Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 81/100

Skip the 2018 and 2019 Trax. Both years show cracked front lower control arms, failing dash screens, and engine or steering trouble in owner complaints. The 2022 is the better buy, with a much lower complaint rate and no recalls on record.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 75/1002018 75/100
Buy
2022 81/100
Model average
81/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Chevrolet Trax Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Trax average of 81/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201975/100Good2123Electrical System (21)
2201875/100Good293Suspension (29)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Chevrolet Trax

Electrical faults lead here. Instrument cluster and center screens go white or black, taking the speedometer and backup camera with them. Owners also report burning blower motor resistors, broken front strut mounts, and pulling to one side that alignments do not fix. Two recalls are on record.

2 recalls123 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (21), Suspension (18), Unknown Or Other (15), Steering (13), Engine (11), Power Train (9)

View full 2019reliability report →
75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Chevrolet Trax

Front lower control arms cracking at the weld is the biggest complaint. Owners describe knocking, floor vibration, swaying, and waits of weeks or months for parts. Turbo and oil cooler housing leaks, dash blackouts, and burning blower resistors add to the list. Two recalls are on record.

2 recalls93 complaintsEst. repair:

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?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025, 2019

2024: The instrument cluster goes black while driving, often for a few seconds, leaving no speedometer, warning lights, or turn signals.

ENGINE

65 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2018, 2020

2024: Sudden engine failure at highway speed is the dominant complaint.

SUSPENSION

54 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Front lower control arms crack at the weld, and most of these reports center on the recall that covers them.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

50 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2019, 2018

2024: Two reports describe the car catching fire, one while parked and switched off.

POWER TRAIN

40 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2018

2020: The transmission jerks, slips or shudders, or slams into gear when pulling away from a stop.

STEERING

27 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Pulling to one side is the most common complaint.

Best Chevrolet Trax Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Chevrolet Trax

The 2022 has been on the road for years and still shows only 9 owner complaints, against 93 for 2018 and 123 for 2019. It has no recalls on record. Its few engine complaints have different causes, so there is no repeat failure like the cracking control arms or dash blackouts of the early years.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)0 recalls9 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Chevrolet Trax has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Trax Years by Generation

Chevrolet Trax Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chevrolet Trax years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018 and 2019. Both sit well below the model's own average. The 2018 draws suspension, electrical, and engine complaints, while the 2019 adds steering pull and instrument cluster failures. Each has two recalls on record.
Which Chevrolet Trax years have transmission problems?
The data does not show transmission as a main problem area for any year. Power train complaints instead center on turbo coolant pipe leaks, a failed all-wheel-drive control module, and a cracked rear differential carrier. Check any car you consider for those.
Is the 2020 or 2021 Chevrolet Trax a good used buy?
Both are reasonable. The 2020 and 2021 rate excellent and have no recalls on record. The 2020 has 80 owner complaints, mostly electrical, engine, and power train. The 2021 has only 18. The 2022 is still the stronger pick.
Are the 2024 to 2026 Chevrolet Trax years worth buying?
Treat them with care. The 2024 has one recall, 125 complaints, and five fire reports, with electrical issues leading. The 2025 has fewer complaints, and the 2026 has none, but both have had little time on the road. That is not proof they are better.
Why is the 2022 the recommended Chevrolet Trax year?
The 2022 combines excellent reliability, no recalls on record, and a low complaint rate over several years of ownership. Its three engine complaints have different causes. That contrasts with the repeated control arm, screen, and steering failures in 2018 and 2019.

How we score every Chevrolet Trax model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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