This page covers 3 recalls, 108 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Chevrolet Trax.
27–28 mpg combined
8.4–8.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine and steering complaints dominate what 2017 Trax owners report. On the engine side, owners frequently describe persistent check engine lights that return after sensor replacements, a ticking noise from the engine compartment, smoke coming from under the hood, and in some cases turbocharger failure leading to a sudden loss of power while driving. The lean fuel mixture code (P0171) shows up across multiple reports alongside the smoke and ticking combination. Steering complaints often arrive paired with other systems misbehaving at once, owners describe the power steering cutting in and out, accompanied by Stabilitrak warning messages, instrument cluster gauges dropping to zero, and transmission jerking or hesitation during acceleration, suggesting an underlying electrical or control-module issue that cascades across systems.
108
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax has 3 recalls, the most serious involving a weld failure in one or both front lower control arms that can cause a front wheel to angle outward and significantly impair handling and steering, raising the risk of a crash.
The control arm issue is covered by two separate recall campaigns, but both describe the same defect: a joint in the front lower control arm can break and allow the arm to partially separate from the vehicle. When that happens, the affected wheel toes outward, throwing off steering geometry and making the vehicle harder to control. There is also a safety equipment concern: the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash that would normally trigger them, leaving the driver and front passenger without the full protection those systems are designed to provide.
At a glance
What can fail
A welded joint in one or both front lower control arms may be defective, causing the joint to break and the control arm to partially separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front lower control arms and replace them if needed at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weld joint in one or both front lower-control arms may be defective, causing it to break and partially separate the control arm from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace both front lower-control arms as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
