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2017 Chevrolet Trax Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Chevrolet Trax carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lower ball joint. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear brake wear and rollback while braking.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Campaign #19V312000 · Apr 18, 2019

Issue: 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.

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 June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Chevrolet Trax.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear brake wear and rollback while braking

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2024-05

“Sitting at a stoplight on a slight hill, With my foot on the break, my car started rolling backwards. When it started rolling, I pressed harder on the break and it kept rolling”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11587035
“PURCHASED A NEW 2017 TRAX. AT THE 3 YEAR MARK OR NEAR, I HEARD A SQUEAL FROM TIME TO TIME WHILE DRIVING FORWARD. AT NO TIME DID THE BRAKE SQUEAL WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360449
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE REAR BRAKES OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073960

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spontaneous window and sunroof shattering

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2023-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339888
“I HAD JUST PURCHASED MY CHEVY TRAX ON JULY 10, 2018. IT HAD 14,600 MILES ON IT. I WENT OUT TO MY GARAGE ON JULY 31, GOT INTO MY VEHICLE AND SHUT MY DRIVER'S DOOR AT WHICH TIME THE WINDOW GLASS BEHIND ME SHATTERED INTO A THOUSAND PIECES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119588
“I WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE PARKED WAITING FOR THE RAIN TO PASS. FRONT WINDOW WAS CRACKED. WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. TURNED AROUND THE BACK WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAD SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220614

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger failure with stalling and check engine light

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

19 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2026-07

“Turbocharger on my 2017 Chevy Trax failed at approximately 80,000 miles. Took it in for repair and they reported that upon examination a 299 code appeared and the turbocharger needed to be replaced. Check engines light also came on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751924
“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11649600
“turbo charger on all small engine for chevy have been giving people a lot of headaches during the winter months. Chevy is aware thar their turbo chargers are affected by cold weather but still put the turbo into new vehicles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565909

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss with Stabilitrak warning

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2026-02

“When driving, speedometer/RPM dial both go to 0. The “Service Stabilitrak” message comes on followed by the “Service Power Steering, Drive With Care” message. The check engine light will also sometimes appear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715731
“2017 Chevrolet Trax mileage 35,703 November 20, 2022 ( second incident)while driving 50 mph on a highway, I lost power steering, acceleration, and dashboard instruments( speedometer & tach) failed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497129
“ON JAN, 4TH, 2021 ABOUT 9AM MY 2017 CHEVY TRAX DIED ON THE INTERSTATE. THE SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON CAR JUST QUIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11388363

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm and suspension failure

SUSPENSION

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2025-02

“2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAILED WELDED JOINTS SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER CRASH DUE TO THE FAILED PARTS. THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL REPAIR NOTICE FOR THE FAILED PARTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11326850
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE LANDED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279792
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING MORE THAN 45 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11257325

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in frontal crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2024-08

“The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH; she T-boned with another vehicle (Ford F-150) however, the air bags did not deploy. No warning light had illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609761
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377280
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE RED LIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994222

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heater blower motor resistor failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2025-02

“The Blower Motor Resistor and Harness are faulty causing smoking and short circuit instead of blowing a fuse. Im afraid this could cause the car to catch on fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11544627
“Resistor and resistor harness for HVAC continuously fail. About to be on fourth repair as they continue to short out and begin to melt, almost catching fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522067
“I am an [XXX] living on a remote ranch in northern Montana. Owning a 2017 Chevy Trax that has be in the repair shop 6 times since October 2023 to fix the heater fan blower motor that keeps burning up, leaving me without heat or defrost”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579420

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)

46 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.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2017 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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