# Chevrolet Trax brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 17 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (4) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 17 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Chevrolet Trax (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (4). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Chevrolet Trax brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2016 | 1 | 120 | 1% | | 2017 | 1 | 114 | 1% | | 2018 | 3 | 102 | 3% | | 2019 | 4 | 136 | 3% | | 2020 | 2 | 98 | 2% | | 2021 | 1 | 25 | 4% | | 2024 | 2 | 180 | 1% | | 2025 | 2 | 103 | 2% | | 2026 | 1 | 19 | 5% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Trax brake warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Trax has 11 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Trax page](/vehicles/chevrolet-trax) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Trax owners report - "The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Brake System Failure" was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle, waited for a while, and then restarted the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the message "Steering System Not Engaged" was displayed. The contact turned off the vehicle. The..." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2026 - "At approximately 8,000 miles, an additional issue occurred where the check engine light illuminated and a warning appeared indicating that the brakes had stopped working. This was extremely concerning and created a serious safety risk. Following the transmission repair, a new and more dangerous issue developed. The..." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2026 - "-Safety of myself by not knowing what speed I'm going or if any warning lights turn on including the brake warning light or the tcs light. Safety of others is the same as safety for myself. -so far the problem is intermittent for me. It happened for the first time today after I left the store, then got home and..." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Trax brake light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Chevrolet Trax years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Trax model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 4 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Trax with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Trax has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Trax warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-trax): 12 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-trax): 164 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-trax): 34 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-trax): 43 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-trax): 19 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Chevrolet Trax - [Chevrolet Trax specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-trax) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-trax Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.