About this problem
A check engine light with loss of power means the engine computer has found a fault serious enough to cut performance. On small turbocharged engines, common causes include coolant and turbo problems, cracked or leaking hoses, sensor faults and misfires. The light alone does not say what is wrong, but a free code scan at a parts store can point to the system involved.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Trax since 2012, 171 (19.4%) describe check engine light and loss of power, making it the most reported problem we track on the Trax. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2024 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 34. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 29,000 and 79,000 miles. 5 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Chevrolet has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Trax owners report check engine lights and loss of power, often from the 1.4-liter turbo, coolant leaks or sensors. The 2016 and 2017 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Fixes range from sensors to turbo or coolant repairs.
Typical cost: Repairs cost $150 to $2,000 depending on cause.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I have had this car for three years and have had so many issues with it that I could've paid it off by now if I wasn't constantly fixing it. I have replaced the turbo intercooler because it froze last winter and the check engine light came on."
2016 Chevrolet Trax, 80,000 miles
"Service stabili trak warning and engine light came on with no prior warning. The vehicle would not reset, have to take it in for service. The roads and conditions were completely fair. No improper use of vehicle to cause these error lights."
2017 Chevrolet Trax, 45,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 18 bulletins that mention this problem on the Trax. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Special Coverage - Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the evaporative emissions purge pump to fail.
Special Coverage.
Special Coverage - Certain vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail.
Special Coverage - Certain 2014 model year Buick Encore, 2011 - 2014 model year Chevrolet Cruze, 2012 - 2014 model year Chevrolet Sonic, and 2014 model year Chevrolet Trax vehicles, equipped with a 1.4L Engine (RPO LUJ or LUV),...
Emission Recall - General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving certain vehicles with a 1.2L engine.
Emission Recall - certain vehicles may have The engine control module may not properly control engine ignition timing following certain Auto Engine Stop/Start events.
Before you buy a Trax
- Look for a check engine light.
- Check for coolant leaks.
- Accelerate onto a highway and feel for power loss.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Trax years have check engine light and loss of power?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2024 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 34 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 50,000 miles, and half reported it between 29,000 and 79,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Repairs cost $150 to $2,000 depending on cause.