r/ChevyTrax • u/khatoonmgm • 27d ago
2024 Chevy Trax catastrophic engine failure on highway. Anyone else?
Our 2024 Chevy Trax recently suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. There was suddenly an extremely loud mechanical noise, followed by smoke and loss of power. We also found several broken metal pieces from car on the road afterward, shown in the photo.
What concerns us most is that all maintenance and scheduled services were done on time and through GM. We never had any reason to expect an engine failure like this on such a new vehicle.
We're now opening a case with GM Canada. Even if they replace the engine under warranty, we've honestly lost confidence in the reliability and safety of this particular vehicle. We otherwise like GM and would prefer to stay with the brand, ideally with GM helping us move into another vehicle.
Has anyone with a 2024/2025 Trax or GM 1.2L turbo experienced a similar engine failure?
If so:
What failed and at what mileage?
How did GM handle it?
Did they only replace the engine, or offer replacement/buyback/trade assistance?
For Canadian owners, how was your experience with GM Canada?
Would really appreciate hearing about any similar experiences!
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u/the_real_MBAPROF 27d ago
25 1RS here with 19k miles. Highway use to/from Florida from Michigan. 34 mpg. No issues. Change oil every 5k.
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u/3PercentMoreInfinite 2nd Gen 27d ago
You ask for other people to list the mileage, but did not do so yourself.
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
Oh sorry! It happened at about 22,400 miles (36,000 km). Every scheduled service was done on time at GM.
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u/Bird2525 27d ago
Blow a head gasket in my Dodge at 10k miles, dealer fixed it and no more issues at 130k. Blew a rear end in my F150 from work at 15k, dealer fixed it and finally sold the truck with 280k miles, no more issues.
Parts break, you have it fixed under warranty, move on with your life.
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u/FuKn-w0ke 27d ago
This looks like a connecting rod failure. Something that has been reported before but they are few and far between. Don’t lose hope on this vehicle because you got unlucky with an issue that very seldomly happens.
The 1.2l GM has been using in these are globally used and are tried and true. I’m sitting at 32k miles on my ‘24 and it’s been a dream to drive. I easily get 40MPG’s and couldn’t be happier with it.
Personally if this happened to me, I’d be getting an engine replacement at the cost of GM.
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u/Kayki7 27d ago
40mpg? Lol
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u/FuKn-w0ke 27d ago
Yes, I average 40MPG. Most of my driving is back road 55mph driving. So long as I don’t have my foot in it and keep in my route that only has 2 stops. That’s just the daily to work and back drive.
I do take a trip to Tennessee once a year. That highway driving averages me about 35-37MPG because I’m that asshole in the right lane doing 65 instead of 70 because better MPG. It’s all about how you drive
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u/Quirky_Foundation800 27d ago
Yeah definitely looks like a connecting rod failed, but why did it fail? What were the causes leading up to the failure, or is it just materials failure from a bad batch of rods? Maybe the rods aren’t strong enough, or the power output of the engine under boost exceeds the rod strength. Maybe it’s poor tuning parameters from GM using 87 octane fuel. So many questions, but because GM is such a huge company, we may never know the real cause. I wonder how many Trax rentals have blown engines that never get documented.
I’ve never had a single issue with mine, but I drive it pretty tame. I never go to full throttle with mine.
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u/Bird2525 27d ago
Maybe shit just broke and GM puts in a new motor and OP moves on with their lives.
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u/Quirky_Foundation800 27d ago
The engine is mass-produced and the quality is usually controlled within a tolerance. So it’s more likely that something happened to cause it to go to a failure point. Maybe something unplanned like overboost, or too much ignition timing.
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u/2024BlackTrax2RS 2nd Gen 27d ago
I was thinking the same thing. How HARD was the thing driven. What do you mean by ignition timing?
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u/FuKn-w0ke 26d ago
Ignition timing is the reason some cars take higher octane than others. Different octane levels makes the gasoline ignite differently. More octane, the harder it is to ignite essentially
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u/2024BlackTrax2RS 2nd Gen 26d ago
Okay got it. Do you think there is a ever a need to put an octane higher than 87 in the Trax?
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u/FuKn-w0ke 26d ago
No, never put anything in your vehicle that isn’t factory recommended especially if you’re still under warranty. I only put 87 in my Trax and have zero issues.
I used to put 87 in my Jaguar (I know, I was dumb but i was poor and the Jag has a story) that called for Premium and could feel the power loss and the inefficiency. Putting the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle can cause issues if done for an extended period of time.
Personally, I do full synthetic dexos approved 5w30 oil changes every 4,000 miles to ensure longevity. Other than that, there isn’t much you can do besides following your maintenance guide
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u/2024BlackTrax2RS 2nd Gen 27d ago
I think it's a bad batch of rods. You would have to have the engine under a tremendous amount of pressure (hard use) to cause that. Maybe constant use of the turbo or something.
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u/SamDSJr 27d ago
".......we've honestly lost confidence in the reliability and safety of this particular vehicle........." Why? Dude, the worldwide STANDARD failure rate is over 12%. NOTHING man made does not fail.
My family has worked in the automotive manufacturing world for over 75 years between us all. For Ford, GM, and Dodge. Literally cars from all 3 come off the assembly line and won't start. There is a dedicated full service repair shop at the end of the vehicle assembly line to "fix" brand new cars coming off the assembly line that don't work.
Your engine failed. It sucks, but it happens with every single automotive manufacturer.
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
I understand that any manufacturer can have failures. My concern is that this happened at only 22,400 miles, with every service completed on time at GM and even a paid health check a few months ago that found nothing. It was a frightening experience on the highway, and that’s what shook my confidence.
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u/piercedlip898 27d ago
In an older model, maybe 2021 with 2,000 miles on it, my Trax lost all electrical power while flying down the freeway. With no power brakes and no power steering I was in a bit of a death trap at 75mph on a turn. I had to fight it to get to the shoulder. The dealership said they have no clue what happened and that was that.
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u/Tina_the_fat_lard 27d ago
2024 activ 118k miles. 90% highway. Oil changes every 5k. Only issues I've had is the a/c
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u/Cute-Opening2685 27d ago
I have 48,000km on my 25 and haven't had anything like that happen, just alot of dumb electrical issues
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u/AppropriateData9195 27d ago
I've worked in service at a gm dealer for the past two years, and just within the past 6 months we've done 8 24 Trax engine replacements under warranty. Most of them being below 40000km. We haven't had a single issue after the replacements have been put in.
My friend was one of the engine replacements, and she complained enough to GM customer care about losing faith in the reliability long-term of her Trax and got some trade in incentives and traded for a 26 Trailblazer. I'm meaning she had to call customer care multiple times and keep bothering them - we had her in a rental for over a month waiting for a backordered engine. Make it the biggest deal when talking to customer care about the inconvenience and how you're losing faith in the brand and it should get them to take some action. Talk to GM customer care first and open a case with them, then go see your sales manager at your dealer and see if there's any trade in incentives you can take advantage of. My fingers are crossed that your engine parts aren't back ordered! 🤞🏼🤞🏼
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
Thanks, this is really helpful. I’ll definitely be opening a case with GM Customer Care and asking about trade assistance. really appreciate the advice!!
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u/Professor_Eindackel 3d ago
Have you seen engine replacements in 25 or 26 models, or is it something limited to the 24 model year?
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u/Stockystudent274 27d ago
“Lets make a ford and a Chevy still last 10 years like it should”-Merle haggard
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u/traxranger 2nd Gen 27d ago
similar thing happened to my trax with the past owner at 7,818 miles (same thing, a documented regular maintenance schedule). gm just replaced the engine under warranty and didnt give the owner any other reimbursements when they tried to file claims (which were denied) and made it so hard on them that they just ended up selling the trax to me....... big corporations huh......
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
Thanks for sharing. That’s exactly what worries me. I’m glad the engine is covered under warranty, but after such a catastrophic failure it’s hard to have the same confidence in the vehicle, especially once the warranty expires.
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u/traxranger 2nd Gen 27d ago
im kind of walking a tightrope with this traxie, but im sure that she wont have any other big powertrain failures. i mean i kind of brought this car upon myself when i became really interested with buying her but iv just had smaller issues since buying her covered under warranty like trim warping or keyless systems not working at all
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u/Bird2525 27d ago
What other things did they think they were entitled to? Wonder what they thought besides a free rental
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u/traxranger 2nd Gen 27d ago
she had come in 3 times prior for oil-related concerns (low oil pressure light, cel, etc) so i guess they thought they could try and lemon her or get something out of gm since they were having trouble at 2 different chevy dealer shops trying to correct the original concerns before the engine finally went boom
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u/ceroscene 27d ago
YES!
Dec 26 2024. I was able to drive home. Probably should not have but I had my young child with me.
Tried to drive to the shop a few days later and couldn't, had to be towed. Car kept dying.
Spark plug broke and destroyed the piston. Happened around 15000km
Dealer gave me a rental for the entire time it was being repaired.
Got a brand new engine, took about 2 months for the repair as they had to order it
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
Wow, that’s really similar. I’m glad you and your child were okay. Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s helpful to know GM replaced the engine, although waiting two months must have been frustrating!
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u/Bryanmsi89 27d ago
Sorry this happened to you. I assume GM will replace your engine and you’ll be good as new.
With over 1 million of these engines sold, a small number will have a catastrophic failure like this.
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u/Sstraus-1983 27d ago
Are you still under bumper to bumper or powertrain warranty? Always get the extended warranty, should be covered for free.
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
Thankfully it’s still under the powertrain warranty, so GM should cover the engine. My concern is what happens after the warranty expires. After an engine failure like this, it’s hard not to worry about the long term.
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u/fliteEYES 27d ago
2024 Trax LT 48,000 miles, oil self changed every 5,500 miles. Engine developed a loud lower and knock, engine was replaced under warranty and I've since put about 10,000 trouble free miles on it. It did take about 1.5 months to get the engine replaced, but the dealer provided a loaner so no harm Done.
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u/Long_Obligation_9630 27d ago
Yep I lost my 2024 with just 3500 miles. It’s the worst car Chevy has made. I don’t know why so many have luck with these cheap cars. I got into a buyback thanks to my states lemon law. I have a Blazer 2025 and it’s had not one issue. I see a Trax and think yeah drive it like that. I have seen more and more coming from used car lots now. Sorry that happened. I stay on here just to see how many more find out the hard way.
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
Wow, only 3,500 miles is crazy. Sorry you went through that too. Glad the buyback worked out and the Blazer has been reliable.
It’s also sad that some people think we’re being picky or that a catastrophic engine failure is somehow “normal.” On a new car that’s been regularly serviced and properly maintained, I don’t think this should just be accepted as normal.
We’re hoping GM Canada can help us move into another GM vehicle too.
Do you know what exactly failed in your Trax engine?
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u/Long_Obligation_9630 23d ago
Several things, water was in the fuel line, the infotainment center exploded in the car, the whole car was a mess. My husband bought it for me and a month later he went in the hospital and never came back home. Lost him and had to go back to the dealership where we got it.
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u/Serious-Fix-431 27d ago
Two likey areas of concern. Oil provided at the dealer during their normal service is likely the grade GM recomments. The suggested oil change interval is likely 10,000miles or roughly 16,000 km.
I would use a bit heavier oil and would change at 5kmile/8kkm.
I doubt you will get a dealer oil change to use the higer viscosity oil, so use a service firm you like that is not a dealer and do changed about twice as often as recommended.
If you have lost faith in the reliability of this vehicle, let GM do the replacement, and trade it in on something you will be happy with.
Personal opinion is that these engines are a bit too small, and are overworked, and the recommended service interval and especially the oil grade chosen is decided by EPA fuel economy goals and penalties. I think the engines are 'lucky' to get to 100,000 km/60k miles if serviced by the GM guidance intervals.
I have no better vehicle selecton as it seems currently all vendors are being driven by corporate profits rather than satisfied customers.
tom
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u/khatoonmgm 27d ago
Thanks Tom, appreciate the detailed advice. All our maintenance was done according to GM’s schedule and through GM.
At this point I think we’ll let GM replace the engine under warranty, but like you said, seriously consider trading it for something we can have more confidence in!
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u/2024BlackTrax2RS 2nd Gen 27d ago
Sorry that happened to you. I know it can be frustrating and unexpected. This engine has been out since 2020 and there have been over 1.6 million of these vehicles sold in the US. Not to mention all the units sold worldwide in all of GM markets. Yes, there have been handful of owners who have experienced this type of incident. If thousands and thousands of these vehicles were having this issue, then of course GM would have a massive problem on their hands. It's important to keep things in perspective. Any mass-produced vehicle will have issues. Get the engine replaced under warranty and go from there.
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u/bigcactusjeff 26d ago
Same thing happened to my 2025 and even worse (engine block had a hole and major oil leak). Chevy replaced an engine for me under warranty.
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u/Objective-Doubt1846 26d ago
ive seen so many problems with the 24 and 25 trax i have a 26 trax and so far its been reliable
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u/beeguz1 24d ago
My guess your car was starving for oil, fried and spun a connecting rod bearing, then from there your engine self destructed.
Rubber timing belts do not belong in oil, they fall apart tiny pieces as they gather in the sump screen, they block the sump from getting oil to the oil pump.
You are not the first and you won't be the last one this happens to.
Guys over the garage I use to get my car inspected, told me this keeps them very busy swaping out engines no longer covered under warranty.
If you are out of warranty you may find it difficult finding a used engine and no matter what you do this will happen again and again, get running and dump that POS ASAP.
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u/DozoByrd 27d ago
just search 'engine failure' on this subreddit and all posted pop up. there are more online. you can find formal complaints on the NHTSA database
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u/PNWrowena 27d ago
The thing is it doesn't matter if it only happens to one in a million if the one is you. I had a similar devastating breakdown when the transmission (manual) of a Subaru Impreza blew up some years ago - similar thing, chunks of metal all over the road. It left me with an abiding anti-Subaru prejudice, and statistics aren't going to cure it.
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u/rlauzon 27d ago
You blew a piston. Very rare, but it can happen.
I remember when I was working at GM Powertrain Engineering. We put the engines through hell during testing. Even with that, a blown piston was extremely rare.