# Chevrolet Trax check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 164 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (31) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 164 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Chevrolet Trax (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (31). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Chevrolet Trax check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 16 | 96 | 17% | | 2016 | 31 | 120 | 26% | | 2017 | 28 | 114 | 25% | | 2018 | 14 | 102 | 14% | | 2019 | 22 | 136 | 16% | | 2020 | 12 | 98 | 12% | | 2021 | 3 | 25 | 12% | | 2022 | 5 | 9 | 56% | | 2024 | 22 | 180 | 12% | | 2025 | 9 | 103 | 9% | | 2026 | 2 | 19 | 11% | 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 check engine 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 - "I was driving 70MPH down the highway, electronics blacked out, when they finally came back, the check engine light came on. Got to dealership, had 18 codes, engine, transmission, and electronics issues. Car is two weeks old with 498 miles on it." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2026 - "Check engine light illuminated on Nov. 22, 2024, which is less than 2 weeks into my ownership of the vehicle. Vehicle is still in the shop for repairs." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2024 - "My engine Light came on said I loss power car felt like I couldn't get up to speed . when I took it to the dealership they said my wastegate is cracked and I need a new turbo assembly my car has 76k miles & of course warranty expired at 75K said it will cost $2600 to repair" -- 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 check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Trax check engine 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 check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2019 Trax model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 31 for 2016. 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-trax): 17 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Chevrolet Trax - [Chevrolet Trax specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-trax) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-trax Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.