Chevy Trax Years to Avoid Full List and Buyer Tips

The Chevy Trax is a popular SUV renowned for its affordability worldwide. But like all other car brands, some of the Chevy models have issues that will make you regret buying them. If you’re looking to buy a used Chevy Trax, you should know which years to avoid. 

Here, we’ll look at some of the worse Chevy Trax years to avoid and which ones to actually buy.

10 Most Common Issues With the Chevy Trax

After doing thorough research on previous Chevy Trax models, we found users complaining about the following issues:

Engine Power Loss

Heavy loss of engine power can happen while driving, and it can be very dangerous. Drivers can feel the vehicle shutting down without warning at any speed. This problem needs to be addressed immediately by a certified mechanic to diagnose and fix.

Transmission Problems

The transmission will jerk, hesitate, or slip when shifting gears. Other drivers have reported that the vehicle fails to shift into reverse gear, making parking maneuvers challenging. These problems are expensive to repair, usually in the range of $3,000 to $6,000.

Oil Leaks

Oil leaks, especially in turbocharged engines, can lower engine performance and destroy parts. In extreme cases, leaks can cause overheating or engine fires. Maintenance and repairs are important to avoid risks.

Coolant Leaks

Coolant leaks, usually associated with turbocharged engines, can lead to engine overheating. This can result in extensive damage or, in rare cases, fires within the vehicle. Owners need to check coolant levels and fix leaks quickly to avoid high repair bills.

Electrical System Problems

Electrical faults consist of flickering headlights, infotainment system malfunctions, and dashboard errors. They can be minor problems or safety issues, like frozen backup cameras. Electrical problems require an expert technician, which can be expensive.

Air Conditioning Failures 

The air conditioning system can blow heat or not function at all, decreasing driver comfort. Possible causes of this are refrigerant leaks or malfunctioning compressors, which require professional diagnosis. Regular AC maintenance can avoid these problems.

Brake System Problems

Brakes can be slow to respond, or the car swerves when used. Such problems pose a threat to safety and need to be addressed immediately by a mechanic. Fixes for this include replacing worn-out parts such as brake pads or lines.

Forward Collision Avoidance Problems

The forward collision avoidance system can cause phantom braking or not recognize objects. It could shock drivers or decrease confidence in the car’s safety functions. Dealership work or software refinement is usually required to fix sensor malfunctions.

Suspension Issues

Suspension problems like worn shocks or struts result in a bumpy ride and decreased stability. Drivers experience a lot of vibrations or sounds over bumps. The cost for repairing these types of issues can be up to $5,000 in some instances.

Turbocharger Failures

Turbocharger problems, such as condensation buildup or seal leaks, can lead to a lack of power. These issues are common in turbocharged vehicles and can be expensive to repair or replace. Maintenance can help you identify potential turbo failure issues early on.

Also Read: Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid

Chevy Trax Years to Avoid

Let’s look at some of the worst Chevy Trax years to avoid due to their consistent problems:

2015 Chevy Trax

The 2015 Chevy Trax received 154 NHTSA complaints and experienced seven recalls due to serious transmission issues that caused the vehicles to roll on hills. Stalling and loss of power were very common, usually attributed to the 1.4L turbo engine and costing thousands to repair. 

There were also breakdowns in air conditioning and electrical issues, such as blinding lights. All these problems make the 2015 Trax a bad used car buy.

2016 Chevy Trax

The 2016 Trax has the lowest reliability, with over 180 NHTSA complaints and five recalls, primarily for engine and cooling system failures. The 1.4L turbo engine stalled or lost power too often, which led to dangerous driving conditions. 

Electrical malfunctions and defective air conditioning were also common issues. The repair bills and safety dangers make this model a model to avoid.

2017 Chevy Trax

The 2017 Trax had three recalls and 130 NHTSA complaints. This was due to engine stalling and bad acceleration from a weak 1.4L turbo engine. Owners had to face issues like broken heaters and electrical malfunctions, such as warning lights. 

Transmission repairs can cost between $3,000 and $6,000, and isolated reports of engine fires raise safety concerns. These problems make the 2017 model less reliable.

2018 Chevy Trax

The 2018 Trax had two recalls and 90 NHTSA complaints, especially for flawed suspension welds that compromised steering. Engine stalls and electrical failures such as infotainment malfunctions were common issues. 

To fix these issues, up to $5,000 worth of repairs for suspensions would be needed. These are the reasons that make the 2018 Trax a year not to buy.

2019 Chevy Trax

At last, we have the 2019 Trax with 118 NHTSA complaints and two recalls. The car experienced suspension weld problems and brake line separations, which posed a safety risk. Engine stalls and loss of power continued with the 1.4L turbo engine, at a cost of $400 to $2,000 to repair. 

Electrical system problems such as defective dashboards, were common. Although some issues were improved, the 2019 Trax is still a dangerous option.

Top Chevy Trax Model Years to Consider

When considering a Chevrolet Trax purchase, selecting the optimal model year is crucial. Some model years were more reliable and offered improved features. We conducted research and identified the best options for you to consider.

2020 Chevy Trax

The 2020 Chevy Trax is one of the most dependable models in its lineup. It had high safety ratings from reputable agencies such as IIHS and comes with great tech features such as a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There have been fewer reports of mechanical and electrical issues by owners than in previous models.

2021 Chevy Trax

The 2021 Trax saw numerous improvements in performance and reliability. It has a smooth ride, good fuel economy, and extremely low maintenance expenses. Most reviews show its reliable engine and easy-to-use technology, which make it an intelligent buy for city dwellers.

2022 Chevy Trax

The 2022 Chevy Trax featured an improved 1.4L turbocharged engine, delivering excellent acceleration and overall performance. Reliability ratings also improved, with a decrease in complaints regarding mechanical failures. Drivers preferred this model as a great choice for everyday driving and road trips.

2023 Chevy Trax

The 2023 Trax refined the features introduced last year, offering a smoother infotainment system and more ride comfort. There were enhancements aimed at improving the use of tech without compromising the excellent reliability exhibited in 2022. It’s ideal for people looking for a practical and contemporary compact SUV.

Tips For Buying A Used Chevy

Buying a used Chevy Trax can save you a lot of money, but you must approach it strategically. Let’s be honest, most of us overlook little warning signs until it’s too late. Here are some expert recommendations to help you prevent a bad purchase.

• Check the Vehicle History Report: People who skip this step have shared their experience of having major regrets. You can just use Carfax or AutoCheck to look for previous accidents or serious repairs.
• Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: Not everyone is a professional, so we may overlook hidden issues. This is why you should have a certified mechanic check the engine and electronics.
• Stick to 2019 Models or Newer: Newer models of Trax have much fewer complaints. They provide better reliability, newer features, and better safety.
• Take a Long Test Drive: A longer test drive will reveal actual problems in the car. Try to listen carefully to see if there are unusual noises and see if warning lights come on.
• Look for Recalls and Repairs: Many users say that they forgot to ask about completed recall work. Make sure any previous recalls have been addressed before buying.
• Check for Common Trax Problems: Look for symptoms of engine stalling, oil leaks, and electrical malfunctions. These are common issues in the model years you wish to stay away from.

Conclusion

If you are among the people thinking of buying a compact SUV like the Trax, you should first know which Chevrolet Trax years to avoid. Some older Trax models have experienced issues with their engines and electronics. According to our research, it is best to stick with newer years that have received better ratings.

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