Engine connecting rod failure. GM has photos of the damage. Engine had a catastrophic failure on the highway while traveling at approximately 60 mph. All engine power was lost. Debris and oil from the engine was all over the road. Defect was confirmed by dealer. Engine was inspected and replaced by dealer. No warnings or diagnostic trouble codes prior to catastrophic engine failure. There was an intermittent misfire like symptom prior to the event.
2024 Chevrolet Trax: engine failure
28 of the 184 complaints about the 2024 Chevrolet Trax describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 28
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
- 20252
- 202428
- 20221
- 20214
- 20203
- 20193
- 20182
- 20174
- 20163
- 20154
What owners say
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound and smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle and the engine seized. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the report from the diagnostic test was not provided. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
2024 Chevrolet Trax 1RS, approximately 66,000 miles. I was driving on the interstate at approximately 77 mph when I suddenly heard a very loud bang from the engine area. Immediately afterward, the vehicle began smoking both inside and outside, and there was a large black cloud of smoke behind the vehicle. The engine stalled and I lost propulsion while traveling at highway speed. I was able to move the vehicle to the side of the interstate. The vehicle then displayed a warning stating, “Oil pressure low, turn car off immediately.” I shut the vehicle off and did not continue driving. The vehicle had to be towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership. The Chevrolet repair order dated August 10, 2026 documents the concern as a loud engine noise and notes that the tow/wrecker driver reported a hole in the engine block. Chevrolet’s inspection marked the engine oil, fluid leaks, and cooling system as “Alert.” At the same inspection, the engine oil-life monitor showed 93%. Chevrolet recommended removal and replacement of the engine long block. The dealer estimate lists $11,106.14 for the long-block replacement and approximately $13,420.89 in total pending recommendations. GM has agreed to provide partial financial assistance toward the engine replacement, leaving me responsible for approximately $5,200. The replacement engine is currently on backorder, and the vehicle remains inoperable while awaiting an engine. I am filing this complaint because the engine failed suddenly while I was traveling approximately 77 mph on an interstate. The loud mechanical failure, smoke, engine stall, and sudden loss of propulsion created a serious safety risk. I am concerned that this may be related to similar engine failures being reported in Chevrolet vehicles equipped with the 1.2L turbocharged engine. I have retained the Chevrolet inspection report, repair estimate, photographs of the engine following the failure, GM case information, and documentation concerning the replacement.
My 2024 Chevrolet Trax is currently operating with a suspected internal engine defect tied to active Safety Recall A242435780. On 7/27/2026, Michael Hohl Chevrolet performed the software patch for this recall. However, severe internal engine noise remains. On my official repair order, the Shop Foreman test-drove the vehicle and explicitly documented: 'suspects could be something internal will need further diagnostics. Despite this documented internal engine concern tied to a federal safety recall, GM Corporate (Case #[XXX] (tel:[XXX])) and the dealership refuse to cover the diagnostic engine teardown. GM Customer Assistance formally told me to stop driving if the noise worsens, shifting the safety liability to me while refusing to remedy the defect. A sudden internal engine failure while driving will result in an immediate loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assistance, creating a severe crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
We were driving on the highway when the Trax suddenly made a popping sound, all the electric went off, and then the engine cut off. We lost control of steering for a bit, we're able to get to the side of the road. We had the car towed to the local Chevrolet dealer for diagnostics. The service manager informed me the engine is unrepairable due to a hole in the engine block, likely where the engine threw a rod. In order to get the engine replaced we have to have it towed to a second dealership, which we are in the process of doing now. I just purchased this vehicle 3 weeks ago without knowing this issue was a possibility
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with cruise control engaged. The low-pressure oil light illuminated. The driver was able to pull over. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that it was 4 quarts low and replenished it. An oil compensation test was performed. The dealer found no issue. While driving, there was an abnormal banging sound. The "Pull over and turn off the engine" message was displayed. The driver noticed that there was smoke emerging from the engine. There was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as having a blown engine. A hole was located in the block due to low oil. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being backordered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
I am submitting this complaint to report serious, recurring, and potentially dangerous safety defects involving my 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Timeline of Safety-Related Mechanical Failures: March 12, 2026 – First Highway Safety Incident While driving to work on [XXX] [XXX] ight activated, and the vehicle began to hesitate during highway operation. This occurred during my daily commute at highway speeds, creating an unsafe driving condition and serious concern for vehicle reliability and safety. [XXX] is extremely [XXX] ring this incident, I was afraid for my life due to the vehicle’s behavior in heavy traffic. I depend on this highway daily for work, and my family depends on my safe return home. My wife, daughter, son, and parents deserve peace of mind knowing I operate a safe vehicle. March 15, 2026 – Diagnostic Codes- P0521 – Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range or Performance- P06DE – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On Concerns include oil pressure, lubrication issues, and potential engine damage. April 27, 2026 – Second Highway Incident While driving on Route 78 after work, the vehicle experienced another failure:- Severe shaking- Check engine light- Unsafe operation Code:- P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected GM Case Numbers:- XXX- XXX Manufacturer and Dealership Awareness: General Motors and the dealership are fully aware of these repeated issues. Vehicle is currently at: [XXX] Ongoing Safety Concerns:- Engine misfires- Highway hesitation- Severe shaking- Oil pressure faults - Possible engine failure- Risk of power loss while driving I am still making monthly payments on this vehicle despite these ongoing failures. Personal Impact: I depend on this vehicle for work and family safety. These repeated failures have caused fear, financial burden, and stress. I was also forced to rent a vehicle due to delays in loaner availability. VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO [XXX] S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI
On December 28, 2025, while driving normally with my children, my 2024 Chevrolet Trax displayed multiple warnings including Engine Power Reduced, Service ESC, Service Stability, and Steering Assist Reduced. The engine began sputtering and knocking. The next morning the vehicle would not start and was towed to Malcolm Cunningham Chevrolet. The dealership found the engine free-wheeling with no compression and denied my warranty claim alleging spark plug tampering. I never touched the engine. It went directly from my driveway to the dealership via tow. An active recall — A242435780, Engine Spark Timing Following Auto Stop Event — was noted on the repair order upon arrival but was not completed until February 17, 2026, seven weeks after the engine failed. GM’s own recall states engine knock and engine damage are the known risks of this unrepaired fault. The dealership told me verbally it was just a console update, directly contradicting GM’s published description. A second dealership performed a compression test showing Cylinder 1 at 10 PSI, Cylinder 2 at 90 PSI, and Cylinder 3 at 0 PSI. Normal compression is 150 to 200 PSI. No diagnostic codes were retrievable. This dealership initially found something different but reversed their position after speaking with the first dealership and receiving direction from GM. GM denied my warranty claim and offered only a $2,000 incentive toward a new vehicle. The vehicle remains completely unrepaired. I continue making monthly payments on a car I cannot drive. This aligns with class action Cook v. General Motors LLC, Case 1:26-cv-00229-RGA, filed March 4, 2026.
My engine failed with no warning on my 2024 Chevy Trax , at night in the express lanes of a very busy expressway in Chicago. I was able to get on an off ramp, but the car then stalled again and I was almost hit by other vehicles trying to exit the ramp. I did call 911 and was told to stay in my car because I would have a "better chance of survival". I had just had the car at the dealership for an oil change and check-up a few weeks before. The dealer explanation was the engine is defective and they replaced the engine, but I have no confidence in this car. I told the dealer and they did not seem to care. I have had nothing but problems with this car, it is a danger to myself and others driving this car.
17k miles, head a loud pop sound, engine light came and all the oil and coolant was on the ground, engine was smoking. Had the vehicle towed and was told by the service department the connecting Rod failed which caused the catastrophic engine failure. According to the service department and GM there is not Estimated time of arrival for an engine replacement and it’s already been a month.
I was driving on the highway going around a ramp when I went to press on the brakes to slow down the pedal just went to the floor and the car would not slow down, causing me to go off the road. My insurance company did an inspection and said the accident was caused by engine failure and won’t cover damage. GM did inspection said it wasn’t their fault but won’t release their inspection report
I purchased the vehicle back in June of 2023, brand new, fresh off the lot and from then the issue began. I had a leak in the fuel line and the engine blew. That was all fixed. But the main issue was the loud vibrating noise that the service department tried to correct multiple times and couldn’t tell where it was coming from. Diagnostics were ran and the vehicle was in the shop multiple times because the noise was unbearable. I took it to 2 dealership service centers to see if anyone could locate it. From both service centers and other sales rep, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax 1RS has this issue and no matter the updates and corrections that were attempted it couldn’t be corrected. I submitted a complaint to corporate where they decided to send a “technician” from their office. Only the tech could not duplicate the issue but everyone else could. Because of that the buy back option was off the table and I was given a 2,000 certificate for another car, I still owed 21k for the trax. GM/Chervrolet technician failed to properly diagnose an issue that is common with those specific vehicles and now I am being ignored and looking for assistance
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides a procedure to fix an oil leak from a porous area at the cylinder head and...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California...
- This service bulletin provides information on normal engine characteristics/noise produced by the LIH or...
- This service bulletin provides a procedure to test and replace, if needed, the pressure sensor and/or the...
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2024 Chevrolet Trax engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2024 Chevrolet Trax?
28 of 184 owner complaints about the 2024 Chevrolet Trax (15%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2024.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2024 Chevrolet Trax?
There are 0 recalls and 68 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2024 Chevrolet Trax
Check engine light 23Loss of power 17Headlights 14Fire or smoke 12Screen failure 11Backup camera 8Wipers 7Jerking 6Won't start 6Adaptive cruise 5Lane assist 5Oil consumption 5Stalling 5
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