Is the Chevrolet Trax more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Based on our data, the Chevrolet Trax is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 79/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Trax or the Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Toyota Corolla Cross has more recalls (12) compared to the Chevrolet Trax (5). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Trax or the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Trax has a lower complaint rate at 4.6 per 10,000 sold versus 8 for the Toyota Corolla Cross. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Chevrolet Trax

Excellent

Toyota Corolla Cross

Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Trax and the Toyota Corolla Cross? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two subcompact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chevrolet Trax currently leads with an average score of 80/100 compared to 79/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Trax and Toyota Corolla Cross Generations Compare?

The Chevrolet Trax is currently in its second generation, having been redesigned for the 2024 model year. Its first generation ran from 2015 to 2022, with a notable facelift in 2017. This suggests that the first-generation Trax benefited from several years of refinement, potentially offering a more reliable experience due to its mature platform. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla Cross is still in its first generation, introduced in 2022. Being early in its generation cycle, the Corolla Cross may experience the typical first-year issues that often accompany newer platforms. Buyers seeking reliability might favor the Trax's established history over the Corolla Cross's fledgling model.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Trax is more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross, scoring 80/100 vs 79/100.

The Toyota Corolla Cross outperforms the Chevrolet Trax in terms of reliability, boasting a higher average reliability score of 95/100 compared to the Trax’s 85/100. However, the Trax has a lower owner complaint rate of 4.6 per 10,000 sold, against the Corolla Cross’s 8 per 10,000, and fewer recalls over a longer period. Despite these differences, the Trax’s lower estimated annual repair cost of $488 makes it potentially more affordable to maintain. Overall, the Corolla Cross's superior reliability score is a key differentiator, though the Trax may offer better long-term value with fewer complaints and lower repair costs.

Key Differences

1Chevrolet Trax has 7 fewer total recalls
2Chevrolet Trax has 3.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Chevrolet Trax scores 1 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Chevrolet Trax

—

0Toyota Corolla Cross

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota Corolla Cross at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Chevrolet Trax	Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability Score	80/100	79/100
Years Tracked	8	5
Total Recalls	5	12
Complaints per 10k Sold	4.6	8
Year Wins	1	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Trax and Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Chevrolet Trax exhibits a higher total number of complaints compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross, with significant issues in its electrical system and engine, as well as a notable number of crash-linked complaints in the air bags category. The Trax also has a concerning number of crash-linked complaints related to steering and service brakes. In contrast, the Corolla Cross, while having fewer overall complaints, shows a concentration in electrical system and steering issues, with fewer crash-linked incidents overall. Both models have challenges with their air bags, but the Trax's higher number of crash-related complaints suggests a potentially more severe safety concern in this area.

Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota Corolla Cross common problem areas comparison
Component	Chevrolet Trax	Toyota Corolla Cross
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1Very Low	1.6Low
STEERING	0.3Very Low	1.5Low
ENGINE	0.6Very Low	0.8Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	0.9Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.4Very Low	0.5Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.7Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	0.4Very Low
SUSPENSION	0.5Very Low	0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.2Very Low	0.3Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.3Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.1Very Low	—None
WHEELS	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Trax or Toyota Corolla Cross?

According to independent repair cost data, the Chevrolet Trax incurs an average annual repair cost of $488, with a repair frequency of 0.2 visits per year and a 12% chance of needing major repairs. Although specific data for the Toyota Corolla Cross is not available, the Trax provides a clear benchmark for comparison. The relatively low repair frequency suggests fewer trips to the mechanic, but the 12% risk of major repairs could be a concern for long-term ownership. For cost-conscious buyers, the Trax offers predictable annual expenses, but the potential for major repairs could offset savings. Without specific data for the Corolla Cross, it's challenging to definitively say which vehicle offers better value, but the Trax's transparent cost metrics provide a strong starting point for evaluation.

How Does Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota Corolla Cross Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota Corolla Cross year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Chevrolet Trax	Toyota Corolla Cross	Edge
2025	85/1000R / 61C	86/1000R / 15C	Toyota Corolla Cross
2024	80/1001R / 125C	82/1002R / 37C	Toyota Corolla Cross
2022	81/1000R / 9C	80/1002R / 37C	Chevrolet Trax
2026(predicted)	82/100(predicted)	79/100(predicted)	Chevrolet Trax

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Chevrolet Trax scored 85/100 and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross scored 86/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Trax vs the Toyota Corolla Cross?

If you prioritize low running costs and a lower risk of major repairs, the Chevrolet Trax may be the better choice for you. With an estimated annual repair cost of $488 and a repair frequency of 0.2 times per year, it offers budget-friendly maintenance. The Trax's major repair risk is 12%, which is reasonable, especially if keeping repair costs in check is a key concern. However, consider its top issues with the electrical system and engine, which might require attention. Conversely, if you want the most reliable option and are willing to potentially invest more in maintenance, the Toyota Corolla Cross stands out with a higher reliability score of 95/100. Despite having more recalls and owner complaints per 10,000 sold, its reputation suggests fewer serious issues. This model might suit you if you are looking for a vehicle with a robust track record and are less concerned about recall history.

Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Trax more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?: Based on our data, the Chevrolet Trax is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 79/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Trax or the Toyota Corolla Cross?: The Toyota Corolla Cross has more recalls (12) compared to the Chevrolet Trax (5). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Trax or the Toyota Corolla Cross?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Trax has a lower complaint rate at 4.6 per 10,000 sold versus 8 for the Toyota Corolla Cross. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Chevrolet Trax comparisons

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More Toyota Corolla Cross comparisons

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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.

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