# Chevrolet Trax power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 43 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (10) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 43 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Chevrolet Trax (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (10). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Chevrolet Trax power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 8 | 96 | 8% | | 2016 | 3 | 120 | 3% | | 2017 | 10 | 114 | 9% | | 2018 | 8 | 102 | 8% | | 2019 | 3 | 136 | 2% | | 2020 | 2 | 98 | 2% | | 2024 | 7 | 180 | 4% | | 2025 | 1 | 103 | 1% | | 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. ## Chevrolet Trax recalls related to the power steering warning light **[15V146000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V146000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-03-13): The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chevrolet Trax owners report - "The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the messages "Service Stabili-track" and "Steering Assist Reduced" were displayed. The vehicle was difficult to control while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver's side wheel speed sensor was not..." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2026 - "I was driving power steering message came on drive with care super scary wheel got stiffed and shut down turned back on drove stiff again luckily I did not hit car or car hit me and at the end it shut down super scary thank god im alive and my water pump broke" -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2026 - "A sudden internal engine failure while driving will result in an immediate loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assistance, creating a severe crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Trax, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Trax power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (15V146000) covering 2015 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chevrolet Trax years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2018 Trax model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 10 for 2017. 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 power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### 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 - [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 - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-trax): 19 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Chevrolet Trax - [Chevrolet Trax specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-trax) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-trax Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.