2018 Chevrolet Trax recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 TRAX.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V312000 (manufacturer code A182202370).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 TRAX.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V652000 (manufacturer code A192261870).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2018 Chevrolet Trax owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (34), Engine (31), Electrical system (18), Unknown Or Other (17), Transmission / drivetrain (12).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/09/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
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, cau…
09/07/2026 · Engine
Turbo failed
06/27/2026 · Electrical system · 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.
06/18/2026 · Suspension
There are known issues with the control arms on these vehicles and I have had a clunk any time I hit the slightest bump or crack and it is especially bad when my wheels are turned. There is no recall linked to my vin but this is the exact issue that has been recalled on other vins. This makes driving the car with my children very unsafe.
06/03/2026 · Suspension
Both my control arms are loose and wheel baring is bad, plus a cracked catalytic converter. All of these are causing my car to be loud and burning smell, causing unsafe driving conditions for me and my children. Online states that the control arms are an issue with this vehicle make and model and have been recalled, however my VIN has not been recalled and…
05/29/2026 · Steering
Power steering isn’t working
05/25/2026 · Steering
My lower control arm weld has cracked. It was checked shortly after purchase and passed inspection at the Chevy garage in Elkins, WV. Now the weld is cracked on both driver and passenger sides and it making a clunking sound. I do not feel safe to drive this vehicle. This problem should of been fixed when the recall came out, they should of replaced with new…
02/12/2026 · Unknown Or Other
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 turboch…