This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Trax engine problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have filed 19 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
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Trax | 9 |
| 2016 Trax | 20 |
| 2017 Trax | 21 |
| 2018 Trax | 13 |
| 2019 Trax (this page) | 19 |
| 2020 Trax | 12 |
| 2021 Trax | 3 |
| 2022 Trax | 3 |
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 19 engine 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.
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 2019 Chevrolet Trax engine complaints center on a pattern of premature turbocharger failure. Multiple owners report the turbo cracking or failing between 35,000 and 90,000 miles—and in one case, failing again within 25,000 miles of the first replacement. Replacement costs run $3,500 to $4,000. The failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, check engine lights, and P0299 underboost codes, creating genuine safety hazards at highway speeds.
Cooling system troubles compound the problem. Owners describe water pump failures before 70,000 miles (sometimes after earlier replacement), radiator leaks, thermostat failures, and cracked overflow containers from excessive heat. High coolant consumption is common. One owner's engine showed signs of head gasket failure with milky crankcase oil and sweet smell—possibly related to coolant intrusion or coolant mixing with fuel, based on reported evaporative emissions purge valve failures allowing water into the engine.
A separate cluster of complaints involves drivability: engine stuttering and stumbling during acceleration above 35–40 mph, especially uphill or at highway speeds, with StabiliTrak and check engine lights. One owner reported a throttle body diagnosis at 79,000 miles.
One serious case involved turbocharger replacement done while the owner was told to keep driving a vehicle with known turbo failure; the engine subsequently failed catastrophically, requiring full engine repair. Dealership initially demanded $1,200 repair charges before the owner negotiated down to $600.
Emis purge valve failures and water ingestion into the ignition system are documented under a Chevrolet special coverage bulletin.
Same Chevrolet Trax engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger failure and premature wear
Turbocharger cracking, underboost condition, or complete failure requiring replacement. Owners report this occurring repeatedly on the same vehicle and across multiple owners' vehicles at relatively low mileage.
When: Between 35,000 and 90,000 miles; one owner experienced failure twice on same vehicle within 25,000 miles of first replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Loss of acceleration or power, especially at highway speeds; Vehicle slowing dramatically during acceleration or on hills; P0299 code (Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost); Transmission hesitation in warm weather
Codes mentioned: P0299
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement; one owner cited approximately $3,500 cost; another charged $4,000; bypass valve replacement reported in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner noted turbo was on backorder; some owners indicate turbo should qualify for recall but were denied coverage or not informed
Engine damage following turbo repair
Engine catastrophic failure and damage including exhaust and related components after turbocharger replacement. One owner was told to continue driving vehicle with known turbo failure before parts arrived, and engine failed post-repair.
When: Immediately after turbocharger replacement installation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seized or failed during test drive post-repair; White smoke at tailpipe; Loss of acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Engine, exhaust, and related components required replacement or rebuild; one owner charged $600 to $1,200 as deductible or partial cost
Cooling system failures and overheating
Multiple cooling system component failures including water pump premature wear, radiator leaks, thermostat failure, and overflow container failure. High coolant consumption noted. Potential head gasket failure suspected in at least one case with milky oil.
When: As early as 70,000 miles total; water pump replaced at 2.5 years/under 30,000 miles, then failed again before 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator leaking; Constant overheating warnings or 'idle hot' messages; Engine running rough after refueling; High coolant consumption requiring frequent topping off; Overflow container cracking from excessive heat; Milky oil in crankcase (head gasket indicator); White smoke at tailpipe; Sweet oily smell
Codes mentioned: P0171, P0442, P0449, P0496
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement twice; radiator; thermostat and thermostat housing; overflow container replacement; special coverage bulletin N212338400 applied for purge valve; suspected head gasket failure not repaired (vehicle traded in)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special coverage bulletin N212338400 for evaporative emissions purge valve; Firestone noted open Chevy special coverage for radiator
Evaporative emission system (purge valve) failures
Purge valve failure allowing water ingestion into engine. One owner found water in coil holder, traced to recalled purge valve. Repeated check engine lights after gas fill-up related to this system.
When: Before 44,000 miles on one vehicle; one instance at approximately 82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light after refueling; Engine running rough or hesitating after gas station visits; Cylinder misfire codes; Water present in coil holder and spark plug areas
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0442, P0449
Repairs/costs cited: Purge valve replacement; coil replacement; spark plug inspection; one owner stated parts were purchased out of pocket before discovering recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall on purge valve covering repair; one owner's VIN not listed for secondary coil system recall despite same problem; special coverage bulletin N212338400
Throttle body malfunction and power loss
Throttle body failure causing sudden loss of motive power and illumination of check engine and engine power reduced warning lights. Intermittent initially, becoming recurring.
When: Approximately 79,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and 'Engine Power Reduced' warning illumination; Complete loss of motive power at highway speeds; Intermittent failure that became recurring; Vehicle regained normal functionality after turning off and restarting; Failure occurred in cold weather at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement diagnosis made but repair not completed at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; did not provide assistance or recall
Cooling fan malfunction and electrical failure
Cooling fan malfunction combined with electrical circuit failure. One incident involved radiator cap ejection with burn injury.
When: Approximately 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from hood; Radiator cap opening and ejecting under pressure; Cooling fan malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Cooling fan replacement; electrical circuit replacement required
Drivability issues: stuttering and stumbling on acceleration
Engine stuttering, stumbling, and loss of power during acceleration, particularly above 35-40 mph. StabiliTrak warning light frequently accompanies this condition. Owners describe safety concern due to reduced power during highway merging.
When: Intermittent across multiple complaint narratives; one noted 'second time' occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Stuttering or stumbling on acceleration; Slow power delivery above 35-40 mph; StabiliTrak warning light illumination; Check engine light illumination; Loss of power on highway during acceleration; Temporary resolution (drives normal) then recurs
Codes mentioned: P0300
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in most narratives; one case involved turbo replacement
Check engine light and P0171 rich condition
Check engine light with P0171 code indicating system running too rich (excessive fuel). In one case accompanied by other codes indicating multiple sensor or fuel system issues.
When: One instance at approximately 122,815 miles (post-purge valve repair)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine running rough
Codes mentioned: P0171
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and engine power reduced warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated pulled off the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle and on several occasions the vehicle regained normal functionality. The contact stated that the…
The turbocharger cracked at only 50,000 miles. My mechanic stated it is a common issue with this engine size.
Engine light with P0299 code: Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost. Car had hard time accelerating, especially going up the hills. Turbocharge By-Pass Valve replaced at a service center. Engine light came on again 2 weeks later when getting onto the freeway, attempting to accelerate to 70 mph. Same p0299 code. No prior concerns or symptoms, the car is under 89,000 miles.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 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 19 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 65,000 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/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.