Chevrolet Trax Technical Service Bulletins Every Owner Should Know
Knowing the right TSB for your Trax can turn a frustrating dealership visit into a quick, straightforward fix.
You know that feeling when something seems off with your Trax, but the service advisor says they “couldn’t find anything”? Sometimes the problem is already documented—you just need the right bulletin number. Here’s the thing about the Trax: it’s a solid little SUV, but over the years, owners have reported a handful of recurring issues. The smart owners are the ones who walk into the service bay armed with TSB knowledge.
First, a Quick Reminder: TSB vs. Recall
A Technical Service Bulletin is an official document from Chevrolet that tells dealership technicians how to diagnose and fix a known problem. Repairs are typically only covered if your Trax is still under warranty. A recall is for safety defects and must be fixed for free, regardless of mileage or warranty status.
The Trax has a significant recall history—31 recorded NHTSA recalls across model years . Knowing the difference matters because some issues are free fixes, and some are not.
First-Generation Trax TSBs (2013–2019)
If you own a first-generation Trax, especially one with the 1.4L turbo engine, these are the TSBs you need to know about.
PCV System Failure and Excessive Oil Consumption
The issue: Owners of 2011–2019 Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic, and Trax with the 1.4L turbo engine have reported excessive oil consumption, blue exhaust smoke, whistle-like noises, and a check engine light with DTCs P0171, P0300, and/or P0299 .
The cause: A potential failure of the PCV orifice diaphragm, which can cause abnormal crankcase pressure and, in some cases, a weak or broken piston ring land .
The fix: TSB PIP5197M outlines inspection of the PCV system, crankcase pressure testing, and component replacement as needed. Left unresolved, oil loss and drivability concerns may worsen over time .
Electrical Gremlins: Poor Ground Connection (2015-2019)
The issue: Some customers may comment on a MIL illuminated, service messages displayed intermittently, and/or erratic gauges . Technicians may find DTCs U0073, U0121, U0100 and/or U0101 set .
The cause: A poor ground connection at G103, located at the left front frame rail in front of the battery .
The fix: Inspect ground G103, clean and/or remove paint from the ground’s contact points, and torque the fastener to specification . This is documented in TSB 19-NA-068 .
HVAC Temperature Control Inoperative (2018)
The issue: Some 2018 Trax owners may experience temperature control inoperative, no heat, or no defrost .
The cause: The air conditioning evaporator case may not align with the upper HVAC housing case, causing the control gears not to engage properly when adjusting the temperature .
The fix: Check the temperature and mode cables operation. If the gear mesh is lost during adjustment, replace the air conditioning evaporator case. A new cable retention feature has been added to prevent kinking of the cable . This is documented in TSB 18-NA-001 .
Second-Generation Trax TSBs (2024–Present)
The redesigned Trax has its own set of documented issues and bulletins.
Reduced Brake Performance (2025)
This is a Service Update, not a full recall. GM released Service Update A252503090 in May 2025 for a limited number of 2025 Trax models—only 9 vehicles are involved .
The issue: Certain vehicles may have a condition in which braking performance is reduced, vehicle top speed is limited, and MIL notification is provided to the customer .
The fix: Dealers are to replace the brake master cylinder . This is a dealer inventory-only service update and will expire May 31, 2026 .
HVAC Not Cooling During Remote Start (2025)
TSB 23-NA-198 provides repair information for 2025 Trax owners who experience a customer concern of the HVAC not cooling the cabin during a remote start .
Air Conditioning Not Working (2024)
For 2024 Trax owners, TSB 24-NA-259 provides a service procedure to correct customer concerns of air conditioning not working and/or blowing warm air .
Check Engine Light with DTC P219A (2024)
Preliminary Information bulletin PIP5929A communicates diagnostic tips to dealers related to the MIL on with DTC P219A for the 2024 Trax .
Camshaft Cover Failure and Oil Consumption (2024)
Preliminary Information PIP5947 addresses potential failed engine camshaft cover causing excessive engine oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust system at low mileage. It advises inspections for potential engine camshaft cover replacement .
Cellphone Not Charging (2024)
TSB 22-NA-238 provides diagnostic and repair information to correct a customer concern of cellphone not charging or USB receptacle inoperative for the 2024 Trax .
Sunroof False Reversal (2024)
TSB 24-NA-256 provides a procedure to correct the condition of sunroof false reversal for the 2024 Trax .
Recalls You Should Know About
While TSBs are important, these recalls are mandatory safety fixes that are always free:
Air Bags Not Deploying (2019): The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) may not have been turned off of “manufacturing mode,” preventing air bags from deploying .
Front Lower Control Arm Weld Failure (2015-2018, 2017-2019): A joint in the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded, potentially causing the wheel to toe outward and increasing crash risk . This affected over 112,000 vehicles .
Blank Instrument Panel (2024): Software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module may cause the instrument panel to go blank, hiding critical information like vehicle speed .
How to Find TSBs for Your Trax
- NHTSA.gov — Enter your VIN to see both recalls and TSBs
- Chevrolet’s owner portal — Many manufacturers offer TSB lookup tools
- CarComplaints.com — Lists TSBs by model year
- Chevrolet forums — Owners often share TSB numbers and experiences
FAQ: Your Trax TSB Questions Answered
1. What is the TSB for Trax oil consumption?
TSB PIP5197M addresses excessive oil consumption and PCV system failure on 1.4L turbo engines .
2. How do I fix erratic gauges on my Trax?
Check ground G103 at the left front frame rail. Clean and torque the fastener to specification. This is documented in TSB 19-NA-068 .
3. Is there a TSB for Trax HVAC not working?
Yes. TSB 18-NA-001 covers HVAC temperature control issues for 2018 models . TSB 23-NA-198 covers A/C not cooling during remote start for 2025 models . TSB 24-NA-259 covers A/C not working for 2024 models .
4. What is the 2024 Trax A/C TSB?
TSB 24-NA-259 provides a service procedure to correct A/C not working or blowing warm air .
5. Are TSB repairs free on my Trax?
A TSB repair is only free if your Trax is still under warranty. If you’re out of warranty, you’ll likely pay out of pocket—but having the bulletin can save diagnostic time.
6. What is the most common Trax recall?
The front lower control arm weld failure recall (2015-2018, 2017-2019) affected over 112,000 vehicles .
7. Where can I find TSBs for my specific Trax year?
Use NHTSA.gov, CarComplaints.com, or Chevrolet’s owner portal .
Knowing about TSBs and recalls gives you power when dealing with dealerships. It helps you understand whether a problem is common, how it should be fixed, and whether it might be covered for free.
Have you dealt with a TSB or recall on your Trax? Drop your experience in the comments below—it helps other owners know what to expect.
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