Which Chevrolet Trax years should you avoid?

No Trax year from 2015 to 2021 drew more than twice the complaint rate of a typical Trax year. The 2015 ran above average, so use caution.

What is the best year for a used Chevrolet Trax?

The 2021 Trax drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.5× the rate of a typical Trax year), followed by the 2020 and 2018. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Trax?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the electrical system (27% of complaints), followed by the engine (23%) and the brakes (13%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Chevrolet Trax been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns covering Trax model years 2015 to 2026, the most recent in August 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.

Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid

Every Trax from 2015 to 2026, rated on owner complaints filed with NHTSA. No year stands out as one to avoid.

AvoidNone

Use caution2015

Best bets2018, 2020, 2021

Updated September 24, 2026 · 959 owner complaints · How we rate

Photo: 2024 Chevrolet Trax 1LT · Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Every Trax model year, rated

Newest first · bar = complaint rate vs. a typical Trax year

2nd generation · 2024–today

2026Too newTop issue: Air bags 2025Too newTop issue: Air bags 2024Too newTop issue: EngineFirst year of a new generation

1st generation · 2015–2022

2022Too newTop issue: Engine 2021Best betTop issue: Air bags 2020Best betTop issue: Air bags 2019SolidTop issue: Brakes 2018Best betTop issue: Suspension 2017SolidTop issue: Engine 2016SolidTop issue: Air bags 2015Use cautionTop issue: Air bagsFirst year of a new generation

Why 2015 call for caution

2015 Chevrolet Trax

Use cautionTop issue: air bags · 21% of complaints · median 14,000 miles

Owners describe brake pedals sinking to the floor with little stopping power, sometimes ending in a collision or rollaway, plus air bags that didn't deploy in crashes and false "passenger air bag off" warnings. Others report blank clusters, backup camera dropouts and stalling dealers couldn't reproduce.

Full 2015 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Chevrolet Trax years should you avoid?: No Trax year from 2015 to 2021 drew more than twice the complaint rate of a typical Trax year. The 2015 ran above average, so use caution.
What is the best year for a used Chevrolet Trax?: The 2021 Trax drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.5× the rate of a typical Trax year), followed by the 2020 and 2018. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.
What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Trax?: Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the electrical system (27% of complaints), followed by the engine (23%) and the brakes (13%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the Chevrolet Trax been recalled?: Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns covering Trax model years 2015 to 2026, the most recent in August 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.

See all ›

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Photos: 2016 Chevrolet Trax LT by HJUdall (CC0) · 2024–present Subaru Crosstrek by OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0) · 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD by Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0) · 2026 Mazda CX-5 L AWD (Japanese-market) by Oq10pass (CC0) · 2026 Toyota RAV4 (South African model) by Husskeyy (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.