Is the 2016 Chevrolet Trax reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Chevrolet Trax: Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Complaints per year

2016: 120 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2013	0
2014	0
2015	95
2016	120
2017	114
2018	102
2019	136
2020	98
2021	23
2022	9
2024	178
2025	95
2026	19

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

38% · 46 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-26

Also filed under Electrical system

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-26

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20

Electrical system

20% · 24 reports

Air bags

16% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing front passenger.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-24

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-17

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-12-15

Also filed under Service brakes

Steering

12% · 14 reports

Power train

11% · 13 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2016-05-26Electrical system, equipment16V257000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-22Electrical system, equipment16V422000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-10-13Air bags, seat belts16V651000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2017-08-04Air bags, seat belts17V437000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-11-06Suspension19V652000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Chevrolet Trax — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 46 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 24 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V257000 · Electrical system, equipment
Recall 16V422000 · Electrical system, equipment
Recall 16V651000 · Air bags, seat belts
Recall 17V437000 · Air bags, seat belts
Recall 19V652000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Trax reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Chevrolet Trax