This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2024 Chevrolet Trax powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Trax | 13 |
| 2021 Trax | 3 |
| 2024 Trax (this page) | 11 |
| 2025 Trax | 5 |
1fire
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
This service bulletin advises the technician to verify the latest software to the radio before just replacing the torque converter for the customer concerns of Humming and/or Growling Noise, Transmission Shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax powertrain narratives detail a pattern of severe failures often occurring within the first few weeks to months of ownership, frequently at low mileage.
Engine problems dominate the complaints. Multiple owners report complete loss of compression in one or more cylinders—compression readings of 0–90 PSI versus normal 150–200 PSI—leaving vehicles non-startable. GM's own recall A242435780 (Engine Spark Timing Following Auto Stop Event) identifies engine knock and engine damage as known risks; one owner's recall went unrepaired for seven weeks before engine failure. Engine fires have also occurred during highway driving, with mechanics citing turbo line combustion or mechanical turbo fault. Several owners require complete engine replacement, currently on backorder with no delivery timeline.
Transmission failures include jerking, slipping, and hard shifts from delivery onward. One case diagnosed with defective valve body and torque converter at 1,900 miles; the failure recurred immediately after attempted repair.
Brakes produce grinding noise from 25,000 miles onward and have leaked fluid completely, disabling the system while driving on the interstate. Random engine shutdowns occur without warning—some mid-interstate—locking the steering wheel. Adaptive cruise control malfunctions include phantom braking with clear road ahead and unwanted gear noise.
Warranty denials are common: one dealership blamed spark plug tampering despite no evidence, another called brake grinding "normal," and dealers refuse diagnosis when the fault doesn't reproduce during the shop visit.
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Loss of Compression / Catastrophic Engine Failure
Engine loses compression in one or more cylinders, becoming non-starting and immobile. Narratives report compression readings far below normal (0–90 PSI vs. 150–200 PSI normal), with GM's recall A242435780 identifying engine knock and engine damage as known risks of the unfixed spark timing fault.
When: Various mileage; one case at ~1,900 miles, others throughout vehicle life and within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering and knocking before failure; Multiple warning lights (Engine Power Reduced, Service ESC, Service Stability, Steering Assist Reduced); Vehicle will not start; no compression detected; No retrievable diagnostic codes in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships found engines free-wheeling with no compression and denied warranty claims. Some owners required complete engine assembly replacement; engine parts on backorder with no arrival timeline. Repair costs not specified by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall A242435780 (Engine Spark Timing Following Auto Stop Event) noted but not completed until 7 weeks after engine failure in one case. GM denied warranty claims alleging spark plug tampering despite owner testimony of no tampering. GM offered $2,000 incentive toward new vehicle in one case. ECM warranty reset completed in another case.
Transmission Jerking, Slipping, and Hard Shifts
Transmission exhibits jerking, slipping, and pulsating behavior during acceleration and cruise control operation. One case diagnosed with defective valve body and torque converter at 1,900 miles; failure recurred immediately after attempted repair.
When: Throughout vehicle life from delivery; one diagnosis at ~1,900 miles; others at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking while depressing accelerator pedal; Transmission slipping at 60–70 MPH; Pulsating sensation like brakes engaged or transmission slipping; Hard gear shifts at lower speeds; Hard time catching a gear during acceleration and jerking when releasing gas pedal
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership diagnosed defective valve body and torque converter; failure returned immediately upon exiting parking lot. Repair not completed. No repair costs cited.
Brake System Malfunction and Fluid Leak
Brakes produce grinding noise and leak fluid, disabling braking system while driving. One owner paid for brake replacement; identical grinding noise persisted. Brake fluid leak caused loss of power and steering difficulty on interstate.
When: At 25,000 miles and throughout vehicle use
Symptoms owners cite: Horrible grinding noise from brakes; Brake fluid leak; Complete loss of braking system while driving on interstate; Loss of power steering when brakes fail; Difficulty steering
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially refused warranty repair, claiming noise was normal. Owner paid out-of-pocket for brake replacement; grinding noise persisted. No specific repair costs or parts cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused warranty repair on grounds that grinding is normal for GM brakes. Multiple requests for assistance from Chevrolet went unanswered.
Engine Fire / Turbo Line Failure
Engine caught fire while driving at highway speed. Mechanics cited turbo line combustion putting a hole in engine, oil on turbo belt igniting, or mechanical turbo failure. Vehicle lost power mid-acceleration in middle lane, creating dangerous traffic situation.
When: Unknown mileage during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Pressure pop sound under car; Pieces sounding like they flew out; Sudden loss of acceleration; Dashboard lights commanding engine shutdown; Engine caught fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire. No repair attempted. Owner stated mechanic cited turbo line combustion, oil ignition, or mechanical turbo fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None cited by owner.
Engine Oil Leak and Sludging
Engine loses oil rapidly; one case resulted in white smoke and oil spilling from engine compartment during routine acceleration. Owner reported oil change intervals shortening dramatically. Another narrative noted oil constantly requiring changes with oil life depleting to 81% within two weeks.
When: One case at unknown mileage during normal acceleration; ongoing throughout vehicle life in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Oil spilling from engine compartment; White smoke from engine; Oil life depleting rapidly (81% after 2 weeks in one case); Constant need for oil changes
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light with oil light (case #5)
Repairs/costs cited: Case #5: Engine requires new assembly; currently awaiting backorder delivery. No timeline provided. Repair costs not cited.
Random Engine Shutdown and Power Loss
Vehicle completely shuts off without warning while driving, including on interstate at highway speed. Steering wheel locks when shutdown occurs. Vehicle also loses majority of power during acceleration, requiring over 6,000 RPM to maintain 50 MPH; issue resolves by time owner reaches dealership, preventing diagnosis.
When: Throughout entire vehicle life from delivery; one case includes repeated shutdowns within first months
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown at random, without warning; Steering wheel locks when shutdown occurs; Loss of majority of engine power during acceleration; Power loss resolves intermittently before dealership visit; Multiple warning lights flashing (power loss message on one vehicle)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refused to diagnose, stating issue absent during visit and claiming 48-hour diagnostic would be required without loaner vehicle offered. No repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and Chevrolet service members gave inconsistent advice; none resolved issue. No recall or TSB mentioned.
Instrument Panel Blackouts and Electrical Anomalies
Instrument panel intermittently goes blank or experiences screen blackouts. Interior and exterior lights, radio remain on for hours after vehicle is locked. Backup camera displays upside-down or distorted image. One vehicle required high-pressure fuel pump replacement and information system update.
When: Throughout vehicle life; one case at ~1,900 miles with diagnosis requiring parts replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel intermittently goes blank; Repeated screen blackouts; Interior and exterior lights remain on for hours after locking vehicle; Radio remains on after vehicle locked; Backup camera displays upside-down or distorted image
Repairs/costs cited: One case: High-pressure fuel pump replaced and information system updated at dealership; issue recurred within 2 hours. Subsequently diagnosed as requiring entire new engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Information system update completed; no resolution achieved.
Adaptive Cruise Control and Driver-Assistance Malfunctions
Adaptive cruise control exhibits erratic behavior including phantom braking (slamming brakes with clear road ahead), unwanted gear backlash noise during speed adjustment, and simultaneous failure of related driver-assist systems.
When: Throughout vehicle use; one case at unknown mileage after 3–6 months of noise
Symptoms owners cite: Gear backlash noise during adaptive cruise speed adjustment (3–6 months of use); Car slams on brakes for no apparent reason during adaptive cruise control; Brakes remain engaged after phantom slam; Forward collision warning activates with no object present; Lane keeping assistance cuts in and out intermittently; Lane departure warning signals hazard where none exists
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light with oil light (during one adaptive cruise event, case #5)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claimed gear backlash noise is normal per service bulletin in other Chevy models; did not repair. No repair costs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin cited by dealership claiming noise is normal in other Chevy models.
Weak Engine Power and Turbo Degradation
Vehicle exhibits sustained weak power output and one narrative cited code suggesting turbo failure. Owner reported loss of power while driving interstate and permanent reduction in power output even after diagnostic code cleared.
When: Throughout vehicle use; one case at unknown mileage during interstate driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving interstate; Weak power remaining after clearing code; Vehicle flashed power loss warning message while driving
Codes mentioned: Code suggested turbo going out (case #2)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Owner made multiple requests for Chevrolet assistance without resolution.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
For the past 3 to 6 months I've been hearing a gear backlash sound while using the adaptive cruise control when it would slow down for a car in front of the vehicle then when it would start to speed up. Brought the vehicle to the dealership on October 20th, 2025. They said that the sound is normal and there's a service bulletin that says its normal in other Chevy models. Then on November 28th,…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2024 Chevrolet Trax?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 1,900 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.