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2015 Chevrolet Trax Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Chevrolet Trax carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lower ball joint and frontal. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Turbocharger and coolant system failure.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Campaign #19V652000 · Dec 9, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #15V162000 · Mar 20, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire placards that do not provide the rim size information for the front or rear wheels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."

Risk: If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and will send owners a corrected label, free of charge. The recall April 29, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15166.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #16V422000 · Oct 6, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #15V146000 · Mar 13, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.

Risk: The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15168.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Campaign #16V257000 · Apr 28, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Chevrolet Trax.

Reported to NHTSA

Turbocharger and coolant system failure

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2023-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BILLION AUTO CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 4200 W 12TH ST, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57107; (605) 988-8538) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11010386
“NOTICED COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. PUT IT IN THE SHOP AND IT IS THE TURBO THAT CHEVY MANUFACTURES WITH THE ENGINE. IT IS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY A 2015 WITH 34,000 MILES, THE TURBO SHOULD NOT BE LEAKING ALREADY. IT DOES NEED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11280285
“I have had multiple engine problems with my trax. For starters, shortly after I bought it in 2021 I had to have the radiator replaced, then in Aug or Sept 2022 I had to have the coil pack replaced, the in Oct 2022 the turbo needed to be replaced. Exactly 1 year after replacing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559409

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Paint peeling and bubbling on body panels

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2024-07

“The paint is peeling off. It started as a bubble and then popped. There is no rust to indicate this being from wear and tear. The back and two spots on the hood are affected by this issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11601536
“I BOUGHT A USED 2015 CHEVY TRAX IN NOV 2019. ONE OIL CHANGE INTO MY TRAX IN FEB 2020 THE PAINT STARTED BUBBLING AND COMING OFF IN THE SNOW IN MY DRIVEWAY SITTING! THEN MORE STARTED COMING OFF. I NOW HAVE 2 SPOTS ON THE BACK HATCH AND BOTH SIDES OF THE HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363449
“My 2015 blue Chevy Trax is under 38k miles and the paint is peeling off the tailgate under the window. After finding out that many of my same car, same color are having the exact same issue in the same spot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482516

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm failure

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2022-08

“The passenger side control arm is messed up and this is throwing the vehicle out of alignment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480121
“THE CAR JUMPED THE CURB WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEDR HAND TURN. TOOK IT FOR INSPECTION RECENTLY AND IT FAILED DUE TO FAULTY CONTROL ARMS.THE FRONT END OF THE CAR BOUNCES AND RIDES ROUGH WHEN IT HITS A BUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363865
“I HAVE BEEN SENT A PRETTY EGREGIOUS RECALL BY GM. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. IT'S BEEN A MONTH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289038

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in frontal or rear crashes

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2017-03

“ON JUNE 11, 2016, I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND HAD A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THIS WAS A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, AND A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10873803
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN ANKLE AND STOMACH INJURIES DUE TO THE SEAT BELT, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10871801
“MY 2015 TRAX HAD COLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRAAX VERSES THE BED OF A GMC PICKUP AT A MOERATE SPEED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10905137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering loss tied to campaign 15V146000

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V146000 (STEERING) WAS REFERENCED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11161206
“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power of steering assist. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532682
“Left red light on major hwy. Car stuck in first gear. Took MI turn around and no power steering. Limped home in first gear. Internet says there was a recall for 2014-15 Trax for same problems; Dealer says there's not, and told me to drive it there in 1st gear to check it out !”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725182

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle rolls backward on an incline without hill-hold

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2016-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ON AN INCLINE WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10732186
“CHEVROLET HAS REPEATEDLY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ON THE TRAX IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED WHEN IT ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS ON ANY SORT OF INCLINE, HOWEVER CHEVROLET ADVERTISES THE TRAX AS HAVING HILL START ASSIST, WHICH AUTOMATICALLY APPLIES BRAKES FOR UP TO 2”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10865178
“VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARD IN DRIVE CAUSING NEAR COLLISION. I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE AND THE GEAR SELECTOR IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE SHIFTS TO NEUTRAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARD WHEN THE BRAKE IS RELEASED AND ON 2 OCCASIONS CAUSING A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10935584

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of power while driving

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2025-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE PROFUSELY WHILE THE ENGINE STALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11061442
“THE VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING AND NOT TURN BACK ON UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND THE KEY IS TAKEN OUT AND PUT BACK IN. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD AS IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243865
“While driving in the highway vehicle lost power and gray smoke came out off the exhaust, it was hard to accelerate and TCS warning light and check engine light popped up. TCS warning light extinguished but check engine light still on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702023

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal loss with no stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2019-09

“NO BRAKES WHEN DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. PEDAL PRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. PUMPING BRAKES MADE NO DIFFERENCE. THANKFULLY WAS ON A LESS TRAVELED COUNTRY ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP THE VEHICLE HOME USING PARKING BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11257088
“BACKING UP VEHICLE, PRESSED BRAKES, WENT TO FLOOR, NO BRAKES. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL TILL VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. PUT CAR IN DRIVE, PUT FOOT ON BRAKES TO STOP AND CHECK DAMAGE, NO BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10875976

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

37 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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