Common problems

Chevrolet Trax Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 8 Chevrolet Trax model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated April 2026

Owner complaints
509

8 model years

Top recurring issue
Electrical System

7 affected years

Crash reports
33

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
12

39 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Chevrolet Trax problem categories

#1

Electrical System

117complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2024.

#2

Engine

65complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2024.

#3

Power Train

38complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2020.

#4

Unknown Or Other

59complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2024.

#5

Suspension

54complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.

#6

Steering

23complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2019.

#7

Air Bags

11complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2020.

#8

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.

#9

Exterior Lighting

7complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2024.

#10

Visibility Wiper

7complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2024.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Chevrolet Trax model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the 2024 Chevrolet Trax's electrical system, primarily involving the instrument panel and infotainment screens going blank or rebooting while driving. Typical symptoms include loss of speedometer, turn signals, and other dashboard indicators, often at speeds over 30 MPH, with some incidents occurring on highways. Complaints also mention complete vehicle shutdowns and, in one instance, a fire following electrical malfunctions. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 12,000 miles. Safety implications include increased risk of accidents due to loss of vehicle control and visibility of critical driving information.

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

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to the suspension, particularly with the lower control arms. Complaints often describe noises such as knocking or grinding, and in some cases, issues with tire wear and alignment. Many reports indicate that parts for recall repairs are unavailable or delayed, with some vehicles remaining unrepaired for extended periods. The typical mileage for these issues varies, with some occurring as early as 7,500 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of a crash due to a suspension failure, as well as instances where the vehicle became difficult to control. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and confirm that any necessary recall repairs have been completed.

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2025 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the dashboard and infotainment screens going blank or blacking out while driving. These incidents often occur within the first few months of ownership and can result in the temporary loss of vital information such as speed and navigation. Multiple complaints also describe problems with Bluetooth connectivity, with disruptions and crackling noises when playing media. Safety implications are noted, including one report of a fire and multiple instances where the Lane Keep Assist system malfunctioned, with one incident leading to three injuries. Some owners mention these issues arising around 2,000 miles, with others experiencing problems shortly after purchase.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 4 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners report frequent catastrophic engine failures in the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, often occurring without warning lights or prior symptoms. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of power, loud noises such as bangs or explosions, and oil leaks, sometimes resulting in large holes in the engine block. These issues are commonly noted at mileage as low as 7,696 to around 54,546 miles. Two incidents involve fires, and multiple reports describe dangerous situations where vehicles lose power on highways, posing safety risks. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and the associated safety implications.

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

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to electronic systems and air conditioning failures. Common symptoms include infotainment screens glitching, audio surging uncontrollably, and the Onstar system dropping connection. Multiple owners also describe air conditioning failures, with reports of high cabin temperatures and lengthy part backorders. Two complaints involve fires occurring under unknown circumstances, with one vehicle catching fire while parked and another while in use. These issues are reported at varying mileages, including some vehicles with low mileage, and have potential safety implications due to distraction, loss of communication, and extreme cabin temperatures.

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

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

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

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Chevrolet Trax

When problems are reported to begin

  • Electrical system failures0–2,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Transmission issues0–5,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Engine problems0–11,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Engine failures7,000–54,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures12,000–58,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Turbocharger failures30,000–88,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Engine failures44,000–65,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures20,000–92,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Test infotainment and dashboard systems for blackouts while driving
  • Inspect for any unusual noises or squeaks from the engine compartment
  • Check for proper airbag deployment in crash history
  • Verify fuel system components for leaks or check engine light triggers
  • Ensure windshield wipers do not leave streaks and fit properly
  • Test lane departure and forward collision systems for proper function
  • Inspect for any structural damage from minor collisions
  • Inspect engine for oil leaks and unusual noises

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Chevrolet Trax data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Chevrolet Trax research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Chevrolet Trax research FAQ

What is the most common Chevrolet Trax problem?

Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 7 years with 117 complaints represented.

Which Chevrolet Trax year has the most reported problems?

The 2024 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Chevrolet Trax has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Chevrolet Trax you are considering.