Why is my Chevy Trax shaking?

Shaking in a Chevy Trax is most often caused by tires or wheels, such as unbalanced or damaged tires, or by engine, braking, or suspension issues. Start with the basics: inspect the tires and wheels, then evaluate brakes and engine performance if the problem persists.

Common causes at a glance

The following categories cover the most frequent sources of vibration in a Trax. Use them to guide a quick, methodical check before taking it to a shop.

Tire and wheel problems

Issues with tires or wheels are the top suspects because they create vibration that is felt through the steering wheel or entire vehicle, often at highway speeds or after hitting a pothole.

• Unbalanced tires or missing balancing weights


• Out-of-round tires or uneven tread wear


• Damaged rims or bent wheels from impacts with potholes or curbs


• Loose or missing wheel lug nuts


• Under- or over-inflated tires

These issues are typically resolved by balancing, rotating, repairing or replacing tires, repairing rims, and ensuring correct lug nut torque.

Engine, ignition, and fuel system problems

Shaking that occurs at idle, during acceleration, or with load can point to engine misfire, fueling, or vacuum problems.

• Misfiring cylinders due to worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils


• Clogged or dirty fuel injectors and a dirty fuel filter


• Vacuum leaks or faulty intake components


• Exhaust resonance or damaged exhaust mounts


• Faulty engine mounts or transmission mounts that let engine vibrations transfer to the chassis

Note: An active misfire can trigger a check engine light and may show codes such as P0300-series; a diagnostic scan helps confirm the issue.

Brakes, suspension, and steering

Vibration that appears or changes when braking, hitting bumps, or steering can point to brakes, suspension, or steering components.

• Warped brake rotors or sticking calipers


• Worn or damaged suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings)


• Worn steering components (rack, tie rods)


• CV axle issues (especially on AWD models)

Brake-related shaking can quickly escalate into unsafe stopping performance, so inspect brakes promptly if you notice vibration during braking.

Other considerations and safety steps

Some vibration sources are less common but still important to rule out, especially if you recently repaired or replaced components.

• Recently installed tires or wheels with incorrect size or type


• Drivetrain mounting hardware or engine mounts that have loosened or collapsed


• Loose suspension or steering fasteners

Keep a record of symptoms, speeds, and braking/acceleration events, and consult a technician if the issue persists after basic checks.

How to diagnose and when to seek help

Because vibration can indicate safety-critical issues, run through a process to isolate cause before driving long distances.

• Check tire condition, pressure, and balance; inspect for nails or bulges


• Inspect wheels for runout with a balance machine or by a professional


• Check brake rotors for warping and test calipers for sticking


• Scan for engine codes using an OBD-II reader and check spark plugs/ignition coils


• Consult GM/NHTSA recall databases for VIN-specific issues

If the vibration persists after these checks, or you notice abnormal noises, reduced braking performance, or a loud clunking sound, stop driving and seek professional diagnosis immediately.

Safety considerations and quick steps

To minimize risk, perform these quick checks and decide if you should visit a shop today:

• Inspect tires for visible damage; check tread depth; look for uneven wear


• Check tire pressure and adjust to the vehicle's recommended spec


• Check wheels for damage and ensure lug nuts are torqued to spec


• Note when the vibration occurs (speed range, braking, acceleration)

Summary: Most shaking in a Chevy Trax is caused by tires/wheels or by engine, braking, or suspension components. A methodical check—starting with tires and wheels, then engine and ignition, followed by brakes and suspension—usually identifies the culprit. If in doubt, seek a professional diagnosis to prevent safety risks and further damage.

Summary

In most cases, shaking in a Chevy Trax is caused by tires and wheels or by engine, brake, or suspension issues. Start with a tire and wheel inspection, then move to engine/ignition checks, followed by brakes and suspension diagnostics. If the vibration persists, consult a qualified technician and consider checking for recalls via VIN lookup.

What is the most common problem with Chevy Trax?

In fact, 30% of the complaints on file with NHTSA involve the engine, powertrain, or fuel system. The complaints range from fuel injector failure to a fire in the engine compartment. Turbocharger problems are also among the common Chevrolet Trax problems.

Why is my car shaking and trembling?

Feeling your car shaking while driving can be unsettling. Whether it's a minor vibration or a severe shake, it's important to understand the cause before it leads to bigger problems. A shaking car can be linked to several issues, including tire problems, brake wear, suspension issues, or even engine trouble.

What is the Chevy shake issue?

The "Chevy Shake" is a term for a violent shaking or vibration issue experienced by drivers of certain Chevrolet and GMC trucks, particularly Silverados and Sierras from model years 2015-2019. It is often linked to problems with the vehicle's 8-speed automatic transmission, with symptoms including shuddering in higher gears and hesitation or lurching in lower gears. The issue can also be caused by other factors like defective aluminum driveshafts, or by a failure to properly balance certain Chevy wheels on tire balancing machines.
 
Symptoms

• A violent shaking or vibration that can be felt in the steering wheel, seat, and dash.
• Shuddering specifically in higher gears.
• Hesitation or lurching in lower gears.
• The vibration can be so intense it affects vehicle control. 

Potential causes

• 8-speed transmission issues: The 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions used in certain 2015-2019 models are a primary focus of lawsuits and complaints. 
• Defective aluminum driveshafts: Some legal complaints have also pointed to issues with the aluminum driveshaft. 
• Tire and wheel balancing: In some cases, the problem was traced back to incorrect wheel balancing on machines that did not have the proper cones for Chevy wheels, leading to the wheels not being held correctly. 

What has been tried to fix it

• Transmission fluid flushes
• Replacing torque converters, transmission filters, and fluid
• Replacing the valve body, cooler lines, and transmission pan
• Replacing tires, rims, and brake rotors
• Performing alignments
• Replacing springs, shocks, and struts
• Replacing axles and ring and pinion sets
• Adding weight to the rear of the truck 

Legal action

• Because of the widespread nature of the problem, multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against GM. 
• A recent appellate court ruling has decertified some of these lawsuits, but legal avenues for recourse may still exist, especially if damages or accidents are involved. 

Why does my Chevy Trax shake?

Worn or Damaged Tires: Uneven tire wear or imbalanced tires can cause vibrations during acceleration. Inspect your tires for signs of wear and ensure they are properly inflated. Engine Issues: Problems such as misfiring cylinders or a faulty spark plug can lead to shaking during acceleration.