The engine failed at approximately 44,000 miles. The vehicle uses a wet timing belt engine design, where the timing belt runs inside the engine oil. The engine suddenly stopped working and now requires a full engine replacement. This failure happened much earlier than expected for a modern vehicle and could be a safety risk if the engine fails while driving.
2024 Chevrolet Trax engine problems
severe 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 32 engine complaints filed for the 2024 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
Of the 10 model years of Chevrolet Trax we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 32.
Owners have filed 32 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2024 Chevy Trax 1.2L engine has a documented pattern of premature rod bearing or internal engine failure occurring as early as 6,000 miles and into the 80,000+ mile range, often without warning and at highway speeds, creating serious safety hazards. Owners report catastrophic failures requiring complete engine replacement, and in some cases replacement engines have failed the same way within days.
Owners report widespread catastrophic engine failures in the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, primarily involving internal rod bearing or connecting rod failure. These failures occur abruptly, often with no dashboard warning lights beforehand. The most common scenario: loud metallic knocking or banging, followed by a sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds, accompanied by smoke, oil and coolant leaks, and occasionally engine fire. Failures have been documented as early as 6,455 miles and as late as 88,000 miles, though many cluster in the 14,000–54,000 mile range.
Multiple owners report the failure happened despite regular maintenance—oil changes every 4,000–7,500 miles using quality synthetics (Mobil1, ACDelco). One owner discovered excessive oil consumption (oil level dropping to zero between changes) without warning light activation. Another owner's replacement engine failed the same way less than 200 miles after installation.
Owners describe the incidents as dangerous: stalling on expressways during rush hour, losing power on mountain roads with logging trucks approaching, and catching fire at low speed. The loose rod pierces the engine block, creating a large hole. Dealers confirm the diagnosis but report months-long waits for replacement engines. One complaint notes Chevrolet is aware of the problem but has not issued a recall. Owners also cite an ongoing pattern dating back to 2020 in the 1.2L engine used in Trailblazers, with unresolved lawsuits over excessive oil consumption and failures.
Failure modes owners describe
Rod bearing failure / internal engine destruction
Connecting rods or rod bearings fail, sometimes without warning, causing internal components to rupture through the engine block or lodge in the oil pump. Owners report loud metallic clanking or knocking sounds, followed by sudden loss of power, smoke, and oil/coolant leaks. In some cases, the engine catches fire. Full engine replacement required.
When: Occurs between 6,455 and 88,000 miles; many failures occur in the 14k–54k mile range despite regular maintenance and highway-dominant driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, clanking, or rhythmic metallic rattle at certain RPMs; Low-end engine knock that increases with acceleration; Sudden catastrophic loss of engine power at highway speeds; Loud pop, bang, or explosion sound; Smoke from engine compartment and tailpipe; Oil and coolant leaking onto road; Engine seized or stalled on roadway; Fire under hood (in several cases); Vehicle shaking or vibration through steering wheel
Codes mentioned: P0325 (knock sensor fault, reported in one case preceding failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; dealers report metal fragments in oil pump, cracks in engine block, holes punched through block wall. One owner reported replacement engine failed the same way less than 200 miles later. Engine supply shortages; some owners waited 39–60+ days for replacement parts. Cost cited: $6,700 for engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners report dealer/GM acknowledgment the problem is known but no recall issued. One warranty claim denied after 66,000 miles (warranty expired). Replacement engines obtained but quality/durability unclear given repeat failures reported.
Excessive oil consumption / oil starvation
Engine burns or loses oil rapidly between scheduled changes, reducing oil level to zero or near-zero despite frequent maintenance intervals (4,000–7,500 miles). Low oil triggers pressure warning light in some cases, but warning may not appear until oil is critically depleted. Leads to rod bearing failure and catastrophic engine damage.
When: Observed in vehicles with regular maintenance; one owner changed oil every 4,000 miles and still experienced failure
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops to zero or near-zero between oil changes; No oil showing on dipstick despite recent service; Low oil pressure warning light illumination (in some cases); Check engine light; Engine knock or metallic noise before final failure
Codes mentioned: P0325 (knock sensor, may accompany low-oil condition)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported Jiffy Lube technician noted oil starvation multiple times; vehicle ultimately required engine replacement ($6,700). Owner changed oil every 4,000 miles using Mobil1 and ACDelco synthetic oils.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or technical service bulletins mentioned for this specific issue. Complaints suggest GM aware of pattern but no formal response documented in narratives.
Turbocharger failure / oil circulation failure to turbo
Turbocharger fails and/or engine loses oil circulation to turbo, resulting in reduced power and potential engine damage. Occurs on vehicles with higher mileage (66,000–88,000 miles) and coincides with engine/turbocharger replacement.
When: 66,000 miles (one case); 88,000 miles (another case with oil circulation failure diagnosis)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning; Turbocharger audible failure or malfunction; Loss of power during acceleration; Smoke from engine
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Engine and turbocharger replacement required. One owner at 66,000 miles informed warranty had expired and GM offered no assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial after mileage threshold exceeded; no proactive TSB or recall mentioned.
Early stalling / loss of motive power without catastrophic failure
Vehicle loses power or stalls during driving at highway speeds, with or without warning lights. Issues reported relate to electrical/control system faults (brake system, ABS, traction control messages displayed). Vehicles restart and continue operation, but indicate underlying electrical or fuel system instability.
When: Reported at 20,000 miles and other unspecified mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power at highway speed (70 MPH reported); Vehicle stalls during driving or making turns; Multiple restart cycles needed; Warning messages: brake failure, ABS failure, traction control failure, security messages; Failure to restart on first attempt
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired in at least one case (stuck at dealer without timeframe).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and scheduled tow; no diagnosis or repair timeline provided.
Engine fire
Engine catches fire while vehicle is in motion or at low speed. Fire spreads rapidly and requires fire department intervention. Vehicle deemed inoperable/totaled.
When: Occurred at 6,455 miles and at approximately 45 MPH in another case; third fire case also reported
Symptoms owners cite: White/grey or black smoke from engine compartment and vents; Fire under hood spreading rapidly
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed and deemed totaled or inoperable; one case towed to independent mechanic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; no specific response documented.
Check engine light / reduced power warning without immediate failure
Check engine or engine power reduced warning illuminates; engine may stall or operate with reduced power, but failure does not immediately occur. Indicates sensor fault or early engine distress.
When: Occurred within first 10 miles of ownership in one case; at various mileages in others (28,000–54,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine power reduced message on dashboard; Burning smell (reported in one case with less than 10 miles); Knock sensor fault code (P0325); Intermittent illumination of check engine light (goes off after restart)
Codes mentioned: P0325 (knock sensor fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; one case with <10 miles on odometer remains in shop with no estimated repair date. One faulty oil sensor replaced at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service department stated Chevy is aware of engine problems but has not issued a recall (per narrative #6). Dealership warranty coverage unclear depending on mileage.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Serra Chevy has my trax. A mechanic checked it it is blown engine. No time frame for an engine. I believe a fail msg flashed after engine failed all systems stopped i pulled to side of road oil pouring out from under my vehical. I was driving on expressway (approx 70 mi per hour) approx 1 1/2 hour drive to dinner theater 120 miles away. I was 5 mins away from destination. I paid 120.00 plus ins…
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was provided with error codes related to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to…
Had engine trouble with your 2024 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 2024 Chevrolet Trax?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 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 32 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 37,022 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/2024/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.