2017 Chevrolet Trax problems

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · MO

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 confirmed a cylinder 2 misfire, low compression, a cracked piston and a cracked turbo housing. All four pistons and rings and the turbocharger were replaced. Handwritten notes also document PCV hose replacement. An independent shop replaced the turbocharger again in October 2025 at approximately 195,510 miles. Its invoice records the complaint that the vehicle sputters when taking off from stop signs. Those symptoms continued after the repair. On October 6, 2026, at 197,216 miles, an O’Reilly scan recorded stored P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire) and P1101 (intake airflow system performance). A separate shop’s scanner also displayed stored P0304. These scans document codes, but the cause of the current intermittent problem has not been diagnosed. Another cracked piston or turbocharger failure has not been confir

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

This car has experienced the same dangerous symptoms as reported in many cases on this site. Similar examples are the federal safety agency 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?

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

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 Steering (requiring extreme manual steering effort at high speeds) and Traction Control. Check Engine Light illuminated. Instrumental cluster failed completely: digital tachometer and speedometer registered 0 RPM and 0 MPH while actively traveling at speed. Upon pulling off the highway, the vehicle entered a limp state, restricting speed to under 10 mph. After shutting off the engine, the vehicle's dashboard screen went entirely black/unresponsive upon re-attempting ignition. After sitting stationary for an extended period, the vehicle restarted, though the Check Engine Light remained illuminated. There is more to this but I ran out of characters to type it all so I'll include it with the files below. Thank you.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Fuel system · NC

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.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Transmission · NY

I work from home, so I drive my car maybe once a week and only on flat highways. One day, I heard a loud booming crack and then suddenly the vehicle was making a grinding noise and pulling strangely. I drove directly to a mechanic and had them looked at the vehicle since it was highly concerning to me. They said that the rear differential had split suddenly and that it was actually extremely dangerous that I had been driving still. They said if it had fully cracked it might have ended in my death! Again, this car is very underworked and not driving over so crazy terrain or anything to cause damage. The mechanic also mentioned that they've seen this problem in this vehicle make a lot, stating, "it's very common". I had to drop 3 grand to fix this. Given the danger and that it's a common problem I'm surprised this isn't already a recall.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine · WI

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 for all technician notes, diagnostics, etc. which they will not provide us unless we come in and get the non running vehicle and pay the 983.00 invoice. We would have to have the vehicle towed from their lot as it can't be driven since their repairs. We contacted GM and spoke with "Tamar" multiple times with no resolution. Service manager claims GM will pay 1,500.00 towards a 9,000.00 new engine. This engine damage is consequential damage of the turbo failure which the dealership is denying. GM and Lake Chevrolet are refusing to honor special coverage XXX for the resulting catastrophic damage. Dealership also refusing to provide documentation requested in attached letter. We seem to be expected to take their word for all of this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · 80,641 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that after the vehicle sat for a while on several occasions and was then driven, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. While driving on those occasions, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and DTC: P0171 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately six months later. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where DTC: P0300, US669T, 41121, and P0301 were retrieved. The ignition coil and spark plugs were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that four months later, after the vehicle sat for a while, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that there was an oil leak coming from the turbocharger return line and a fractured tube inside the engine. The oil connector and line were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two days later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,641.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · NY

My check engine light keeps staying on I go and have it scanned and they tell me it's sensors so each time I change my sensors the check engine light comes back on again, not sure how many sensor is that I have to keep changing in order for my check engine light to go off and I'm not sure if there's a problem with the diagnose of the engine light so I wanted to know if other people are having the same problem as me I can't keep paying to change all these sensors and each time I have it scan it shows up some more so I'm thinking it must be misdiagnosing something that's why I'm checking if there was any other complaints or recalls on this thank you very much

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · WI

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.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

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 department, yet no department could be identified, and despite multiple requests, I have not received a call back from a manager. Given the seriousness of the safety risk, the lack of notice, and the documented nature of this defect, I am respectfully requesting that GM reconsider my case for reimbursement or goodwill assistance for the turbocharger repair. I have attached copies of my repair invoice, proof of payment, and vehicle documentation for your review. I would appreciate escalation of this matter to a Senior Advisor or District Manager for further consideration. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2017, Chevy Trax [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)