Brake, electrical, steering and suspension issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Compact SUVs are taking over the streets. As the popularity of these models increases, it makes sense to see more 2019 Chevrolet Trax crossovers navigating the roads. Chevy is so proud of this model; the company even claims “it puts the U in SUV.” Research shows that this model has absolutely nothing to boast about. In fact, it suffers from a defective steering system, electrical trouble and malfunctioning service brakes.
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Every driver expects the vehicle to steer properly. Otherwise, accidents would be occurring all over the place. Yet, steering issues are a popular topic among Trax owners.
Just look at this NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the steering wheel vibrated while driving between 40-60 mph. Also, the vehicle wobbled and hesitated. The contact struggled with the steering wheel, but managed to regain control to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to [dealer] to be diagnosed, but the test could not read the codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the dealer tried to keep and sell the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 3,000.”
Losing control of the SUV after only 3,000 miles is a terrible experience for any owner. What’s notable is that the steering isn’t the only thing causing people to lose control of the Trax. There is also a recall related to the suspension system. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V312000 talks about the recall of more than 100,000 vehicles with a bad weld on the lower control arms. This might break, which causes separation and loss of control. Between the suspension and the steering, the Trax doesn’t want to stay on track.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
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Suspension
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Engine
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Unknown Or Other
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Electrical System
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Service Brakes
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Steering
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Wheels
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Structure:body
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Power Train
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Vehicle Speed Control
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A quick look at the electrical system shows the same level of defects.
Another NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number 19V312000 (Suspension). [Dealer] stated that the part was not available and would be ordered in July of 2019. The dealer stated that they would call the contact back, but never did. The contact also stated that the heating and cooling components would not function properly and it took an excessive amount of time to cool or heat the vehicle. Also, the accessories would not charge her devices. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 300.”
It took a mere 300 miles for this Trax to fail. The owner basically got the chance to drive it around town before it fell apart. While the original problem stemmed from the first recall addressed, there were other issues that became apparent. It seems that Chevy has a handful of electrical complaints to deal with. That’s what prompted another recall labeled with NHTSA Campaign Number 18V774000. It turns out that select models have a malfunctioning Sensing Diagnostic Module that wasn’t turned off from manufacturing mode and prevents the air bags from deploying during a crash. This is a severe electrical problem that should never have occurred and could cost lives. Instead of putting the U in SUV, this model puts you into the windshield after a crash.
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The brakes are designed to stop the vehicle and prevent accidents, but it’s already apparent that Chevy isn’t concerned about owners crashing.
This NHTSA review illustrates problems with the braking system as well. It says, “The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. While operating the vehicle, the service brake indicator illuminated and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard while attempting to stop. The vehicle was taken to [dealer] where it was diagnosed that the brake line had become disconnected and needed to be replaced due to a loose driver’s side brake caliper hose bolt. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,500.”
Again, it’s made clear that the Trax was not built to last. All of these failures occurred within the first 7,500 miles, which is downright unacceptable. Even Service Bulletin #PIC5704F illustrates the dysfunction of Chevy. In this communication, the automaker tells the technicians to check the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve assembly to ensure all of the shipping material has been removed. It doesn’t appear that the company can get the basics down, let alone create a quality vehicle. Instead of the U standing for you in the tagline, maybe it should read “putting the U in unacceptable.”
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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Check engine on and kicking into high RPM. 19 Chevy trax with 31K on it has been having an issue with the transmission Module throwing a code. However, it also reads a ECM issue. It has been happening since 20K on it. Not sure what the deal is but it is very frustrating trying to figure it out.
I have only put 3000 miles on my used 2019 Chevy Trax. When I back up, something under the floor board on drivers side pops and I can feel it under my feet, it is very hard. It is also eating my drivers side tires. The radio went off for no reason the other day. What should I do?
I have a 2019 chevy trax with 36000 on it. It is eating my tires, the front ones and when i turn to the left it makes a grinding noise.
Third electrical issue with 19 trax and of course dealer is no help. Fox Chevy Marquette said they can’t replicate issue, supposedly so won’t fix anything. This will be third time I won’t be able to drive in snowy weather because wipers don’t work. This after gas gauge electrical went out, then th radio went out, rear bulb went out or has been out since purchase, along with brakes issues and I have only had the car about 4000 miles since purchase.
Gm Chevy is no help and rude as hell like dealer.
I’m very concerned I bought a lemon and even with warranty left dealer Will scam me out of fixing things that should be covered. Lots more to list but will end here for now.
They lied about delivery report for sure on few items and found several items of body damage attempted repair but vehicle has supposedly not had any accidents. So fed up and scared major items will go wrong soon and I won’t have money to fix and dealer is terrible.
Call my 2019 Chevy tracks in May 2022 your recently my heater has decided it’s gonna work at random times and right now it’s not even turning on at all. It only has less than 20,000 miles on it so any thought to be appreciated.
2019 Trax currently has 111,000 miles. yesterday my car started running strange kind of “chugging” I drove the 5 miles home and parked it. Today, I drove it about 15 miles then it was parked/off for 6 hours. I started the car back up and went back inside to allow it to warm up before leaving {as it was only 10 degrees outside). I went back out to leave after about 20 minutes later and the engine had died/shut off and my check engine light was on and my message center read, “service battery charging system”, “service power steering system”, service stabilitrack” and “battery saver active” and now the car wont start!
My stereo has been randomly turning off for months, at times my stereo does not shut off with engine it remains on for a good 45 minutes!, my usb charging ports frequently stop working, but yet I’ve tried to address the stereo and charging port issues several times and was told everything looked fine! Now I’m stuck with no car for who knows how long and god only knows what extent my repair bill will be! Today is Sunday so no repair shops are open but tomorrow I need to find a way to get it to repair shop to find out what is wrong!
Bought the car in November of 2019. The radio would occasionally go off but it was sporadic. This year it has become more consistent. I have around 25k miles on it .The tire pressure system is faulty. It is not reading the pressure correctly. One tire is reading 8 psi which is impossible because a manual gauge is reading the pressure correctly at 35psi. I was in an accident last year when someone cut me off on the highway. My brakes did not engage correctly, nor did my airbag deploy. Yesterday, the car randomly pulled to the right twice. I brought it to the dealership for the tire pressure system issue and to have the radio checked. They told me they could only check the radio during the week and proceeded to tell me nothing was wrong with my tire pressure system one minute and that if it WAS a sensor issue that it would cost me $150+ out of pocket to fix because it was “normal wear and tear and part of the tire”. In the same breath the service advisor stated the sensor shouldn’t be having these issues this soon. So I got no help for either of my issues and my concerns were brushed off. I mentioned the airbag and brake issue from my accident and again was brushed off. I am not in a position to purchase another vehicle and there is not enough value in this car to trade it in free and clear to purchase something else. I am disappointed with the entire experience with this car, both after the purchase, and my experience with the dealership.
My car won’t start the steering column is messed up. I keep getting an alert to service my power steering and my stabilitrak needs servicing. I bought this car brand new in 2019 it had 7 miles on it. The first month I had to have the radio replaced 3x. My alternator is bad which has destroyed my battery. My car smells like rotten eggs. My car don’t wanna accelerate. My driver side tire keeps losing air had to replace tires. It wobbles on the highway when driving the speed limit. It feel like it’s going to tip over. This is ridiculous to be having all these problems with a brand new car. I’m not happy with this car. I don’t have money to just buy another car but I don’t feel safe driving this car. Something needs to be done about this car and not at our expense. The manufacturer new these cars are not safe but yet they are still selling them to consumers that don’t know what we are getting ourselves into. Buying a car is a big investment other than buying a house. I wasted my money on this raggedy car. Is there anything that can be done about the manufacturer knowingly selling lemons just to make a dollar.
I’ve had my 2019 Chevy Trax since 10/7/19. The brakes have always squeaked after sitting for a few days, but the car drove fine so I didn’t worry. But now at 45K miles, it decelerates and loses engine power if I go above 55mph (on roads with 70mph speed limit). It happened today while driving my daughter back to campus. Now I’m praying I make it home safely the 2.5hr trip that will now be 3hrs b/c I’ll be driving at least 15mi under the speed limit for fear that I’ll get stuck or worse. I’ve read the reviews and they’re horrible. Hope it’s not too late to trade mine in.
Top of our Chevrolet Trax 2019 trim pieces flying off of the car!!! Lost both so far!!!
I have a 2019 trax. At 15,000 miles my passenger side tires stared losing air. I have to put air in the tires 3X a week. Also my entire system radio and wifi system keeps shutting off. Very upsetting when you count on your GPS and it just shuts off. I wish I could just get rid of this car.
Anyone having issues with oil burning too fast. Missed only 2 on time like to the mile oil changes and now it’s crazy with this car. I got them done but it’s been insane. Now brakes go no warning squeek and totally gone. I bought a new car NOT to have these issues. Been nothing but
Had the car for 26000 km had to be taken in twice to the garage as it wouldn’t start. Still under warranty 1st time, let’s see today.
Had a 2019 Chevy Trax about a year it has 13061 miles and the service power steering came on and car won’t start.