2013 marked the introduction of Chevy Trax Years to Avoid. In Chevrolet’s lineup, it is the smallest SUV and the second-generation crossover SUV. The Trax was reintroduced in a slightly larger format in the second generation in 2023.
A new name was almost given to the vehicle as a result. The Trax name might not be Chevy’s best choice after a few years of problems. During the ten years since its launch, the Chevy Trax has had its ups and downs, with more downs than ups. We can use Car Complaints and Consumer Reports reviews to determine which Trax models to avoid.
Table of Contents
Chevy Trax’s worst problems
Trax owners are often complaining about a number of common issues in spite of the Trax’s numerous benefits, including maneuverability and affordability.
Help potential buyers make an informed decision by highlighting the main issues.
Suspension
Suspension problems have been reported by several Chevy Trax owners. The smoothness of the ride and stability of the car can be affected by problems with the struts, shocks, or other components.
Unknown or Other
A type of issue that cannot be classified under any of the previously defined categories is referred to as an unknown issue or another issue. It is possible for individual cases to be characterized by varying degrees of concerns, ranging from minor irritations to more serious issues.
It is possible to discover unknown or unclassified issues with a thorough vehicle inspection and vehicle history report.
Engine
There have been reports of engine-related problems with the Chevy Trax in the past, despite its generally reliable performance. If the engine fails or performs poorly, unusual noises, oil leaks, or performance issues arise, it may be necessary to replace it.
Electrical System
There have been reports of electrical problems among Chevy Trax owners. Battery issues, wiring problems, lighting problems, or infotainment issues may manifest as these issues.
Air Bags
There have been reports of airbag-related issues with Chevy Trax, although airbags are included for the safety of the occupants. An airbag control module issue, sensor malfunction, or faulty deployment can cause these problems.
Steering
The steering has been reported to be a problem for some Chevy Trax owners. Vibrations or loss of power assist are examples of power steering system issues.
Service Brakes
There are a few Trax owners who have experienced issues with the braking system, despite the Trax generally providing reliable braking performance. From brake pedal issues to early wear on brake components, a variety of issues can arise.
Power Train
The Chevy Trax powertrain has occasionally had issues reported by owners. Power and acceleration may be reduced due to transmission or driveline problems.
Electronic Stability Control
In addition to preventing skidding, Electronic Stability Control manages vehicle control. ESC problems, such as false activations or disengagements, have been reported by some Chevy Trax owners.
Vehicle Speed Control
There may be some variance in cases despite Chevy Trax owners not experiencing significant vehicle speed control problems.
The acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle may be unexpected or may be caused by throttle problems.
Avoid: 2013
It is common for new cars to have a difficult first year. In testing, manufacturers like Chevy may not have caught nuances that everyday drivers will notice with a new car model. The Chevy Tax was not the subject of any complaints in 2013 to the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration).
There were definitely electrical and drivetrain problems in cars tracked by Car Complaints, however. Electrical concerns exist when key sticks in ignition, causing Trax owners to have trouble starting their cars. Most Trax owners complained about getting stuck keys, but transmission failures were less common. When it comes to 2013 model year Chevy Trax, it is at its best.
Avoid: 2015
A total of 124 complaints were filed against the Chevrolet Trax in 2015, indicating that the NHTSA was already aware of the problem. Customers were most concerned about the 2015 model rolling back when parked on hills, according to Way.com . This raised the red flag for Chevy Trax owners living or parking on hills.
At least 17 complaints have been filed with the NHTSA regarding this issue. The 2015 model year also experienced electric problems along with hill parking issues. Many owners reported that their air conditioning systems would stop working after a short period of time. Due to this, customers were unable to heat or cool their vehicles, which is a major problem during certain times of the year. Customer should not have been required to pay $300 to fix this issue if it’s out of warranty.
Avoid: 2016
Positively, the Trax’s tendency to roll down hills while parked seems to have been resolved for 2016. The Chevrolet Trax wasn’t the best model year to buy in 2016, even though that was good news. In the first year since the Trax was released, there have been over 150 NHTSA complaints, according to Car Complaints. Once again, complaints were centered around the air conditioning system. An air conditioning failure in a vehicle may be caused by a wide variety of factors, and the fix may be inexpensive or costly. Engine and cooling problems are also a concern.
There were also reports of customers experiencing engine loss going up a hill along with errant check engine lights. Similar complaints were made by customers who drove their Trax at high speeds on highways, but their circumstances were quite different. Engine issues dominated the 2016 concerns in either case. Additionally, 2016 is a Trax model to avoid due to the passenger airbag light not working.
Avoid: 2017
Consumer Reports received a very negative review for the 2017 Chevrolet Trax. There is no room for its “Lows” or cons on the online Trax review. Several Consumer Reports complaints in 2017 included a stiff ride, underpowered engines, poor infotainment, and narrow cabins. NHTSA received 142 complaints in addition to Consumer Report’s disappointment.
The list was topped by engine issues, which is unsurprising. A number of engine problems occurred between 15,000 and 85,000 miles. Despite low mileage and used vehicle warranties, you’ll find it difficult to recommend the 2017 model year. It was the dashboard warning lights that came on like Christmas trees that caused most customers to be concerned.
Avoid: 2018
The first generation of the Chevrolet Trax was somewhat disappointing, so we seem to be picking on each year. Despite our recommendations to avoid this model year entirely, the same problems plagued 2018 owners. 28 complaints have been filed in response to Trax’s suspension, compared to only 90 complaints in 2018.
Although Chevy’s changes this year were undoubtedly pleasing to some customers, the main change was not the improvement in reliability. In some Trax models, some front suspensions were not correctly welded, resulting in a recall by Chevrolet. The result was more difficult steering, resulting in more crashes, which puts this model year at risk for serious injuries.
Avoid: 2019
Due to the front suspension recall for both 2018 and 2019, the 2019 model year stands out immediately. The 2019 Trax model year is unlikely to be recommended due to this issue since it could cause difficulty as early as 7,500 miles. It further validates the reasoning of avoiding 2019 when another round of complaints surfaced about brake line issues occurring anywhere between 7,500 and 10,000 miles.
Consumer Reports didn’t care about the fact that there were only 101 NHTSA complaints in 2019 compared to some previous years. It was also criticized for its informationtainment system, uncomfortable ride, inferior MPG, and insufficient safety features compared to its closest competitors. After weighing all the options, Consumer Reports decided to recommend the Trax over nearly every other model.
Avoid: 2020
The Chevrolet Trax will undergo a turnaround in 2020. Therefore, we recommend avoiding this model year as much as possible. Chevrolet turned around the Trax in consumers’ eyes with the 2020 model, which offered new engine options that helped solve a prior oil leak issue. It was in 2020 that the NHTSA began to turn things around, with only 48 complaints filed. While this may be a good reason to recommend the Chevy Trax in 2021 instead of 2020, it also makes it a good reason to recommend it instead of 2020.
A number of issues still exist in 2020, including airbag lights, suspension issues, and braking. It’s equally alarming that Consumer Reports still hasn’t addressed any of its major concerns. It is often the infotainment system that helps or hinders the car buying experience. The Chevy Trax can only be purchased after Chevy reprogrammed its infotainment system in model years 2023 and newer.
Also Read: Ford V10 Years to Avoid
The Chevy Trax Has Some Good Alternatives
The Chevy Trax didn’t appeal to me much, so I included this section. So, here are a few options you may want to consider:
- HR-V by Honda: It is considered one of the most reliable SUVs on the market because of its spacious interior, superior fuel economy, and good safety ratings. Moreover, Honda’s Magic Seat, with its ability to adjust its cargo area in any number of ways, makes it a highly versatile vehicle for carrying different types of stuff.
- CX-3: Mazda: The Mazda CX-3 continues Mazda’s tradition of sports car styling. A stylish, upscale interior and a fuel-efficient car make this a pleasant vehicle to drive.
- C-HR: Toyota: With a nice interior and a number of safety features, the C-HR is a comfortable crossover SUV. It does not offer all-wheel drive, however, unlike other vehicles in this class.
FAQ: Chevy Trax Years to Avoid
Q: How can you avoid Chevrolet Trax years?
The information provided suggests potential buyers should avoid Chevrolet Trax models from 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Various mechanical and electrical issues have been the subject of a large number of complaints and recalls in this time period for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax.
Q: How do 2015 Chevrolet Trax problems usually occur?
Several complaints have been made about the 2015 Chevrolet Trax, especially when it rolls down hills, suggesting a potential transmission issue. Further, there were several complaints of air conditioning system failures, which, while not severe, can be uncomfortable and costly to repair.
Q: What makes the 2016 Chevrolet Trax the worst model ever?
Hundreds of NHTSA complaints and multiple recalls led to the 2016 Chevrolet Trax being named the worst model year. Owners experienced serious engine problems, including faulty A/C systems and cooling issues.
Q: What is the best used Chevrolet Trax year to buy?
Those shopping for a used compact SUV should consider the 2019 and 2020 Chevrolet Trax models. In the used crossover market, these later models offer better reliability and fewer reported issues.
Q: Is the Chevy Trax as reliable as other compact SUVs?
Chevrolet Trax can be a competitive option in the compact SUV segment, despite some problematic years when avoiding these specific models. As a compact crossover, it’s more reliable in non-problematic years.
Is the Chevy Trax a reliable car?
Chevrolet Trax subcompact SUV isn’t known for its reliability. There is little maintenance required for these vehicle model years. Some Trax editions are less reliable than others.
How much does a used Chevy Trax typically cost?
You’ll spend more for a newer, more reliable vehicle than a first-year Chevy Trax, according to CoPilot Price Pulse. Because of tight used car supplies and strong demand for compact SUVs, a 2021 Chevy Trax typically sells for $20,672, a 27% premium.
Can I buy a Chevy Trax?
If you concentrate on buying a problem-free example, the Chevy Trax can be a reliable subcompact crossover. Verify that you buy a Chevy Trax from the most reliable year. Despite its versatility and efficiency, the Trax is an efficient vehicle.
Chevy Trax: which year is best?
A Chevy Trax that is built in 2020 has the highest level of reliability. The 2020 Chevy Trax offers substantial value and reliability if you are willing to spend a little more on a new compact SUV.
How does a Chevy Trax compare to other vehicles?
Although it’s a great value, you must consider some key factors, such as the turbo, the belt mess, the cheap underbody that doesn’t provide protection, and the occasional AC issue.
What is the status of Chevy Trax?
There has been no discontinuation of the Chevy Trax. Compared to its predecessor, the 2024 Chevy Trax features a redesigned interior that’s roomier and more advanced.
Chevrolet Trax is Korean, isn’t it?
Australia’s Holden Trax was sold under that name, while Russia’s Chevrolet Tracker carried that name. There were two GM Korea plants and one GM Mexico plant that built the Trax for most worldwide markets.
What is the reliability of the Chevy Trax?
Based on other new automobiles, the 2024 Trax is a decently reliable vehicle. A Chevrolet brand score and similar models are used to make this forecast.
Are there any engine problems with Chevy Trax?
The common engine problems reported by owners of 2024 Chevy Trax may be familiar to you. They can be frustrating and dangerous, depending on the situation. Engine problems related to Chevy Trax engines, such as sudden power losses, oil leaks, and even fires, have worried many owners.
Is there anything negative about the Chevy Trax?
Trax offers an attractive price point. Concerns include problems with turbo, belts, cheap underbody, and air conditioning.
Is there a transmission problem with the Chevy Trax?
Symptoms of a transmission problem include shifting gears but no immediate effect. Leaks in transmission fluid indicate a need for transmission fluid change or, in some cases, transmission cleaning.
During driving, my Chevy Trax suddenly shuts off?
Fuel system, air intake system, and ignition system problems are the most common causes of stalling in a Chevrolet Trax engine.
Is there a reason why my Chevy Trax jerks?
It is possible for a jerking or surging sensation to occur when the fuel pump fails. Towing or driving uphill may also make your vehicle feel slow or struggle.
Does the Chevy Trax have any problems?
Several factors contribute to Trax’s reliability issues, including faulty air conditioning systems. The air conditioning system in Trax suddenly stopped working, causing frustration among some owners. Refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or an air compressor malfunction are common causes of air conditioning problems.
CONCLUSION for Chevy Trax Years to Avoid
When considering the Chevy Trax as your next vehicle, it’s essential to research and identify the model years that align with your needs and expectations. While the Chevy Trax is a compact SUV with many positive attributes, some model years have proven to be less reliable than others due to issues such as transmission problems, turbocharger failures, and electrical malfunctions. Specifically, earlier model years like 2015 and 2016 tend to have more reported issues compared to later versions.
On the bright side, improvements in design and engineering in more recent models make newer Chevy Trax vehicles a safer choice for buyers seeking reliability and performance. By carefully reviewing vehicle history reports, inspecting potential purchases, and consulting trusted mechanics, you can avoid the pitfalls associated with problematic years and make a confident decision.
Remember, every vehicle has its quirks, and a well-maintained car can often outperform expectations, even from a less reliable year. With the right approach, your Chevy Trax could become a dependable companion for years to come.
