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2019 Chevrolet Trax VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 123 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (21), Suspension (18), Unknown Or Other (15).

Trax reliability snapshot

75/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$488
Avg annual repair cost vs $466 category avg
#6/7
Ranking in subcompact SUVs · better than 14% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Chevrolet Trax before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 Chevrolet Trax issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System21
  • Suspension18
  • Unknown Or Other15
  • Steering13
  • Engine11
  • Power Train9

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect turbocharger for cracks or signs of failure
  • Check instrument cluster and infotainment system for functionality
  • Test air conditioning system for burning odors or malfunctions
  • Examine suspension components for noise or damage
  • Verify brake system operation and check for extended stopping distances
  • Look for signs of coolant leaks or high consumption
  • Ensure steering operates smoothly without pulling to one side

What owners reported

2019 Chevrolet Trax owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 8 crashes, 2 fires and 8 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly with the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Common symptoms include the instrument cluster failing to display critical information like speed and mileage, and the infotainment screen turning black or malfunctioning, affecting the backup camera and phone connectivity. These issues are often reported around 21,100 to 84,500 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe recurring problems with the air conditioning system, such as burning odors and component failures, sometimes leading to melted parts and potential fire hazards. These electrical and A/C issues can impact vehicle operation and safety, especially in terms of visibility and climate control.

Owner complaints18

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's suspension, particularly involving broken strut mounts and control arms. Common symptoms include squeaky sounds over bumps, the vehicle pulling to the right, and popping or clunking noises during turns. Several complaints note these problems occurring around 8,000 to 22,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two crashes reported, one involving an injury, and instances of sudden loss of control while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these suspension concerns, especially if considering a vehicle within this mileage range.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints15

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, including coolant leaks, radio malfunctions, and problems with the heating system. Complaints frequently mention the need to refill coolant multiple times a month due to undetected leaks, with one owner replacing the coolant pump without resolution. Multiple owners describe radio and stereo display issues, such as the display not working or failing to connect via Bluetooth, often unresolved by dealers. Additionally, some owners experience heater failures, with parts on back-order, and others report brake failures, including grinding noises and inability to stop, posing potential safety risks. A notable case involves a vehicle fire, which occurred while the car was parked, though the cause was undetermined. These issues appear across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 5,734 miles.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints13

STEERING

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's steering, including the steering pulling to the left or right, often requiring constant correction to maintain a straight path. Several complaints describe the power steering failing, especially in cold temperatures, leading to a stiff steering wheel or complete loss of steering capability. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles, and one incident involving a crash and injury when the power steering failed at approximately 102,000 miles. Additionally, some owners mention repeated dealership visits without resolution, and in one case, a steering column module failure required replacement. Safety implications are evident, with one crash reported due to steering failure, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints11

ENGINE

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to the turbocharger, with multiple complaints mentioning cracks or failures around 50,000 miles, leading to acceleration problems and engine codes like P0299. Another common issue involves the engine running rough, particularly after refueling, often linked to the evaporative emissions purge valve, with some owners experiencing coolant leaks and suspected head gasket failures. Symptoms such as engine shaking, reduced power, and warning lights like "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service StabiliTrak" are noted, often occurring at speeds around 40-60 mph. Safety implications are suggested by reports of loss of acceleration and difficulty maintaining speed, which could pose risks in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly if considering a vehicle with higher mileage.

Owner complaints9

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the turbocharger, particularly around and after 79,000 miles. Symptoms include the vehicle stalling, inability to accelerate, excessive exhaust smoke, and the check engine light illuminating. Multiple complaints mention the turbocharger failing soon after being replaced, with some citing oil-related issues. Additionally, a fire incident is reported where the engine caught fire due to a broken and empty transfer case, highlighting a significant safety concern. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues with the power train components, which prospective buyers may want to consider, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints8

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report several brake-related issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, including extended stopping distances and brakes self-applying, often around 7,500 to 55,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention a failure of the brake pedal to engage properly, leading to crashes in three instances, with two incidents resulting in injuries. Some owners describe warning messages like "Service Brake Assist" and "ABS Service Soon" appearing without clear resolution from service visits. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of brake failure leading to loss of control and collisions. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially at higher mileages, and verify any repairs or recalls have been addressed.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints6

WHEELS

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with rapid tire wear and defects leading to safety concerns. Complaints describe tires becoming bald or nearly bare at low mileages, with some owners experiencing this as early as 350 miles and others around 24,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of sudden tire blowouts, including one instance where the inner wall of a tire exploded. One owner mentions a front driver-side ball joint failure, causing the wheel to rotate unexpectedly while turning, which could pose a significant safety risk if occurring at higher speeds. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as loss of control, and may require further investigation for those considering purchasing a used model.

Owner complaints4

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly involving turbocharger malfunctions. Common symptoms include reduced acceleration, lack of power, and the illumination of the check engine light, with some owners specifically noting code P0299 for turbo underboost. Complaints also describe the engine running roughly, sputtering, and making unusual noises, often accompanied by the stability control warning light. One report mentions unintended acceleration when braking. Mileage is not consistently mentioned, but one owner notes issues shortly after purchase. These symptoms can lead to significant safety concerns, such as difficulty maintaining highway speeds and challenges in lane changing, potentially impacting driver control.

Owner complaints3

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax report issues with airbag deployment, particularly in crash situations. One complaint describes a collision where the steering wheel airbag did not deploy, resulting in a concussion and burns for the driver, with the vehicle being totaled at approximately 130,000 miles. Another owner reports the driver's airbag deploying with excessive force, causing a second-degree burn on the left forearm. Additionally, a separate complaint highlights a prolonged delay in airbag recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with the vehicle being at the dealership for over 100 days. These issues suggest potential safety concerns related to airbag performance and availability, especially in crash scenarios.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

2019 Trax recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Trax. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. SUSPENSIONNHTSA 19V312000Apr 18, 2019

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 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 June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.

  2. AIR BAGSNHTSA 18V774000Nov 1, 2018

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

    Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

Used-market value

2019 Chevrolet Trax resale snapshot

57.3%estimated value retained after 5 years
229listings in the model-level benchmark
$17,621median asking price from 51 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2019 Chevrolet Trax on the road

116,817 2019 Chevrolet Trax units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 Chevrolet Trax stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax

With an 84/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2019 Chevrolet Trax rates as above-average for reliability. That gap suggests fewer overall reliability concerns than most peers, with a generally solid ownership risk profile for its class.

Issue reports are not concentrated in a single system. The most common themes span electrical, suspension, steering, and engine areas, with a meaningful share falling into unknown or other categories. This pattern points to a broader spread of complaints rather than one dominant weak spot. Recall activity is limited, with only a small number recorded.

Overall, the data supports an above-average reliability outlook and a moderate-to-low buyer risk level.

What you get in a 2019 Chevrolet Trax report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2019 Chevrolet Trax — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax reliable?

With an 84/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2019 Chevrolet Trax rates as above-average for reliability. That gap suggests fewer overall reliability concerns than most peers, with a generally solid ownership risk profile for its class.

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Trax problems?

The most-reported 2019 Chevrolet Trax problem areas are: Electrical System (21), Suspension (18), Unknown Or Other (15).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Chevrolet Trax?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Chevrolet Trax, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.