Last updated: 2026-03-04
2018 Chevrolet Trax Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 93 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2018 is 1 year after the 2017 refresh refresh.
Recalls
2
Complaints
93
Complaint Rate
10.3
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$488
About avgMajor Repair Risk
12%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is 1 year after the 2017 refresh refresh.
- Year 4 in the First generation (U200) (2015–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Trax (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
First generation (U200)
Should You Buy the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 is 1 year after the 2017 refresh refresh.
With 93 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to suspension (29). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, which scored the same.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (12%)
- Low recall count
Cons
- SUSPENSION issues reported (29 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Infotainment system and instrument cluster becoming inoperable (14 complaints)
Compare 2018 Chevrolet Trax With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- SUSPENSION (29)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14)
- ENGINE (12)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
- STEERING (7)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- TIRES (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 23.5
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Chevrolet Trax Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SUSPENSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
Consequence
A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.
SUSPENSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle.
Consequence
A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.
2018 Chevrolet Trax NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.9%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet Trax Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$488
vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Chevrolet Trax
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect turbocharger for leaks and unusual noises
- Test infotainment system and instrument cluster for functionality
- Check for any signs of oil or coolant leaks under the hood
- Verify that all recall repairs, especially for suspension and control arms, are completed
- Test power steering for responsiveness and check for warning lights
- Inspect brakes for firmness and responsiveness during operation
- Check for AWD system warning messages on startup
- Ensure blower motor and resistor are functioning properly
Check Any 2018 Chevrolet Trax's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Trax in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Trax with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Chevrolet Trax Common Problems by Component
93 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SUSPENSION
29 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to the suspension, particularly with the lower control arms. Complaints often describe noises such as knocking or grinding, and in some cases, issues with tire wear and alignment. Many reports indicate that parts for recall repairs are unavailable or delayed, with some vehicles remaining unrepaired for extended periods. The typical mileage for these issues varies, with some occurring as early as 7,500 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of a crash due to a suspension failure, as well as instances where the vehicle became difficult to control. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and confirm that any necessary recall repairs have been completed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system and instrument cluster becoming inoperable. Complaints often mention problems with the blower motor and resistor, which some describe as melting and potentially causing a fire hazard. Additionally, owners describe symptoms such as dashboard and warning lights malfunctioning, with some reporting complete vehicle shutdowns or failures to start, often accompanied by burning odors. These issues typically appear around 25,000 to 65,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, including one report of a fire and instances of vehicles stalling or losing power, which could pose risks during operation.
ENGINE
12 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to engine oil leaks and turbocharger failures. Common symptoms include oil leaks from the oil cooler or housing, loss of engine power, unusual noises, and blue smoke from the tailpipe. Complaints often mention coolant loss leading to overheating, with some owners noting the absence of warning lights or dashboard temperature gauges. Turbocharger failures are cited as causing significant engine damage, with some reports of these issues occurring as early as 21,000 miles. Safety implications include potential engine stalling and loss of power, which may affect vehicle control. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential engine reliability concerns, particularly related to the turbocharger and cooling system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, including premature failure and leaking, resulting in the system blowing hot air instead of cool. Complaints also highlight problems with the rear differential clutch module and the AWD system, with warning lights activating around 26,206 to 38,653 miles. Additionally, several owners mention significant delays and lack of support from dealerships when addressing recall-related repairs, such as those involving lower control arms, often without loaner vehicles provided. Safety implications include reports of burning plastic fumes entering the cabin due to engine oil cooler leaks, causing discomfort for passengers, though no crashes or fires are reported. These patterns suggest potential costly repairs and inconvenience for prospective used car buyers.
POWER TRAIN (9 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the power train, particularly concerning the rear differential and turbo components. Common symptoms include the "AWD disabled" message upon startup and fluid leaks, with some owners noting a cracked rear differential or corroded RDCM needing replacement. Turbo-related complaints often involve coolant leaks and unpleasant odors, with some occurring as early as 22,500 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one owner describing a loss of power and stalling due to a defective intake part, posing a risk of accidents. These issues typically arise around 42,000 to 69,000 miles, providing potential buyers with insight into what they might expect.
STEERING (7 complaints)
STEERING
7 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the power steering system, particularly the steering locking up or becoming unresponsive while driving. Complaints often describe a warning light indicating a power steering failure, accompanied by a "drive with caution" message, and some mention the steering wheel not returning to center automatically. These issues are sometimes associated with additional symptoms such as a lack of acceleration and the illumination of the service stabilitrack warning. The problems are reported across a range of mileages, with one owner noting the issue occurring at 128,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as owners mention the potential for loss of control, especially in areas with winding roads or steep grades. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring steering issues, which have led to multiple service visits and unresolved repairs according to owners.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the service brakes, including symptoms such as the "Service Brake Assist" warning message appearing on the dashboard and brakes becoming hard or requiring excessive force to operate. Some complaints describe a loss of braking power, particularly after reversing, and there are reports of the brake pedal becoming soft and unresponsive. These issues are noted at various mileages, including as low as 36,859 miles and as high as 143,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one report involves a crash with injuries following simultaneous depression of the brake and accelerator pedals, leading to a rollover accident. Buyers should be aware of potential brake component failures and the associated safety risks.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax report issues related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving difficulties with acceleration and speed maintenance. One complaint describes a scenario where the vehicle struggles to pick up speed after a few months of ownership, while another mentions a check engine light linked to a potential turbocharger issue, which could affect speed performance. These problems appear to manifest a few months after purchase, but specific mileage is not provided. No reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned, but the described symptoms could potentially impact driving performance and safety. This information may be relevant for used car buyers evaluating the condition and performance reliability of this model.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax report issues related to the airbag system, specifically involving repeated replacements and malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention problems with the passenger airbag sensor, with one owner noting the need for a third repair. These issues suggest recurring airbag sensor failures, though no specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the data. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with these airbag issues. Potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of repeated airbag sensor repairs in this model year.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, she noticed a leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cooling system was leaking. The dealer determined that the cooling system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 87,046.
When Do 2018 Chevrolet Trax Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Trax Years
Best Chevrolet Trax Years to Buy
The best Chevrolet Trax year is 2025 with a reliability score of 85/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (81/100) and 2021 (81/100).
Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid
No Chevrolet Trax years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Chevrolet Trax years-to-avoid analysis →Chevrolet Trax Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Trax reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 80/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 85/100 | Excellent |
Chevrolet Trax Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax have?
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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