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.
Social links
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
-
Vehicle year: 2021
My spouse and I recently test drove this vehicle and we were pleasantly surprised by its great value. We were initially concerned about the power, as some reviews had mentioned it as a negative aspect, but we found it to be perfectly adequate. In fact, we found it to be quite peppy in traffic and adequate on the highway. Of course, if you're looking for more power, you may want to consider a larger SUV with a V-8 engine. However, for a subcompact SUV, this vehicle is definitely underrated. We have decided to purchase one and would highly recommend it to others who are looking for a reliable and affordable option.
-
Vehicle year: 2024
This car is truly amazing, and for the price, it's unbeatable. I recently traded in my fully loaded AWD 2018 Trax and I'm so glad I did. The redesigned 2024 Trax is miles ahead of its predecessor. I'm blown away by how peppy the car is, it's so much faster than my 2018 model. In just two days, I've already received so many compliments on how great it looks. The backseat space is fantastic, there's so much legroom. I could go on and on, but I'll just say that Chevy did an incredible job with the redesign. I'm thrilled that I made the switch!
-
Vehicle year: 2018
I bought my 2018 Trax from Simpson Chevrolet in Irvine, California when it had only 2 miles on it. It's such a fun little car and surprisingly comfortable for my 6'4
-
Vehicle year: 2022
You're going to love this car! It's incredibly spacious and the performance is awesome. I highly recommend it.
-
Vehicle year: 2021
I'm a bigger guy, so I don't fit well in smaller vehicles. But this one is different! It's surprisingly roomy, comfortable and fun!
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Trax?
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!
Simeon Rogahn 2025-02-04
Vehicle year: 2015
Hi there! I'm 28 years old and I've owned three Chevys throughout the years. Unfortunately, my 2015 Chevrolet Trax LTZ AWD has been giving me some trouble lately. Under 50,000 miles, it started having issues and now at 75,000 miles, I've had to spend over $4,000 in repairs. It's been a bit of a headache, with exhaust leaks, constant replacing of belts/gaskets, leaks 'everywhere', valve cover replacement, and more. I get a bit paranoid when it's time to look through service records again. However, it's great in the snow up here in Minnesota! I do have some issues with air conditioning, acceleration, and electrical problems, but overall it's been a reliable vehicle. I'm always a bit nervous when I need to go in for an oil change because I hear from various service shops that I need to replace or fix an ongoing list of parts. They are often baffled after looking at my mileage again, and suggest I should probably have extensive work done or advise I get rid of the vehicle 'quickly...'. Despite all of this, I still love my Chevy and hope to keep it running for a while longer!
Efrain Rolfson 2025-02-03
Vehicle year: 2022
I love a lot of the options and the Chevy Infotainment system. However, if you happen to be a tall or large person, this car may not be the most comfortable option for you. The angle of the seat and the actual size of the seat itself can be quite uncomfortable.
Urban Cassin 2025-01-27
Vehicle year: 2016
Our 2016 Trax reached 88,000 miles and required expensive repairs. However, we are confident in our decision to trade it in and consider other options. We expect our next SUV to last for several years and meet our needs for the long term.
Winfield Crona 2025-01-21
Vehicle year: 2021
I purchased my first brand new car, a 202 Chevrolet Trax AWD, on February 4th, 2020. Unfortunately, I have had some issues with the vehicle that have been frustrating. At 1200 miles, the check engine light came on and the car shut off on me in the middle of a blizzard on the interstate in Wyoming. The dealership in Wyoming replaced my fuel filter, but the issue persisted. Despite this, the dealership did not provide me with a loaner car, which was covered under my warranty. When I picked up my car a few days later, it still wouldn't start. The dealership took it back into service and charged me $130 to drain my fuel, claiming it wasn't covered under my bumper to bumper warranty. Although I was disappointed, I was glad to have my car back. However, it still wasn't running right and I had to take it to a local dealership in Texas. They were able to fix the issue with the turbo charger, but unfortunately, the stalling issue and clanking noise still persisted. I hope to get these issues resolved soon.I had to take my car back to the shop again. It was there for 5 days and apparently had eroded spark plugs, even though it's a brand new car. Unfortunately, after only 7 days of having it back, it started stalling so badly that I almost got into an accident on Highway 75 in Dallas with my child in the back seat. I'm disappointed in GM and Chevy for making such a poor quality vehicle and for their service departments treating me like I'm stupid just because I'm a woman. They've refused to look into the issue even though I've brought it to their attention numerous times. My car has now been back in the shop for a week, and unfortunately, I haven't received any communication from the service department. I hope GM and Chevy will take responsibility for their actions and treat their customers with the respect they deserve. As a mother, I'm concerned for my child's safety and I hope they will take this issue seriously. This is my first brand new vehicle and it has been a disappointing experience.