While driving this summer, I had an alert pop up on dash “reduce engine power.” Car almost completely stopped on highway, almost causing a wreck. Took to dealership where they had my 2024 Trax for almost 2 months. Finally, the replaced the Turbo. Barely 2 months later, this part week, I was driving and my car started stalling out, wouldn’t drive… almost got in 3 wrecks with my kids in car - very unsafe to drive. Found out my transmission failed - the point of failure being the transmission cooler. For a not that old car, 2 huge issues in 2 months is ridiculous, and extremely unsafe. It was terrifying driving with my children recently and having my car just completely lose power- we almost got t-boned when it just stopped driving while crossing a very busy street, almost rear ended several times when it just wouldn’t drive. It is now at Chevy dealership not drivable.
Chevrolet Trax stalling problems
35 of the 1,010 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Trax describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical mileage
- 48,500
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 13Loss of power 10Hesitation 4Misfire 3Jerking 3Engine failure 2Transmission failure 1Tire blowout 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P1101 1P0304 1P0299 1
What owners say
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
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
The chevy trax has a faulty turbo system. There are so many problems, including accelerating without pressing the gas and stalling when pushing the gas. It is a huge safety issues that is occuring in most trax. Why isnt chevy doing something about it? Their dearlships want over 3500 to repair it and Chevy says just buy a new car. . Why don't they care they are making faulty engines that endanger peoples lives and don't last 80,000 miles . I have spent over $1000 placing parts the app said it needed and paying gm to run the codes is $200 a piece.
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 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.
I was driving my car and was at a stop sign and the vehicle started acting odd and it felt like it was lunging me forward. I was concerned that it was going to do it without my control and after that it almost sluggish and stalling until I could get it out of the intersection. Took it to a repair shop and the whole turbo unit needs to be replaced with 38,000 miles on it.
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)
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was provided with error codes related to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine and turbocharger had failed due to oil circulation failure. The contact was informed that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
1. I bought the vehicle on August 2, 2025. The Fuel Injector failed less than a week later from my purchase date. One month later the dealership replaced the Fuel Injector. Along with a pipe, seal, gasket, and retainer. 2. My safety was put at risk as I was driving on a highway and as soon as I was descending an overpass, I felt a loss of power as if the vehicle down shifted on its own. Luckily, I was still able to drive it, and it didn't stall. 3. Yes, the dealership ran their diagnostic test. 4. Same, response as question 3. 5. Yes the check engine light appeared. Appeared sometime around one week later.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Chevrolet Trax stalling
Which Chevrolet Trax years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (8 complaints), 2016 (6 complaints) and 2018 (6 complaints).
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