Chevrolet Trax with engine trouble? Sell it as it is

The name covers two quite different cars. Which one you have decides which recalls and coverage programs to check.

Two small Chevys, one badge

2015-2022. The Trax reached the US as a 2015 model, built on GM's Gamma II platform alongside the Buick Encore. Every US car had the same 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo four and a six-speed automatic, with front- or all-wheel drive. It was refreshed for 2017, carried over unchanged for 2020 and ended after 2022.

2024 on. There was no US 2023. The second Trax rides on GM's VSS-F platform, is related to the Buick Envista, and comes from GM Korea's plant in Changwon. It has a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder of 137 hp, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive only. EPA rates the 2024 at 30 mpg combined. A facelift was shown on October 9, 2026.

1.4 turbo years: control arms, turbos and a purge valve

Front control arms. Suspension is the top complaint area on the 2018, with 26 complaints. GM recalled the Trax twice for a joint in the front lower control arms that may have been welded badly and can break. Recall 19V312 covered 112,958 2017-2019 cars, and 19V652 added 93,722 more from 2015-2018. Both campaigns are Trax-only. A partly separated arm can turn the front wheel outward and make the car hard to steer. One 2018 owner reported the welds cracked on both sides and a clunk from the front end. Dealers inspect both arms and replace them as needed.

Turbo and engine. The engine leads the complaints on the 2016 (34), 2017 (30) and 2019 (27). A 2017 owner reported the turbo failing at about 80,000 miles with a 299 trouble code. A 2016 owner said the turbo quit near 60,000 miles and the car shook and stalled when braking at lights. No turbo recall appears in NHTSA's recall records for the Trax, and no turbo bulletin or warranty extension turned up.

Coverage that still runs. On a 2020 Trax, GM's special coverage N232395300 deals with an evaporative purge valve that may not close all the way. The engine can idle rough, hesitate or stall, and the check-engine light comes on. That coverage lasts 15 years or 150,000 miles for any owner, so every 2020 is still inside the time limit. Special coverage 14567 replaces broken rear seat belt buckle covers on 2013-2015 Trax for 10 years or 120,000 miles.

Two more GM programs for the 1.4 turbo, 25160 for reduced engine power and N202299080 for a cracked camshaft cover diaphragm, list only the 2013 or 2014 Trax. Those are years sold in Canada and Mexico before the car came to the US.

Early recalls. Cars built from November 18, 2014 to February 17, 2015 were recalled (15V146) because the steering column housing could rub the power steering circuit board, a fault that can cut the assist suddenly. That campaign counted 2,295 Trax and Buick Encore models. Two GM-wide air bag module campaigns, 16V651 and 17V437, also cover early Trax years.

1.2 three-cylinder years: a blank dash and early engine reports

The 2024 has 176 complaints, more than any other Trax year. The electrical system leads with 55, and the engine follows with 44.

Recall 23V744 explains part of the electrical count. Software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit can blank the instrument display at startup or while driving, hiding speed and warning lights. Dealers or an over-the-air update load new software for free. That campaign covered 60,154 vehicles, including the Buick Encore GX and Envista. One owner reported the display still going dark after the recall work.

Among the engine complaints, one 2024 owner at 17,000 miles heard a loud pop, found oil and coolant on the ground and reported a failed connecting rod.

On the 2025, recall 26V539 deals with rearview cameras that can show a distorted or blank image; dealers inspect the camera and replace it if needed. Its 306,511 vehicles span the Buick Envista, Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2025 Trax.

NHTSA complaints and recalls by year

From NHTSA's flat files, pulled October 10, 2026. "Engine" and "Electrical" are complaints filed under those NHTSA component labels.

Totals: 977 complaints, 198 naming the engine and 188 the electrical system. Several recalls cover more than one year, so the campaign column adds to more than 11.

Should you fix it first?

1. Look up the VIN on NHTSA's recall site. An open control arm recall is a free repair on any 2015-2019.
2. Rough idle or stalling on a 2020? Ask a dealer about N232395300 before paying for diagnosis.
3. On a 2025, the factory warranty may cover an engine failure. Chevrolet's 2025 warranty booklet says "Powertrain components are covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first." A dealer can confirm what applies to your VIN.
4. Turbo or engine gone on an older car? Set a written repair estimate beside the selling price of a running Trax of the same year. The blown engine guide explains the choices, and what a junk car is worth covers what moves an offer.

Selling a Trax whole

1. List the VIN, the odometer reading, the drive type (FWD or AWD) and the fault.
2. Request an offer online, or ring (877) 421-6008.
3. Say where the Trax is parked, whether that's at home, in a lot or at a shop, and whether it starts, rolls and steers.
4. Don't strip it. Leave the wheels, battery and converter in place, and mention any part that's been pulled.
5. On pickup day, the title, your ID and every key you have should be ready. After you sell explains plates and insurance by state.

If the car won't start at all, our non-running car guide covers what to expect. Other small Chevys: the Sonic, the Trailblazer and the full Chevrolet list.