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2016 Chevrolet Trax Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

120

Total

9

Crashes

2

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

ENGINE
53
AIR BAGS
19
STEERING
10
OTHER
9
ELECTRICAL
7

Owner Complaint Reports

Showing 25 of 120 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.

ODI #11767098

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 09/24/2026

Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.

ODI #11767099

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 09/24/2026

Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.

ODI #11767100

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 09/24/2026

Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.

ODI #11758319

ENGINE — Filed 08/10/2026

for the 3 years i have had this car the engine has just died no sensors no engine lights no dashboard indicators bells whistles NOTHING it just stops running and wont start the dealership replaced it the first 2 years it happened this time they are trying to say we drove it overheating and that isnt true i have AAA and the only service calls have been once a year to have it towed to Cochran in Monroeville to the dealership to get it fixed the first year they kept it 3 months trying to find something we did to be responsible for it but finally realized they had to replace it under dealership warranty. Last year they replaced it right away only had it a few weeks due to the same issue. This year which is almost exactly a year since the last time theyre blaming us and we did none of what thye say there has to a defect 3 engines in 3 years??!!! and i saw on your website there is issues with models sating 2015 thru 2024 with undetected coolant leaks causing engine issues etc so i need help im [XXX] and my husband is almost [XXX] this is our only vehicle!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11749668

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 03/24/2026

There wasnt a passenger side seat belts Legal Violations by LBurg Auto Sales (2016 Chevy Trax ​ KRS 189.125(2): State law strictly prohibits a dealership from selling any modern vehicle without working seat belts for all passengers. ​Federal Safety Standards (FMVSS 208/209): Mandates functional three-point seat belts. Selling a car with a missing passenger seat belt violates federal law and makes it legally "unroadworthy." ​ Kentucky Consumer Protection Act (KRS 367.170): Outlaws deceptive trade practices. Concealing a missing mandatory safety assembly is a fraudulent omission of material fact. ​ KRS 355.2-314 (Implied Warranty): A dealer cannot use an "As-Is" clause to contract out of mandatory state and federal safety equipment laws. The car must be legally fit for public roads at the time of sale. Which it wasn't.

ODI #11741269

ENGINE — Filed 05/18/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine sputtered and the check engine warnig light illuminated. The vehic ewas taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The amnufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referecned an extended warranty coverage program, however the contact was informd that the the title was a salvaged title. The failure mileage 70,000.

ODI #11739353

SUSPENSION,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/24/2026

The vehicle was brought to an authorized GM dealership for a scheduled appointment to address a check engine condition related to a purge valve and an open safety recall for the lower control arm. The VIN was provided and confirmed at the time the appointment was made; however, the recall was not completed during the visit. The dealership replaced the purge valve without documenting diagnostic testing to confirm the cause or verify the repair. The vehicle was returned with the same check engine light still present. Additional issues were communicated through technician video and text, including a potential oil leak and possible fluid mixing, but none were documented or diagnosed in the service record. A dealership manager later stated that the vehicle was “not safe to drive,” but no written explanation or safety guidance was provided, and the vehicle was released without clarification. No diagnostic records, technician notes, or findings have been provided by either the dealership or GM despite escalation. The consumer has worked through appropriate dealership and manufacturer channels for approximately one month without resolution. The consumer is now being directed to return the vehicle for additional diagnostics at the consumer’s expense without defined scope or explanation. The vehicle remains with an unresolved condition and an open safety recall, without clear guidance regarding safe operation. This lack of clear, documented information is particularly concerning for senior-aged owners who rely on accurate guidance to make safe decisions.

ODI #11733519

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/20/2026

The vehicle lost communication to the transmission causing the check engine light to come on when the vehicle key was turned off the vehicle would not restart. There was no warning signs of this happening. The vehicle only had 70,000 miles on the odometer when this occured.

ODI #11731667

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 04/16/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, there was a loud snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to drive back to the residence, the steering wheel became inoperable. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

ODI #11716067

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 12/31/1969

I have had replaced the valve cover 4 times already about ever 3 months or so and it is starting to chirp and act up by lagging and jumping on acceleration. My mother is [XXX] old and does not drive it hard or in excess. The 1st was in summer of 2024 the 2nd was December 2024 3rd was april 2025 4th November 2025 and it just started chirping again & its jyst now February. This is absolutely ridiculous. Ther are so many more things wrong with this car. Most of those are on the dealerships & their lies about this car are completely at fault; Unfortunately, they went out of business 2 weeks after my mother got the car. We found this news out when I brought it up to them to explain why her touch screen for the radio no longer responded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11706023

ENGINE — Filed 04/04/2025

I have replaced five catalytic converters since I have owned this vehicle. Please advise.

ODI #11698475

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 01/01/2023

This site is useless. There are so many complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Trax on here, but yet nobody is doing anything about it! I believe it is a severe safety hazard for all vehicles on the highway when a vehicle loses power without warning , whether it is on the interstate, or a residential street! But I guess the manufacturer does not think it's a safety hazard, but apparently if your vehicle doesn't remind you to take your key out of the car when you turn it off, or to put your seatbelt on ,Now, that's what they consider to be a REAL SAFTEY HAZARD!!! Forget the bells and buzzers, if that's the most important thing, you shouldn't be driving anyway. This vehicle has been a problem since we purchased it 2yrs ago and now it is sitting in the driveway and will not start at all. We had to purchase another vehicle.The manufacturer knew there was problems with the 2016 Trax and instead of fixing the problem, the continued to sale them, now we are stuck with the problem. I guess the Lawsuit concerning this situation didn't teach this site anything . Good Luck Consumers

ODI #11697868

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE — Filed 10/23/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an oil change was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that a diagnostic test was performed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

ODI #11680355

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 03/01/2025

We have had problems with this vehicle since we purchased it 2yrs ago. It started with loosing power once in awhile, then the AC quit working, both sets of keys have lost the buttons on the keypad, we have to manually lock and unlock the doors and the auto start is unusable, and now it stalls out at a speed above 30mph and starts smoking severely. It is not drivable. I have to pull over every 2 to 3 miles, because it overheats. We had it towed to a mechanic 2 weeks ago and he did what he could for what we could afford, but we didn't get 10 miles before it started again. The mechanic said this vehicle had a lot of problems. We are [XXX] and we always have our grandchildren [XXX] and [XXX] with us. You can imagine how frightening it is when this happens and we pull over and get everyone out. People pull off and try to help, but we worry about the wrong person stopping for the wrong reason. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11673741

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/15/2025

I purchased my vehicle on January 6, 2025. Two days later, the check engine light came on. After struggling to reach anyone at the dealership, I finally got in touch on January 14, and dropped the car off on January 22 for a catalytic converter and A/C issue. On February 23, the check engine light returned with the same code. I brought the car back on March 7, and by May, the light came on again and the A/C failed for a second time. Over 1–2 weeks, I called repeatedly but was either hung up on or transferred with no resolution. On May 23, I had the car checked at an independent shop, who confirmed it was the catalytic converter again and recommended I return to the dealer. I made an appointment online and dropped the car off on May 29. I didn’t hear anything for nearly a week. When I called, the same communication issues happened. On June 3, my sister picked up the car — it was a mess, with the back seat torn apart. I was told it wasn’t the cat but a fuel pump, water pump, and quoted over $2,000. I got a second opinion on June 22. That mechanic said it did not need a fuel pump and that it was the cat — plus spark plugs, coil pack, serpentine belt — none of which had ever been mentioned before. I’ve since spent $600 on repairs that shouldn't be necessary months after purchase. Emails to the service team went unanswered until I followed up. The car also had an ongoing rotten egg smell.On June 30, I was told they’d replace the aftermarket cat with an OEM. I emailed asking about the A/C and a service history — no reply. I dropped the car off July 2 or 3, was told it’d be ready July 7, then July 8, then told the issue was actually a cracked turbocharger, not the catalytic converter. I asked if it was safe to drive — the manager said yes, but everything online said otherwise. I was told the part would arrive in 1 day and take 2 days to replace.As of July 15, the car is still not ready. Trenton told me in person the part still hasn’t even arrived and would take 5 more days

ODI #11490345Fire

ENGINE — Filed 10/10/2022

the turbo leaked into the converter causing the engine to catch fire

ODI #11466564Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/07/2022

My vehicle was has had 2 separate front end accidents. Both caused major damage. This last time my car was totaled out. Neither time did the air bags deploy. There were no warnings. Police report was filed. However the police was not on my side. He lied about the other person’s speed, where they were traveling, the distance of the stop sign and stop bar. He also took over a week to provide it. I had to keep calling.

ODI #11353774CrashFire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/22/2020

MY 2016 TRAX SLID INTO REAR OF A CAR WHO SUDDENLY BRAKED WHILE WE BOTH TRAVELLED ON HIGHWAY. I BROKE TOO. PROBABLY HIT OTHER CAR WHILE I WAS GOING 25 MPH. MODERATE FRONT END DAMAGE. ENGINE STOPPED. BUT CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. TOTAL LOSS OF CAR

ODI #11309644Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/09/2020

I HAD A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAX AND I HAD A ACCIDENT AND IT WAS TO THE FRONT OF MY TRAX AND THE INSURANCE TOTALED IT BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. 2016 CHEVROLET TRAX THE VIN # [XXX] I WAS JUST SEEING IF THEY WERE A DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS IN THE CAR . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ODI #11301511Crash

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 01/09/2020

I WRECKED MY CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOYED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS WORRIED WHY THEY DIDN'T THE WRECK TOTALLED MY TRAX. I WAS A MAIN HIGHWAY.

ODI #11220655Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/17/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE ACROSS THE STREET RAN THEIR STOP SIGN AT 45 MPH AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LONG TERM BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PARTY THAT CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME, GRILL, A-FRAME, HOOD, AND A CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CRASH WAS NOT IN RELATION ANY OPEN RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

ODI #11104812Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/08/2018

I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO A RED LIGHT AND THE BRAKE FROZE, IT WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO PRESS DOWN, I ENDED UP HITTING ANOTHER CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE BRAKE WAS STILL STUCK.

ODI #11023387Crash

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS — Filed 09/12/2017

VEHICLE RECEIVED SIDE IMPACT ON DRIVERS SIDE, AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS RIPPED OFF FROM VEHICLE

ODI #10935438Crash

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/26/2016

WE HAD AN SINGLE CAR CRASH. THE CAR WENT OVER A CURB AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND [XXX] NEAR TOOK OUT A WOODEN WALK WAY WITH PEOPLE NEAR BY ON THE WALKWAY IT ENDED UP TOTALING ($20,000 IN DAMAGE ) OUR BRAND NEW CHEVY TRAX 2016. AND WHEN ALL 11.......... AIRBAGS RIGHT 11 AIRBAGS AND NOT ONE WHEN OFF AND WE BOTH HAD SEAT BELT ON BUT I STILL MANAGED TO HIT MY HEAD SO HARD I HAD AN SMALL INDENT IN MY HEAD AND U WOULD THINK BRAND NEW CAR AND 11 AIR BAGS U THINK YOU WOULD B SAVE ....?? BUT NOT IN A CHEVY!!!! ALL CUZ OF THE AIRBAGS AND BRAKES WERE AFFECTED AS WELL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ODI #10926814Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/12/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY AND WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,500. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov