This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Trax engine problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Trax have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Trax | 9 |
| 2016 Trax | 20 |
| 2017 Trax (this page) | 21 |
| 2018 Trax | 13 |
| 2019 Trax | 19 |
| 2020 Trax | 12 |
| 2021 Trax | 3 |
2fires
What stands out
Among the 10 model years of Chevrolet Trax in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Engine accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L turbo engine shows a pattern of failures across multiple systems. Cold-weather turbocharger issues are the most common complaint: owners report the turbo system freezes in temperatures around -20°F, throwing the vehicle into limp mode and disabling acceleration. Chevrolet issued TSB 16-NA-405 (dated 12/23/16) to address this, yet the problem recurs even after solenoid replacement, and parts have sat on national backorder for months. One owner reported their vehicle smoking after the initial repair, requiring a second attempt.
Piston ring and timing chain failures occur at routine mileages—one engine had a failed cylinder 3 ring at 82K miles; another suffered a broken timing chain under 85K miles. Both required engine replacement or rebuild, with costs around $2,500–$10,000.
Oil system failures include excessive consumption (one quart per 100 miles), oil leaks from the turbocharger return line, and depleted oil leading to engine damage. One owner's vehicle caught fire at just 930 miles, though the cause was not determined.
Turbocharger durability is poor—one owner replaced it three times with no lasting fix; another had turbo failure persist even after recall replacement. One vehicle shut down completely after turbo recall work was completed.
Dealers have refused warranty support in some cases, with one claiming a customer lacked "loyalty" before denying repair assistance.
Same Chevrolet Trax engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger freeze and limp mode (cold weather)
Turbo system freezes in cold temperatures, triggering check engine light and limp mode that prevents normal acceleration. Issue documented in TSB 16-NA-405. Solenoid replacement has been performed but issue recurs when exposed to cold again.
When: Cold weather operation (around -20°F), at highway speeds or shortly after remote start cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Vehicle enters limp mode; Unable to accelerate normally; Turbo system freeze in cold weather
Codes mentioned: TSB 16-NA-405
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement for turbo system. Parts have been on national backorder (2 months reported). One owner reported vehicle smoking after initial repair requiring second repair attempt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-NA-405 (dated 12/23/16) - Chevrolet acknowledged issue over one year before this complaint occurred but continued selling vehicles with this turbo system in cold weather states
Oil leak from turbocharger return line and fractured internal tube
Oil leak from turbo return line combined with fractured tube inside engine causes smoke from engine compartment. Failure reoccurred two days after repair.
When: After vehicle sat for periods, during highway driving at 80,641 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from engine compartment; Abnormal ticking sound from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: P0171, P0300, US669T, 41121, P0301
Repairs/costs cited: Oil connector and line replaced. Ignition coil and spark plugs replaced. Initial repair with DTC P0171 failed; second repair six months later; third failure two days after turbo return line repair.
Turbocharger underpower code (P0299) with valve cover issues
Check engine light with P0299 code indicates lack of turbocharger power. Vacuum lines and clamps inspected as normal. Valve cover was removed and replaced, with StabiliTrak light also appearing and vehicle shaking during driving.
When: December 2022 to January 2023, after vehicle sat
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Vehicle struggled to accelerate; StabiliTrak light illumination; Vehicle wobble/shake while driving
Codes mentioned: P0299
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover replaced. Vacuum lines and clamps checked and found acceptable.
Turbo engine failure causing stalling and vehicle shutdown
Turbo engine fails while driving, causing jerking, stalling, and vehicle stoppage in traffic. Owner reports identical failure in April 2022 covered under warranty. GM issued letter acknowledging turbo gas engine issues but dealer refused to honor the repair program, instead demanding diagnostic fee before pricing repairs.
When: Early February, again around February 14; prior incident April 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Engine jerking while driving; Stalling during operation; Vehicle stopped in middle of traffic; Vehicle stopped on uphill turns
Repairs/costs cited: Towed to independent mechanic. No repairs completed. Dealer demanded $560 diagnostic fee before providing repair quote, refusing to honor manufacturer's letter directing free turbo engine repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued letter in March acknowledging issues with Turbo Gas engine but dealer refused to honor stated repair program
Overheating and excessive coolant consumption after cooling system repairs
After faulty wiring repair (for AC/heater/burning odor issue), vehicle began overheating with abnormal coolant consumption. Dealer diagnosed need for water pump, radiator, lifters, thermostat, and unknown hoses replacement but did not perform repairs.
When: After wiring repair at 43,956 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheating while driving; Abnormal coolant consumption; AC inoperable; Heater inoperable; Burning odor inside vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump, radiator, lifters, thermostat, and hoses identified as needing replacement but not completed by dealer. Faulty wiring was initially repaired.
Piston ring failure and cylinder damage with low oil
Engine running rough at 82,000 miles with completely depleted oil. Cylinder 3 piston ring failed. Intake gasket shot. Dealer quoted $2,500 for engine rebuild and refused any manufacturer assistance, citing lack of loyal customer status and not all service completed at dealer.
When: At 82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine running rough; Zero oil level; Intake gasket failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $2,500 for engine rebuild. Owner reports defective ring from factory manufacturing. Dealer refused any GM assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused to provide any manufacturer assistance, citing customer loyalty and service history
Engine fire/total loss
Engine fire occurred at very low mileage (930 miles). All warning indicators illuminated, smoke and flames visible from under engine and front tires. Fire department extinguished fire. Vehicle declared total loss. Cause not determined.
When: At 930 miles while driving at 35 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: All warning indicators illuminated on instrument panel; Smoke from hood; Flames under engine and front tires
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to salvage yard and deemed total loss. No dealer or independent diagnostic completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was informed of failure
Turbocharger failure requiring replacement despite prior recall repair
Check engine light indicates turbocharger failure requiring replacement. Vehicle was already repaired under an unknown recall for the same issue, but failure persisted. Independent mechanic confirmed same turbocharger replacement needed.
When: At 83,981 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement performed under prior unknown recall. Failure reoccurred. Independent mechanic also diagnosed turbocharger replacement needed but not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Turbocharger replaced under unknown recall, but failure persisted
Oil leak from engine compartment
Smoke from under hood at 96,000 miles with no warning light. Dealer diagnosed oil leak in engine compartment but did not repair.
When: At 96,000 miles while driving at 30 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood; No warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Oil leak identified in engine compartment but not repaired.
Excessive oil consumption
Vehicle consumes one quart of oil per 100 miles regardless of parts replacements. PCV valve, oil cooler, and various other components have been replaced without resolving issue. Engine now requires replacement due to damage from chronic oil consumption.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 100 miles)
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replaced. Oil cooler replaced. Various other parts replaced. Engine now requires replacement. Owner notes GM was previously sued for oil consumption on other Chevy vehicles.
Radiator leak causing loss of coolant
Radiator leak causing loss of heat and coolant. At 49,251 miles on lightly driven vehicle. Dealer was unaware of any radiator issues.
When: At 49,251 miles, light driving usage
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of heat; Radiator leak
Repairs/costs cited: Identified by owner; dealer was not aware of radiator issues on this model. Owner states pressure test would have caught issue earlier.
Turbocharger cold-weather failures (multiple incidents)
Turbocharger system affected by cold weather causing repeated failures. Owner reports fixing turbocharger three times on 2017 Trax with no lasting success. Owner states Chevrolet is aware of cold-weather impact but continues installing turbo in new vehicles.
When: Winter months, multiple incidents over ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Turbocharger failure in cold weather; Recurring failures after repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replaced three times with no lasting fix.
Evaporative emissions purge valve stalling
Purge valve issue causing temporary stalling on freeway in traffic. No warning lamps appeared until after multiple stalling incidents.
When: Multiple incidents before warning lamps appeared
Symptoms owners cite: Temporary stalling on freeway in traffic; No warning lamps initially
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired at independent service center.
Engine failure after turbo recall replacement
Engine failed completely following turbo replacement under recall. Vehicle would not run after turbo was replaced. Owner told complete engine replacement needed at $10,000 cost.
When: Immediately after turbo recall replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not run; Complete engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required at $10,000 cost after turbo recall work completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Turbo replaced under recall, but engine failure resulted
Timing chain failure and engine damage
Timing chain broke causing internal engine damage requiring complete engine replacement. Vehicle under 85,000 miles. Engine would not restart after initial shutdown.
When: At less than 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine would not restart after parking; Timing chain broke; Internal engine damage
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement needed. Mechanic diagnosed broken timing chain.
Engine failure with loud noise
Engine began having problems while driving with loud noise from motor. Dealer confirmed motor is broken. Vehicle only had 71,000 miles.
When: At 71,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Warning light appeared while driving; Loud noise from motor days after warning light; Motor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed engine broken but no repair details provided.
Catalytic converter failure with oil leak and burning smell
Catalytic converter failing with oil leak somewhere in engine system producing burning smell from heating vents.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Catalytic converter failure; Oil leak within engine system; Burning smell from heating vents
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I have a 2017 Chevy trax with a 1.4l turbo. I have around 82,000 miles on it. Last week it started running rough so I checked the oil and there was none. And then realized the intake gasket was completely shot. Brought it to the dealer and they found that cylinder 3 ring was shot. That being said they wanted 2500 for a rebuild and when I asked if I would get some assistance from gm it came down…
Around early Feb the engine started having issues. The vehicle would jerk and stall while driving and stopped in the middle of a busy street at a red light. And another time when going around a high traffic uphill turn. Around February 14 the car stopped on me and I had to have it towed to my mechanic and rent a vehicle so that everyone in the household could get to work and not lose our jobs. My…
The catalytic converter is failing and there is an oil leak somewhere within the engine system that is producing a burning smell from the heating vents.
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 64,716 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Chevrolet/Trax.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.