When driving with my [XXX] old “service power steering” message came on and instantly lost all power steering. Almost got on a head on collision. Car has no power steering. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Trax power steering loss problems
13 of the 1,013 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Trax describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 13
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 44,200
By model year
- 20241
- 20201
- 20191
- 20182
- 20174
- 20154
Often reported together
Check engine light 6Loss of power 5Won't shift 3Steering lock-up 1Fire or smoke 1Engine failure 1Ball joint 1Backup camera 1
Trouble codes mentioned
U0100 1U0073 1P0700 1
What owners say
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The vehicle was recently purchased. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle lost steering functionality, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had not started since the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure.
Both my control arms are loose and wheel baring is bad, plus a cracked catalytic converter. All of these are causing my car to be loud and burning smell, causing unsafe driving conditions for me and my children. Online states that the control arms are an issue with this vehicle make and model and have been recalled, however my VIN has not been recalled and I want to report this. improperly welded joints can fatigue and break, causing the lower control arm to partially separate from the vehicle. This can lead to a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. I have not gotten in an accident, but was at risk of this happening. My car is being worked on and it will cost me $800 for these repairs for the issues related to the 2018 Chevy traxs. I would like this VIN to be recalled and receive a refund for the work done to my vehicle.
Left red light on major hwy. Car stuck in first gear. Took MI turn around and no power steering. Limped home in first gear. Internet says there was a recall for 2014-15 Trax for same problems; Dealer says there's not, and told me to drive it there in 1st gear to check it out !
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check battery light illuminated and the instrument panel lights started flashing before the power steering failed, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and drive into a ditch. During the failure, the front seat passenger sustained an injured neck but did not require immediate medical attention. The vehicle was later towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
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.
I started my vehicle this morning and backed out of my driveway and when I went to shift out of reverse there was a sudden and violent jolt through the car and the check engine light came on and and the car information center displayed "Service Power Steering" with actual loss of power steering for approximately 45 seconds message cleared and my power steering returned to normal. Then "Service Stabilitrak" displayed on the information center and disappeared shortly after. Engine light remains on with fault codes P0700, U0100, and U0073 during diagnostic scan.
2017 Chevrolet Trax mileage 35,703 November 20, 2022 ( second incident)while driving 50 mph on a highway, I lost power steering, acceleration, and dashboard instruments( speedometer & tach) failed. Dashboard message advised of loss of power steering. I was able to drive about one mile before I could safely pull to the side of the road and after stopping the issue resolved itself but check engine light came on but turned off within a 24 hour period. Later found out my son had experienced the same issue with my car one month earlier. December 6 th- Took it to dealer who could not replicate the problem and was unable to provide explanation or solution. This was a frightening safety issue- luckily there was not a lot of traffic when the problem occurred. I am very concerned about driving this car and having this happen again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 chevrolet trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering failed intermittently. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The power steering regained functionality and the check engine warning illuminated and then went away. The failure recurred once. The contact had not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,200.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.
- Risk
- The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 15168.
Recall number 15V146000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Trax power steering loss
Which Chevrolet Trax years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (4 complaints), 2017 (4 complaints) and 2018 (2 complaints).
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