2018 Chevrolet Trax: check engine light

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AR

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 under a factory warranty extension. However, the dealership failed to diagnose or repair the underlying PCV/intake pressure defect, causing the new components to fail immediately upon vehicle delivery. The manufacturer has been notified of the failure cascade but is refusing to inspect or intervene without requiring out-of-pocket consumer diagnostic fees. No police or insurance inspections have occurred. began over two years ago with random, intermittent check engine lights accompanied by random error codes, a high-pitched engine squeak, rough idling, severe fuel economy drops, and intermittent engine stalling. The engine eventually developed a heavy knocking sound resembling a diesel engine. Currently, the check engine lamp does not illuminate, but all physical symptoms remain active and increasing in sever

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Engine · OH

My check engine light came on, I took my vehicle to Ken Ganley Chevrolet because that is where I purchased it. They claim they have no record I bought it there and at first refused service. I provided my loan documents that state I purchased it. Tim was in the service department, I brought the car in and he had it looked at. He said the issue is the turbocharger, which is a known issue with this year/make/model that GM knows about. The repair was under warranty, completed and the car returned to me. Less than 2 weeks later the check engine light came on and the diagnostic gave the same error. I took it back to the dealership and I got 3 different answers. One person told me it was an exhaust issue that was causing the turbo to overheat (the car is kicking out excessive amounts of carbon monoxide), the second person told me there was no issue and they weren't sure why the check engine light went off, the third person said it seemed like the exhaust and the overheating was a safety issue and it shouldn't be driven. They ultimately refused the repair and said bring it back if it gets worse. I called GM corporate to report the dealership and ask for an actual repair. They told me to take it to another dealership to be looked at. Multiple other dealerships have refused because the case is open with the original dealership. That Ken Ganley Chevrolet dealer is refusing to acknowledge a repair is needed. The car is continuing to kick out excessive carbon monoxide and smells like burning when driving. The engine chugs and doesn't get up to full speed. I requested goodwill reimbursement for part of the car from GM for failure to service and an unsafe vehicle and they have offered no solution because other dealers won't give a second opinion. The car is not safe to drive and is not being repaired.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Brakes · IA

Service Brake Assist message appeared on the dash, brakes got soft , vehicle would not stop. Check engine light came on. Dealership reported no codes were reported but the Power Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor & Hose Assembly needs replaced due to a sensor malfunction. Say it is not covered under any safety/service bulletin so we need to pay for it. Other make and models are covered under 17-NA-314, Special Coverage Adjustment N182202780, Product Safety Recall N202300860. All similar issues but none for the 2018 Chevy Trax. Feel this is a huge issue as it is a direct issue with safety. Brakes are a critical part of safety when on the road.

Filed Jul 10, 2025 · Acceleration · CA

The vehicle check engine light came on. Engine light is for a repair to the turbo charger. After looking online I noticed some of the 2017 and 2018 Chevy Trax cars are afftected however the VIN for my car is not included. I want to report the problem to see if my car can be checked to see if it's a faulty part.

Filed Mar 27, 2024 · Engine · 21,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that abnormal sounds were coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the failure originally occurred three years ago however, the failure had become persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had previously received unknown manufacturer communication documentation which advised of a potential turbo charger failure with the vehicle. The contact was informed that parts to complete the repair were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2023 · Engine, Steering · NY

The steering of the vehicle is very tight and it doesn't spring back when turning the wheel on its own like most vehicles do . you have to manually bring your steering wheel back for the wheels to turn straight again..and this isn't normal by any means ... Also, The turbocharger in my vehicle isnt working correctly and is causing my check engine light to be on even after engine codes have issues have been repaired. I've changed air filters.. I've changed mass air flow sensors.. I've changed the intake manifold and the engine light comes back on after accelerating.. The engine code that keeps coming back on and returning is p0299.. this is an issue with the turbo boost.. And this is also something that has been recalled for other model Chevy lf the Chevy Trax.. my vehicle issues are recalls that are being done on other Chevy Trax but they're not being recalled for my model of the Chevy Trax as obvious that these recall issues pertain to my vehicle as well.. I know there are recalls on the Chevy Trax which are having these exact issues except my car isn't listed on the recall list.. and without a doubt it should be because these issues I'm having go hand and hand with other Chevy Trax models that are receiving recalls for these exact same issues

Filed Aug 11, 2023 · Driver assistance, Engine · 70,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had experienced a loss of motive power. The vehicle did not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions the vehicle stalled while idling. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the stabili-trak message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the turbo charger and exhaust flex pipe were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Mar 29, 2023 · Electrical, Seat belts · 48,000 miles · NJ

The contact’s aunt owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to malfunction, and the rear and front passenger’s side seat belts seized. The check engine warning light, traction control warning light, and power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle started to decelerate, the transmission disengaged, and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that she was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column and the main computer had inadvertently disconnected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Fuel system, Suspension · DE

I'd it's a 2018 Chevrolet Grad LT for almost two years. My engine light been cutting off and on since 5 months since I'd the vehicle. Now my stabilitrak light come off and on with showing the hazard light on the dashboard. I just want to be safe if the vehicle has problems with suspension issues to check out.

Filed Mar 27, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

The non return valve in the intake either broke or fell off( apparently defective) causing my vehicle’s check engine light to come and causing multiple error codes. As a result of this defective part it cause my vehicle to vibrate violently ,the lost of power, and ultimately stalling out Nearly causing me getting involved with a very serious accident. As a result of this incident I took my vehicle to the nearest mechanical shop had it diagnosed showing multiple error codes and ultimately revealing a missing part ( A rubber nipple ) which was supposed to be inside of the intake. As stated above the check engine light did come on one week prior to the above conditions as a result of this missing/defective part . I had tried on several occasions with the dealership where I purchased my vehicle from to have the above problem resolved with negative results. My mechanic has confirm with me that this is not the first time he has seen this part missing from other GM vehicles with the same type of engine . I did research about my issue and found numerous reports of this with the same type engine in it since 2012 , Also my mechanic was told by one of the service members of the dealership that they were aware of this problem obviously this is not the first time, but they refuse to have my car towed and wanted me to pay an additional $140 again to get the car diagnosed. The car was rendered unsafe to drive due to the fact of the above problems regarding this defective part . This needs to be addressed , there is no doubt in my mind that someone will ultimately die from this continuous problem with these engines with this particular part. I have kept all the parts that were taken off of my vehicle for further inspection especially if the federal safety agency wishes to inspect it. I am appealing the decision from General motors concerning this Replacement part/ parts that I Purchase to render my vehicle safe and operable.Replacement parts are all GM products !

Filed Jul 23, 2021 · Transmission · NH

Turbo coolant pipes leaking No check engine light no warning noticed anti freeze on driveway.Seems like there is a lot of this happening. Glad I was home and not far away.

Filed Apr 19, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 69,000 miles · OH

-backup camera sensor sound stopped working around 55k miles -we bought out car brand new three years ago this month, and the turbo unexpectedly cracked somewhere between 68k-69k miles. It's releasing a horrible smell in the car. No check engine light is coming on