Chevy Trax Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

The Chevy Trax is a subcompact SUV produced since 2013 that offers affordable entry into the crossover market — but three model years have turbo, transmission, and engine problems serious enough to avoid entirely.

Years to avoid are the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Chevy Trax. All three share the same 1.4L turbo Ecotec engine and 6-speed automatic transmission with documented failure patterns.

The 2013 and 2018 Chevy Trax earn CAUTION ratings for first-year teething problems and turbo oil leaks, respectively. The best years to buy are the 2019-2021 Gen1 models and the completely redesigned 2024+ Gen2.

I’ve reviewed the complaint data on every Trax model year, and here’s what the numbers actually show. 2015, 2016, and 2017 have the highest complaint rates of any Trax model years.

This article covers which Chevy Trax years to avoid, 2015 problems, 2016 problems, 2017 problems, 2013 caution, 2018 caution, common problems, reliability by year, recalls, best years to buy, overall reliability, and an inspection checklist.

Which Chevy Trax Years Should You Avoid?

The 2015, 2016, and 2017 Chevy Trax are the three model years to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint density for turbo failure, transmission shudder, and engine misfires.

Every AVOID year runs the same 1.4L turbo Ecotec engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Trax complaint pattern across these three years follows the same failure points.

The 2013 Chevy Trax earns CAUTION as the first model year with electrical teething problems. The 2018 earns CAUTION for oil leak complaints from turbo feed lines.

The 2019-2021 models and the 2024+ Gen2 redesign are the Chevy Trax years worth buying. Engineering updates resolved the core turbo and transmission issues.

Let’s start with the worst offender — the 2015 Trax.

What Problems Does the 2015 Chevy Trax Have?

The 2015 Chevy Trax has the highest complaint count of any model year. The 1.4L turbo Ecotec engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and engine management all had serious issues.

Turbo failure from wastegate and bearing wear hits at 40,000-70,000 miles. Replacement costs $1,500-$2,500 for the Chevy Trax turbocharger assembly.

Transmission shudder starts as early as 20,000 miles and escalates to harsh jerking during low-speed acceleration. Repair runs $1,500-$3,000 depending on torque converter damage.

PCV valve failure causes excessive oil consumption at 30,000-50,000 miles. The PCV issue often precedes turbo failure by contaminating the turbo bearings with oil.

Engine power loss during highway driving is the most dangerous complaint. The 2015 Trax loses boost pressure without warning at freeway speeds.

For a car that cost $20K new, a $2,500 turbo replacement at 50,000 miles is a dealbreaker.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID The 2015 Trax is the worst year in the lineup. Turbo, transmission, and engine problems all hit at once. Skip it.

The 2016 Trax didn’t fix the problems.

Does the 2015 Trax Have Turbo Problems?

Yes. The 2015 Chevy Trax has documented turbo problems with the 1.4L Ecotec engine. Wastegate failure and bearing wear cause boost loss, excessive oil consumption, and complete turbo failure at 40,000-70,000 miles.

PCV valve failure ($200-$400 repair) often starts the chain reaction in the 2015 Trax. A failing PCV allows oil to contaminate the turbo, accelerating bearing wear.

Turbo replacement on the Chevy Trax runs $1,500-$2,500 at independent shops. Dealer pricing pushes above $3,000 in many cases.

Blue or white smoke from the exhaust is the telltale sign. That smoke means the turbo seals are already compromised on the 2015 Trax.

Is the 2015 Trax Transmission Reliable?

No. The 2015 Chevy Trax 6-speed automatic transmission is one of the least reliable components. Owners report shuddering, jerking during low-speed acceleration, and harsh shifts starting as early as 20,000 miles.

Torque converter issues are the primary cause of the 2015 Trax transmission shudder. The converter fails to lock up cleanly, creating vibration through the drivetrain.

Repair costs range from $1,500-$3,000 for torque converter replacement. Full transmission replacement on the Chevy Trax costs $3,000-$4,500 when damage spreads beyond the converter.

A fluid change ($200) sometimes delays the shudder. It does not fix the underlying torque converter problem in the 2015 Trax.

What Problems Does the 2016 Chevy Trax Have?

The 2016 Chevy Trax carries the same turbo and transmission problems as the 2015, with continued reports of engine power loss during highway driving and transmission shudder that GM never fully resolved.

Transmission shudder hits at 25,000-55,000 miles in the 2016 Trax. The same torque converter issue from 2015 persists without a redesign.

Turbo lag and boost loss appear at 40,000-60,000 miles. The 2016 Chevy Trax wastegate and bearing assembly uses the same failure-prone design as the 2015.

Excessive oil consumption from the PCV system continues at 30,000-50,000 miles. Electrical issues including battery drain and infotainment resets add to the complaint list.

The 2016 is not an improvement over the 2015 — GM didn’t fix the underlying turbo and transmission issues on the Chevy Trax.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID Same problems as the 2015, same repair bills. Skip the 2016 too.

The 2017 improved slightly, but not enough.

Does the 2016 Trax Stall While Driving?

Yes. The 2016 Chevy Trax has documented cases of sudden engine power loss and stalling during highway driving. These incidents typically occur at 35,000-65,000 miles.

The stalling links to turbo system and fuel delivery issues in the 2016 Trax. Loss of boost pressure at highway speed is a serious safety concern.

NHTSA complaint data includes multiple reports of 2016 Trax stalling in traffic. Some owners report the engine restarting after pulling over; others required a tow.

What Problems Does the 2017 Chevy Trax Have?

The 2017 Chevy Trax is the third year to avoid. Transmission problems persist and engine misfires — particularly cylinders 1 and 3 — add a new complaint category not prominent in 2015-2016.

Engine misfires in the 2017 Trax appear at 35,000-55,000 miles. Repair costs $500-$1,500 depending on whether ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors are involved.

Turbo lag under load continues from the 2015-2016 pattern. The 2017 Chevy Trax uses the same 1.4L turbo Ecotec with the same boost delivery problems.

Transmission hesitation at low speeds persists. GM made some improvements for 2017, but the core turbo and transmission platform was identical.

The misfires were a new wrinkle that pushed the 2017 Chevy Trax into avoid territory alongside the 2015-2016.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID Transmission problems persist and engine misfires make this another year to skip.

The 2013 Trax was the first model year with its own issues.

What About the 2013 Chevy Trax?

The 2013 Chevy Trax was the first model year on the market. Like most first-year vehicles, it came with electrical teething problems and minor engine hesitation — not dealbreakers, but worth knowing about.

The Gen1 Trax launched on GM’s Gamma II platform. First-year risk means unresolved production tolerances and untested real-world durability.

• Electrical system glitches — gauges and warning lights behaving erratically
• Infotainment freezing — black screen and unresponsive touchscreen
• Minor engine hesitation — brief power lag from stop
• Wind noise at highway speeds — poor cabin sealing

The 2013 isn’t terrible — these are first-year issues, not design flaws. The 2019-2021 Chevy Trax models are more refined for similar money.

Frank’s Verdict: CAUTION First model year teething problems. Not a disaster, but the 2019+ is a safer bet.

The 2018 Trax had its own minor concerns.

What Problems Does the 2018 Chevy Trax Have?

The 2018 Chevy Trax has oil leak complaints from turbo oil feed and return lines, plus minor engine hesitation on cold starts — not as bad as 2015-2017, but enough to warrant caution.

Oil leaks from turbo lines appear at 40,000-60,000 miles in the 2018 Trax. Repair costs $400-$800 for gasket and line replacement.

Engine hesitation on cold starts is a common complaint. The issue resolves once the Chevy Trax reaches operating temperature, but it’s annoying in winter climates.

Minor transmission shift quality complaints round out the 2018 Trax problem list. These are far less severe than the 2015-2017 shudder.

The 2018 is a lot better than 2015-2017, but the turbo oil leak issue can lead to bigger problems if ignored. The 2019-2021 Chevy Trax resolved this.

Frank’s Verdict: CAUTION Oil leaks from turbo lines are a nuisance. The 2019+ is cleaner.

These per-year problems feed into larger patterns.

What Are the Most Common Chevy Trax Problems?

The most common Chevy Trax problems across all model years are 1.4L turbo Ecotec failures, 6-speed automatic transmission shudder, engine misfires, and PCV valve issues — with severity concentrated in 2015-2017 models.

The Trax’s problems are all affordable-car problems — they’re not exotic failures. A $2,500 turbo on a $15,000 car is still a big percentage of its value.

These Chevy Trax problem patterns map directly onto the year-by-year reliability picture.

Are Chevy Trax Transmission Problems Serious?

Chevy Trax transmission problems range from annoying shudder fixable with a $200 fluid change to severe torque converter failures requiring $1,500-$3,000 in repairs. The 2015-2017 models are most affected.

Shudder is the warning sign in the Chevy Trax 6-speed automatic. Caught early, a fluid change may delay the damage. Ignored, the torque converter deteriorates.

Full transmission replacement on the Trax costs $3,000-$4,500 when the torque converter damage spreads. That bill exceeds the car’s value in many cases.

What Turbo Problems Do Chevy Trax Models Have?

Chevy Trax turbo problems center on the 1.4L Ecotec engine’s wastegate and bearing assembly. Premature failure causes boost loss, oil burning, and check engine lights primarily in 2015-2017 models.

PCV valve failure often starts the problem. Oil contamination from a failed PCV accelerates turbo bearing wear in the Chevy Trax.

The turbo failure sequence runs: PCV fails, oil enters turbo, bearings wear, wastegate sticks, boost drops, turbo dies. The 2015-2017 Trax follows this pattern repeatedly.

How Reliable Is the Chevy Trax by Year?

Chevy Trax reliability improves dramatically from the early Gen1 models (2015-2017, rated 3-4/10) to the proven late Gen1 (2019-2021, rated 7/10) and the completely redesigned Gen2 (2024+).

The 2024 Chevy Trax is essentially a different car — new platform, new engine, new transmission. Don’t judge it by the 2015’s reputation.

Before buying, check the recall history.

Has the Chevy Trax Been Recalled?

The Chevy Trax has been subject to several NHTSA recalls, with the most significant affecting steering, airbag, and suspension components in 2015-2018 models.

Source: NHTSA recall database, verified 2026-03-07.

The 2015-2018 Chevy Trax control arm recall is particularly serious — suspension separation at speed is a safety hazard. Verify this recall is completed on any used Trax before buying.

Now that you know what to avoid, here are the years worth buying.

What Are the Best Chevy Trax Years to Buy?

The best Chevy Trax years to buy used are the 2019-2020 (refined Gen1), the 2021 (final proven Gen1), and the 2024+ (completely redesigned Gen2) — all with significantly lower complaint rates than the problematic 2015-2017 models.

• 2021 Chevy Trax — Frank’s TOP PICK. Final Gen1 with all turbo and transmission fixes applied. Lowest complaint rates in the Gen1 lineup.
• 2020 Chevy Trax — Nearly identical to 2021. Excellent value as prices drop faster than the newer model.
• 2019 Chevy Trax — First year where most turbo and transmission issues were resolved through engineering updates.
• 2024+ Chevy Trax — Completely redesigned Gen2 on GM’s VSS-F platform. New 1.2L turbo three-cylinder and CVT.

If I were buying a used Trax today and budget was tight, I’d get the 2021. Turbo and transmission issues were resolved, and prices are bargain-level.

A 2021 Chevy Trax costs less than a 2015 with fewer miles. That’s how bad the 2015 depreciated — and the 2021 is a much better car. Check our Chevrolet reliability guide for more on the brand’s best models.

Is the 2021 Chevy Trax Worth Buying Used?

Yes. The 2021 Chevy Trax is the most refined Gen1 model. Turbo and transmission issues were largely resolved through years of engineering updates and software patches.

The 2021 Trax represents the best value in the used Trax market. Prices sit below the problematic early years because buyers don’t realize how much improved it is.

Complaint data for the 2021 Chevy Trax shows minimal issues compared to the 2015-2017 cluster. The same 1.4L turbo is more reliable after six years of fixes.

Is the 2024 Chevy Trax a Good Buy?

Yes. The 2024 Chevy Trax is a completely redesigned Gen2 model on GM’s new VSS-F platform. A new 1.2L turbo three-cylinder engine and CVT replace the problematic 1.4L and 6-speed automatic.

The Gen2 Trax shares nothing with the Gen1 underneath. New platform, new engine, new transmission means a fresh reliability start for the Chevy Trax nameplate.

Starting price under $22,000 makes the 2024 Trax one of the most affordable new SUVs on sale. Early reliability data shows significantly fewer complaints than any Gen1 year.

Is the Chevy Trax a Reliable SUV Overall?

The Chevy Trax has a mixed reliability record. Early Gen1 models (2015-2017) are below average for the subcompact segment. Late Gen1 (2019-2021) and the Gen2 (2024+) compete favorably with the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona.

The Trax followed the same pattern as the Chevy Equinox — rough start, strong finish. GM tends to fix problems over time rather than getting it right on launch.

The Honda HR-V offers more consistent reliability across all years. The Hyundai Kona matches the late Gen1 Trax with a stronger warranty. Read our Honda HR-V years to avoid and Hyundai Tucson years to avoid guides for the full comparison.

The Chevy Trax earns a recommendation only for the right model years. Pick 2019-2021 or 2024+, and you get a reliable subcompact SUV at a price that undercuts the competition.

How Do You Inspect a Used Chevy Trax Before Buying?

Check these seven items before buying any used Chevy Trax to avoid the most common and expensive problems reported by owners.

1. Listen for turbo whine or whistle under load. The 2015-2017 Chevy Trax develops wastegate and bearing wear that produces a distinct metallic whine during acceleration.

2. Test the transmission in stop-and-go traffic. Drive the Trax through parking lots and residential streets. Shudder or jerking at low speeds indicates torque converter problems ($1,500-$3,000).

3. Check the oil level on a cold engine. Low oil on the Chevy Trax may indicate PCV valve failure or turbo seal leaks. Both lead to expensive repairs if ignored.

4. Drive at highway speed and watch for power loss. The 2015-2017 Trax has documented cases of sudden boost loss at freeway speeds. Test for at least 10 minutes at 65+ mph.

5. Check for engine misfires at idle. The 2017 Chevy Trax is prone to cylinder 1 and 3 misfires. A rough idle or slight vibration at rest is the warning sign.

6. Verify recall completion. Use the NHTSA recall database and enter the Trax VIN. The control arm recall (19V652000) is critical for 2015-2018 models.

7. Request full service history. Frequent oil top-offs between changes confirm active oil consumption on the Chevy Trax. Regular maintenance records are a green flag.

These aren’t random suggestions. Each item targets a specific Trax problem documented in this article. For a complete process, read our used car buying guide.