Last updated: 2026-03-04

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Chevrolet Trax

2019 Chevrolet Trax Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 123 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is 2 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.

Recalls

2

Complaints

123

Complaint Rate

10.5

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$488

About avg

Major Repair Risk

12%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
64/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
80/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
85/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)SUSPENSION (18)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)

2 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2019 is 2 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.

  • Year 5 in the First generation (U200) (2015–2022).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 1st generation Trax (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

First generation (U200)

2015redesign
2016
2017refresh
2018
2019selected
2020
2021
2022

Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 2 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.

With 123 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (21). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Chevrolet Trax, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2018 Chevrolet Trax for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (12%)
  • Low recall count

Cons

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (21 complaints)
  • SUSPENSION: Broken strut mounts and control arms (18 complaints)

Compare 2019 Chevrolet Trax With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
  • SUSPENSION (18)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)
  • STEERING (13)
  • ENGINE (11)
  • POWER TRAIN (9)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (8)
  • WHEELS (6)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4)
  • AIR BAGS (3)
  • EQUIPMENT (3)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
  • STRUCTURE (2)
  • TIRES (2)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
  • SEAT BELTS (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
  • SEATS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

10.5

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 20.3

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

8

Fires

2

Injuries

8

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Chevrolet Trax Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V3120002019-04-18

SUSPENSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle.

Consequence

A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.

18V7740002018-11-01

AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

2019 Chevrolet Trax NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 19.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet Trax Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$488

vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Trax
$488
Category Avg
$466
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Chevrolet Trax

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect turbocharger for cracks or signs of failure
  • Check instrument cluster and infotainment system for functionality
  • Test air conditioning system for burning odors or malfunctions
  • Examine suspension components for noise or damage
  • Verify brake system operation and check for extended stopping distances
  • Look for signs of coolant leaks or high consumption
  • Ensure steering operates smoothly without pulling to one side

Check Any 2019 Chevrolet Trax's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Trax in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Trax with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Chevrolet Trax Common Problems by Component

123 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

21
18
15
13
22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)SUSPENSION (18)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)STEERING (13)ENGINE (11)POWER TRAIN (9)SERVICE BRAKES (8)WHEELS (6)Other (22)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly with the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Common symptoms include the instrument cluster failing to display critical information like speed and mileage, and the infotainment screen turning black or malfunctioning, affecting the backup camera and phone connectivity. These issues are often reported around 21,100 to 84,500 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe recurring problems with the air conditioning system, such as burning odors and component failures, sometimes leading to melted parts and potential fire hazards. These electrical and A/C issues can impact vehicle operation and safety, especially in terms of visibility and climate control.

21 complaints total

SUSPENSION

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's suspension, particularly involving broken strut mounts and control arms. Common symptoms include squeaky sounds over bumps, the vehicle pulling to the right, and popping or clunking noises during turns. Several complaints note these problems occurring around 8,000 to 22,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two crashes reported, one involving an injury, and instances of sudden loss of control while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these suspension concerns, especially if considering a vehicle within this mileage range.

18 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, including coolant leaks, radio malfunctions, and problems with the heating system. Complaints frequently mention the need to refill coolant multiple times a month due to undetected leaks, with one owner replacing the coolant pump without resolution. Multiple owners describe radio and stereo display issues, such as the display not working or failing to connect via Bluetooth, often unresolved by dealers. Additionally, some owners experience heater failures, with parts on back-order, and others report brake failures, including grinding noises and inability to stop, posing potential safety risks. A notable case involves a vehicle fire, which occurred while the car was parked, though the cause was undetermined. These issues appear across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 5,734 miles.

15 complaints total1 fire
STEERING (13 complaints)

STEERING

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's steering, including the steering pulling to the left or right, often requiring constant correction to maintain a straight path. Several complaints describe the power steering failing, especially in cold temperatures, leading to a stiff steering wheel or complete loss of steering capability. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles, and one incident involving a crash and injury when the power steering failed at approximately 102,000 miles. Additionally, some owners mention repeated dealership visits without resolution, and in one case, a steering column module failure required replacement. Safety implications are evident, with one crash reported due to steering failure, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.

13 complaints total1 crash1 injury
ENGINE (11 complaints)

ENGINE

11 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to the turbocharger, with multiple complaints mentioning cracks or failures around 50,000 miles, leading to acceleration problems and engine codes like P0299. Another common issue involves the engine running rough, particularly after refueling, often linked to the evaporative emissions purge valve, with some owners experiencing coolant leaks and suspected head gasket failures. Symptoms such as engine shaking, reduced power, and warning lights like "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service StabiliTrak" are noted, often occurring at speeds around 40-60 mph. Safety implications are suggested by reports of loss of acceleration and difficulty maintaining speed, which could pose risks in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly if considering a vehicle with higher mileage.

11 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (9 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the turbocharger, particularly around and after 79,000 miles. Symptoms include the vehicle stalling, inability to accelerate, excessive exhaust smoke, and the check engine light illuminating. Multiple complaints mention the turbocharger failing soon after being replaced, with some citing oil-related issues. Additionally, a fire incident is reported where the engine caught fire due to a broken and empty transfer case, highlighting a significant safety concern. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues with the power train components, which prospective buyers may want to consider, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.

9 complaints total1 fire
SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several brake-related issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, including extended stopping distances and brakes self-applying, often around 7,500 to 55,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention a failure of the brake pedal to engage properly, leading to crashes in three instances, with two incidents resulting in injuries. Some owners describe warning messages like "Service Brake Assist" and "ABS Service Soon" appearing without clear resolution from service visits. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of brake failure leading to loss of control and collisions. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially at higher mileages, and verify any repairs or recalls have been addressed.

8 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries
WHEELS (6 complaints)

WHEELS

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with rapid tire wear and defects leading to safety concerns. Complaints describe tires becoming bald or nearly bare at low mileages, with some owners experiencing this as early as 350 miles and others around 24,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of sudden tire blowouts, including one instance where the inner wall of a tire exploded. One owner mentions a front driver-side ball joint failure, causing the wheel to rotate unexpectedly while turning, which could pose a significant safety risk if occurring at higher speeds. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as loss of control, and may require further investigation for those considering purchasing a used model.

6 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly involving turbocharger malfunctions. Common symptoms include reduced acceleration, lack of power, and the illumination of the check engine light, with some owners specifically noting code P0299 for turbo underboost. Complaints also describe the engine running roughly, sputtering, and making unusual noises, often accompanied by the stability control warning light. One report mentions unintended acceleration when braking. Mileage is not consistently mentioned, but one owner notes issues shortly after purchase. These symptoms can lead to significant safety concerns, such as difficulty maintaining highway speeds and challenges in lane changing, potentially impacting driver control.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax report issues with airbag deployment, particularly in crash situations. One complaint describes a collision where the steering wheel airbag did not deploy, resulting in a concussion and burns for the driver, with the vehicle being totaled at approximately 130,000 miles. Another owner reports the driver's airbag deploying with excessive force, causing a second-degree burn on the left forearm. Additionally, a separate complaint highlights a prolonged delay in airbag recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with the vehicle being at the dealership for over 100 days. These issues suggest potential safety concerns related to airbag performance and availability, especially in crash scenarios.

3 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

When Do 2019 Chevrolet Trax Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–79,000 milesTurbocharger failures
21,100–84,500 milesElectrical system failures
8,000–22,000 milesSuspension issues

Best & Worst Chevrolet Trax Years

Best Chevrolet Trax Years to Buy

The best Chevrolet Trax year is 2025 with a reliability score of 85/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (81/100) and 2021 (81/100).

Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid

No Chevrolet Trax years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.

See full Chevrolet Trax years-to-avoid analysis →

Chevrolet Trax Reliability Score Trend

Chevrolet Trax reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 80/100.

avg 80
18
19
20
21
22
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Trax reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201875/100Good
201975/100Good
202081/100Excellent
202181/100Excellent
202281/100Excellent
202480/100Excellent
202585/100Excellent

Chevrolet Trax Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202682/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202585/100+5Excellent061
202480/100-1Excellent1125
202281/1000Excellent09
202181/1000Excellent018
202081/100+6Excellent080
2019(selected)75/1000Good2123
201875/100Good293

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 123 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21 complaints), SUSPENSION (18 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15 complaints), STEERING (13 complaints), ENGINE (11 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have?
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax has estimated annual repair costs of $488/year, which is $22 more than the subcompact SUVs average of $466. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue