The 2024 Trax electrical system shows consistent failures across multiple subsystems. Most common: instrument cluster going black while driving, from startup speeds up to highway, with drivers losing speedometer and warning light visibility. Some owners report this happening post-recall repair. Headlight and ambient light sensors malfunction in daylight (sunny or cloudy), causing flickering that confuses other drivers. Infotainment screens freeze, reboot repeatedly, or go blank; radio won't shut off with key out; Bluetooth drops constantly. Many owners document rearview cameras activating randomly while driving forward.
Serious failures include complete electrical shutdowns while on highways at 65+ mph (brakes lock up), and engine-related breakdowns with no warning lights. One vehicle caught fire after experiencing multiple electrical failures. Oil pressure sensor codes (P0521, P06DE) appear alongside engine hesitation and misfire. Owners note failed window motors, broken sunroofs, remote start not activating AC, and door locks not functioning.
The most frustrating pattern: owners experience problems from day one, dealership visits repeat without resolution, software updates don't stick, and many vehicles sit excluded from the NHTSA 23V744000 recall despite matching symptoms exactly. Some owners waited months for replacement parts that never arrived.
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Cluster Blackout / Failure
Instrument panel screen goes completely black, losing all gauge display, speedometer, warning lights, and warning indicators. Panel typically resets itself within seconds to minutes, restoring functionality. Occurs intermittently while driving at various speeds or upon startup. Some owners report the issue recurring multiple times over months or years despite software updates and recall repairs.
When: Varies—reported at startup, during highway driving (45-70 mph), and parked. Some owners first experienced issue at 900–16,400 miles; others at 35,000–58,000 miles. Issues began at vehicle purchase for several owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete blackout of instrument cluster display; Loss of speedometer readout; Loss of warning light visibility; Loss of gauge information (RPM, fuel, etc.); Panel resets after seconds to minutes of being black; Intermittent occurrence at various speeds; Occurs during startup or while driving
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V744000 (Electrical System)
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates applied (examples: 25-NA-071, unknown 2023 update, 24-an-001 bulletin referenced). One owner diagnosed with faulty battery requiring replacement; repair not completed. Recall repair performed on some vehicles; issue persisted post-repair on at least one owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V744000 issued for 2024 Chevrolet Trax electrical system; however, many owners report their VINs were not included in recall despite experiencing identical symptoms. General Motors notified; no solution provided on non-recalled vehicles. Dealership advised some owners it is 'a glitch in the system.'
Headlight and Lighting Control Sensor Malfunction
Automatic headlight sensor and daytime running light / high-beam control system malfunction, causing lights to flicker or switch on and off unintentionally. Ambient light sensor fails to correctly detect light levels, particularly in direct sunlight or on partly cloudy days. Creates safety confusion as flashing headlights are commonly interpreted as a signal of yielding right-of-way.
When: Reported from early ownership (within 1 week to 1 month of purchase). Occurs repeatedly throughout vehicle operation. Worst on sunny or partly cloudy days; can occur in any weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flicker or blink intermittently; Daytime running lights flicker on and off; Green headlight indicator on dashboard blinks in tandem with light flicker; Automatic sensor unable to detect darkness level correctly; High-beam headlights fail to engage while driving; Issue occurs at any speed, including parked; Confusion of oncoming drivers; other drivers flash back thinking signal is given
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed software update (did not resolve issue in first attempt). Replacement part ordered in at least one case. One owner reports ambient light sensor was replaced and issue resolved thereafter.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for this defect. Dealership unable to replicate issue during diagnostic visit despite owner providing video documentation. GM bulletin 24-an-001 addresses flashing light issue and ambient light sensor fix.
Instrument Cluster and Infotainment Screen Glitches
Instrument cluster and/or infotainment touchscreen freeze, lag, reboot, or go blank intermittently. Screen may reboot roughly every 60 seconds, repeatedly cycling black then returning to normal. Issues affect navigation, music playback, and rearview camera display. Radio may fail to turn off when key is removed from ignition. Infotainment system has been rebooted by dealer with temporary success; failures recur.
When: Reported from initial purchase (within 1 week), and throughout ownership at various mileages (1,000–100+ miles). Happens during driving at various speeds or while using specific functions (connecting phone, using GPS, connecting Bluetooth).
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen freezes or lags; Infotainment screen goes black or blank; Screen reboots repeatedly (approximately every 60 seconds); Radio fails to shut off when key is out of ignition; Radio displays excessive static; GPS/navigation disconnects during use; Bluetooth connectivity drops and forces driver to use phone; Rearview camera activates randomly while driving, causing distraction; Screen becomes unresponsive during driving; Welcome message on startup seizes for several minutes
Repairs/costs cited: System rebooted by dealer; radio and camera replaced on one vehicle. Updates applied; issues persist. One vehicle had software update 25-NA-071 applied. No permanent fix provided; multiple dealership visits (3+ visits reported by some owners) have not resolved issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered extended warranty on electrical components on one vehicle but admitted inability to diagnose root cause. No buyback offered. One owner filed lemon law claim; no resolution. Multiple dealership attempts to resolve; no success reported.
Engine Oil Pressure Faults and Hesitation
Engine hesitation and shaking during highway operation, accompanied by check engine light. Diagnostic codes indicate oil pressure sensor malfunction and possible oil pressure control circuit fault. Owner reports concern for potential engine damage and lubrication failure. Engine ultimately failed catastrophically (rod failure / hole in engine block) on separate vehicle.
When: First incident March 12, 2026; second incident April 27, 2026. Occurred during highway operation at highway speeds during daily commute. Engine failure on other vehicle at approximately 1,000 miles; another at 19,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation during highway operation; Check engine light activation; Severe shaking during driving; Engine misfire; Highway operation unsafe due to vehicle behavior; Loss of power while driving (separate vehicles); Engine failure with hole in engine block / rod failure; White smoke from engine; Banging sound from engine
Codes mentioned: P0521 – Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range or Performance, P06DE – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On, P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle with oil pressure codes had not been repaired at time of complaint (March 2026). Engine failure requiring complete engine replacement; engine on backorder and vehicle not repaired at time of complaint. Oil consumption noted on one vehicle despite no leaks detected. Blown fuse box also found on one engine-failure vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: General Motors and dealership made aware of repeated oil pressure and misfire issues. GM Case Numbers issued. No recall issued for this defect as of complaint dates.
Complete Power Loss / Engine Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle suddenly loses all electrical power and shuts down completely while driving at highway speeds or during normal operation. Brakes lock up upon power loss. Vehicle may restart after towing or being jump-started but issue recurs. No warning lights prior to failure.
When: Reported on July 26, 2025 (twice within 24 hours) and March 2026. Occurred while driving at low speed after leaving home, while reversing, while stopping at stop sign. One vehicle shut down completely while driving on busy highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss while driving; Instrument panel goes completely black; Brakes lock up; Engine shuts off; No power restoration until restart or jump start; Smoke and eventual fire (separate incident with additional failures); All doors lock except driver door (safety concern)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer for service. One vehicle with related failures (fire incident) had low mileage (less than 12,000 miles) and had been serviced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for complete power loss defect. Towed to dealer; no repair status reported at time of complaint submission.
Automatic Headlight Sensor Flickering (Daytime)
Automatic headlight detection system fails in daylight conditions, causing running lights and headlights to flicker on and off repeatedly. Ambient light sensor unable to correctly assess light levels in direct sunlight or partly cloudy conditions. Creates safety hazard by confusing oncoming drivers, who interpret flashing lights as a yield signal.
When: Occurs on sunny days and partly cloudy days after sun exposure of 5–10 minutes. Happens regularly (24/7 per one owner). Issue began immediately after purchase on at least one vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Running lights flicker on and off during daytime; Daytime running lights continuously blinking; Headlights switch between DRLs and full headlights repeatedly; Direct sunlight triggers flickering; Green indicator light blinks on dashboard in sync with light flicker; Oncoming drivers honk or flash back in confusion; Visibility hazard for driver and oncoming motorist
Repairs/costs cited: One owner resolved issue by replacing ambient light sensor. One vehicle had a part ordered for replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Dealership unable to replicate during diagnostic. GM bulletin 24-an-001 provides fix (sensor replacement).
Rearview Camera and Backup Camera Malfunction
Backup / rearview camera remains on while vehicle is driving forward, or activates randomly during forward driving, causing distraction. Camera display shows distorted 'fish eye' effect. Camera may turn off unexpectedly or become inoperable during reverse. Lane assist and forward collision warning systems fail intermittently.
When: Reported from initial purchase. Occurs intermittently and randomly during driving at various speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera stays on while driving forward; Camera display shows 'fish eye' distortion effect; Camera activates randomly during forward driving; Lane assist fails (intermittent); Forward collision warning system fails (intermittent); Camera becomes inoperable during reverse; Camera image distorted or stuck on display; Causes driver distraction while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Camera was replaced on at least one vehicle; issue persisted post-repair. No permanent resolution reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Dealership unable to replicate issue. Camera replacement attempted without permanent success.
Air Conditioning System Failure (Evaporator/Condenser)
AC system evaporator and/or condenser has failed, resulting in inadequate cooling performance and potential system leakage. Vehicle unable to maintain cool cabin temperature, particularly hazardous in high-temperature climates like Texas. Creates safety concern related to driver fatigue, dehydration, and reduced concentration in heat. May cause windshield fogging and reduced visibility due to humidity control failure. No warning lights prior to failure.
When: Began at approximately 35,000 miles and progressed. Reproducible during normal vehicle operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Poor AC cooling performance; Inconsistent air temperature output; Possible unusual odors or sounds when AC in use; Inadequate humidity control; Windshield fogging and reduced visibility; Inability to maintain cool cabin in hot climate; Risk of driver fatigue and dehydration
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle available for inspection; no repair completed at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall issued.
Window Switch / Motor Failure (Power Windows)
Power window switches or motors fail intermittently or completely. Windows fail to roll down, or driver-side rear window fails to open intermittently despite motor clicking when button pressed. No mechanical obstruction or residue found. Replacement window motor ordered but has not arrived after months of waiting.
When: Reported from vehicle purchase (window issue at 900 miles) and throughout ownership. Intermittent failures reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Windows fail to roll down intermittently; Driver-side rear window fails to open intermittently; Motor clicks when button pressed but window does not move; No obstacles or sticky residue present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer lubricated window tracks on multiple visits; failure persisted. Replacement window motor ordered; did not arrive as of complaint date.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued.
Noise Cancellation System Malfunction
Noise cancellation system malfunctions, producing extremely loud vibrating noise instead of canceling cabin noise. System fails to shut off, making cabin unbearably loud and causing headaches after 30+ minutes of driving. Multiple software updates and attempted corrections by two dealership service centers failed to locate or fix source. Technician from corporate office unable to replicate issue despite all others hearing it.
When: Issue began immediately upon purchase (June 2023). Persisted for approximately two years despite multiple dealership visits and software updates.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud vibrating noise in cabin; Noise cancellation system does not shut off; Extremely loud sound making conversation impossible; Headaches for passengers after 30+ minutes in vehicle; Sound so loud that hearing is affected
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership service center visits and numerous software updates attempted without success. Final resolution: noise cancellation system disconnected.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate technician sent to evaluate; unable to duplicate issue. Buy-back option denied despite commonality of issue. Owner given $2,000 certificate toward another vehicle but still owed $21,000 on Trax.
Random Engine Sounds and Potential Engine Failure
Abnormal popping, banging, or loud vibrating sounds coming from engine during normal operation (parking, driving, idle). No warning lights illuminated prior to or during sound occurrence. Sounds indicate internal engine damage. One vehicle diagnosed with engine failure at dealer (engine on backorder, vehicle not repaired). Another vehicle had fuel line leak that led to engine failure (repaired) but persistent vibrating noise remained undiagnosed.
When: Popping sound reported when parked on downward angle. Banging sound reported while entering highway at 50 mph. Loud vibration began at purchase and persisted for two years.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal popping sound from engine; Loud banging sound from engine while driving; White smoke from engine; Loud, undiagnosed vibrating noise in engine; No warning lights illuminated; Engine failure (internal damage: hole in block, rod failure)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle diagnosed with engine failure requiring engine replacement (on backorder). Fuel line leak repaired on another vehicle; engine was blown and repaired. Loud vibration undiagnosed despite multiple dealership visits and diagnostics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; one vehicle sent to dealer but not repaired (engine on backorder). No recalls issued.
Forward Collision Avoidance System False Activation
Forward Collision Avoidance / Forward Collision Warning system engages or activates without any objects nearby, creating unnecessary alerts and potential unsafe vehicle behavior. System malfunctions while at stop or during normal driving.
When: Reported at approximately 1,000 miles. Occurs intermittently during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Forward Collision Avoidance system engages without objects present; Unnecessary collision warnings triggered
Repairs/costs cited: System rebooted by dealer; issue recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued.
Remote Start / Automatic Stop/Start System Failure
Remote start function fails or malfunctions. Automatic stop/start feature becomes inoperative. AC does not activate during remote start despite manufacturer claim it should. Creates safety concern for pets left in vehicle (risk of heat-related illness).
When: Reported at approximately 1,000 miles and at various mileages throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Remote start function fails to operate; Automatic stop/start feature inoperable; AC does not turn on during remote start; System behavior not as manufacturer intended
Repairs/costs cited: GM stated AC should turn on with remote start but could not fix issue. No permanent repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged that AC should operate with remote start but could not resolve issue.
Steering Wheel and Radio Button Malfunctions
Steering wheel buttons become inoperable or unresponsive. Steering wheel becomes abnormally hot. Radio fails to turn off when key is removed from ignition and driver door opened. Radio displays excessive static noise.
When: Reported at approximately 1,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel buttons inoperable; Steering wheel abnormally hot; Radio fails to turn off after key removal and door opening; Radio displays excessive static; Inability to control radio or other steering wheel functions
Repairs/costs cited: System rebooted by dealer; radio replaced. Issue recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued.
Parking and Drive Mode Failures
Vehicle fails to shift out of park or into drive, or fails to move forward after shifting to drive. Vehicle becomes immobile despite gear selection.
When: Reported at approximately 1,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to shift to drive or move forward; Transmission malfunction / immobility
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and opened case. No resolution documented.
Door Lock and Seatbelt Alarm Malfunctions
Vehicle doors fail to lock with key fob or manual locking. Seatbelt alarm continues to ring after key removal and during gear shifts when alarm should not be active. Safety concern due to inability to secure vehicle.
When: Reported at approximately 1,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors fail to lock with fob; Doors fail to lock manually; Seatbelt alarm rings continuously; Seatbelt alarm sounds after key removal; Seatbelt alarm sounds during gear shifts
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and opened case. No resolution documented.
Infotainment System Cybersecurity Breach
Infotainment system was hacked, allowing unauthorized remote start of vehicle while parked. Infotainment center software was reloaded but unauthorized remote activation continued to occur.
When: Reported at 1 mile (vehicle essentially new).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle remotely started while parked without owner action; Unauthorized vehicle activation
Repairs/costs cited: Infotainment software reloaded; issue persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified. No permanent solution documented.
Brake System Malfunction
Brakes fail to respond as needed while driving at highway speeds (65 mph). Abnormal sound heard when attempting to open doors (suggests brake system involved in electronic door lock control). Software update recommended.
When: Reported at approximately 34,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail to respond at highway speed; Abnormal sound when attempting to open doors; Radio activates independently
Repairs/costs cited: Software update applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Sunroof Malfunction
Sunroof pops up repeatedly when owner attempts to close it. Unable to keep sunroof closed.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof pops up when closing; Sunroof cannot remain closed; Repeated malfunction during closure attempt
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Bluetooth and Phone Connectivity Failures
Complete Bluetooth system failure. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto constantly disconnect and fail to maintain connection. Phone connectivity issues prevent proper audio transmission (caller can hear driver; driver cannot hear caller). OnStar feature malfunctions intermittently. Issue present from vehicle purchase.
When: Reported from initial purchase. Connectivity issues throughout ownership. OnStar issues reported at approximately 1,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete Bluetooth failure; Apple CarPlay frequently disconnects; Android Auto frequently disconnects; One-way audio (caller audible to driver; driver inaudible to caller); OnStar feature intermittent malfunction; Inability to communicate via OnStar
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 55 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.