2018 Chevrolet Trax Safety Report
2018 Chevrolet Trax Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (95) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Suspension | Compare suspension issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Chevrolet Trax with 20 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Chevrolet Trax before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Trax Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Trax years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Trax | 129 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Chevrolet Trax | 107 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Trax | 83 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Chevrolet Trax | 111 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax | 20 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Chevrolet Trax | 94 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Chevrolet Trax Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Suspension
21 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Chevrolet onlyEngine
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability Score
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Ball Joints Recalled by GM for 2015-2018 models, a joint in the lower ball arm can fail, causing suspension issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Oil Cooler Leaks can cause oil to leak onto the engine, leading to potential overheating and smoke. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Turbocharger Recalled by Chevrolet for 2018 models, the turbocharger can cause loss of power and engine damage. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Blower Motor And Resistor Can cause the vehicle to fill with smoke and emit burning plastic fumes, posing a safety hazard. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Trax:
Issues with lower ball joints are a common problem, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Engine-related electrical system failures are a common issue, affecting 11% of vehicles.
Service brake assist issues are a less common problem, affecting 3% of vehicles.
Turbocharger issues are a common problem, affecting 5% of vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
My check engine light came on, I took my vehicle to Ken Ganley Chevrolet because that is where I purchased it. They claim they have no record I bought it there and at first refused service. I provided my loan documents that state I purchased it. Tim was in the service department, I brought the car in and he had it looked at. He said the issue is the turbocharger, which is a known issue with this y...
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact used the parking brake to slow and stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted to diagnose the vehicle. A deal...
The oil cooler/oil housing leaks oil on every single one of these vehicles, spanning many years, due to its plastic housing, mounted up against a hot engine. The cost of repair is between $2000-3000 at a dealership.
Service Brake Assist message appeared on the dash, brakes got soft , vehicle would not stop. Check engine light came on. Dealership reported no codes were reported but the Power Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor & Hose Assembly needs replaced due to a sensor malfunction. Say it is not covered under any safety/service bulletin so we need to pay for it. Other make and models are covered under 17-NA-314, S...
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the infotainment system was intermittently inoperable; however, the infotainment system and the instrument cluster had become inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed ...
The vehicle check engine light came on. Engine light is for a repair to the turbo charger. After looking online I noticed some of the 2017 and 2018 Chevy Trax cars are afftected however the VIN for my car is not included. I want to report the problem to see if my car can be checked to see if it's a faulty part.
The contact’s parents owned a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while a parent was driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the accelerator pedal was also simultaneously depressed the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure caused the contact’s parent to veer off the side of the road, which caused the vehicle to roll over several times befor...
I was driving my car to the post office in Waikii Ranch in Kamuela Hawai’i no or around [XXX] When all of a sudden my steering went out and my car could hardly turn without great effort from me and I am [XXX] I noticed a warning light stating my power steering was not working and to drive with caution This was a horrible drive home as I live where there are many turns and hills Once I made it ...
Car smoking under the hood not even a month after getting repairs done to it for the same issue of coolant loss. Replaced engine oil cooler, coolant housing, and turbo. Car started smoking again less than a month later and mechanic baffled at what it may be this time for there is no warning lights illuminated to point to the problem. The vehicle has had its regular maintenance on time.
2018 chevy trax turbo messing up loss of power and making noise
I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.
Engine oil cooler leaking with no dash lights causing burning plastic fumes only when sitting at an idle to enter car cabin causing passengers to feel unwell at times. With no warning lights for specific leaks or overheating warnings caused high repair bills at the shop. Also, probably causing engines to malfunction earlier than normal since the only sign is the smell of something burning when at ...
Blower motor and resistor, wire lume melting. So many people have the same issue on several different models. Same part, same issues that could cause a fire. Well know issue by Dealership and auto repair facilities.
Car filled with smoke and smell. Needed to replace the blower motor l, resistor, and pig tail or it would have killed my child.
Chevrolet had a recall (N232395330) for 2018 Trax models due to a problem with the turbocharger. For whatever reason, Chevrolet did not include all 2018 Trax models, and omitted ours. The turbocharger on ours failed, causing an oil problem and substantial damage to the engine (and, possibly, other parts), with an estimated $12,500 cost to repair. We have tried to work with both Chevrolet (case ...
The indicator for the vehicle overheating illuminated as I checked. I noticed that the engine coolant was low so I brought a bottle to top it off however, I noticed once parking in front of my home that I had a puddle of the fluid on the ground.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determi...
Engine runs roughly. Hardly any pick up present during acceleration.
Tech during an annual inspection found the rear Diff. Carrier cracked and crumbling apart into small pieces. There was evidence of fluid leaking onto the rear exhaust. Due to safety concerns tech would not inspect without the replacement of the rear diff. Carrier, Axel/Differential. Replacement cost was $2,681.41.
I was driving between 35 and 45 mph and ran over a manhole cover. The rear of my vehicle began to fishtail. I pulled into a gas station and upon attempting to leave my vehicle failed to drive forward. The car was still on but would not move forward. I had it towed by flatbed to the local chevy dealership where it was determined that the rear suspension swing bar has separated at the weld. If I wer...
Showing 20 of 95 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Chevrolet Trax
Has the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX have?
The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX has 95 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX involve suspension (21 complaints), engine (11 complaints), unknown or other (8 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, power train, service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX out of 95 total complaints (2.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX out of 95 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX is acceptable with caveats. It has 95 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX are: 1. SUSPENSION (21 complaints), 2. ENGINE (11 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints). SUSPENSION is the single most-reported problem area with 21 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
Be cautious of potential suspension, electrical, and turbocharger issues. Check for recalls and have the vehicle inspected regularly. The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX has 95 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
The 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 95 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Lower Ball Joints and Engine Oil Cooler.
What are the known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX?
Known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX include: Lower Ball Joints, Engine Oil Cooler, Turbocharger, Blower Motor and Resistor. These are based on patterns found across 95 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
Common issues include lower ball joint failures, engine oil cooler leaks, turbocharger problems, and electrical system failures.
Is the check engine light a serious issue?
Yes, it can indicate problems with the engine, oil cooler, or turbocharger, which can affect performance and safety.
What should I do if my car starts smoking?
Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and contact a mechanic to diagnose the issue, as it could be related to the blower motor or oil cooler.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential suspension, electrical, and turbocharger issues. Check for recalls and have the vehicle inspected regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Chevrolet Trax
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The data includes 95 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Chevrolet Trax an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14