2024 Chevrolet Trax: What to check before buying

The instrument cluster goes black while driving, often for a few seconds, leaving no speedometer, warning lights, or turn signals. Many reports tie this to recall 23V744000, but some cars were not covered and others still fail after the recall repair. Some cars shut down completely on the highway, and drivers report the brakes locking up after the power loss. Other complaints describe touchscreens that black out, Bluetooth and CarPlay drops, and flickering headlights. One report describes a loud pop, smoke under the hood, and a fire while driving. Cluster blackouts appear around 41,000 to 58,000 miles.

Sudden engine failure at highway speed is the dominant complaint. Drivers describe a loud bang or pop, smoke, oil pouring onto the road, and total loss of power, often with little or no warning. Dealers report blown rods and seized engines, some under 14,000 miles. A few owners found the oil low between changes. Others report a check engine light and reduced power near 28,000 miles. Two complaints describe the engine compartment catching fire, one at 6,455 miles. Replacement engines can be backordered, and one replacement failed soon after installation.

Factory wiper blades smear and streak early, with one report at 7,000 miles and another of rubber detaching at 41,000. The wiper arm uses a proprietary attachment, so no aftermarket blades fit, and dealer replacements are often on back order. Owners describe poor visibility in rain and snow while waiting for parts. Another report has the wipers quitting entirely during snowstorms. Chrome interior trim also reflects sunlight into the driver's eyes, and owners say the sun visors do not block it.

Automatic headlights flash on and off in daylight, triggered by tree shade, underpasses, clouds, or reflections from the car ahead. Other drivers can read it as intentional flashing, and one owner was pulled over by police. Lights work normally at night. Dealers have replaced a sensor without fixing it, and some report GM calling the behavior normal. The only workaround is switching auto headlights off, which also turns off the daytime running lights.

Pulsation, slipping, and jerking show up at 60 to 72 mph, along with hard shifts at lower speeds. Some reports cannot tell whether the transmission or the brakes are at fault. One car was diagnosed with a defective valve body and torque converter, and the problem returned right after repair. Adaptive cruise control is linked to gear backlash noise and to sudden braking with a clear road ahead. Several reports end in engine failure with oil spilling out, followed by engine backorders and long rental periods.

Nondeployment in serious crashes makes up most reports, including a deer strike at 65 mph and two T-bone impacts. Those cars were described as likely or confirmed total losses, and occupants reported back, neck, and head injuries. In a separate crash where the bags did deploy, a seat air bag's vents faced the driver and burned skin across the ribs. Across 4 crash reports, 8 injuries are listed.

Brake power assist drops out while driving, with warnings for brake system failure, a 43 mph top speed, StabiliTrak, and reduced steering assist. Owners online point to a faulty brake fluid level sensor. Other reports describe rear brakes locking up at a light touch and automatic emergency braking stopping the car violently. In one case an air duct came loose from the heater and fell over the pedals, blocking both brake and accelerator.

In one high-speed crash, the seat belt extended fully, unlatched, and would not retract. The driver suffered abdominal injuries that required trauma surgery, and the insurance adjuster believed the belt failed. A separate complaint says the buckle sits too low between the seat and center console. That makes it hard to release quickly and could slow an emergency exit.