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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-CHEVROLET-TRAXNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2018 Chevrolet Trax problems
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax has 100 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax has 100 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is suspension at 31 complaints, typically surfacing around 18,710 miles (~$900 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 Trax?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2018 Chevrolet Trax SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Trax? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
suspension — 31 owner reports
· tends to show around 18,710 mi · ~$900 to fix
electrical — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 43,098 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 13 owner reports
· tends to show around 55,512 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,575 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 43,098 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2018 Trax· electrical
On 2/17, I purchased a 2018 Chevy trax. The engine light came on 12/20/19 therefore I took it to the dealership. The diagnostics revealed two problems but only one was covered under the warranty. Problem 1. Turbo leaking at joint to inlet coupler (covered). Problem 2. Oxygen…
The steering of the vehicle is very tight and it doesn't spring back when turning the wheel on its own like most vehicles do . you have to manually bring your steering wheel back for the wheels to turn straight again..and this isn't normal by any means ... Also, The…
When I first purchase the car it was fine a couple of months later my tires started to buckle when there was no snow because the car would slippery on the dash board..also the speed of the great couple months later it would not pick up speed
Had a problem with your 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles
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.
Common questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
Inspect the suspension first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 31 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 18,710 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 100 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is suspension. Typical failure occurs around 18,710 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is suspension, with 31 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 18,710 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The suspension is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 18,710 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Trax has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 100 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $900, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chevrolet/Trax.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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