Chevrolet Trax Common Problems and Owner Complaints: What to Watch For
There’s a specific kind of frustration that comes from buying a brand-new car only to have it sitting at the dealership waiting for parts—and unfortunately, that’s a story some Chevy Trax owners know all too well.
The Chevrolet Trax has been a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers since it hit the U.S. market in 2015. It’s affordable, practical, and easy to park. But like any vehicle with a long production run, some years are gems while others are money pits. Here’s what owners are complaining about and which model years to avoid.
TL;DR
The Chevrolet Trax has two distinct generations with different problems. Avoid the 2019 model year—it has the most complaints for engine, electrical, and suspension issues . The 2020–2022 models are the most reliable first-gen Trax years with zero recalls . The redesigned 2024–2025 models have early reports of serious engine failures, blank instrument clusters, and evaporator problems .
Key Takeaways
- Worst Year: 2019 Trax has the highest number of complaints across engine, electrical, and suspension categories .
- Best Years: 2020, 2021, and 2022 have no recalls and very few reported issues .
- Redesign Risk: 2024–2025 Trax models face a class action lawsuit over 1.2L turbo engine failures, including broken connecting rods .
- Common Complaints: Blank dashboards, A/C evaporator failure, turbocharger issues, and fuel system problems .
- Takata Airbag Recall: 2013–2018 Trax models are affected by the massive Takata airbag recall .
Two Generations, Two Different Problem Profiles
The Chevy Trax went through a full redesign for the 2024 model year. Understanding which generation you’re looking at is crucial because they share almost nothing under the skin .
| Generation | Model Years | Powertrain | Reliability Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Gen | 2013–2022 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder, 6-speed auto | Mixed—improved after 2017 |
| Second Gen | 2024–present | 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder, 6-speed auto | Too early to know; early complaints are serious |
First Generation (2013–2022): The Maintenance-Sensitive Years
The first-generation Trax used a 1.4L turbocharged engine that’s known for being picky about maintenance . The biggest risk on these older models is deferred maintenance—especially skipped oil changes.
2015–2018: The Problem Years
The early Trax years had some serious issues that owners are still complaining about.
Engine and Turbo Problems:
- Turbocharger failure is a documented issue on 2016 models, with the turbo seizing or leaking oil into the cooling system .
- Engine overheating, rough idling, and slow acceleration in cold weather are common complaints across 2015–2016 models .
Major Recalls:
- Front lower-control arms can separate from the vehicle on 2015–2018 models due to improper welding. This affects steering and handling, increasing crash risk .
- Airbag failures affecting 2014–2017 models—the SDM software may prevent airbags from deploying in a crash .
Takata Airbag Recall:
The 2013–2018 Trax is included in the massive Takata airbag recall. Defective inflators can explode with too much force, sending metal fragments into the cabin .
2019: The Most Complaints
The 2019 model year is the least reliable Trax you can buy . Owner complaints are concentrated in three areas:
- Engine: Overheating, shuddering, and loss of power while driving .
- Electrical: Infotainment system shutting off and dash lights flickering .
- Suspension: Same lower-control arm recall as earlier models .
Recall Alert: The 2019 Trax also had a recall for airbags that might not deploy because the Sensing Diagnostic Module was left in “manufacturing mode” .
2020–2022: The Sweet Spot
The 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years are the most reliable first-generation Trax models . There are zero recalls for these years, and complaints to the NHTSA are minimal .
What to Watch For:
Even these good years aren’t perfect. A few owners have reported EVAP purge pump failures on the 2022 model, triggering check engine lights and reduced fuel efficiency .
Italicize: The 1.4L turbo engine in first-gen Trax models is sensitive to oil changes. Skipping them can lead to turbocharger failure and timing chain wear at high mileage .
Second Generation (2024–2025): Early Problems
The redesigned Trax launched for 2024 with a new 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. It’s stylish and affordable, but early ownership reports are concerning.
Engine Failure: The Class Action Lawsuit
This is the big one. A class action lawsuit was filed in March 2026 against GM over the 1.2L turbo engine .
What happened:
- A 2024 Trax with just 11,581 miles suffered a broken connecting rod that damaged the engine block .
- The owner got a “reduced engine power” warning before the SUV stalled .
- Dealerships had replacement engines on backorder, leaving owners without their cars for weeks .
The lawsuit claims the 1.2L engine is prone to internal failures involving connecting rods, bearings, and oil flow . GM has issued service guidance on odd knocking sounds but considers them “normal operating characteristics” .
Safety Reminder: If you hear unusual knocking from your Trax engine and get a reduced power warning, pull over safely and have the vehicle towed to a dealership. Driving with a failing engine could lead to a sudden stall in traffic.
Electrical System Nightmares
The second-gen Trax has a major problem with its instrument cluster going blank .
Owner Reports:
- “The entire dash just went black. I could not see the mile per hour.”
- Dashboard display goes blank at startup or while driving, and Chevy dealers often can’t fix it .
- Some owners report both the instrument cluster and infotainment screen going black simultaneously .
The Fix: GM issued a recall for 2024 models to update the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module software, but owners report the problem persists even after the update .
A/C Evaporator Failure
A major problem with the 2024–2025 Trax is the A/C evaporator coil failing .
Owner Reports:
- “No cold AC, only hot. Car temps hit 107 degrees.”
- One owner with an 8-month-old baby reported the evaporator went out, leaving the car dangerously hot .
- Replacement parts are frequently on backorder, leaving owners waiting weeks or months for repairs .
GM issued a technical service bulletin for the cabin not cooling during remote start, but evaporator failure is more serious .
Infotainment and Connectivity Gremlins
Owners of both generations complain about the infotainment system, but the 2024–2025 models seem to have it worse .
- Bluetooth connections that crackle and drop
- Unresponsive touchscreens
- Backup cameras that distort images or go blank
One owner wrote: “The radio issue is still going on. I wouldn’t recommend this SUV. I hate this truck—it even shifts terrible.”
Underpowered and Uncomfortable
Even owners who like their Trax have gripes about the driving experience .
- The 1.2L engine is underpowered—Car and Driver clocked a 0–60 time of 8.8 seconds, and owners say it struggles on inclines or with extra weight .
- Seats are “awful” and “stiff as a board” according to multiple Reddit users .
- Interior materials feel budget-grade—lots of hard plastic .
Comparison Table: Trax Model Years at a Glance
| Model Year | Generation | Reliability | Biggest Problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | First Gen | Poor | Engine overheating, turbo issues, lower control arm | 7 |
| 2016 | First Gen | Poor | Turbo failure, engine problems, airbag recall | 5 |
| 2017 | First Gen | Fair | Lower control arm recall, airbag recall | 3 |
| 2018 | First Gen | Fair | Lower control arm recall | 2 |
| 2019 | First Gen | Worst | Engine, electrical, suspension complaints | 2 |
| 2020 | First Gen | Good | Very few complaints | 0 |
| 2021 | First Gen | Good | Very few complaints | 0 |
| 2022 | First Gen | Best | EVAP purge pump (rare) | 0 |
| 2024 | Second Gen | Unknown | Engine failure, blank dash, evaporator | 1 |
| 2025 | Second Gen | Unknown | Same as 2024 + ongoing complaints | Pending |
FAQ: Your Trax Problem Questions Answered
What is the worst year for Chevrolet Trax?
The 2019 model year has the most owner complaints for engine, electrical, and suspension problems .
What is the most reliable Chevy Trax year?
2020, 2021, and 2022 have no recalls and the fewest reported issues .
Does the 2024 Chevy Trax have engine problems?
Yes—a class action lawsuit was filed in 2026 over broken connecting rods in the 1.2L turbo engine. Some owners have needed full engine replacements at under 12,000 miles .
Why does my Chevy Trax dashboard go black?
The instrument cluster display can go blank due to software issues in the Virtual Cockpit Unit. GM issued a recall for 2024 models, but some owners say the problem persists .
Is the Chevy Trax affected by the Takata airbag recall?
Yes—2013–2018 Trax models are included in the recall for defective Takata airbags that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin .
How many miles can a Chevy Trax last?
A well-maintained first-generation Trax with a 1.4L turbo can reach 150,000–200,000 miles. Regular oil changes are critical—deferred maintenance is the #1 cause of turbocharger failure .
If you’re shopping for a used Trax, the 2020–2022 models are your safest bet. Avoid the 2019 model year and be cautious with early first-gen models (2015–2018). If you’re considering a 2024–2025 Trax, know that you’re rolling the dice on a new engine design with active lawsuits and complaints.
What year is your Trax, and what problems have you run into? Drop a comment below—your experience could help someone else avoid a headache.
References & Resources for Chevrolet Trax Reliability:
