If you own a car with an ecotec 1.4 turbo (Encore, Cruze, Sonic, Trax - up to 2020) know the terms UFI and Hengst. If you use a Hengst oil filter cartridge in a UFI housing you are basically running your car WITHOUT an oil filter. Read and fully understand TSB 17-NA-184. The ONLY way to know which filter your car needs is to look at the cap for the filter and see if it is labelled Hengst or UFI. The filters both fit and even entering your VIN will not tell you which one your car has.
I've run mine to 213,000km so far with oil changes every 4-5k. I changed the tranny fluid at 140,000km. So far I changed plugs, coil assembly, Valve cover (for PCV issue), Purge Valve, and driver side front bearing. I had the turbo oil drain tube replaced under warranty. The rotors and pads are still factory. Based on my ownership and discussions with the tech off the record, maintenance isn't very complicated when things do break. The trick is to replace related items together although the dealer won't really tell you that because they make more money if you make more visits. The downside is a lot of items are plastic, but the upside is they are inexpensive relative other car brands. 1) If you need to touch the plugs, coil pack, or valve cover, do all three if you are upwards of 100,000km. The purge valve is inexpensive and could be done also. 2) if you need to touch the turbo, always replace all 4 hoses. Always. 3) If you are over 100,000km and need to touch the cooling system, replace the thermostat assembly, and replace the water outlet. 4) If the water pump needs replacing prematurely, this is likely under warranty. Pay extra and get the dealer to replace the thermostat assembly also. You are already draining coolant and the thermostat is quick and inexpensive. And they do fail because it is a metal thermostat in a plastic housing. 5) If the oil cooler springs a leak, the turbo needs to come out. Make sure all the turbo hoses get replaced. Make sure the cooler is a new assembly and not just a gasket rebuild. Purge Valve, plugs, coil pack, and valve cover are all easy do-it-yourself items. Thermostat is messy due to the coolant, but not complicated. The turbo or oil cooler shouldn't be attempted unless you own a very comprehensive set of tools and are prepared to spend several hours. Those are the nuisance items, and frequently they have similar life spans or combined labor. No one wants to spend extra money, but sometimes a little extra goes a long way for increased reliability in the long run. If you own other cars, you'll know these scenarios apply to other makes and models. The first GEN Traxes have less gadgets, came with AWD, and in Canada also came in 6sp Manual FWD version. If you can score a low KM manual, you should probably jump on it if you don't like annoying sensors, alarms, or other idiot-features. Also beware, the new ones apparently include the dreaded start-stop feature.
My wife has a 2018 Trax AWD and she loves it. Recently the water pump failed and we got that repaired, then she started complaining about sputtering and hesitation when trying to pass cars on the highway. I replaced the coil pack and the plugs (over 100k miles, so it was time anyhow). No service engine light and nothing out of the oridinary when using the OBD2 scan tool. I checked for vacuum leaks, but found no probable cause. I never thought of looking at that turbo rod.
Oil leaks and consumption are directly correlated with the PCV system and there is an easy fix, ask me how I know. Great car for what I paid but did have a time figuring out the turbo over boost issue that was not even caused by the turbo but by the PCV system. Overall good car and I would buy one again if only they offered the new ones in AWD.
I have a 2015 Trax LS. I love mine. Only 2 issues I've had was it stalled while driving this year. (2024) My OBD2 scanner said the P01 failed so I replaced the whole unit myself for $40 and it's running smooth again. The second problem is the AC compressor has gone bad causing it to blow HOT air on the driver side ONLY while the other vents are cold. I can't afford the $2200 repair quote and DYI guys say the fix is a big job opening up the dash. As you can imagine, summertime driving has not been much fun but everything else is great.
I bought a trax i wanted something that gets good mpgs to replace my 2010 Hyundai Elantra so is saw the trax for 22 grand so i went to the dealer and picked it up i don’t mind the body roll good so far it’s a 2020 Chevy trax LS in black
Definitely having turbo issues in the husbands 2020. He's had it fixed twice since 2022, last time being October 2023, and it's going out again. Chevy won't replace car even though the charged us an arm and a leg to replace the turbo in October.
Just bought a 2016 trax .. nothing but issues. Blower motor resistor keep burning up. Now making noise while accelerating even after having flex pipe replaced. Engine mounts were broke. Small ou Oil leak somewhere. Will never buy a chevy again
Wife's 2015 with 65k miles, has had 1 turbo replaced, seems second one already starting having issues, bad radio touch screen, door lock don't lock or unlock correctly, replaced blower relay twice and still have melting connector problems, and other smaller issues
Well explained! Thank you. I understand more about my Trax 2016. Worst for me,, Noise inside the cabin and when the automatic box change gear. After a while, its not smooth. Ist like ,,, You can feel the gear change in your body
That's fine. But now the 2024-2025 owners are concerned about theirs (I know I am, I don't want my 2024 blowing a hole through its engine block because of bad timing software, timing going out of whack because of the belt or otherwise, or some unforeseen structural defect). How about the top 5 worst problems for those Traxes and the truth behind them and why they are happening?
OUR 2022 HAS DIFFERENTIAL GEAR NOISE AT 20 MPH..BAUMANN CHEVROLET SAID THAT IS NORMAL..I DON'T AGREE..STUPID LOUD RADIO VOLUME ON STARTUP..HIRE SOME ENGINEERS WITH A BRAIN..
Hi I have a 2019 Chevy Trax. The radio won’t go off even when the car is off. Can anyone tell me what I’m looking at as far as getting it repaired. Price and what not? Thank you. I’m a little petrified.
Have a 2018 and when the car is off the radio comes on after 60 seconds. Draining the battery. Please help with any recommendations. Im a woman and get rail roaded all the time
I have the 2019 Chevy Trax FWD and so far, the only major problems I've had is the water pump went out on me at 52K miles (free replacement through warranty) and now dealing with coolant leak at 118K miles. Honestly, I'm just going to stick with aftermarket parts because I almost bet my life that aftermarket is better than GM garbage.
My 2015 used Trax ran fine until the summer heat arrived! It literally STOPS in the middle of the street while I'm driving! I was trapped inside for 10+ minutes in 100 degrees heat! I think I have to get rid of it! Any saves??
I have a 2015 trax and it’s been bouncing when it stops , loss of acceleration and Makes slot of noises I’ve been told the timing chain and turbo are the cause I should just replace the engine I love my car but I’m worried
She Forgot about the water pump mine went through 2 of them. The outlets corrodes and the clamps suck so they leak out the hose and once it leaks enough and gets hot the plastic seal inside blows. I finally got an aftermarket pump and different clamps and put it in myself and haven’t had an issue since. If it’s a small issue do it yourself don’t take it to the dealership.
I have a 2019 Chevy trax I have tuned it modified it to make 175 whp upgraded bnr wastegate holly coilpack k&n intake, zzp heat shield and tuned by BNR such a fun little car to drive
I call my mom's a Chevy "Trash". In fact, I'm not a fan of ANY modern vehicle. The last good vehicles were made in the late 2000s. I love my 1998 Chevy S10.
3:17 Where is your PPE tech? Looking to lose your vision under that vehicle?? 😉😎Those glasses are not going to do your eyes a-lot of good in your hand.
√ Watch the Video
√ Buy The Part at 1A Auto 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto
√ Do it Yourself
√ Save Money
If you own a car with an ecotec 1.4 turbo (Encore, Cruze, Sonic, Trax - up to 2020) know the terms UFI and Hengst. If you use a Hengst oil filter cartridge in a UFI housing you are basically running your car WITHOUT an oil filter. Read and fully understand TSB 17-NA-184. The ONLY way to know which filter your car needs is to look at the cap for the filter and see if it is labelled Hengst or UFI. The filters both fit and even entering your VIN will not tell you which one your car has.
I've run mine to 213,000km so far with oil changes every 4-5k. I changed the tranny fluid at 140,000km. So far I changed plugs, coil assembly, Valve cover (for PCV issue), Purge Valve, and driver side front bearing. I had the turbo oil drain tube replaced under warranty. The rotors and pads are still factory. Based on my ownership and discussions with the tech off the record, maintenance isn't very complicated when things do break. The trick is to replace related items together although the dealer won't really tell you that because they make more money if you make more visits. The downside is a lot of items are plastic, but the upside is they are inexpensive relative other car brands.
1) If you need to touch the plugs, coil pack, or valve cover, do all three if you are upwards of 100,000km. The purge valve is inexpensive and could be done also.
2) if you need to touch the turbo, always replace all 4 hoses. Always.
3) If you are over 100,000km and need to touch the cooling system, replace the thermostat assembly, and replace the water outlet.
4) If the water pump needs replacing prematurely, this is likely under warranty. Pay extra and get the dealer to replace the thermostat assembly also. You are already draining coolant and the thermostat is quick and inexpensive. And they do fail because it is a metal thermostat in a plastic housing.
5) If the oil cooler springs a leak, the turbo needs to come out. Make sure all the turbo hoses get replaced. Make sure the cooler is a new assembly and not just a gasket rebuild.
Purge Valve, plugs, coil pack, and valve cover are all easy do-it-yourself items. Thermostat is messy due to the coolant, but not complicated. The turbo or oil cooler shouldn't be attempted unless you own a very comprehensive set of tools and are prepared to spend several hours.
Those are the nuisance items, and frequently they have similar life spans or combined labor. No one wants to spend extra money, but sometimes a little extra goes a long way for increased reliability in the long run. If you own other cars, you'll know these scenarios apply to other makes and models.
The first GEN Traxes have less gadgets, came with AWD, and in Canada also came in 6sp Manual FWD version. If you can score a low KM manual, you should probably jump on it if you don't like annoying sensors, alarms, or other idiot-features. Also beware, the new ones apparently include the dreaded start-stop feature.
My wife has a 2018 Trax AWD and she loves it. Recently the water pump failed and we got that repaired, then she started complaining about sputtering and hesitation when trying to pass cars on the highway. I replaced the coil pack and the plugs (over 100k miles, so it was time anyhow). No service engine light and nothing out of the oridinary when using the OBD2 scan tool. I checked for vacuum leaks, but found no probable cause. I never thought of looking at that turbo rod.
AWD was the only thing going for the TRAX (Here where i live in Alaska)
As of 2024 it is FWD only.
Oil leaks and consumption are directly correlated with the PCV system and there is an easy fix, ask me how I know. Great car for what I paid but did have a time figuring out the turbo over boost issue that was not even caused by the turbo but by the PCV system. Overall good car and I would buy one again if only they offered the new ones in AWD.
I have a 2015 Trax LS. I love mine. Only 2 issues I've had was it stalled while driving this year. (2024) My OBD2 scanner said the P01 failed so I replaced the whole unit myself for $40 and it's running smooth again. The second problem is the AC compressor has gone bad causing it to blow HOT air on the driver side ONLY while the other vents are cold. I can't afford the $2200 repair quote and DYI guys say the fix is a big job opening up the dash. As you can imagine, summertime driving has not been much fun but everything else is great.
1st item isn't a problem, it's characteristic of the design.
Mine is the tire sensor. The driver side went after two years. The rest went after the dealership did their stupid check up during the oil change.
I bought a trax i wanted something that gets good mpgs to replace my 2010 Hyundai Elantra so is saw the trax for 22 grand so i went to the dealer and picked it up i don’t mind the body roll good so far it’s a 2020 Chevy trax LS in black
Yesssss. I have a 2020 Trax ugh.goin to be my last American car 😩
Definitely having turbo issues in the husbands 2020. He's had it fixed twice since 2022, last time being October 2023, and it's going out again. Chevy won't replace car even though the charged us an arm and a leg to replace the turbo in October.
Just bought a 2016 trax .. nothing but issues. Blower motor resistor keep burning up. Now making noise while accelerating even after having flex pipe replaced. Engine mounts were broke. Small ou
Oil leak somewhere. Will never buy a chevy again
Wife's 2015 with 65k miles, has had 1 turbo replaced, seems second one already starting having issues, bad radio touch screen, door lock don't lock or unlock correctly, replaced blower relay twice and still have melting connector problems, and other smaller issues
Well explained! Thank you. I understand more about my Trax 2016. Worst for me,, Noise inside the cabin and when the automatic box change gear. After a while, its not smooth. Ist like ,,, You can feel the gear change in your body
owned 2018 for over 5 years , one recall only , a lot of car for the price
+Orlando Minichiello Thanks for the feedback!
On my second Trax. Love it.
Informative and entertaining! "let me pull a piston out, it's not that hard" lol - Love these videos!!
I have a 2018 Chevy trax Lt awd and I absolutely love it especially the gas mileage it’s my baby even tho it isn’t a truck 🛻 still love it ❤️❤️❤️
That's fine. But now the 2024-2025 owners are concerned about theirs (I know I am, I don't want my 2024 blowing a hole through its engine block because of bad timing software, timing going out of whack because of the belt or otherwise, or some unforeseen structural defect).
How about the top 5 worst problems for those Traxes and the truth behind them and why they are happening?
The water outlet on the drivers side coming out the block is plastic and leaks same as the thermostat housing. Cheap plastic junk.
Do you advocate fuel additives to keep carbon build up down? Good vid 👍
OUR 2022 HAS DIFFERENTIAL GEAR NOISE AT 20 MPH..BAUMANN CHEVROLET SAID THAT IS NORMAL..I DON'T AGREE..STUPID LOUD RADIO VOLUME ON STARTUP..HIRE SOME ENGINEERS WITH A BRAIN..
Thanks for sharing these information, but are these problems still goes with chevrolet i2016 diesel, 1.6?
Hi I have a 2019 Chevy Trax. The radio won’t go off even when the car is off. Can anyone tell me what I’m looking at as far as getting it repaired. Price and what not? Thank you. I’m a little petrified.
Amazing review. Professionally executed, honest and clear.
Great video 👍I have a 2018 never had an issue YET 😂 my car has plenty of power didn't have no problem passing cars going through the rockies
Got a 202 Trax. Love it!
Fantastic .. Thank you for your work on this and all of your other videos too.
I got the 2024 Chevrolet Trax I love it. Thank you very much
Have a 2018 and when the car is off the radio comes on after 60 seconds. Draining the battery. Please help with any recommendations. Im a woman and get rail roaded all the time
I have the 2019 Chevy Trax FWD and so far, the only major problems I've had is the water pump went out on me at 52K miles (free replacement through warranty) and now dealing with coolant leak at 118K miles. Honestly, I'm just going to stick with aftermarket parts because I almost bet my life that aftermarket is better than GM garbage.
My 2015 used Trax ran fine until the summer heat arrived! It literally STOPS in the middle of the street while I'm driving! I was trapped inside for 10+ minutes in 100 degrees heat! I think I have to get rid of it! Any saves??
Change your oil every 3k. Fixes most problems.. never do 20%
+@robertolson7304 Thanks for the tip!
I have a 2015 trax and it’s been bouncing when it stops , loss of acceleration and
Makes slot of noises I’ve been told the timing chain and turbo are the cause I should just replace the engine I love my car but I’m worried
What a great model that u can pull pistons like that ;P ;P ;P
Radio will shutoff is played too loud. Muffler delete, and remove plastic barriers on intake will give a better acceleration.
2021 here.
There's no info anywhere to find the purge valve location.
She Forgot about the water pump mine went through 2 of them. The outlets corrodes and the clamps suck so they leak out the hose and once it leaks enough and gets hot the plastic seal inside blows. I finally got an aftermarket pump and different clamps and put it in myself and haven’t had an issue since. If it’s a small issue do it yourself don’t take it to the dealership.
I have seen a lot of condenser leaks on the 2018 Trax as well as the Buick version
Your brain have problem… 1.7D it’s great engine…
That’s span of years covers two different generations of that car
I have a 2019 Chevy trax I have tuned it modified it to make 175 whp upgraded bnr wastegate holly coilpack k&n intake, zzp heat shield and tuned by BNR such a fun little car to drive
I call my mom's a Chevy "Trash".
In fact, I'm not a fan of ANY modern vehicle. The last good vehicles were made in the late 2000s.
I love my 1998 Chevy S10.
3:17 Where is your PPE tech? Looking to lose your vision under that vehicle?? 😉😎Those glasses are not going to do your eyes a-lot of good in your hand.
Got a 2016 and hate it
What is the warranty for the radiator?
+Scott G This part will carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects!
Too much problem
So true
Wheel base is distance from front axle to rear axle not between front tires.
Add rear differential failure to that list
1st comment
Modern day Chevy
This lady knows her stuff!
You do a great job. You seem intelligent and car-savvy, and are easy on the eyes. Are you single? lol.