Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Chevrolet Trax Reliability Report
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax scores 81/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 80 owner complaints.
Recalls
0
Complaints
80
Complaint Rate
7.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$488
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13)
- ENGINE (11)
- POWER TRAIN (11)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 3 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
- Year 6 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.
2015: First generation (U200) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 3 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax earns an Excellent 81/100 reliability score. 2020 is 3 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
At 7.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2021 Chevrolet Trax, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Chevrolet Trax for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +No recalls issued
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (13 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2020 Chevrolet Trax With
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13)
- ENGINE (11)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2020 Chevrolet Trax — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2020 Chevrolet Trax? Check its history first
Every 2020 Chevrolet Trax has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Chevrolet Trax NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.8%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet TraxRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Chevrolet Trax Resale Value
The Chevrolet Trax is estimated to retain about 57.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Chevrolet Trax model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.
- Value Retained
- 57.3%
- Depreciation
- 42.7%
- Listings Analyzed
- 229
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Chevrolet Trax depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,650–$2,800/yr
Fuel + repair
24–26 city / 29–31 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax FWD 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Trax AWD 1.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Chevrolet Trax.
Inspect instrument cluster for display glitches or blackouts
Check for signs of coolant leaks or overheating in the engine
Test brakes for locking or pressure issues during a drive
Verify turbocharger condition and listen for unusual engine noises
Ensure air bags deploy correctly and check for related recalls
Test Hill Assist function on an incline to ensure proper operation
2020 Chevrolet Trax Common Problems by Component
80 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly problems with the instrument cluster display. Multiple complaints describe the display intermittently going black or glitching, which can obscure critical information like speed and mileage. This issue often emerges around 30,000 to 88,000 miles. Additionally, some reports mention excessive heat from the dashboard screen and interior lights, with at least one instance of melting components. Safety concerns arise from these electrical issues, including a crash related to undisclosed vehicle history and a seatbelt unlatching during a dashboard blackout. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues that prospective buyers should consider.
ENGINE
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Chevrolet Trax's engine, with turbocharger failures being notably frequent. Complaints frequently mention loss of power, inability to accelerate over certain speeds, and activation of limp mode, particularly in cold weather conditions. These issues often arise at various mileage points, from as low as 100 miles to over 149,000 miles. Additionally, overheating problems are cited, often linked to coolant leaks and water pump failures, sometimes leading to engine damage. A significant safety concern is highlighted by a reported incident involving a fire, resulting in a total vehicle loss. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially if considering a vehicle that has been used in colder climates.
POWER TRAIN
11 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission, including symptoms such as hesitation to switch gears, jerking at various speeds, and slipping out of gear. These issues are often accompanied by a lack of acceleration and, in some cases, the inability to maintain control when brakes lock unexpectedly, posing potential safety risks. Complaints often arise at varying mileages, with some issues reported as early as approximately 13 miles and others around 47,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the Hill Assist function failing, leading to the vehicle rolling backward. Buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission and power-related concerns, which may affect the driving experience and safety.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax report several recurring issues related to vehicle performance and electronic systems. Complaints frequently mention problems with the digital display cluster failing, which affects the ability to view speed and other critical information. Multiple owners describe hesitation during acceleration, with some experiencing this issue repeatedly without resolution, leading to unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, several reports involve the "Service Stabilitrak" alert, often accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of power steering or brake locking, posing potential safety risks. These issues are observed in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 32,000 to 58,000 miles. Buyers considering a used Chevrolet Trax should be aware of these reported issues and the associated safety implications.
SUSPENSION (7 complaints)
SUSPENSION
7 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax frequently report issues related to the vehicle's suspension and braking systems. Several complaints describe the brakes locking up unexpectedly, often accompanied by traction control and Stabilitrak warnings, with some incidents occurring at high speeds on highways. These issues are noted at mileages ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Additionally, owners mention symptoms such as a pronounced bump when accelerating from a stop and the vehicle rolling backward on inclines, indicating potential problems with hill assist functionality. The safety implications are significant, as multiple owners express fear of collisions or loss of vehicle control, particularly in traffic or near large vehicles.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax report issues with air bag deployment, particularly in crash situations. Complaints frequently mention air bags failing to deploy during collisions, with three incidents involving injuries. One owner describes a failure of the passenger's occupant detection system to recognize a seated passenger. The reported issues occur at low mileages, with specific complaints at around 518 and 4,700 miles. These air bag malfunctions have significant safety implications, as they are associated with crashes and injuries, including a broken nose and spinal injuries.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax report several brake-related issues, primarily involving brakes locking unexpectedly and brake pressure failures. Complaints frequently mention incidents where brakes lock up while driving, even at high speeds, with some owners indicating that the electronic brake control module may be involved. Another common issue involves a loss of brake pressure, potentially linked to a brake line failure, resulting in the brake pedal going to the floor and an inability to stop the vehicle. These problems are reported to occur without warning, posing significant safety risks, including near-collision scenarios. While specific mileage details are not consistently reported, the nature of these issues suggests potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax report several steering-related issues. Commonly described symptoms include the steering wheel seizing or turning independently, often leading to a loss of vehicle control. Two complaints involve crashes, one of which occurred when the steering wheel turned right and seized, resulting in a collision with a parked vehicle. Another crash is reported with unspecified suspension failure leading to loss of control. Some owners also mention issues with control arms and tie rod ends, with problems arising around 23,300 to 28,000 miles. These reports frequently highlight safety implications, including potential crashes due to steering and suspension failures.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2020 Chevrolet Trax's vehicle speed control, particularly related to the vehicle entering "limp mode," which limits speed to approximately 9 mph. This is often accompanied by a diagnostic code indicating a problem with the accelerator pedal position sensor and throttle position sensor. Another complaint involves reduced acceleration performance when using premium gasoline, with one owner noting a lower RPM and delayed acceleration. While the mileage is not consistently mentioned, these issues can pose safety risks, especially in inclement weather or on inclines, as the vehicle's ability to maintain speed and control is compromised. No crashes or fires have been reported, but the described symptoms could lead to hazardous situations.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Trax report issues with the wiper system, primarily involving the wiper motor and blades. Complaints frequently mention wiper motors failing repeatedly, with one owner experiencing three replacements within a few months, indicating potential durability concerns. Another owner describes a wiper blade malfunction where the silicone peels off and the blade breaks, posing a potential safety risk, especially in adverse weather conditions. The reported mileage at the time of repairs varies, with one case noted at 48,568 miles. These issues highlight potential reliability concerns for used car buyers, particularly in regions with frequent rain or snow.
When Do 2020 Chevrolet Trax Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Trax Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chevrolet Trax Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chevrolet Trax year is 2026 with a reliability score of 88/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (85/100) and 2022 (81/100).
Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Trax year is 2019 with a score of 75/100, primarily due to electrical system (21) issues. Also avoid 2018 (75/100).
Chevrolet Trax Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Trax reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 84/100 compared to 78/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 85/100 | Excellent |
| 2026 | 88/100 | Excellent |
Chevrolet Trax Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Trax?
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Trax have?
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Trax expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Chevrolet Trax without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chevrolet Trax.
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