Many 2024 Chevy Trax owners report electrical system issues, engine problems, forward collision avoidance or lane departure problems, and recurring issues with exterior lighting. In particular, some common problems with the 2024 Chevy Trax include flickering headlights that cause safety issues while driving. Other Chevy Trax electrical issues include flickering headlights, radio and instrument panel malfunction, and windows intermittently unable to roll up or down.
If your 2024 Chevy Trax has recurring issues that your Chevrolet dealership cannot fix, it may be considered defective under California law. Learn about the most common 2024 Chevy Trax issues and complaints, existing recalls, and how our Chevrolet lemon law attorneys can help you get significant compensation for your troubles.
Table of Contents
- 2024 Chevy Trax Problems
- Chevy Trax Engine Problems
- Chevy Trax Electrical Problems
- Recalls for 2024 Chevy Trax
- If Your 2024 Chevy Trax Can’t Be Fixed
- Call A Chevy Lemon Law Attorney
2024 Chevy Trax Problems
While many drivers have praised the new design of the Chevy Trax in 2024, the problems reported by many owners have led to increasing concerns. Your Chevrolet Trax may be a “lemon” if it has any of the following issues and has not been repaired within a reasonable number of repair attempts:
- Engine issues: Auto Start/Stop issues, loud bang or explosive noise, loss of motive power, low oil pressure, oil leaks, rod throwing out, hole in the engine block, smoke from the engine compartment
- Electrical system issues: Radio malfunction, rearview camera not working, instrumental panel freezing or blanking
- Forward Collision Avoidance/Lane Departure: Braking for no apparent reason, fails to brake when actual obstacles exist
- Exterior lighting issues: Flickering headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DLRs), taillights, ambient sensor malfunction
- Structural issues: Windows intermittently unable to roll up or down
2024 Chevy Trax Engine Problems
For those who purchased the Chevy Trax in 2024, problems reported with engine reliability have raised red flags about the vehicle’s long-term reliability and safety. According to manufacturer communications to its dealerships,1,2 the 2024 Chevrolet Trax may share these common engine issues with other GM models:
- Check Engine Light
- Rough idle
- Cranking with no start
- Extended cranking
- Engine misfires
- Excessive oil consumption
If you’re experiencing any of the following Chevy Trax engine issues,, take your vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership for a repair visit so a technician can address these issues.
However, some problems with the 2024 Chevy Trax engine can become far more serious. According to complaints submitted to NHTSA, the 2024 Chevy Trax can be at risk of catastrophic failure, having a rod thrown, emitting smoke and sustaining damage to the engine block.
“While driving at approximately 60 mph, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure. According to the licensed Chevy service repair shop, the engine ‘threw a rod that resulted in a hole in the engine block.’ The car immediately lost power while driving on the highway with my wife and young child. The result of this scenario was that I was lucky enough to avoid serious injury.”
– Complaint 11614827, September 16, 2024
“The engine lights came on and the message said to basically shut the car off. I was going 70 MPH. I slowed down and pulled over. I heard a loud bang as the car started smoking. Oil and coolant leaked out over the road, there were pieces of a frayed belt and a broken bolt near the car. I had it towed 50 miles to the dealer (Serpentini Chevy) that I bought the car from. They told me that the rod blew and that the engine was shot. They are searching for a new engine and can’t guarantee that it won’t happen again.”
– Complaint 11609953, August 21, 2024
“Driving down the highway at a normal speed and the engine made a loud noise and then quit. We took it to a dealership and they said the engine is blown. They said there was a huge hole in the side of the engine.”
– Complaint 11583986, April 19, 2024
“The contact owned a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 MPH, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that as her son attempted to steer the vehicle off of the highway, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. It is unknown if there was a police report taken at that time. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was diagnosed as totaled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,455.”
– Complaint 11573649, February 23, 2024
2024 Chevy Trax Electrical Problems
The most common electrical complaint for the 2024 Chevy Trax is the instrument panel freezing, going black or malfunctioning. For example, the instrument cluster and infotainment panel may freeze or reboot at random. After that, 2024 Chevy Trax owners commonly report their radios turning off and on, activating independently, or failing to shut off when the ignition is shut off. The 2024 Chevy Trax issues also include problems with activating the air condition system, exterior lights flickering and activating safety features such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision assist.
Chevrolet Trax Flickering Headlights
The 2024 Chevy Trax has issues with flickering headlights, according to several consumer complaints submitted to NHTSA. For instance, some 2024 Chevy Trax owners have reported that the automatic headlight sensor cannot detect the darkness level outside and may flash on and off in sunny or mildly cloudy weather.
The flickering headlights can risk confusing oncoming drivers who may interpret flashing headlights as an intentional signal, creating a risk of an accident.
Here are just a few 2024 Chevy Trax complaints:
“Running day lights flicker as well as the emergency lights on ‘Auto DayLight setting.’ I was driving in the daytime, and I had two people honk at me because they thought I was trying to get their attention with my lights. The cars behind me also looked concerned since the emergency lights were turning on and off.”
– Complaint 11609977, August 21, 2024
“The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the daytime running lights were continuously blinking off and on, creating a visibility hazard for both the driver and oncoming motorists. Additionally, the OnStar feature intermittently malfunctioned, and the driver was unable to communicate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 100.”
– Complaint 11608228, August 13, 2024
“Ambient light sensor malfunctioned on my 2024 Trax. It would flicker on and off in daylight when in the auto lighting headlight mode. After checking Reddit, many other owners are having the same issue. Chevrolet bulletin 24-NA-001 has a direct fix. Avoiding flashing other drivers is important, as this indicates imminent danger is near.”
– Complaint 11660447, August 5, 2024
“Ambient light sensor defective since vehicle was new. It would turn the lights on at dusk and back off at dawn but was confused by direct sunlight on sunny days. The the lights would switch from DRLs to headlights/taillights whenever direct sunlight hit the sensor and then immediately switch back to DRLs when any shadow crossed over the sensor causing the lights to flash. This causes other drivers to flash their lights back and can be very distracting. After replacement of the sensor, the problem went away.”
– Complaint 11590705, August 5, 2024
Chevrolet issued technical service bulletin 24-NA-001 to address the flickering headlight issue.
TSB 24-NA-001 attributes the 2024 Chevy Trax flickering headlights to the ambient light sensor.3 Some 2024 Chevy Trax drivers report that exterior headlights such as headlamps, DRLs and tail lamps constantly flicker or flash on and off while driving. Chevrolet dealerships were instructed to confirm the issue by turning off the auto headlamp feature to see if the flashing stops and, if so, replace the ambient light sensor.
If your 2024 Chevy Trax has experienced the flickering headlight issue, contact Chevrolet’s customer service department at 1-800-222-1020 to schedule an appointment for repairs.
Forward Collision Avoidance Issues In 2024 Chevy Trax
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax comes with Chevy Safety Assist, a technology suite of safety features meant to prevent collisions and injuries. Chevy Safety Assist includes automatic emergency braking and a forward collision alert system, which are intended to alert the driver of potential obstacles and trigger the brakes if a crash is imminent.
The problem: issues with either system can make the Chevy Trax brake unexpectedly or fail to brake when an actual obstacle (like a pedestrian or an animal) is in front of the vehicle. Sometimes, these Forward Collision Avoidance issues can happen alongside other electrical malfunctions.
“The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was flickering. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged without any objects nearby. While at a stop, the automatic STOP/START feature became inoperable. The vehicle was turned off with the key outside the vehicle, but the radio failed to turn off. Additionally, there was a lot of static on the radio. The steering wheel buttons were inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely hot. The high-beam headlights failed to engage while driving. The Back Over Prevention view was distorted and the touch screen was inoperable. The contact called the local dealer, where the system was rebooted, and the radio and camera were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. While reversing from the garage and then shifting to park, the key was removed from the ignition, and the seat belt alarm continued to ring. The vehicle was shifted to drive but failed to move forward. While exiting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to lock with the fob or manually. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.”
– Complaint 11564328, January 9, 2024
Has the 2024 Chevy Trax Been Recalled?
Yes. The 2024 Chevy Trax has two open recalls. The first recall was issued for instrument panel display issues caused by faulty software. More recently, General Motors issued an emissions recall for Chevy Trax vehicles with 1.2-L engines.
2024 Chevy Trax Instrument Panel Recall
- NHTSA ID: 23V744000
- GM Recall Number: A232424320
- Vehicles Recalled: 2024 Chevrolet Trax, Buick Encore GX, Envista
- Number of Vehicles: 60,154
- Issue: The infotainment screen will randomly go blank while the vehicle is starting up or being driven.
- Cause: An error in the software for the Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) module is causing the screens to go blank.
- Remedy: The software in the VCU module will be updated.
General Motors was aware of 255 complaints globally regarding instrument panel blackout that were submitted from May 12, 2023 to September 25, 2023.4 According to the NHTSA entry, recall notices were sent starting December 4, 2023.5
2024 Chevy Trax Emissions Recall
- NHTSA ID: 11000562
- Manufacturer Communication Number: A242435780
- Affected Component: Engine control module
- Vehicles Recalled: 2024 Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Envista with 1.2-L engine
- Issue: Engine spark timing may not be properly controlled after certain Auto Engine Stop/Start events.
- Warning Signs: Malfunction Indicator Lamp or Check Engine Light may flash. Engine may knock or run rough.
- Remedy: The engine control module will be reprogrammed.
According to the Manufacturer Communication, subsequent Stop/Start events may set the ignition timing control back to normal.6
The NHTSA entry does not indicate when recall notices will be mailed to 2024 Chevy Trax, Trailblazer or Buick Envista owners.7
2024 Chevy Trax Recall Contact Information
If your 2024 Chevrolet Trax was recalled and never repaired, or you have another safety issue to report, you may contact these phone numbers.
- General Motors customer service department: 1-800-222-1020
- NHTSA Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
If you have not received any recall notices yet, you may use NHTSA’s “Check For Recalls” search tool and type your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out if your Chevrolet Trax is covered by any open recalls. Alternatively, you can call GM’s customer service department at 1-800-222-1020 and schedule an appointment for repairs. Tell the customer service representative your VIN number and ask about open recalls and your warranty information.
Even if you are not covered by any existing recalls, it is worth it to schedule an appointment for repairs at your dealership if you are experiencing recurring vehicle issues. At the end of each repair visit, you should receive paperwork known as “work orders” or “repair orders.” These repair orders document your reported vehicle issues, the services performed on your vehicle, if any, the date of the visit and the mileage on your vehicle when you took it in for repairs.
If Your 2024 Chevy Trax Can’t Be Fixed
If your 2024 Trax has issues that the dealership cannot seem to fix within the warranty period, you may be able to pursue a few legal options. However, pursuing legal compensation from your auto manufacturer for your troubles requires you to keep a record of your repair visits on hand.
If you have not had a repair visit within the warranty period yet, do so now. You will need to have given your dealership or repair facility a reasonable number of opportunities to try to fix your vehicle. The number considered “reasonable” is not strictly stated under California law, but is instead determined by the facts of your potential case. If your vehicle is not fixed within a reasonable number of attempts to repair the same problem, it can be considered “defective” under California law, making you eligible for different forms of compensation.
Under the California Lemon Law, owners and lessees of defective vehicles may be entitled to a cash-and-keep settlement, a replacement vehicle, or a repurchase of your vehicle, plus additional compensation for other expenses you may have incurred. This last reward is commonly known as a “lemon law buyback”, which has a specific formula. Learn how to calculate your estimated lemon law buyback or try out our lemon law rewards calculator. Just keep in mind that these are estimates, not guarantees.
If you are not sure how to get started or check your eligibility, you can get a free consultation from a lemon law attorney that does cases in California. You pay nothing out of pocket for the consultation or for any lemon law services you get once you retain the attorney. Our lemon law attorneys only get paid if you win; a fee-shifting rule in the lemon law requires manufacturers to pay your attorneys’ fees and costs if you win your case.
Call A Chevy Lemon Law Attorney Today
Our Chevrolet lemon law attorneys are experienced in handling complex lemon law cases, working tirelessly to protect consumers from defective vehicles and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. If you suspect that your 2024 Chevrolet Trax issues point to a possible defect, call our firm for a free consultation at 833-208-8181. If you cannot take a call right now, fill out our consultation form below and we will contact you to see if you qualify for our lemon law legal services.
References
- (2024, June). Technical Service Bulletin: 24-NA-021. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-11002025-0001.pdf
- (2024, June). Technical Service Bulletin: 16-NA-383. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-11004761-0001.pdf
- (2024, February) Technical Service Bulletin: 24-NA-001. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-10250262-0001.pdf
- Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-744. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2024, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V744-6331.PDF
- (2023, November 6). Blank Instrument Panel Display. Track Recalls & Safety Issues by NHTSA ID. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=23V744000
- GENERAL MOTORS DCS6982 URGENT -DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Spark Timing Following Auto Stop Event Revised Model Section. (2024). https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-11006392-0001.pdf
- (2024, May 30). Components: Electrical System, Unknown or Other. Track Recalls & Safety Issues by NHTSA ID. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=11000562
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2020–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
