Written byAs a low-cost compact SUV, on the surface, the Chevy Trax makes an appealing combination. For city driving, it has a compact footprint, good fuel economy, modern tech features, and is price accessible. The Trax ticks many boxes for first-time buyers and commuters, but not all model years have been equally reliable.
Some trim levels of the Chevy Trax have been linked to potentially nasty problems, such as turbocharger failure, transmission issues, and electrical faults that won’t seem to go away. These problems could result in unforeseen repair expenses and headaches no one wants to face, particularly when purchasing pre-owned.
Whether on the used car lot or online, it’s best to know which Chevy Trax years to avoid and why. This guide will take you through the most troublesome Trax models, detail the worst common problems, and tell you which years are the most reliable. By the end, you will better understand what to look for to make a more intelligent and confident purchasing decision. So now, let’s get into the Chevy Trax years to skip—and which ones you should take a second look at.
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Chevy Trax Overview: A Quick Look
The Chevy Trax was initially revealed for foreign markets in 2013 and brought to the States in 2015. The Niro is a subcompact crossover SUV that targets new car buyers on a budget and city-dwelling drivers who require a practical vehicle that offers ease of parking and decent technology.
- Why it Works: The Trax’s economical price, subcompact dimensions, and uncomplicated infotainment system make it perfect for first-time buyers or urbanites.
- Where It Falls Short: However, specific versions could be sluggish, and transmission problems may be a potential bother for those who desire long-term reliability.
What Chevy Trax Years Should You Avoid?
And that has made the Chevy Trax near the top of the list for those who choose to go for a compact SUV that offers urban sensibility and good fuel economy. However, as with most cars, not every model year was equal. If you are thinking about a used Chevy Trax, there are a few years you will not wish to consider due to ongoing mechanical and electrical problems. Here Are the Chevy Trax Years you Should Avoid Buying
#1. 2015 Chevy Trax
The Trax, first appearing in the States in 2015, was the third GM compact crossover. However, its first impression was not perfect.
- Common Issues: Turbocharger failures,transmission issues
- Owner complaints: Poor acceleration, stalling at low speeds
The 2015 Trax was the first model year, and along with that came a few growing pains. Owners complained to the NHTSA that some vehicles were stalling out on them, and most of the complaints noted that this occurred at low speeds, which is a significant safety risk, such as turbocharger failures and rough shifting, which ruined the driving experience. Overall, the 2015 Trax had too many mechanical failures to earn it a place amongst the used car elite.
#2. 2016 Chevy Trax
Chevrolet did a few things better, but 2016 did not fix enough of the issues found earlier in the model’s life cycle.
- Common Issues: Failure of the HVAC system, electrical failure
- Owner Complaints: 2014 Toyota Highlander Blower motor failure, infotainment system freezing
Sporty but not much else, the 2016 Trax left many drivers disappointed due to its comfort and tech features. Crews couldn’t count on the cabin comfort because of heating and air conditioning system issues, particularly in extreme weather. Even worse, many owners had experiences where the infotainment system would freeze or be unresponsive. These QOL issues won’t kill you as mechanical failures might, but they will heavily affect your everyday usable factor.
#3. 2017 Chevy Trax
Although it received a light refresh and some new tech features for 2017, the Trax didn’t fare well in terms of shaking the baggage it carried into its later years.
- Common Issues: Continuing electrical failures, rough idle
- Owner Complaints: Dead batteries, ongoing check engine light
The 2017 model featured a more streamlined appearance and better-arranged dashboard but didn’t resolve the fundamental reliability problems. Many drivers complained about battery drain issues and checked engine lights without reason to turn on. Adding insult to injury was a rough idle and occasional misfire that was troublesome during ownership. Now one of the least dependable new vehicles for 2017, the Trax was hampered by little more than higher than average initial quality for the model year in the absence of a major mechanical or electrical update.
Over several years, the Chevy Trax has matured into a more competent and dependable SUV. Still, the 2015 through 2017 model years have enough deal-breakers to tread carefully before signing the dotted line. These years, from turbos and transmissions to continuing electrical problems, have consistently topped the charts for gripe and poor reliability ratings from owners. If you’re in the market for a used Trax, either forget it (like us) or limit yourself to newer examples, particularly in 2019 and later, when Dalhousie, many of these issues were rectified. Pay that little extra to avoid the hassle and save time, money, and stress.
Most Common Chevy Trax Problems
The subcompact Chevy Trax is a city-perfect-size SUV for a very low price. However, as with many affordable cars, it has suffered from its share of reliability problems over the years. So, if you are interested in purchasing a used Trax, it will be beneficial for you to understand which issues are common. Here, we break down each of the major Chevy Trax problems reported by drivers from multiple model years.
1. Turbocharger Failure
Turbocharger Problem (Most Common Chevy Trax Problem Reported) This issue generally appears at 60,000 miles. Among the owner complaints logged to NHTSA, it highlights reduced engine power, unusual sounds, and a significant lack of acceleration. The check engine light will also be illuminated most of the time. You might pay anywhere from $800 to $1,500 to replace a turbo once it breaks based on the damage and parts you need.
2. Transmission Issues
Some older Trax models have had transmission issues, especially in 2015 and 2016. The most common symptoms of this problem are jerky gears when changing between gears, hesitation during acceleration, and, in some extreme cases, total transmission failure. These are pretty annoying and risky when driving at highway speeds. Repairing or replacing the transmission runs from $1,200 to $3,000, making it one of the pricier repairs.
3. Electrical System Failures
Electrical problems affecting the dashboard and infotainment system prompted several owner complaints. The complaints include dashboard lights flickering, infotainment screens crashing, or, in some cases, complete blackouts of the whole system. Diagnosing these issues can often be challenging since they tend to be transient. Thankfully, while some problems are pretty minor and can be resolved with just a software update, other more complicated electrical repairs can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or higher, depending on the cause of the visit.
4. HVAC System Failure
Another common problem is HVAC issues, especially in the 2016 Chevy Trax. The A/C might not work at all—or the blower motor will fail—which can make for an uncomfortable driving experience, particularly in warm weather. This type of problem typically relates to a faulty blower motor resistor or fuse and can cost $300 to $600 to fix.
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Chevy Trax Years with Better Reliability
But if you still want a Chevy Trax with better reliability, here you go. Chevrolet improved this subcompact with many small details, mainly in reliability, build quality and the overall driving experience. The original Trax was plagued with turbo lag, electrical issues, and drivetrain defects, but several early design years were surprisingly reliable.
#1. 2018 Chevy Trax
With the 2018 Chevy Trax, there was a full-on pivot in how the SUV performed and now held up to use. Fewer electrical and turbocharger complaints were registered for this model year than for earlier versions. Chevrolet tweaked the engine response and made a few more suspension tweaks, making for a less harsh ride and improving vehicle composure. According to consumer reports and owner reviews, the 2018 Trax received much better-than-average reliability ratings. This year is one of the safest bets if you’re in the market for a used Trax.
#2. 2020 Chevy Trax
The 2020 model provided further polish, notably in build quality. The panel gaps were tighter, the cabin had stiffer materials, and driver drivetrain complaints were more scarce on this version. It used the same 1.4-liter turbocharged engine but was now more reliable due to better engineering and software calibration. For some, this meant fewer trips to mechanic’s offices — all owners lauded the 2020 Trax as a reliable driver around town. It also offered a simple, intuitive piece of tech with an available smartphone integration suite, which made it worthwhile for cost-conscious drivers.
#3. 2022+ Chevy Trax
However, the Trax is a significant update, considering that Chevrolet overhauled it for the 2022 model year with a more stylish look, updated tech, and improved driving manners. In addition to its better styling, the updated model brings improved economy and more intuitive safety features. However, owner satisfaction scores, particularly for comfort, technology, and overall confidence in the car or truck, have been significantly higher for 2022 and newer models. The most recommended Chevy Trax is a 2022 and newer model with the latest technology and features. They also generally bring a better resale value and updated driver assistance technology.
Tips for Buying a Used Chevy Trax
The compact SUV offers the ideal size for those looking for an urban-friendly size, providing decent fuel economy while not compromising practicality. But like with any second-hand vehicle, you will want to ensure that you do your due diligence and will make a good purchase. Important points to remember are as follows.
1.Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Don’t hesitate to schedule a pre-purchase inspection with a qualified mechanic (never sign anything until you do). Although everything seems to be working fine and looks clean with the Trax, you may find hidden headaches such as engine problems, transmission issues, or suspension failures in the future. A mechanic will spot problems early so you can avoid expensive fixes in the future. It’s a small cost that could save you a big headache.
2. Look for Complete Maintenance Records
You can likely count on a serviced-up Chevy Trax to perform for you. Request detailed maintenance records from the seller, including oil changes, brake service, tire rotations, and any major repairs. The full-service history indicates that the previous owner cared for the car. This also gives you more insight into when work will need to be done so you can better prepare for future expenses.
3. Be Cautious with High Mileage
Although high-mileage cars can still be perfectly reliable, the same cannot be said for Trax units that have done a pile of kilometers—unless key areas of the vehicle have been freshly replaced. If its mileage exceeds 100,000 miles, look at whether or not the timing belt, water pump, or transmission has been serviced or changed. Otherwise, you may be staring down the barrel of expensive repairs shortly after purchase.
Conclusion: Is the Chevy Trax Worth It?
The Chevy Trax is a good, economical pick if you know what to avoid. Despite this, models before 2015 were notorious for problems with reliability and shunned many buyers from production through to 2017, but they paint a contrasting picture to their later counterparts. The 2018 and newer upgrades provide a smoother ride, better technological features, and increased reliability.
These updates give newer Trax models an excellent option for urban dwellers and small families. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax provides real small SUV value in a compact, fuel-efficient, small package with available all-wheel drive. Use history reports and choose a certified pre-owned vehicle for a used one. In essence, the Chevy Trax is a car to beat—avoid the trouble years, and you could be driving off into the sunset on a reliable ride for cheap.
