On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 139,053 miles, my 2020 Chevrolet Trax experienced another brake failure. This is the latest occurrence of an intermittent and extremely dangerous brake problem that has continued for approximately two years.

I recently brought the vehicle to AutoNation Chevrolet Arrowhead after it unexpectedly died while I was sitting in traffic at a red light on a side street. The feeling was similar to a vehicle suddenly activating an automatic engine shutoff, even though my Trax does not have that feature. The vehicle restarted, but this has happened approximately five times since the original incident. I also specifically reported my recurring brake problem to the dealership and was told they would address it.

The dealership kept my vehicle for almost a month, and I paid $5,056.93 for repairs including the intake manifold and pipe, control arms, coil and connector, oil filter and lube service, intake throttle body/fuel injector, and a full synthetic transmission service. Despite my specific concerns about the brakes, the brake problem was not resolved, and I was subsequently informed that the dealership had not even addressed the underlying brake issue or investigated the battery concern related to the vehicle dying.

After picking up the vehicle, my brakes failed again at a stop sign. I was pressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop as expected and rolled through the stop sign, resulting in a traffic citation from a nearby police officer.

I immediately returned to the dealership. They replaced the brake booster at their expense, but approximately one hour after I picked up the vehicle, the brakes failed again.

My vehicle is currently back at AutoNation Chevrolet Arrowhead. After I brought someone with me to advocate on my behalf, the dealership is finally taking the situation seriously. They provided me with a rental vehicle and stated they will test-drive the Trax and attempt to determine and repair the cause of the recurring brake failure.

I have documented this issue repeatedly and have spent thousands of dollars attempting to maintain and repair this vehicle, yet I continue to experience potentially dangerous brake failures. I believe my concerns were not taken seriously throughout this process, and I have filed complaints with the BBB, Arizona Attorney General, NHTSA, and through a civil discrimination complaint regarding my treatment and concerns that I was being dismissed because I am a woman.

The brake problem with my 2020 Chevrolet Trax has happened again and is documented at 138,418 miles. This is the third time I am reporting this issue, which has been occurring intermittently for approximately two years.

Between January and March 2026, I brought the vehicle to Big O Tires for repairs and maintenance, including new tires, brakes, brake pads, a cooling tank/reservoir, and several other smaller repairs. I spent approximately $3,500 addressing these issues, yet the intermittent brake problem continued.

The vehicle can suddenly display the warning while driving, including while traveling on the freeway and not using the brakes. At other times, I can be actively braking and experience extreme resistance from the brake pedal, making it very difficult to stop. The warning may then appear and the brakes can suddenly begin functioning normally again.

Despite spending thousands of dollars on repairs and replacing brake-related components, the underlying problem has not been resolved. The unpredictable loss of normal braking ability remains a serious safety concern, especially because it can occur while the vehicle is in motion.

This is a recurring safety issue that has been happening intermittently with my 2020 Chevrolet Trax for approximately two years. The problem does not require me to be using the brakes. I can be driving on the freeway without touching the brake pedal when the warning suddenly appears on the dashboard. The vehicle can also be stationary when the same warning occurs.

More seriously, there have been instances where I am actively braking and the brake pedal suddenly has approximately 99% resistance, making it extremely difficult to press and causing the vehicle to have difficulty stopping. The "Service StabiliTrak” warning and related warning lights then appear, and the brakes may suddenly begin working normally again. This has happened repeatedly and unpredictably.

I have documented the issue with photographs and also have a video recorded on December 21, 2025, showing the problem occurring in real time while the vehicle was in motion. The intermittent nature of this problem makes it especially concerning because I cannot predict when I will suddenly lose normal braking ability.

On August 21, 2024, my 2020 Chevrolet Trax experienced its first serious brake failure. While driving normally, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely difficult to press and the vehicle would not stop properly, even after repeatedly pumping the brakes. I had to pull the e-brake, which was the only way my car stopped. At the same time, my dashboard displayed the warning message “Service StabiliTrak” along with the ABS and traction-control warning lights. This was extremely frightening and raised serious safety concerns. I had the vehicle inspected and repaired, but the brake problem continued to occur afterward.

I am here AGAIN, my trax is now BACK in the shop with the same brake lock down/stabilitrak issue. The dealership is now replacing the brake booster. They said they are running out of ways to fix this. I asked them what I'm supposed to do if they can't fix it? I still have 3 years left to pay on this car...I'm not paying for a car that even the dealership can't fix. I explained to them that I understand that they are doing all they can, I think GMC needs to step up and take care of what is obviously a defect. The manager said that it is too awful to contemplate what will happen should that occur. I told him my next step would be to find a lawyer.

OK, Same problem as before, Car brakes lock up on the highway. This will be the 5th breakdown in 5 months, (once just two weeks ago) once it broke down while they were test driving it after the repair! The brakes lock down and "service stabilitrak" light comes on. This time I could tell it was coming because the entire car began vibrating right before it happened.

I called the dealership, they are trying hard to fix it and at this point I am sure they are sick of looking at me. I joked with them that if this keeps up I will have to start inviting them to holiday meals. The tow truck driver offered to make me a company mascot. This is tiresome, at what point does GMC/Chevrolet step in and take over? Honestly? So far, Fuse block, wiring harness, abs module, a valve, a master cylinder, a brake switch, a coil pack with plugs, tow bills and countless hours in labor? Let's not forget missed wages, aggravation and inconvenience that buying a new car was supposed to take care of?

Do I have to actually DIE in a car accident? Does someone I hit due to loss of vehicle control???? I guarantee that this will not be an isolated problems....someone else either has or will have this same problem. Let's not forget the gorgeous loaner car, that I could never afford in a million years, if I scratch, nick, or it gets dinged I get to pay for the damages?????