Chevy Trax Years To Avoid: Full Guide For Buyers

The Chevy Trax entered the subcompact crossover SUV segment as a promising and affordable option for city driving, offering decent fuel economy, all-wheel drive availability, and modern connectivity features. Since its launch in the U.S. market in 2015, the Trax has gained popularity among budget-conscious buyers looking for practicality over performance. However, not all model years are created equal. If you’re in the market for a used Trax, it’s essential to know which years are best to avoid due to reliability issues, mechanical faults, or other drawbacks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the Chevy Trax years to avoid, the common problems associated with those years, and recommend the best years to consider for a reliable ride.

A Brief Overview of the Chevy Trax

Before diving into the problematic years, it’s helpful to understand what the Chevy Trax is and what it offers. Introduced globally in 2013 and launched in the U.S. in 2015, the Trax is built on GM’s Gamma II platform—the same one used by the Buick Encore and Opel Mokka.

The Trax aimed to give urban drivers a more compact alternative to the Chevy Equinox. Its size made it great for tight city streets, and its 1.4L turbocharged engine was tuned for fuel efficiency rather than outright speed. Over the years, the Trax saw various updates in styling, tech features, and safety systems, although major redesigns were few.

Chevy Trax Years to Avoid

While the Chevy Trax isn’t the worst vehicle in the subcompact SUV segment, certain model years suffered from notable issues, enough to steer buyers away. Below are the years you should avoid when looking for a used Trax.

1. 2015 Chevy Trax – The Debut Year Blues

The 2015 Chevy Trax marked its first entry into the U.S. market. Unfortunately, debut years for any model tend to carry more risks as automakers work out the kinks—and the Trax was no exception.

Common Problems:

Turbocharger failure: Many owners reported early turbo failure, which can cost well over $1,000 to fix.
Poor transmission behavior: Harsh shifting and transmission hesitation were frequently cited issues.
Infotainment glitches: The MyLink system in early Trax models often froze, lagged, or failed to pair with smartphones.
Noisy cabin: Road and wind noise was noticeably high, especially at highway speeds.

Because of these issues, the 2015 model has one of the lowest reliability scores and the highest number of customer complaints on platforms like CarComplaints and NHTSA.

2. 2016 Chevy Trax – Minor Improvements, Persistent Issues

While GM addressed a few of the 2015 model’s teething issues, the 2016 Chevy Trax didn’t improve enough to make it a confident purchase.

Common Problems:

Electrical gremlins: Owners complained about dashboard lights flickering, battery drain, and other minor but annoying electrical bugs.
Engine stalling: Several reports of unexpected stalling at stop signs or during idling.
Brake issues: Premature brake wear and occasional brake pedal stiffness were mentioned in forums and service bulletins.

The 2016 model year showed marginal improvement, but it still ranks low in owner satisfaction and long-term dependability.

3. 2017 Chevy Trax – A Styling Update, Same Old Problems

The 2017 Trax brought a significant refresh with a sleeker front end and improved cabin materials. Unfortunately, the mechanical issues persisted beneath the surface.

Common Problems:

Stalling and hesitation: The 1.4L turbo engine continued to experience lag and occasional loss of power.
Electrical issues: Problems with the vehicle’s computer system persisted, including false warning lights and backup camera malfunctions.
Check engine light: Frequent and premature triggering of CELs for sensor faults and emissions issues.

While it looked more appealing, the 2017 Trax didn’t fix many of the core issues affecting earlier models.

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

The main reason to avoid the 2015–2017 model years is overall reliability. These early years had:

Below-average J.D. Power ratings
Excessive customer complaints
Multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) and recalls
Frequent out-of-pocket repair costs for key components

If you’re looking for a used Trax, these years could cost more in maintenance over time than newer models that came with updated engineering and better build quality.

Common Issues in Problematic Chevy Trax Years

To better understand why certain years are best avoided, let’s explore some of the most frequent and costly issues reported by Trax owners during these years.

1. Turbocharger Failure

The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine was marketed as fuel-efficient and peppy. However, many units experienced premature turbo failure. This problem typically surfaces around 60,000–80,000 miles and results in poor engine performance, smoke from the exhaust, or high oil consumption.

2. Transmission Problems

Many 2015–2017 Trax owners reported rough or delayed shifting. In some cases, the transmission would fail completely, requiring a full rebuild or replacement, which could cost $3,000 or more.

3. Electrical System Bugs

From dimming interior lights to faulty instrument clusters, the electrical system in early Trax models had plenty of issues. Malfunctioning sensors would often trigger false alerts on the dashboard, leading to unnecessary visits to the dealership.

4. Engine Stalling

This issue typically occurred while idling at a light or stop sign, and while the cause varied (fuel injectors, ignition coils, or sensor faults), it was a common complaint in early model years.

5. Infotainment System Glitches

The Chevy MyLink system included with these vehicles often failed to connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto properly. Freezes, resets, and Bluetooth pairing issues were widely reported.

Best Chevy Trax Years to Buy

Thankfully, Chevy improved the Trax considerably in later years. If you’re searching for a reliable used Trax, consider these model years instead:

1. 2019 Chevy Trax

By 2019, most of the major bugs from earlier years had been ironed out. This year brought improved reliability, a more refined cabin, and enhanced safety tech. It also earned higher marks from J.D. Power and other review platforms.

2. 2020 Chevy Trax

The 2020 model offered much of the same benefits as 2019, with only minor feature tweaks. Its predictable handling and standard smartphone integration made it a favorite for young drivers and small families.

3. 2022 Chevy Trax

Although it didn’t undergo a full redesign, the 2022 Trax benefited from better engine tuning and modern safety equipment. It was also less prone to mechanical and electrical issues compared to its predecessors.

Tips for Buying a Used Chevy Trax

If you’re considering a used Chevy Trax, here are some key tips to ensure you get the best value:

1. Always Check the VIN

Use a VIN lookup tool to check the vehicle’s history, including past accidents, recalls, or title problems. Services like Carfax and AutoCheck provide detailed reports.

2. Ask for Service Records

A well-maintained Trax will have a history of oil changes, brake replacements, and scheduled maintenance. Avoid vehicles with gaps in their service history.

3. Test Drive Thoroughly

Pay attention to the transmission shifting, turbo responsiveness, and any warning lights. Also, test the infotainment system, camera, and Bluetooth functions.

4. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase. This can uncover hidden issues and help you negotiate a fair price.

Final Thoughts: Avoid the Early Years and Aim for Recent Models

The Chevy Trax has proven itself as a practical and budget-friendly option in the subcompact SUV segment, but not all model years offer the same level of reliability and performance. Early models especially 2015, 2016, and 2017 struggled with significant mechanical and electrical issues that could lead to costly repairs down the line. For that reason, it’s best to steer clear of these years when shopping for a used Trax.
Instead, focus your search on later models like the 2019, 2020, or 2022 Trax, which benefit from improved engineering, updated technology, and better owner satisfaction scores. By doing a little homework and avoiding the problematic years, you can enjoy the comfort, efficiency, and convenience that the Trax was designed to deliver without the unexpected headaches.
Ultimately, the key to making a smart purchase is understanding which years to avoid, inspecting the vehicle thoroughly, and choosing a model that has stood the test of time. Make an informed choice, and the Chevy Trax can still be a solid, dependable companion on the road.