This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Trax electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Trax | 12 |
| 2016 Trax | 18 |
| 2017 Trax | 15 |
| 2018 Trax | 15 |
| 2019 Trax (this page) | 22 |
| 2020 Trax | 16 |
| 2021 Trax | 6 |
When does it fail?
Of the 22 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 9 model years of Chevrolet Trax in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Blower motor resistor burnout is the most consistent complaint. Owners describe a burning plastic smell that lasts a minute or two each time the heater or A/C turns on, persisting for weeks to months before the motor quits entirely. One owner's blower needed replacement at 48,000 miles; another owner at 71,200 miles had the resistor and connector burn repeatedly—three times—even after replacement, with the burning smell returning each time. Dealers have linked this to the resistor drawing too much amperage. A service bulletin (MC-10155050-9999) exists for the issue.
The instrument cluster screen—which displays speed, odometer, tire pressure, oil life, and safety status—fails across multiple owners. Displays turn completely black, go white/hazy, or simply stop working. These are safety problems; owners can't see their speed or tire pressure, and backup cameras stop working when the screen blacks out. One owner's cluster failed at just 21,100 miles. Infotainment screens and radio systems suffer similar blackouts, especially in hot or cold weather, and some go snowy before returning. Repair estimates exceed $2,000.
A/C systems fail in two ways: one compressor failed at a weld joint described as improper, and another A/C hose melted because it was lying directly on the transmission—clips designed to hold it away were missing from the factory. One owner's A/C resistor burned three times and the problem persisted despite multiple part replacements.
Other reported electrical faults include keyless entry allowing vehicle start without the key fob present, turbocharger boost failure (code P0299) limiting speed to 40–45 mph, widespread electrical gremlins causing screen blackouts, Bluetooth glitches, locks cycling on and off, and stalling, plus engine power loss and rough running that persists after dealer repair attempts.
Same Chevrolet Trax electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Blower motor/fan resistor burnout
Heater and A/C blower motor draws excessive amperage, causing resistor and connector to overheat, burn, and melt. Owners report burning plastic smell preceding complete motor failure. Multiple owners state resistor and connector burn repeatedly despite replacement.
When: 48,000 miles; 71,200 miles; early ownership; recurrence cycles unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic smell when blower engages; Blower motor stops working; A/C inoperative above level 4; Burning smell from A/C unit; Resistor and connector visibly burned/melted
Repairs/costs cited: $600 out-of-pocket for heater fan repair; A/C resistor, connector, and blower motor replaced; resistor and connector burned three times and required replacement again; heat sink inadequate per owner assessment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin MC-10155050-9999 referenced for blower motor issue; manufacturer opened case and referred owner to dealer
A/C compressor failure
Air conditioning compressor failed at weld joint, attributed by dealership to improper weld. Owner reported chemical smell and intermittent shutdown on long drives from vehicle purchase; dealership unable to diagnose during short test drives.
When: Failed on long-distance drive; symptoms occurred from time of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Chemical smell when A/C running; A/C stops working on long-distance drives; Complete A/C failure mid-journey
Repairs/costs cited: A/C compressor failure attributed to improper weld at joint; repair cost not stated
Instrument cluster/DIC screen failure
Digital instrument cluster display becomes black, turns white/hazy, or displays no information. Affects speedometer, odometer, tire pressure, oil life, and safety system status readout. Failure intermittent or permanent. Backup camera function lost when screen blacks out.
When: 21,100 miles; approximately 84,500 miles (intermittent); year 2 of ownership; as early as 300 miles; recurring from initial purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Screen turns black completely; White haze across screen; No speedometer or odometer visible; Tire pressure, oil life, safety indicators not displayed; Backup camera non-functional when screen fails; Screen intermittently goes snowy then returns; All indicator lights illuminate but do not function
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicates new touchscreen or new instrument panel circuit board required; parts on back order; $2,000 repair estimated; one owner replaced 12-volt battery without resolving issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2020 Trax model has recall for same infotainment issue per owner report; dealer unable to duplicate intermittent failures
Infotainment system malfunction
Touchscreen infotainment system blacks out, turns white/hazy, or blanks intermittently, especially in hot or cold weather. Radio blanks and controls unresponsive. Screen error messages report server connection failure. Issues persistent across multiple failure instances.
When: Year 2 of ownership; June and July 2023; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen turns black or white/hazy; Radio blanks out; volume controls unresponsive; Cannot listen to radio at times; Screen displays 'cannot connect to server' message; GPS and phone connections affected; Failures occur in hot or cold weather
Repairs/costs cited: $2,000 repair estimate cited; dealer showed pictures and indicated new touchscreen needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2020 Trax model has recall for same issue; owner received no prior communication on inquiry
A/C hose degradation and routing failure
A/C hose from condenser to compressor melted completely due to lying directly on transmission. Retaining clips designed to hold hose away from engine components were missing, allowing hose contact with hot surfaces.
When: Peak heat conditions; high mileage during use (84,500+ miles context)
Symptoms owners cite: A/C stopped working suddenly; Hose melted/damaged from contact with transmission
Repairs/costs cited: A/C hose from condenser to compressor completely melted; clips missing from factory design
Keyless entry system malfunction
Vehicle allows starting and driving without key fob detected and present. System displays 'key fob not detected' warning but allows multiple start and extended operation without fob.
When: 35,853 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts without key fob present; Vehicle drives extended distance (multiple errands) without fob; System displays 'key fob not detected' message but still allows operation
Turbocharger boost failure
Turbocharger fails to provide boost pressure, limiting vehicle acceleration and maximum speed. Diagnostic code P0299 generated. Dealership confirmed complaints and recalls exist for 2017-2018 models with same issue affecting 2019 models.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cannot exceed 40-45 mph when accelerating; Turbo will not boost
Codes mentioned: P0299
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for 2017 and 2018 Chevy Trax with same issue; 2019 model affected but not recalled per owner report
Check engine light and limp mode activation
Check engine light illuminates (non-blinking), traction control light engages, and vehicle enters limp mode with severe speed loss. Vehicle shakes during operation. Issue occurred unexpectedly while driving.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on (non-blinking); Traction control light illuminates minutes later; Vehicle slows from 40 mph to near-stop in traffic; Vehicle shakes slightly during operation; No warning alerts before limp mode activation
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership for diagnosis; specific repair not detailed
Electrical system intermittent failures
Multiple electrical system malfunctions occurring simultaneously or in sequence, including screen blackouts, Bluetooth ringing glitches, door locks cycling repeatedly, and vehicle stalling. Persistent issues over extended period.
When: Over one year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Screens black out; Bluetooth ringing malfunction; Door locks unlock and lock repeatedly; Vehicle stalls; Radio blank screen
Engine power loss and rough running
Vehicle loses power, runs rough, and shakes during operation. Issue persists after dealership attempted repairs.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power; Engine runs rough; Vehicle shakes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repairs attempted and reported as completed; issue persisted
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The instrument cluster failed at approximately 21,100 miles in September of 2022. Every indicator lights up but doesn't function. The radio and reverse camera work sometimes but not for long. The part is on back order. The dealer has no idea when it will arrive. When I drive, I don't know my speed and I don't know if my safety systems are working.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the speedometer and odometer were not visible while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 electrical problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 63,851 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2019/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.