Chevrolet Trax steering lock-up problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · CA

About 4 weeks ago I began to notice my brakes grabbing and they have gotten worse. I read that there may be a glitch in the internal rod position sensor calibration within the Electronic Contact Module ( EBCM).I wasn’t told if they put car on computer to update / calibrate the module software. I read nothing in paper work I received that anything was done with my brakes. When I drove it home today the brakes grabbed. My biggest concern or scare is that I almost had a catastrophic head on collision. In addition to that I had 7 near misses. This happens when the car is hot or cold. My steering wheel will lock up and when steering wheel locks up, the car will swerve left or right and then right or left, sometimes crossing the center line. I have been aware my 2025 Chevy Trax LT, which cost me $31,000.00 just 6 months ago, brand new , was being recalled. But Wittmeier Chevy, the service technician said there was not a recall. I was dumb founded and I thought they were rude to me, like I didn’t know what I was talking about. The recall number is A262554903 is for the back-up camera recall. The service technician got my car and should me the lane assist button. I can tell you I never ever saw it on and when it’s on that’s when lane assist is on. One would think I would see it when I am at least night driving but I have not. I was told the lane assist can gently nudge a steering wheel , but it never locks up the wheel. I read it’s a severe mechanical steering rack or a lock - up in the steering column. I did ask for a loaner when I dropped off my car but I was told a”N0” which really bothered me 1) it was purchased just 6 months ago 2) new client 3) I read it’s a critical safety defect.i asked how many cars they sold in a month and was told 200, I bit my tongue and thought, wow, cheap sakes, no concern about my safety, I don’t want this car at ALL. All I see is more going wrong with it. I think they turned on that lane assist light. They can buy back my Chevy tomorrow

Filed May 13, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · MO

While driving the car the start loosing power and attempts to shut down, other time the steering wheel locks up up and im unable to turn steering wheel. The check engine light comes on and turns off. The dealer/ Car repair shop has been unable to reproduce issue and unable tell me what this issue is. No accident has resulted from this as of yet. But car has some kind of malfuctioning issue.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

On 4 seperate occasions, my vehicle has completely shut off in the middle of the road. 3 times this has happened while traveling on the interstate. Every time with my 6 year old son in the car. The steering wheel locks up when it happens and you have to use all of your strength to get out of the road as soon as possible to avoid being smashed by oncoming traffic. On 8 seperate occasions, my vehicle randomly loses the majority of it's power, and takes over 6,000 rpms just to continue at 50mph. The issue fixes itself by the time I try to take it to the dealership and they tell me there is nothing they can do about any of these issues because it "isn't doing it now" - refusing to even look at it. If I don't take no for an answer, they said just a diagnostic will take 48 hours and they do not offer any sort of loaner vehicle. Both of these events happen without warning, at completely random times. Chevrolet service members each give me different advice and non of it is helpful. My car is a death trap. I bought it brand new with 5 miles on it. I had to order it and wait for it to be shipped to me. This has happened throughout the entire life of the vehicle.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Steering · MI

Steering wheel frozen in position on morning cold start below 20 degrees Fahrenheit even when car is put in drive. I must warm the cabin for 15 minutes to thaw the steering column or manually pull down on wheel to loosen the column. Below 10 degrees, steering wheel is firm and power steering does not return wheel to original position going around turns unless physically coaxed. Problem goes away at warmer temperatures or if cabin stays warm. Chevy dealership replaced steering rack under warranty and recommends steering column kit be replaced. Will replace column by next fall. Problem started at around 60,000 mi. No warning lights or error codes when frozen.

Filed Feb 1, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · DE

Power steering locks up while driving, service stabilitrack warning comes on, transmission drops and car will not drive, car will not reverse

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 26, 2020 · Steering · 4,000 miles · NY

Power steering locks when car is parked and temperature drops below 30 degrees. Car has to be warmed up for about 20 minutes and then when the steering releases there is a very loud rubbing noise.

Filed Dec 12, 2019 · Steering · 115,749 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet trax. The contact stated that the steering seized in the middle of traffic when the contact attempted to turn the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had a recall inspection performed for the same failure at jack schmitt chevrolet of o'fallon (127 regency park, o'fallon, il 62269, (618) 628-2500). The vehicle was not repaired at that time. The dealer stated that they would have to wait until monday to look at the vehicle again and they had no loaner vehicles. The contact even checked with another dealer and was informed to take the vehicle back to the original dealer to close out the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,749.

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Transmission · 40,510 miles · CT

While driving 40mph vehicle seemed to shift gears while in drive gear. While vehicle was in motion, vehicle would not steer (steering wheel locked) and would not accelerate. Vehicle was unable to turn. Vehicle behaved as if it was in parked gear, even though it was in drive gear and in motion. While trying to stop, I was unable to steer, but was able to run off the road into a parking lot. Once stopped, moving gear shifter did not seem to switch gears. I tried putting the gear shifter in park, or reverse and nothing happened. Vehicle would not let me turn the wheels and would not go forward or reverse. Error lights illuminated were malfunction indicator, stabilitrack, park, and power steering light. Chevrolet informed of issue. Chevrolet refused to fix vehicle. Vehicle only has 40,510 miles. Chevrolet refuses to admit it has a problem with transmissions or power steering in these vehicles. I am lucky I was able to make it into a parking lot and not run into anyone or anything. *as the consumer stated the problem was the engine control module which was replaced with a new part.

Filed Mar 11, 2019 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 59,000 miles · NY

Chevy sucks. Bought my 2016 chevy trax in september 2015. It's been well maintained. At the 59,000 mile mark, the steering wheel locks up and the engine powers down with no warning, ESC lights comes on and the car loses acceleration. Took it to 1 dealer who keeps it for 4 weeks when they figure it's a module. I brought it to my regular mechanic who has a relationship with another chevy dealer so I could save on labor, they have it for another 4 weeks. And still with the savings, it cost me $1120 for this repair on top of the $218 I paid for the original diagnostic. I finally get the car back, have it for a day and it's the same problem! They replaced the battery, and still the problem is still occurring and the dealer cannot figure out what is wrong. This is chevy's [xxx] product! Nothing in the normal wear and tear of car ownership should have me shelling out all this money when I bought it brand new and have had it for 3 1/2 years. I've made 3 car payments in the last 90 days and still don't have a car to drive. I will never buy a chevy again! Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)