hit by another vehicle because of slow take off

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

2016 Chevrolet Trax experienced turbocharger failure in June 2024. Initial minor acceleration inconsistencies progressed to dangerous turbulence and power loss during acceleration at both high and low speeds, with check engine light temporarily illuminating. Initial Firestone diagnostic (June 7) documented 'TURBULENCE AS ACCELERATES - CEL BLINKED.' After diagnosis, completed repair June 11. Searched for recalls at time of failure but found none listed. Given 50-minute highway commute and unsafe acceleration issues, immediate repair was necessary. Due to expected dealer costs and wait times, repair was completed at Firestone Complete Auto Care for $3,036.81. Double-checked for recalls after repair with no results. On February 3, 2025, while organizing digital records, discovered original GM Special Coverage Program notice from November 2021 covering turbocharger wastegate actuator linkage issues. Program promises coverage for 10 years/120,000 miles. At 68,283 miles, vehicle is well within coverage period. On February 3, 2025 at 4:19pm, called GM customer service (case #[XXX], 29 minute call). Rep Takesha spoke with supervisor Britney but refused transfer. Put on hold 4 times totaling over 6 minutes. When requesting Special Coverage Program information, rep repeatedly stated 'it was not done at a dealership' over 15 times as blanket response. Initially cited expired bumper-to-bumper warranty from 2019 (irrelevant to Special Coverage). When pressed, shifted to claiming 'no active recalls' for VIN. Stated 'the decision has already been made, and a supervisor will tell you the same decision,' refusing escalation or document review. All attempts to discuss Program terms met with same non-dealer repair response. Refused to provide submission process information or contacts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 21, 2024 · Engine · IN

Turbo has gone out and vehicle won't accelerate

Filed Jan 15, 2024 · Engine · PA

11/12/2023 Loss of power when driving up a hill.- felt some backwards drift. 11/13-14/2023 Shuttering vibration and engine revving during acceleration but no forward movement. 11/15/2023 Total power loss when attempting to merge with traffic.

Filed Oct 29, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 126,912 miles · OH

My 2016 Chevrolet Trax experienced loss of power while driving on the highway. I experienced moments where it would not accelerate. This put myself and other drivers at risk due to the random loss of power. There was no warning there was any issue with the vehicle prior to this event. In addition, I have experienced A/C failure. I have had this inspected and multiple components replaced by a service shop, but it still is not working.The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 3, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · OH

The air in the car started blowing warm in 2021. I took it to the dealership and they said maybe a leak. They did a leak test and put something I. It to make it cold for a couple days. I’ve been having g the same complaint since. After looking online, I saw that it is a compressor issue. I had an oil change done last week and asked them to look at it. They said it was my compressor. The car is only 7 years old with 77k miles. The cost to replace is too high for a manufacturer’s issue.

Filed May 15, 2023 · Engine · CT

My trax turbo went out at like 60K and caused my car to shake and stall whenever I was breaking. This would happen at lights and stop me from being able to start my car and placing me and other drivers in a dangerous situation. I have seen online this is a common issue and also a safety violation that should be fixed.

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Airbags, Engine · IL

While driving on the highway at 80mph engine light came on and the car began to lose speed and would not accelerate. I had the code checked and the code P0299 OBD-II Trouble code: Turbo Supercharger Underboost Condition. My vehicle has just 51K miles. There have also been issues with the passenger seat airbag not working. A year ago, the majority of the pipes in the undercarriage of my car had to be replaced because they had corroded.

Filed Oct 21, 2022 · Engine · NY · fire

the turbo leaked into the converter causing the engine to catch fire

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Engine · CO

This vehicle has turbo problems which can lead to a fire and potentially explosion, there should be a recall in place for this issue.. I have spoke with several people with the same care having the same problem

Filed Sep 28, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · KY

After having the car for 3 years with only 45000 miles, purchased in 2019 with 7000 miles on it, my car keeps jerking like there is an emission issue. Car takes forever to get up to speed properly when merging onto the interstate. I see there's not s recall for the turbo and the emissions purge valve but I have the notices for special coverages?? When I go to the dealership they say there's nothing they can do without a recall??

Filed Aug 10, 2022 · Engine · FL

Bought 2016 Trax January 2019 with 19000 miles. In 2022, with only 31000 miles, I have had multiple issues. First, my dashboard display suddenly went black; no radio, backup camera or sound with directional signals. Before I could take car to dealer my battery died and when a new battery was installed all issues were corrected. Then in March the water pump needed replacing, at which time I was told that the compressor also needed replacing. I also have peeling paint on the hood. The car is bright blue and other people have reported this peeling paint problem with their blue cars. Windshield wipers are not efficient and leave streaks. I’ve replaced them and they work well for about a year only. The wipers must be purchased through the dealer. And now, at 33000 miles my dashboard display is black again, and battery is at 100% charge. I replaced the water pump ($1,000), but don’t know how to proceed with the compressor and black screen. Don’t know why dealer has high rating with AAA as I have had nothing but unpleasant interactions with them. Staff is rude and dismissive.

Filed Jun 28, 2022 · Engine · KS

The turbocharger in my Chevrolt Trax suffered a stuck wastegate actuator on an interstate while coming up to speed, which caused dramatic loss of power and an inability to safely merge onto the road (top speed was now 35; I-49 has a 70 mph limit. This is the second time the actuator stuck while coming onto a highway. I have had the part replaced twice now, and yet it still sticks. It is a danger to me and to others on the road and should be a mandated recall.

Filed Dec 15, 2021 · Engine · CT

I purchased the 2016 Chevy Trax used. The car has 68,000 miles on it. I've had issues with this car since I purchased it. The check engine light came on once again with same code as always P0420. I brought it to a Chevy dealer and they finally replace the catalytic converters. Today I get a letter from Chevrolet stating my cars engine 1.4L may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail due to sticking wastegate actuator linkage. Shouldn't this be a recall? No right now it says to keep this letter safe and if anything happens to engine within the 10 years after car was made or 120,000 miles then they will pay for repair. I would think it would be cheaper to fix the part now then replace everything that gets damaged after the fact no?

Filed Sep 15, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · CT

Delayed sensor response for ignition coil failure causing a breakdown in a freeway

Filed Jun 14, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · NY

I Brought This Car As Is Bical Auto Mall. (The Dealership), I Took The Car To Get Checked Out The First Time And It Had A Weak Battery And I Had To Constantly Get A Boost To Drive My Car 2 Weeks Later I Was Advised To Go To A Gm Dealer Because My Engine Light Was On, The Mechanic Explained Something Was Wrong With The Valve And It Was A Leakage. A Few Day Later My Engine Light Turned On Again And I Had The Same Problem But Only This Time The Car Started Surging And Stalling Out Every Time I Stopped. I Returned To The Gm Dealer Again & The Problem Is Still Ongoing.

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Engine · 98,000 miles · KY

Vehicle overheated not setting off any sensors, emergency lights or notifications, only notification was when the vehicle started smoking from the hood while driving down the highway. Low coolant and "hot" light are possibly faulty from factory per certified gm service center. Contacted gm they refused to cover cost of repairs which were extremely costly due to a possible fault from the factory on this vehicle, vehicle was in the shop 2 times for same issue.

Filed Feb 24, 2021 · Engine · 50,000 miles · OH

Check engine lot came on and trax going through gas faster than usual. Did a test got the code p0420. Most likely the o2 sensor but could possibly be the catalytic converter. Wanted to write a report since I seen someone else write a report about the same code in december of 2020.

Filed Jan 10, 2021 · Engine, Suspension · 67,589 miles · TX

When I turn left, the right side makes a popping noise around the ball joint. Reservoir coolant tank leaks, and no tempature guage.. There is no way to tell if my car over heats until the light comes on and I have to pull over then? I have never seen a vehicle not have a tempature guage!! Also my passenger seat belt will not stay fastened!

Filed Dec 2, 2020 · Engine · 80,000 miles · ND

I have had this car for three years and have had so many issues with it that I could've paid it off by now if I wasn't constantly fixing it. I have replaced the turbo intercooler because it froze last winter and the check engine light came on. I was told by the dealership it was safe to drive until the part came in but it couldn't go over 10mph so it was unusable to me. I have also replaced the entire turbo once when it blew up from an oil leak that I was unaware of as I am not very knowledgeable with vehicles. Now we had to replace another part on the turbo because it was leaking oil again and the mechanic said we couldn't replace the whole turbo right away as we had to try small fixes first to be covered under the warranty. Replacing this part did help and there is still oil leaking from the oil cap and the smell makes driving the vehicle unbearable especially with a four year old. When we were stopped at a stop light we noticed that there was dark smoke and fumes coming out of the vents so we immediately went home. However, no the check engine light is on and the code says it's the catalytic converter so I am going to have to stick more money into the vehicle. I have had so many issues with this vehicle and it's not even that old.

Filed Jul 23, 2020 · Engine, Visibility · 68,300 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet trax. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear windshield cracked without impact. An unknown dealer was contacted however, due to the distance, the contact was unable to have the vehicle taken to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the failure was not covered under warranty. Additionally, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to gilman dodge chrysler jeep (10585 w sam houston pkwy s, houston, tx 77099, (832) 553-0100) to be diagnosed. The map sensor needed to be replaced due to a defective valve cover. The valve cover and map sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,300. *ln consumer stated defectives occurred within a year.

Filed Jun 8, 2020 · Engine · 47,350 miles · OK

My car loses power and will not accelerate up hills. Check engine light comes on. I took it to a shop and was told there is a recall on the vehicle for this. Loss of power on the freeway while passing a slow moving truck.

Filed Dec 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 92,000 miles · WA

My car loses power and will not accelerate up hills, in the cold on the freeway in the morning (6:00am pst). Check engine light comes on. It has been to the shop 6 times since feb. 2019 for the same issue of check engine light comes on, loss of power, emissions-air leaks which cause loss of power. I will have to upload documents at a later date as I do not have them today. Sending car back to chevrolet dealership for another check engine light, loss of power on the freeway while passing a slow moving truck.

Filed Dec 11, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · AR

I've had nothing but problems from this engine. I bought brand new in 2016. 2017 I had to have the whole radio system replaced as it quit. 2018, I was driving and check engine light came on . Took to shop and two spark plugs and iginition coil was bad at 32,000 miles. 2019, engine light came on in june and I loss power, engine made high squeal noise and it was just sputtering. Took to shop and they said it was camshaft seal and cover so that was replaced and of course warranty was out. Just this month, dec 2019, it started doing the same thing again and this time they said it was the camshaft cover again (which they would cover under shop warranty) and it was also the intake manifold and gasket. Which ended up costing me $500. For a car that is only 3 yrs old. I've paid out $1500 in repairs because for some reason it only happens as soon as warranty has expired. This is not right.

Filed Nov 26, 2019 · Engine · 27,000 miles · FL

Check engine light came on when I cranked the car up. Went to have it checked and at first it was a bad o2 sensor. That was fixed and two days later the check engine light was back on, took it back in and now I have to replace the air intake system on a vehicle with right at 27,000 miles on it. Both times, I keep getting diagnostic alerts from onstar telling me to check the antilock braking system and the stabilitrak control system.

Filed Nov 24, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

On 11/23/19 I'm just leaving home early on saturday morning and on timaquana rd while I was driving my 2016 trax locked up on me and my chevrolet trax motor just stopped in the middle of the road , this could have been fatal and thank god I didn't get crushed in the middle of traffic. All the lights came on as if it was electric problem

Filed Jul 22, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 28,000 miles · FL

Started driving and in 10 minutes the car started hesitating and suddenly stalled. The engine light and the stability light also went on.. I was able to start the car again just long enough to park it on the side of the road. Waited for tow which was taking long in 96 degree weather. So I drove the car home (15 minutes away) had to drive very slow cause felt like turning off..took 45 minutes to get home..called dealer in the morning and they gave me a towing number. I called @9:30am, waited to call back at 12:30pm and no record of anyone sent out. Again they said some would be sent. They arrived at2:50pm. Praying everything turns out good.

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