Chevy Trax Years to Avoid (Updated)
If you’re thinking of buying a used Chevy Trax, you’ll want to watch out for some specific years. After checking out owner experiences and lots of reviews, it seems a few models had more trouble than they’re worth. Here’s a quick guide to the Trax years you might wanna skip to avoid headaches later.
Chevy Trax Years to Avoid
| Model Year | Major Issues |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Transmission problems, A/C system failures, rolling on inclines |
| 2016 | Electrical issues, engine problems, A/C malfunctions |
| 2017 | Heater failures, engine performance issues |
| 2018 | Electrical failures, engine shutdowns |
2015 Chevy Trax
The 2015 Trax was Chevy’s first try at selling this model in the U.S., but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. People noticed a bunch of issues early on:
- Transmission acting up, making cars roll backward on slopes.
- Air conditioning systems breaking down often.
- Trouble with the vehicle rolling when parked uphill.
Rolling back on hills was especially concerning, likely due to weak transmission parts. Owners often had trouble getting these issues fixed.
2016 Chevy Trax
The 2016 Trax was probably the worst year out there, with nearly 200 complaints from owners. It even had to be recalled five times! Major problems included:
- Electrical issues causing random malfunctions.
- Engine breakdowns without warning.
- Frequent A/C failures, making hot days unbearable.
The A/C usually failed because of electrical glitches or defective components, leaving drivers frustrated.
2017 Chevy Trax
Chevy improved things a bit for 2017, but it still wasn’t perfect. Owners reported:
- Heaters not working right—a big issue in cold areas.
- Engines feeling weak or sluggish during drives.
- Some complaints about cheap interior build quality.
Having a broken heater during cold weather was obviously a major hassle for drivers in chilly areas.
2018 Chevy Trax
Complaints dropped in 2018, but some annoying problems stuck around:
- Electrical issues causing sudden engine shutdowns or infotainment glitches.
- Continued worries about shaky engine performance.
- Occasional infotainment system crashes, making the touchscreen useless.
Random engine shutdowns were a huge safety risk, though fewer drivers experienced them compared to earlier years.
Common Issues Across Problem Years
Owners often complained about similar problems, no matter the year:
Electrical System Failures
Electrical issues were common and could cause small annoyances or big problems, such as:
- Dashboard lights flickering randomly.
- Sudden loss of power to the infotainment system or engine.
- Unreliable sensors affecting driving safety.
Engine Issues
Many drivers had trouble with the engine, especially with the following:
- Engines stalling or failing completely without warning.
- Loss of power during driving, making trips unsafe.
- Loud or strange noises coming from the engine area.
Climate Control Problems
The climate control was another trouble spot, making life uncomfortable in both hot and cold weather:
- Frequent A/C breakdowns in hot weather.
- Heaters failing to warm up the vehicle properly in winter.
Transmission Issues
Transmission problems were mostly found in the earliest models, particularly 2015:
- Cars rolling backward when stopped on hills.
- Gear shifts becoming rough or delayed.
- Leaks of transmission fluid causing even bigger issues later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which Chevy Trax year was the worst?
Many consider 2016 the worst year. It had the most complaints, recalls, and several serious problems, like engine breakdowns, electrical faults, and air conditioning issues.
Q2. Are there reliable years for the Chevy Trax?
Yes, recent models like 2019 and 2020 are known to be more dependable. Owners report fewer issues with these newer cars.
Q3. What issues are most common with the Chevy Trax?
The biggest problems were usually electrical system faults, engine troubles, broken climate control, and transmission glitches. These showed up repeatedly in troubled years.
Q4. Has Chevy fixed these issues in newer Trax models?
Chevy has improved newer Trax models by addressing earlier problems. Cars from 2019 onward show fewer issues and get better reliability reviews.
Q5. Should I avoid buying any Chevy Trax?
Not always. While earlier models had significant issues, newer ones are much better. If you’re interested in a Trax, aim for 2019 or newer. Also, always get a mechanic to look over any used car before buying.
Wrapping Up
Knowing which Chevy Trax models to avoid can save you money and stress. Be careful with years 2015 to 2018 since these had the most trouble. Later models, like 2019 and beyond, are better options. Do your homework, check the car carefully, and get professional advice before you buy. This way, you’re more likely to find a reliable Chevy Trax you’ll enjoy driving.
