The Trax is an extra-small SUV and is the least expensive vehicle in Chevy’s lineup.
It was produced from 2015 – 2022 and was then brought back to life for the 2024 model year.
In this article, we’ll be analyzing all of its best and worst model years.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Chevrolet Trax Are:
The best Chevrolet Trax model years are 2024, 2022, 2021, and 2020. The worst model years of this model are 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Chevrolet Trax?
2024 Chevrolet Trax
The 2024 Trax is the first installment of the second generation. Following a 1-year hiatus, this model is fully redesigned with notable changes to the powertrain, bodywork, interior, and tech features.
Various trim levels have an affordable base MSRP ranging from $21,495 to $24,995.
There are a total of 5 trim levels to choose from: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV.
All variants are powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine (137 horsepower) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission system.
According to the EPA, this model can achieve up to 30 MPG for combined city and highway driving.
All-wheel drive is not available – if this is something you require we suggest checking out the Trailblazer.
2022 Chevrolet Trax
The 2022 Trax is the final first-generation model, it received solid owner reviews, has sufficient passenger space, and plenty of entertainment and safety features for the price.
For 2022 the engine was upgraded and produces 155 horsepower, which is slightly more than the previous year’s 138 hp
There are 2 trims available: LS and LT.
The LS has a good amount of features although the LT is worth the extra price for the the available Driver Confidence (advanced safety and driver-assistance features) and LT Convenience packages (premium features such as heated seats).
All variants come with a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel-drive is standard although all-wheel-drive is available for both trims.
Owners have praised this particular model for its interior, seating, comfort, and sound system.
- Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 79 / 100
2022 Trax, Edmunds Review:
“You’re gonna fall in love with this car. It’s very spacious and the performance is awesome. I highly recommend it.”
2021 and 2020 Chevrolet Trax
The 2021 and 2020 Trax models are good value choices and both scored reassuring reviews from owners. There are no major differences between the two models and they are part of the first generation introduced for 2015.
They offer respectable fuel economy, good maneuverability, and a fair amount of cargo capacity.
There are a total of 3 available trims: LS, LT, and Premier. However, the Premier trim was discontinued in 2021.
There are also a number of optional packages, including:
- Convenience Package
- Driver Confidence Package
- Sun and Sound Package
- Redline Edition Appearance Package
Auto critics have stated that the engine is sluggish on acceleration although some owners have reported the power to be adequate.
2021 Chevrolet Trax:
- Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 80 / 100
2020 Chevrolet Trax:
- Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 82 / 100
2020 Trax, Edmunds Review:
“I looked at all the competition and the Chevy Trax beat them hands down. I purchased a 2020 Trax AWD LT and it has all the bells and whistles and comfort I expected. Getting in and out of it is easy. Has plenty of power to move in and out of traffic. Tons of storage and hidden compartments and that is with the back seat up…”
Consumer Scores For Best Chevrolet Trax Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | J.D. Power Consumer Rating |
| 2024 Chevrolet Trax | NA | NA | NA |
| 2022 Chevrolet Trax | 4.2 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax | 4.1 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Trax | 4.1 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
Related: Chevrolet Trax in Snow and Winter Driving? (Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Chevrolet Trax?
2015, 2016, and 2017 Chevrolet Trax
The 2015, 2017, and 2017 Trax models were the first models produced in the US and they got off to a bumpy start. The most common complaints were related to the engine, the A/C and the steering.
Engine problems reported included:
- PCV vlave failure
- Timing chain failure
- Catalytic converter failure
The most common engine problem reported was failure of the turbocharger due to sticking wastegate actuator linkage, as described by owners below:
“The turbocharger in my Chevrolt Trax suffered a stuck wastegate actuator on an interstate while coming up to speed, which caused dramatic loss of power and an inability to safely merge onto the road” – NHTSA.gov
“Appears to have a turbo failure and more of these vehicles are having the same problems with their turbo too.” – NHTSA.gov
“My Trax turbo went out at like 60k and caused my car to shake and stall whenever I was braking.” – NHTSA.gov
Owners also widely complained about the air conditioning blowing warm air which has been linked to issues with the compressor.
“Ac has been repaired many times but still blowing out warm air and not working.” – NHTSA.gov
“My air conditioning compressor had a defective seal and the compressor was unrepairable. The vehicle had only had less than 22,000 miles on the odometer. I didn’t have warranty coverage for this.” – NHTSA.gov
Steering complaints were common too, owners reported that the steering wheel would get stuck, become difficult to turn, or not turn properly.
“This will be the third time in 6 months that the car has had to be taken in to the dealership. It displays power steering error, engine light come on and car with drop speed with no warning. It also loses the power steering.” – NHTSA.gov
“When attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel will only go so far (it feels stuck) unless pulled hard to the right. After making the right turn, the steering wheel and does not automatically go back as it should.”
- The 2015 Trax had a total of 37 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 90 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2016 Trax had a total of 56 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 132 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2017 Trax had a total of 15 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 134 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Rolls back on incline
- Air conditioning not working properly
- Paint is peeling
- Engine failure
- Airbag does not deploy in crash
- Heater not working
- Check engine light on
- Engine caught fire
2018 and 2019 Chevrolet Trax
The 2018 and 2019 Chevy Trax models were notably more problematic than many of their successors.
Many complaints were related to the suspension – owners reported that the front control arms would break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle; there was a recall for this issue.
“I leased a 2019 chevy Trax in Jan on this year, had about 8,000 miles on it last month when the lower control arm failed while my wife was driving it.” – NHTSA.gov
“The control arm weld was improperly welded on both sides of the car which can lead to fatigue causing the wheel the rub and causing an accident. After being notified by onstar of the potential issue I had my vehicle inspected. The car failed inspection.” NHTSA.gov
Problems with the infotainment system are common, with owners reporting that the screen would go blank whilst driving.
“The digital information center goes off and on randomly. This has been reported in forums but no resolution.” – NHTSA.gov
“The informant system stopped working. Sometimes it goes snowy, then comes back on. Sometimes, especially in hot or cold weather, it goes black. It also effects my my phone connections like my gps. The screen tells me “can not connect to server”. I travel a lot so all this is very frustrating.” – NHTSA.gov
Failure of the air conditioning compressor were reported and a number of owners also reported losing engine power whilst driving.
- The 2018 Trax had a total of 14 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 98 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2019 Trax had a total of 7 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 133 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Shuts down while driving
- Service AWD light on
- Differential clutch control module corroded
- Car jumps forward after stopping
- Brake failure
- Loud popping sound
Related: Chevrolet Trax Beeping? (9 Causes & Solutions)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Chevrolet Trax | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Trax | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax | 1 | 8 | 0 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Trax | 9 | 49 | 0 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Trax | 7 | 133 | 2 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Trax | 14 | 98 | 2 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Trax | 15 | 134 | 3 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Trax | 56 | 132 | 5 |
| 2015 Chevrolet Trax | 37 | 90 | 7 |
What Problems Do Chevrolet Trax Have?
- Air conditioning not working properly
- Engine failure
- Airbag does not deploy in crash
- Rolls back on incline
- Paint is peeling
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Chevrolet Trax?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Buick Encore GX | 8.0 | $25,600 – $33,500 | City: 26 – 30 /Highway: 28 – 31 |
| Honda HR-V | 7.9 | $24,100 – $29,700 | City: 25 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 32 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 7.9 | $24,995 – $31,995 | City: 26 – 27 /Highway: 33 – 34 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | 7.8 | $22,100 – $27,700 | City: 26 – 29 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Nissan Kicks | 7.8 | $20,290 – $22,850 | City: 31 /Highway: 36 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 7.7 | $23,060 – $28,465 | City: 29 – 31 /Highway: 32 – 33 |
| Hyundai Venue | 7.6 | $19,500 – $22,750 | City: 29 /Highway: 33 |
| Mini Cooper Countryman | 7.6 | $32,650 – $43,800 | City: 23 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 7.5 | $20,400 – $23,900 | City: 28 /Highway: 32 |
| Jeep Renegade | 7.3 | $29,745 – $32,445 | City: 23 /Highway: 29 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 6.3 | $22,995 – $28,045 | City: 23 /Highway: 28 – 29 |
| Fiat 500X | 5.2 | $28,965 – $31,955 | City: 24 /Highway: 30 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: 11 Best & Worst Chevrolet Trailblazer Years (With Facts & Stats)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/trax
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chevrolet/trax
https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/trax/
https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/trax/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/chevrolet/trax
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Trax/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/chevrolet/trax/
https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-trax/recalls/
