Chevy Trax Problems: 9 Most-Known Issues (Explained)

The Chevy Trax is a great car and has many features that make it a good choice for a first car.

The first one was introduced in 2015, and there have been several different models since then. The most recent one was introduced in 2019.

However, some common problems have been reported by owners that you should be aware of before making your purchase.

Check our article first on how long the Chevy Trax models last. We also have an article on statistics and facts about the Chevy Trax.

Typical Features of the Chevy Trax

This car features a 1.4 liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower.

It is available in both front and all-wheel drive. Chevy offers a six-speed automatic transmission on most models, but a manual is available on the base model.

There are three different trim levels available: the base LS, the mid-level LT, and the top-of-the-line Premier.

The LS comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and a six-speaker sound system.

The LT adds on roof rails, remote start, satellite radio, and upgraded upholstery. The Premier trim level includes all of the previous features plus heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a sunroof.

There are also several different optional features available, including navigation, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

Problems with the Chevy Trax

However, some common problems have been reported by Chevy Trax owners. These include:

1) Body Roll

One of the most common problems reported by owners of the Chevy Trax is that the car has a lot of body roll.

This means that the car tends to lean to one side when making turns or going around corners.

This can be quite dangerous and makes the car less enjoyable to drive.

Drivers normally experience this when driving models that are not equipped with the all-wheel drive option.

2) Transmission Issues

Another common problem with the Chevy Trax is that the transmission can have issues. This is most commonly reported in models that have manual transmission.

Some drivers have reported that their car will jerk or hesitate when they are trying to shift gears. This can be quite dangerous and makes the car difficult to drive.

Other drivers have reported that their car will not shift into reverse.

This can be very frustrating, especially if you are trying to park in a tight space.

Check also: The best & worst Chevy Trax years.

3) Oil Leaks

In some cases, the Chevy Trax tends to leak oil.

This is most commonly reported in models that have the turbocharged engine.

The oil leaks can cause the engine to run less efficiently and can even damage other parts of the car. In some cases, it can also lead to fires.

If you notice that your car is leaking oil, it is important to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible to have it fixed. Signs of oil leaks include dark spots on the ground where you park your car, or smoke coming from under the hood.

4) Wheel Alignment Issues

Some owners have reported that their Chevy Trax tends to pull to one side when driving.

This is most likely due to an issue with the wheel alignment.

If you notice that your car is pulling to one side, first check the tires to see if they are properly inflated. If they are, then you will need to take your car to a mechanic to have the alignment checked.

5) Squeaks and Rattles

A few owners of the Chevy Trax say that the car tends to squeak and rattle over bumps.

This is most commonly reported in models that are equipped with the all-wheel-drive option.

This can be quite annoying and can make the car less enjoyable to drive.

If you notice that your car is making these noises, a professional will need to check for any loose parts.

6) Wind Noise

What is Wind Noise? Wind noise is a common problem with many cars, and the Chevy Trax is no exception. This is caused by the wind passing over the car’s body and creating turbulence.

This can be quite annoying, especially on long drives.

If you notice that your car is making this noise, you may temporarily reduce it by closing the windows and sunroof.

However, if the noise is still present, you may need to take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.

7) Coolant

Another common problem with the Chevy Trax is that it can leak coolant.

This is most commonly reported in models that have the turbocharged engine.

The coolant leaks can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to serious damage. In some cases, it can even cause the car to catch on fire.

The company dealt with this issue by issuing a recall for certain models.

8) Engine Problems

In some cases, the Chevy Trax can have problems with the engine. This is most commonly reported in models that have the turbocharged engine.

Some drivers have reported that their car will stall or shut off while they are driving.

Other drivers have reported that their car will not start at all.

You may have an issue with speed, such as speed declining when you are accelerating. Some drivers in the forums have reported issues maintaining highway speed.

9) Driving Uphill

Some owners of the Chevy Trax have reported that their car has trouble driving uphill.

Issues going uphill may result from a lack of power.

One owner in the forums said that their car could not make it up a hill without downshifting to a lower gear. Another said that their car had trouble going up hills when the air conditioning was on.

One solution that has been suggested is to turn the air conditioning off when driving uphill.

Another solution is to use a higher gear when going uphill.

10) Long Drives

If you like to take long drives, the Chevy Trax may not be the best car for you. This is because the car has a tendency to overheat, especially in models that have the turbocharged engine.

In some cases, the car will actually shut off while you are driving. This can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to be aware of this problem.

If you do decide to take a long drive in your Chevy Trax, it is important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

If it starts to get too hot, you should pull over and turn off the engine.

You should also have a coolant reservoir on hand, just in case your car starts to leak coolant.

Recalls

The Chevy Trax has been recalled several times since it was first introduced.

The most recent recall was in 2019 and affected the 2019 model year.

The recall affected certain models that were equipped with the turbocharged engine. The recall was issued due to an issue with the coolant system.

Pros and Cons

Pros

People who choose the Chevy Trax like it for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and high-tech features. The car is also reasonably priced and offers good value for the money.

Some people also appreciate the fact that the Chevy Trax is a relatively small car. This makes it easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

It is also good on gas, which can save you money in the long run.

Cons

While people do have reasons for liking this car, there are concerns as mentioned above.

Here is a summary of those issues:

• Tire alignment issues
• Suspension problems
• Squeaks and rattles
• Wind noise
• Coolant leaks
• Engine problems
• Driving uphill
• Not comfortable for long drives
• Recalls

What Do The Reviews Say?

According to an issue reported on Carcomplaints.com,

“While driving the service stability light goes on, the engine will go from whatever speed I am going then lose acceleration completely and automatically jump back up to the speed I was going making the car jolt and the power steering freezes up for no reason.The vehicle has been in the shop 3 times for this issue(11/27/19 12/14/19 & 4/23/20).”

A recent review on Edmunds.com gave the car praise after a test drive.

This driver states,

“My wife and I went for a test drive and this vehicle is just fine with great value…. the power is just fine. I would say peppy in traffic and adequate on the highway. This is a subcompact SUV not a V- 8 powered SUV. …For me this vehicle is being underrated, we are buying one.”

Resale Prices

The average price for a used Chevy Trax is around $12,500.

This price will vary depending on the model year, mileage, and condition of the car. A new 2022 will cost about $23,000.

This car will depreciate in value by 56% after five years. 2019 is considered the best year model of this car.

The 2018 and 2020 models also rank well in terms of value.

Maintenance Tips

When you own a Chevy Trax, it is important to keep up with the maintenance. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups.

It is also important to keep an eye on the coolant level and make sure there are no leaks. If you do have a leak, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Frequent maintenance will help to extend the life of your car and prevent major problems from occurring.

Go back to see problems for all Chevrolet models.

Final Thoughts

The Chevy Trax is a great car and has many features that make it a good choice for a first car.

However, there are some common problems that you should be aware of before making your purchase.

If you are considering buying a Chevy Trax, it is important to do your research and be aware of the potential issues. You should also have a budget for maintenance and repairs.

Despite the potential problems, the Chevy Trax is still a good car and can be a great choice for the right person. You have different models to choose from based on your needs.

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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.