Best and worst Chevy Trax years — which to avoid

GM put a lot of consideration into driver and passenger comfort when planning the Chevy Trax, but buying one can still be tricky due to some problematic model years. Sadly enough, there have been common issues for particular models which led to drivers thinking twice about the worst Chevy Trax years to avoid before making the purchase.

We’ll help you with that as our team of seasoned automotive experts evaluated all of the current Chevy Trax years by NHTSA submissions, reliability reports and reviews from drivers, and other sources. We’ll further discuss the official recalls and most common problems that plagued this model and made certain years so bad for upkeep to save you some time and money when making the choice.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Chevy Trax years

While making this guide, we wanted to focus on the best and worst Chevy Trax years and rank them by years. To do that with the most certainty, our team used verified information from organizations like NHTSA, IIHS, and others for details on common complaints, recalls, and safety ratings of the Chevy Trax.

We also used some car review platforms to get insight into how drivers and previous owners rated specific Trax models. For that, we counted on Edmunds, KBB, Consumer Reports, and other review sites, and this is the list that we ended up with after thorough research:

Most common Chevy Trax problems

Like every other vehicle, the Chevy Trax has some common problems. Knowing these problems and considering them when planning your schedule is essential so you can get the most out of it. Below are the most common issues you can expect from badly-rated Trax years.

1. Transmission problems

Chevy Trax with manual transmissions is at higher risk of developing transmission problems. Affected drivers complained of the vehicle jerking or hesitating while trying to shift gears. The drivability of the Trax gets significantly reduced by this issue, and if left unsolved for too long, it becomes a safety hazard.

Also, transmission problems make it difficult for Trax drivers to park in tight spaces. The transmission issue causes the reverse shift to be nonfunctional, making parking difficult without proper planning and execution, and also when there is limited space. So, upon the GM transmission identification, it’s clear that Chevy Trax sadly comes with a few transmission-related issues reported by drivers.

2. Rattles and squeaks over bulbs

Though this issue does not affect drivability, it affects the driving experience negatively. Drivers of the Trax equipped with the all-wheel-drive option experience squeaks and rattling more whenever the car goes over bumps. It is an annoying experience and, most times, increases drivers’ anxiety, making them think there are more severe issues present when there aren’t. 

3. Wheel alignment problems

Some Trax have problems with their wheel alignment that causes the vehicle to pull to one side while in motion. It could be that the tires are not properly inflated, but more often than not, the wheel alignment is the issue. It would be best to let a mechanic handle this issue, so you do not make hurtful assumptions or mistakes.

Another key factor to have in mind here is the debate on tire balancing vs alignment, since some of the issues may seem likely to occur for both problems.

4. Engine issues

Drivers who had the Trax fitted with the turbocharged engine had more engine problems than those without that engine. The engine would sometimes stall or shut off entirely during a ride. In some cases, the engine would cease to work ultimately.

Trax models containing the turbocharged engine are more at risk of oil leak complications. These models are known to suffer from engine problems due to oil leaks. In severe cases, significant parts of the engine get damaged or fires erupt.

Also, Chevy Trax equipped with turbocharged engines are notorious for leaking coolant. The loss of coolant causes the engine to overheat, damaging some parts and leaving the vehicle vulnerable to catching fire. If you see the engine temperature significantly rising in a short period, it’s one of the first symptoms of low coolant.

Chevy issued a recall for the Trax models that were most affected by this issue. It is best to not let the problem fester even for a while, the more you wait, the more unsafe your vehicle becomes.

5. Trouble driving uphill

Many Trax drivers reported a lack of power in the vehicle, making driving uphill challenging.

Sometimes, drivers would have to switch off the AC so the car would have enough power to battle it. Other times, they would have to drive in a lower gear for the vehicle to move uphill. These are efficient on-the-spot solutions. 

However, it is best to have your mechanic examine the vehicle to find the root of the problem and fix it.

Worst Chevy Trax years to avoid

The Chevy Trax is a relatively modern vehicle. It is promising at first glance, but not all of its models give the much-needed satisfaction when put to the test in reality. Especially if you are buying a first-gen model, the main question you might have is – what are the worst Chevy Trax years?

The worst Chevy Trax years are 2015 and 2016, but you should avoid all of these when buying a used model:

• 2015
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018

Of course, we’ll also discuss all of these by their generation and model years in more detail to help you figure out what are the best options out there.

First-generation Trax (2015-2019 model years)

The 2015 Chevy Trax has the most complaints and there were seven recalls issued for it while the model only received a slightly higher reliability score than 3 out of 5.

The main issue the 2015 model had that scared drivers was its tendency to roll down an incline, even those which are not steep. In the wrong scenarios, this problem can cause crashes and accidents.

The 2016 model did not inherit the body roll problem of the 2015 model, but its issues make it the worst Chevy Trax you could have. It had many mechanical, electrical, and engine problems, which can become a safety threat if allowed to linger for a long.

2017 Trax is better than the other two and has fewer complaints. However, its engine is underpowered, and the cabin materials are low quality. Drivers were not pleased with the seeming overall low quality of the car so much that they avoided it.

Chevy showed a lot of improvement with the 2018 model. The critical pressing matters that reduced Trax’s reliability were addressed. However, the model had suspension and electrical problems, which placed the vehicle at risk of crashing often.

The 2019 Trax followed its predecessor steps, harboring fewer issues and showing improvements. However, the one serious issue it did have was a significant hazard. This model’s brake line often disconnected after only about 7,500 miles.

What are the best Chevy Trax years to buy?

Now that we finally moved the worst model years out of the way, it’s time to discuss the best Chevy Trax options you can get. These are the model years that you can confidently buy without having to double-check the complaints and faults:

• 2013
• 2014
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

Both the 2014 and 2020 models have modern innovations that make driving fun. But if you want something more recent, the 2020 model is excellent for your needs.

2020 Chevy Trax

With the 2020 Trax model, Chevy finally solved most of the engine-related issues that the previous models came with. They also managed to solve the oil leakage and overheating issues for the most part, and 2020 also brought us refreshed engine options that proved to be reliable and durable.

Now coming without many complaints, the revised Chevy Trax makes a perfect first-gen choice at least until we wait and see what the reliability ratings of the second-gen model will look like.

Our analyses, built on real-world experiences of drivers and comprehensive research will help your vehicle selection process. For insights into which model years might fall short of expectations, explore our detailed articles on the Buick Encore years to avoid, and Jeep Renegade years to avoid, pinpointing the years best left on the lot.

Is the Chevy Trax worth buying? 

Chevy Trax has a good reliability rating with below-average annual maintenance costs. Its front-wheel drivetrain is very fuel efficient, and the vehicle lasts 200,000 miles on average.

The Trax is not a bad deal if you perceive cars as investments. It has a good resale value, and having the more reliable models gives you an edge whenever you decide to sell.