Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
General Motors has released a new technical service bulletin for select models of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax subcompact crossover. The bulletin indicates that certain 2020 Trax vehicles, fitted with the turbocharged 1.4L I4 LUV gasoline engine, may experience an issue where the evaporative emissions purge valve fails to close completely.
This could potentially cause the engine to run unevenly, hesitate, or even stall when idling. The Malfunction Indicator Light, also known as the Check Engine Light, may turn on in affected vehicles, signaling that a diagnostic trouble code has been triggered.
Key Purge Valve Information
The following table lists key information from the 2023 technical service bulletin (TSB):
| Affected Models
|
2019 Buick Enclave, 2020 Buick Encore, 2020 Chevrolet Sonic, 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, 2020 Chevrolet Trax
|
| Solution
|
GM technicians will replace the evaporative emissions purge valve if required, at no additional cost to the customer
|
| Warranty
|
The repair is covered by GM for either 15 years or 150,000 miles, depending on which milestone is reached first, from the date the vehicle was initially put into service
|
| Bulletin Number
|
N232395300
|
The special coverage, identified under the bulletin number N232395300, covers the condition where the evaporative emissions purge valve does not fully close. If this condition occurs, the engine could run rough, hesitate, or stall at idle speeds. Additionally, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) would illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code would be set.
This special coverage applies to certain 2019 model year Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine (RPO LFY), and certain 2020 model year Buick Encore and Chevrolet Sonic / Trax vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (RPO LUV).
The special coverage is in effect for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. This means that if the condition occurs within this period, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge.
Which Chevy Trax models are being recalled for a defective purge valve?
While no vehicles have officially been recalled, select models fitted with the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine may also be susceptible to this problem. Consequently, the following vehicles are listed in this technical service bulletin:
- 2019 Buick Enclave
- 2020 Buick Encore
- 2020 Chevy Sonic
- 2019 Chevy Traverse
- 2020 Chevy Trax
How do I know if my Chevy has a bad purge valve?
There are several signs that could indicate a bad purge valve in your Chevy:
- Check Engine Light: The most common sign of a bad purge valve is the Check Engine light coming on.
- Rough Idling: If the purge valve is stuck open, it can lead to an EVAP leak. This affects the air-fuel ratio during combustion, causing a rough idle.
- Difficulty Starting: It can be difficult to start your vehicle with a faulty purge valve. This is due to the vacuum leak created by a stuck open purge solenoid valve.
- Poor Engine Performance: A faulty purge valve can lead to poor engine performance, even if the vehicle starts.
- Poor Gas Mileage and Fuel Economy: Because a faulty purge valve could affect the air-fuel ratio for combustion, it may reduce your gas mileage.
- Increased Emissions: If the vapor canister purge valve is stuck closed instead of open, the valve will not push any fuel vapors back into the engine. Instead, they will run straight out of the exhaust, impacting emissions levels.
We recommend working with a certified mechanic if you are experiencing any of these issues in your GM vehicle.
Does Chevy fix the problem for free?
Yes, to address this issue, authorized GM technicians have been instructed to replace the evaporative emissions purge valve if required, with no additional cost to the customer.
This technical service bulletin will be in effect for an extended period. General Motors has confirmed that the affected vehicles will be covered for either 15 years or 150,000 miles, depending on which milestone is reached first, from the date the vehicle was initially put into service. This repair is identified by the bulletin number N232395300.
What should I do if my purge valve is causing problems?
If you suspect that your purge valve is causing problems, here is what you should do:
- Contact your local GM dealer: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your local GM dealer. They can diagnose the issue and replace the evaporative emissions purge valve if necessary.
- Check your vehicle’s warranty: This repair is covered by GM for either 15 years or 150,000 miles, depending on which milestone is reached first, from the date the vehicle was initially put into service. So, it is worth checking if your vehicle is still under warranty.
- Get lemon law help: If your vehicle cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts by the manufacturer or its authorized dealer, lemon laws could entitle you to a replacement vehicle of equal value or a total refund of all expenses resulting from your lemon, including a usage fee. The Lemon Law Experts can help you if you believe that you may have purchased or leased a lemon vehicle in California.
Do not hesitate to seek professional advice if you suspect that you may have a case against the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Having troubles with your Chevy? Get in contact with the Lemon Law Experts today!
If your vehicle has been presented for repeat repairs and cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts by the manufacturer or its authorized dealer, you likely have a lemon and are entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle under the California Lemon Law.
In California, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is a pro-consumer protection statute, also known as the lemon law, that protects consumers when they buy or lease a lemon vehicle. If your vehicle is found to be a “lemon,” the law requires the manufacturer to replace or buy back the vehicle and refund all monies you spent on the lemon minus a usage fee for when it was driven without any problems. Suspect you have a lemon? The Lemon Law Experts are here to help you!
If you have been dealing with repeat repairs and visits to the dealership with seemingly no resolution in sight, the Lemon Law Experts can help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve. Take one step closer towards getting rid of your Chevy lemon today by contacting the Lemon Law Experts for a free case evaluation.
