2018 Chevrolet Trax Problems
Shopping for a used 2018 Chevrolet Trax? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 95 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Suspension Failures the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2018 Chevrolet Trax has 95 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Chevrolet Trax Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2018 Chevrolet Trax trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2018 Chevrolet Trax Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Chevrolet Trax SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax has 95 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Trax
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 95
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Chevrolet Trax problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Trax
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Trax, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax are concentrated in suspension and engine issues, with a notable number of electrical and transmission reports. Crash-related complaints are minimal, but the overall volume suggests potential reliability concerns.
- Suspension failures account for the largest share of complaints at 31.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue with 27 complaints.
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues each have over 10 complaints.
- Suspension Failures are the most frequently reported component.
- Engine Problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Electrical Faults and Transmission/Drivetrain issues also appear often.
Full breakdown
All 2018 Chevrolet Trax complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 31 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My check engine light came on, I took my vehicle to Ken Ganley Chevrolet because that is where I purchased it. They claim they have no record I bought it there and at first refused service. I provided my loan documents that state I purchased it. Tim was in the service department,…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact used the parking brake to slow and stop the vehicle. There was no warning light ill…
The oil cooler/oil housing leaks oil on every single one of these vehicles, spanning many years, due to its plastic housing, mounted up against a hot engine. The cost of repair is between $2000-3000 at a dealership.
Service Brake Assist message appeared on the dash, brakes got soft , vehicle would not stop. Check engine light came on. Dealership reported no codes were reported but the Power Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor & Hose Assembly needs replaced due to a sensor malfunction. Say it is not …
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the infotainment system was intermittently inoperable; however, the infotainment system and the instrument cluster had become inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, w…
The vehicle check engine light came on. Engine light is for a repair to the turbo charger. After looking online I noticed some of the 2017 and 2018 Chevy Trax cars are afftected however the VIN for my car is not included. I want to report the problem to see if my car can be check…
The contact’s parents owned a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while a parent was driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the accelerator pedal was also simultaneously depressed the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure…
I was driving my car to the post office in Waikii Ranch in Kamuela Hawai’i no or around [XXX] When all of a sudden my steering went out and my car could hardly turn without great effort from me and I am [XXX] I noticed a warning light stating my power steering was not working an…
Car smoking under the hood not even a month after getting repairs done to it for the same issue of coolant loss. Replaced engine oil cooler, coolant housing, and turbo. Car started smoking again less than a month later and mechanic baffled at what it may be this time for there is…
2018 chevy trax turbo messing up loss of power and making noise
I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.
Engine oil cooler leaking with no dash lights causing burning plastic fumes only when sitting at an idle to enter car cabin causing passengers to feel unwell at times. With no warning lights for specific leaks or overheating warnings caused high repair bills at the shop. Also, pr…
Blower motor and resistor, wire lume melting. So many people have the same issue on several different models. Same part, same issues that could cause a fire. Well know issue by Dealership and auto repair facilities.
Car filled with smoke and smell. Needed to replace the blower motor l, resistor, and pig tail or it would have killed my child.
Chevrolet had a recall (N232395330) for 2018 Trax models due to a problem with the turbocharger. For whatever reason, Chevrolet did not include all 2018 Trax models, and omitted ours. The turbocharger on ours failed, causing an oil problem and substantial damage to the engine (…
The indicator for the vehicle overheating illuminated as I checked. I noticed that the engine coolant was low so I brought a bottle to top it off however, I noticed once parking in front of my home that I had a puddle of the fluid on the ground.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there w…
Engine runs roughly. Hardly any pick up present during acceleration.
Tech during an annual inspection found the rear Diff. Carrier cracked and crumbling apart into small pieces. There was evidence of fluid leaking onto the rear exhaust. Due to safety concerns tech would not inspect without the replacement of the rear diff. Carrier, Axel/Different…
I was driving between 35 and 45 mph and ran over a manhole cover. The rear of my vehicle began to fishtail. I pulled into a gas station and upon attempting to leave my vehicle failed to drive forward. The car was still on but would not move forward. I had it towed by flatbed to t…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax.
Safety recalls
2018 Chevrolet Trax recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Chevrolet Trax buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 95 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Chevrolet Trax shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (31 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (27 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (17 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Trax?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 95 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Trax have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Trax?▾
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Trax reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Chevrolet Trax based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.