Chevrolet Trax problems
The Chevrolet Trax is a crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed under the Chevrolet brand since 2013, currently in its second generation.
The first generation model was released globally in 2013 as the smallest, entry-level crossover SUV offering from the brand. Development and production were centered in South Korea by GM Korea. A restyled model was also produced as the Buick Encore in North America and as the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka in Europe.
In several markets, the vehicle was marketed as the Chevrolet Tracker, and as the Holden Trax in Australia and New Zealand. The Trax became available in Canada, Mexico, Germany, South Korea, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, and Europe for the 2013 model year and was released in the United States for the 2015 model year.
In 2019, GM released the replacement of the Trax for China and Latin America, the Tracker. The first-generation Trax continued to be marketed in North America, South Korea, and several other markets until 2022, when it was replaced by the larger second-generation Trax due for the 2024 model year. The second-generation Trax is also marketed in China as the Chevrolet Seeker.
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Chevrolet Trax model years
Common Chevrolet Trax problems
The Chevrolet Trax has been subject to various complaints from owners, with the 2016 model year being particularly problematic due to its high volume of complaints and recalls. The most common issues with the 2016 Chevrolet Trax include:
- A/C Not Working Properly: This issue affects many 2016 Trax owners, with an average cost to fix of $900 and an average mileage of 40,000 miles.
- Engine Failure: This serious problem has affected some 2016 Trax owners, with an average cost to fix of $13,000 and an average mileage of 88,000 miles.
- Paint Is Peeling Off: This issue has affected some 2016 Trax owners, with an average cost to fix of $500 and an average mileage of 55,000 miles.
Beyond these issues, there have been reports of other problems with the Chevrolet Trax, including radiator problems and issues with the brakes and Service Stabiltrak warning message.
Additionally, there have been reports of coolant leaks in the radiator of some 2015-2019 Chevrolet Trax models, prompting Chevrolet to issue an extended warranty for up to six years or 72,000 miles to cover the condition described above.
When it comes to the 2022 Chevy Trax, there are some common faults that have been reported by owners, including issues with body roll, transmission troubles, oil leaks, wheel alignment faults, and random squeaks and rattles. These issues can affect the overall reliability and safety of the vehicle, and they should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage or potential accidents.
In summary, the Chevrolet Trax has had its fair share of problems, with the 2016 model year being particularly problematic. However, with proper maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise, Trax owners can help ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.
What are the main problems with the Chevy Trax?
At the forefront of Trax's reliability woes is the faulty A/C system. Frustrated owners complained about the Trax's air conditioning system that had just stopped working. The common causes of A/C problems are usually a refrigerant leak, climate control electrical issues, and a broken air compressor.
Is the Chevrolet Trax a reliable car?
Chevrolet Trax is a reliable vehicle according to the feedback, reports, and ratings given which presents insights into the overall satisfaction of its consumers. Chevrolet has been a standout choice in the automotive industry for producing not only appealing cars but also reliable vehicles.
What are the cons of a Chevy Trax?
The acceleration is poor, it doesn't have much pick up, it drags and jerks sometimes. I test drive the Chevy Trax Activ, that car wasn't bad, I never got a chance to drive the 1RS until I purchased it. I'm very disappointed in its performance. Was this review helpful?
Is Chevy Trax expensive to fix?
The annual maintenance cost of a Chevrolet Trax is $488. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Trax years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Trax cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Trax model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Trax model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Trax years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Trax car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Trax , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Trax vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Trax model years
A total of 47 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Trax model years
There were a total of 14 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Trax model years
There were a total of 33 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Trax model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 590 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Trax . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Trax vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Trax 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: KL77LHE24RC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Passenger speaker went out and the dealership won't do anything until a recall happens
Chevrolet Trax 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 3GNCJNSB4KL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: My car’s engine started to get loud one day and would run roughly as I drive. I got it check and the service center couldn’t find the issue as the car was good on all its fluids and there weren’t any leaks anywhere. Then some days passed and my vehicle started to slow down drastically on a highway (speed limit of 65) and my car would struggle to accelerate and so I was forced to switch from the middle lanes on the left to the lane all the way in the right, it was very difficult to do so as cars were passing me at high speeds. My car was struggling to accelerate and the engine started running rough. The engine light then came on. So I got it checked ant a local service center and I was told my turbocharger had to be replaced as it malfunctioned somehow. I can’t drive my car as it would be traveling way below the speed limit. I did not bring it to my dealer yet.
Chevrolet Trax 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: KL77LHE2XRC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My wife was driving to work and a car cut in front of her stopped for some weird reason on a green light and with the automatic braking the car stopped and was driving 20mph to 0 mph this was not i deal for the emergency braking and this should slow your car but not violently brake my daughter could have been seriously hurt thank god I have a good car seat
Chevrolet Trax 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 3GNCJLSB8JL
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Chevrolet had a recall (N232395330) for 2018 Trax models due to a problem with the turbocharger. For whatever reason, Chevrolet did not include all 2018 Trax models, and omitted ours. The turbocharger on ours failed, causing an oil problem and substantial damage to the engine (and, possibly, other parts), with an estimated $12,500 cost to repair. We have tried to work with both Chevrolet (case number X-XXX) and a local dealership (Tim Lally Chevrolet in Warrensville Heights, Ohio). Both are denying any liability for the problem. However, if Chevrolet had properly included all 2018 Trax models, and provided us with knowledge of the problem with the turbocharger, it would have been repaired without the substantial damage caused by Chevrolet's under reporting of the affected vehicles. The day of the problem, the Trax lost most power and did not indicate any oil issue. How does one get Chevrolet held responsible for the damage done because they under reported the affected vehicles? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Trax 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
- VIN: KL77LFE26RC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact also stated that while attempting to open the doors, the contact heard an abnormal sound and the radio independently activated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, and it was diagnosed that the software needed to be updated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
Chevrolet Trax 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: KL7CJPSB6JB
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The indicator for the vehicle overheating illuminated as I checked. I noticed that the engine coolant was low so I brought a bottle to top it off however, I noticed once parking in front of my home that I had a puddle of the fluid on the ground.
Chevrolet Trax 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
- VIN: KL7CJPSB6GB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key fob failed to unlock or lock the rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V422000 (Electrical System, Equipment) or 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 179,000.
Chevrolet Trax 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 3GNCJPSB0LL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The driver information center in the cluster intermittently goes completely black or glitches while driving. It will go into all white dots, completely black out, or be garbled. You lose the ability to monitor your speed digitally and it causes issues with safety because it will change in and out at random times and you are forced to change your attention to the needle instead of focusing on the road. No warning lamps or trouble codes present. I have not contacted the manufacturer but have had a mechanic inspect it and he cannot find a cause but thinks possibly is an electric short or fault module. This began happening in June 2024 and is now getting worse and very unreliable.
Chevrolet Trax 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: KL7CJPSMXNB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently decelerated and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact wanted a second opinion, and the vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics; however, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was informed that the battery was in proper working condition. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Chevrolet Trax 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 3GNCJPSB0LL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I am not sure of what actual component(s) failed, but I do know that a brake line that had braided steel broke and spewed brake fluid failed- this line comes off the master cylinder to ABS module. Mechanic attempted replacement and there is still no pressure in the brake line. Mechanic believes it is the brake booster now that caused the line failure to occur. The vehicle and components are available for inspection. What happened was that when I was driving on a city road at 35 MPH, a vehicle in front of me was driving reckless and when I changed lanes I approached a traffic signal that changed to yellow and when I went to slow i felt a pop in the brake pedal and the pedal went all the way to the floor and i was unable to stop when the light changed to red and rolled through the intersection. I was able to finally stop approximately 300 feet after applying the brakes. There were no warning indicators or lamps that illuminated prior to this occurring and as a result of the brake failure a collision was narrowly avoided.
Chevrolet Trax 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 3GNCJKSB1LL
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The service stabilitrak and service powersteering will come up. Have had vehicle hooked up to computer multiple times no codes. The vehicle would not drive. The vehicle has started shaking. The engine light comes on. There is 30k miles on the vehicle. I bought this 3 months ago to have a safe vehicle. My spouse and I are disabled and we do not feel secure. I googled and it says probably a computer error from factory. I'd appreciate if I can get my vehicle recalled & fixed. Thank you
Chevrolet Trax 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 3GNCJKSB1LL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brakes have been known to fail. I have to press brake serval times to gain brake control
Chevrolet Trax 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
- VIN: KL7CJKSB6GB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Turbo has gone out and vehicle won't accelerate
Chevrolet Trax 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- VIN: KL77LJE28RC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: While driving at approximately 60mph, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure. According to the licensed Chevy service repair shop, the engine “threw a rod that resulted in a hole in the engine block.” The car immediately lost power while driving on the highway with my wife and young child. The result of this scenario was lucky enough to avoid serious injury.
Chevrolet Trax 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 3GNCJKSB2LL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The driver information center in the cluster intermittently goes completely black or glitches while driving. This is a safety concern because it is distracting while driving and removes important trip and vehicle information. I paid $222.79 for the dealership to inspect and they were not able to recreate the issue. They stated that the entire cluster would need to be replaced. I called GM to report the problem, but received no further options. After some research I found many posts online from others having the same issue with their 2020 Chevy Trax. I also saw that the 2024 Chevy Trax was recalled for the same issue stating it is a safety concern. My car is available for inspection upon request.
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Trax
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 20 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Trax.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Trax 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-06
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.
- Consequence: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A232424320.
- Model: Chevrolet Trax 2017
- Report Received Date: 2019-09-12
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
- Consequence: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.
- Model: Chevrolet Trax 2016
- Report Received Date: 2019-09-12
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
- Consequence: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.
- Model: Chevrolet Trax 2015
- Report Received Date: 2019-09-12
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
- Consequence: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.
- Model: Chevrolet Trax 2018
- Report Received Date: 2019-09-12
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
- Consequence: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.
Latest negative Chevrolet Trax car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Trax car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2019
Recently, my son was driving my Trax when he was run off the road and the car flipped over. Thankfully, he crawled out of the Trax with only minor injuries and feeling sore. Thank the Lord! Once everything is settled with the insurance, we will be buying another Trax. I am really happy with all the safety features.
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Vehicle year: 2021
I'm so glad to hear that you love this super SUV! It sounds like it's the perfect size for your needs, which is great.
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Vehicle year: 2018
I am very pleased with this car! We traded in a Kia Soul that we loved and that has been very good to us. We were specifically looking for a Trax or a Buick Encore. After looking at several of both, we chose the Trax in Cajun Red. The Trax is a better bargain. There's not much difference between the Trax and the Encore, not enough to pay all that extra. Also, I disagree about the acceleration. Whoever says that doesn't know how to drive! I leave people at the stoplights in my dust on the regular 😂
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Vehicle year: 2018
This car is perfect for a camping trip, even one that's 8 hours away! It can hold all of your gear, including cargo on the roof, and handles well on the highway. With an average of 27 combined mileage and the ability to turn on a dime, it's the perfect car for two people. We're so happy with it that we've decided to stick with the Trax instead of getting a larger vehicle. The car gets an average of 31 miles to the gallon on the highway, which is great! The only downside is that the tires that come with the car don't last very long and need to be replaced at around 15,000 miles. Some people have complained about the power, but we're quite satisfied with this small SUV. It may not be a Corvette, but it gets the job done! We've had the car for 34K miles now and haven't had a single complaint. At 42K miles, it's still going strong and we love this small SUV. It's so easy to set the cruise control and just relax while the car maintains speed quite well.
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Vehicle year: 2022
The Chevy is the perfect car for me. I find it easy to get in and out of, and it performs well both in town and on the highway. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports did not give it a fair review and spread lies about its performance that are simply not true.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Trax?
Jarvis Feest 2025-03-23
Vehicle year: 2021
My new car had a few issues that needed to be addressed, such as the battery dying and the fan malfunctioning. Despite being under warranty, the service department initially refused to help. However, I persisted and was able to get the issues fixed. While the car is good on gas, I would not purchase it again due to these problems.
Kristoffer Wiza 2025-03-15
Vehicle year: 2015
This car does not meet my needs as it is too small to fit car seats and three normal size people in the back. It is uncomfortable and lacks amenities such as a CD player and sufficient armrests. I am disappointed with my purchase and regret it greatly. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to upgrade to a more suitable vehicle. Given its price, I do not believe it is worth the investment. It is my opinion that this car should not be marketed as an SUV.
Myron Jenkins 2025-03-06
Vehicle year: 2024
*******BEWARE******. I recently purchased a 2024 Chevy Trax for my daughter and unfortunately, we have been experiencing some issues with the sound system. Specifically, when the engine hovers around 1800 RPM while the car is in motion, a loud rumbling base noise is emitted from the speakers. It can be quite annoying, but we are working to resolve the issue. I found a helpful Chevy Trax forum online where we are discussing the problem and trying to find a solution. The dealer has been very helpful and kept the car for a few days to investigate the issue. Although they were unable to find a fix for the problem, they did confirm that it is a known issue and are working on a solution. In the meantime, we have tried turning off the ANC, but unfortunately, the dealer informed us that there is currently no way to disable it. Despite this issue, I still believe that this is a great car for a teenager. If we are able to find a solution to the sound system problem, I will be sure to update my review.
Vinnie Cassin 2025-02-26
Vehicle year: 2017
I really like the size of the 2017 Chevy Trax and the OnStar features are pretty nice. However, the seats might be a bit small for bigger people, which also makes the armrest hard to use. The front has two USB ports, which is a nice touch, but the space is a bit small, so your phone or accessory might not fit and you'll have to find another solution. As a single guy, I don't need much space in a vehicle, so this SUV is perfect for me. However, if you have a larger family or like to haul lots of items around, this might not be the SUV for you. I did have some issues with the windshield wipers that came with the Trax, so I had to change those out right away. Unfortunately, I also had to take it in for repairs a few months after purchasing it in February 2017. The two plastic molding strips on the roof started to come off while driving, which was not fun, and the pins in the back to raise/lower the cargo cover went missing. Additionally, the brakes in the cold/early morning hours are very sensitive at first. Another thing to note is the cabin pressure when closing the back passenger doors. If the front door/doors or a window is open, the back doors will close with ease. However, if all the doors and windows are closed, you will need to slam the door hard in order for it to close all the way. Lastly, Bluetooth can be a bit iffy. I have an iPhone 7 and it always connects/reconnects my iPhone while in the car. I’m not sure why it doesn’t hold a Bluetooth connection.
Julio Murphy 2025-02-11
Vehicle year: 2017
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my new 2017 Trax that I bought just 5 weeks ago. It's a great car with cool features and a lovely interior. However, I did have a bit of trouble with the engine light coming on about 2 weeks ago. I took it to the service center and they found a defective vent valve, which they promptly replaced. Although I wasn't thrilled about the issue, I was glad it was fixed. Unfortunately, the engine light came on again just 4 days later and I had to take it back to the service center. This time, they found a canister failure. I was a bit frustrated that I had to go back so soon, but the service center assured me that it's safe to drive while waiting for the part needed to fix it. Overall, I'm still happy with my purchase and I'm looking forward to getting back on the road soon!