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2018 Chevrolet Trax Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lower ball joint. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Control arm weld failure and recall repair delays.” 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.

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2 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Chevrolet Trax.

Reported to NHTSA

Control arm weld failure and recall repair delays

SUSPENSION

36 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745169
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739885
“THE CONTROL ARM WELD WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR WHICH CAN LEAD TO FATIGUE CAUSING THE WHEEL THE RUB AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208339

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

AWD rear differential clutch module failure

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2023-07

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that at start up, the AWD disabled message was displayed. The service AWD warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534196
“All wheel drive system control module failed casing loss of awd. Dealer confirmed that this module needed to be replace and was not covered under power train warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477984
“THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH MODULE SHORTED OUT. VERY EXPENSIVE PART AND IS NOT COVERED IN THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY IT SHOULD BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11396739

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake pedal failure to stop vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717353
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669818
“Approximately one week ago, I went to reverse out of my drive way and my brakes were very hard. I was able to stop ok, but it took more effort than normal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11483606

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger failure causing loss of power

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-02

“2018 chevy trax turbo messing up loss of power and making noise”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651469
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579695
“IN FEBRUARY ON ZERO DEGREE DAY MY 2018 TRAX HAD BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE AND ALMOST STALLED CAR RUNNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11270140

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil cooler and coolant leaks causing burning smell

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716193
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646884
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, she noticed a leak on the ground underneath the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570819

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering lockup

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-05

“Power steering isn’t working”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740794
“Power steering locks up while driving, service stabilitrack warning comes on, transmission drops and car will not drive, car will not reverse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569192
“My vehicle has been giving me such a HEADACHE! I purchased the TRAX in (12/2021) and it has been in the shop for the same issue multiple times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488909

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Blower motor and resistor failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2025-01

“Blower motor and resistor, wire lume melting. So many people have the same issue on several different models”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634549
“Car filled with smoke and smell. Needed to replace the blower motor l, resistor, and pig tail or it would have killed my child”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630658
“The blower motor and blower motor resistor in this car have gone out numerous times. They do not work. Most owners of this car have it replaced multiple times, costing over $1000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11474771

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

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

Raw data + downloads for this 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

On 4WD models, 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)

52 crashes 1990–2024

How the 52 occupant deaths break down

41

driver deaths

11

passenger deaths

52

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2018 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

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.

2

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 2018 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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