Last updated: 2026-04-20
2 Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid
Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Trax average of 81/100
The Chevrolet Trax years to avoid are 2019, 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 75/100. The best Chevrolet Trax year to buy is 2026 88/100.
Verdict
The 2019, 2018 Chevrolet Trax score significantly below the model average of 81/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 75/100 due to electrical system (21) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 81/100.
Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid
These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Trax average of 81/100.
Why These Years Should Be Avoided
2019 Chevrolet Trax
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 123 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (21), Suspension (18), Unknown Or Other (15).
Top issues: Electrical System (21), Suspension (18), Unknown Or Other (15), Steering (13), Engine (11), Power Train (9)
View full 2019reliability report →2018 Chevrolet Trax
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 93 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Suspension (29), Electrical System (14), Engine (12).
Top issues: Suspension (29), Electrical System (14), Engine (12), Power Train (9), Unknown Or Other (9), Steering (7)
View full 2018reliability report →What Are Common Chevrolet Trax Problems?
Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Trax model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
116 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
ENGINE
65 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
59 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
SUSPENSION
54 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
POWER TRAIN
40 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
STEERING
29 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
Best Chevrolet Trax Year to Buy Instead
2020 Chevrolet Trax
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 80 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (13), Engine (11), Power Train (11).
Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car
Even the best Chevrolet Trax year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
All Chevrolet Trax Years by Generation
All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.
Chevrolet Trax Reliability Scores by Year
First generation (U200) (2015–2022)
2020 Chevrolet Trax
0 recalls · 80 complaints
2021 Chevrolet Trax
0 recalls · 18 complaints
2022 Chevrolet Trax
0 recalls · 9 complaints
2018 Chevrolet Trax
2 recalls · 93 complaints
2019 Chevrolet Trax
2 recalls · 123 complaints
Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Chevrolet Trax years should you avoid?
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Trax?
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Trax have?
Is a used Chevrolet Trax worth buying?
What are common Chevrolet Trax problems?
Is the Chevrolet Trax reliable long-term?
Which Chevrolet Trax generation is most reliable?
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Trax?
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Trax a good used buy?
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.
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