YearToAvoid

2018 Chevrolet Trax Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 35 engine complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, or 35% of its 101 total complaints for the year. No related recall covers this engine issue. Median mileage at failure was 64,338 miles.

Engine complaints
35
35% of 101
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
64,338 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report blue smoke from the tailpipe and near-stalling in cold weather on the 1.4 turbo engine.
  • Several describe a leaking turbo joint at the inlet coupler along with a failed oxygen sensor discovered during diagnostics.
  • Some report a sticking turbocharger wastegate that required replacement after a dealer inspection.
  • Owners describe rough starting, a lit check-engine light, and unusual engine or exhaust noise tied to emissions concerns.
  • One owner reported a transmission leak linked to the engine start/stop system that reduced the vehicle's ability to move forward.
  • One report describes unintended simultaneous brake and accelerator pedal engagement that led to the vehicle veering off the road and rolling.

When 2018 Chevrolet Trax engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 2, 2019, latest Sep 7, 2026.

2018 Chevrolet Trax engine complaints: complaints filed per month4Oct 2019Feb 2021Aug 2022Oct 2023Mar 2024Oct 2024Apr 2025Feb 2026
35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2024 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Trax model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20130 (0%)
  2. 20140 (0%)
  3. 201525 (26%)
  4. 201646 (39%)
  5. 201751 (45%)
  6. 201835 (35%)
  7. 201943 (32%)
  8. 202027 (29%)
  9. 20217 (29%)
  10. 20225 (56%)
  11. 202455 (33%)
  12. 202517 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA lists 35 engine complaints for the 2018 Trax, making up 35% of the 101 total complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax engine?
No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue on the 2018 Trax.
At what mileage do 2018 Trax engine problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 64,338 miles.
What specific engine symptoms do 2018 Trax owners report?
Owners describe blue tailpipe smoke, near-stalling, turbo joint leaks, a failed oxygen sensor, a sticking wastegate, rough starting, and unusual noise.
Were there any crashes or fires tied to 2018 Trax engine complaints?
NHTSA data for this engine problem area on the 2018 Trax lists 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.