VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Trax problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax sits mid-pack among Trax years: 152 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 139, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (34), engine (29), and electrical system (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

152

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Trax years?

Trax NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted215 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 145 complaints2016: 183 complaints2017: 181 complaints2018: 152 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 139 complaints2021: 37 complaints2022: 13 complaints2024: 215 complaints2025: 121 complaints2026: 16 complaints
Trax NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trax years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Trax problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension3422%
Engine2919%
Electrical System2214%
Other1711%
Transmission117%
Steering96%
Brakes96%
Tires & Wheels75%
Speed Control64%
Fuel System32%
Airbags21%
Body & Structure11%
Seat Belts11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V652000SuspensionSeptember 12, 2019 · 93,722 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Consequence

A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.

19V312000SuspensionApril 18, 2019 · 112,958 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle.

Consequence

A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON 7/11/19 I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT MY CAR WAS UNDER RECALL. RECALL #A182202370. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND NOT TO BE IMPACTED BY THE RECALL AND I LEFT. ON 7/19/19 MADE A U-TURN IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT, I HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND THEN HAD A HARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 19, 2019 · crash

“The diver side fuse box started a fire in the vehicle. The tracking control system light was flashing on and the vehicle lost power. Filed claim with insurance company. Insurance company issued a total loss and took possession of the vehicle. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 14, 2026 · fire

“The diver side fuse box started a fire in the vehicle. The tracking control system light was flashing on and the vehicle lost power. Filed claim with insurance company. Insurance company issued a total loss and took possession of the vehicle. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 14, 2026 · fire

“PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVY TRAX ON FEBRUARY 16, 2019. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, CURRENTLY, TO FIX AN ISSUE OF HAVING NO HEAT. GETTING READY TO SEND IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN TO TRY AND FIX THE ISSUE OF NO HEAT. VEHICLE WAS LEFT RUNNING IN THE DRIVE WAY TO HEAT UP AND DRIVEN MORE THAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 14, 2019

“All wheel drive disabled when car is started, displaying AWD disabled message on startup instrument cluster. Scan for DTC 0121 lost communication with EBCM. RDCM corroded and needs replacing. Common issue with this vehicle but somehow not included with my particular VIN. Ref #17436-02: SPECIAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 12, 2022

2018 Chevrolet Trax — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax reliable?

It is close to typical for the Trax: 152 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Trax problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (34 complaints), engine (29 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Trax years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trax years to avoid are 2024, 2013. The cleanest record among Trax years belongs to 2014.

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.