Chevrolet Trax research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Trax is Chevrolet's entry-level crossover. 2015-2022 models are compact city runabouts with a 138-hp turbo four and available all-wheel drive; the 2017 refresh added CarPlay and Android Auto. The redesigned 2024-on Trax is much larger and roomier for the money, with a 137-hp turbo three-cylinder, about 28/32 mpg, and front-wheel drive only.
Model years covered: 2015–2026. The U.S. Trax began with the 2015 model year; there was no 2023 model year. Verify 2026 specifications against current Chevrolet data; a refreshed 2027 model has been announced.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Low purchase price
- Easy to park
- Available AWD 2015 2022
- Roomy cabin for the price 2024 and later
- Apple carplay and android auto 2017 and later
- Tall seating position
Things to know before you buy
- Modest acceleration
- No AWD on 2024 and later
- No 2023 model year
- Turbo cooling and pcv checks on 2015 2022
- 2017 refresh and 2024 redesign
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2015–2022)
The first U.S. Trax (2015-2022) is a small, tall crossover with a 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo four, a 6-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. The 2017 refresh brought new styling, a redesigned interior, CarPlay/Android Auto and the Premier trim name; the Premier was dropped for 2021.
Buyer takeaway: Choose a 2017-2022 for the updated interior and smartphone integration, and AWD if you face snow. Check the turbo engine's cooling system and PCV.
Generation 2 (2024–present)
The 2024-on Trax is a larger, lower, front-drive-only crossover with a 137-hp, 162 lb-ft 1.2L turbo three-cylinder, a 6-speed automatic, and LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and Activ trims, rated about 28/32 mpg.
Buyer takeaway: Excellent space and features for the price; not for buyers who need AWD or brisk acceleration.
Chevrolet Trax by model year
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Trax keeps the 137-hp 1.2L turbo three-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive in LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and Activ form. Chevrolet has announced a refreshed 2027 model, so verify 2026 trims, features and pricing against current Chevrolet data and the window sticker before buying.
- Engines: 1.2 liter turbo i3 137 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Continues the second generation
- Verify feature changes against current chevrolet data
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Three cylinder turbo idle smoothness and oil level; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Instrument display and infotainment software; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The 2025 Trax continues the second generation with the 137-hp, 162 lb-ft 1.2L turbo three-cylinder, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, about 28/32 mpg. It offers a lot of space for its low price. Buyers who need AWD should look at the Trailblazer or a 2015-2022 Trax instead. Confirm trim features by VIN.
- Engines: 1.2 liter turbo i3 137 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2024
- Still front wheel drive only
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Three cylinder turbo idle smoothness and oil level; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Instrument display and infotainment software; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2024 Chevrolet Trax
The redesigned 2024 Trax is longer, lower and much roomier, with a 137-hp, 162 lb-ft 1.2L turbo three-cylinder, a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive only, rated about 28/32 mpg city/highway. Trims are LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and Activ, with a large touchscreen on most. Some 2024s had a software recall for a blank instrument display, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 1.2 liter turbo i3 137 hp 162 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- All new second generation
- Larger lower and roomier
- 1.2 liter turbo three cylinder
- Front wheel drive only AWD discontinued
- New ls 1rs lt 2rs and activ trims
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Instrument display software recall completion; Three cylinder turbo idle smoothness and oil level; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Instrument display and infotainment software; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2022 Chevrolet Trax
The 2022 Trax is the last of the first generation, again with the 138-hp 1.4L turbo, 6-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. There was no 2023 Trax; the redesigned 2024 is a much larger front-drive-only car. If you need all-wheel drive in a Trax, 2015-2022 are the only years that offer it.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Last year of the first generation
- No 2023 model year was sold in the US
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2021 Chevrolet Trax
For 2021 the Premier was dropped, leaving LS and LT. Mechanically the Trax is unchanged: a 138-hp 1.4L turbo, 6-speed automatic, and front- or all-wheel drive. Expect basic but useful features, including CarPlay and Android Auto, in a small, easy-to-park crossover.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Premier trim dropped
- Ls and lt trims remain
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2020 Chevrolet Trax
The 2020 Trax carries on with the 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo and 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD. The slightly larger Trailblazer (sold as a 2021 model) arrived during 2020, so compare the two. A Trax remains the cheaper choice; check the cooling system and PCV on higher-mileage examples.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2019
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2019 Chevrolet Trax
The 2019 Trax continues unchanged in substance, with the 138-hp 1.4L turbo, 6-speed automatic, front- or all-wheel drive, and LS, LT and Premier trims. Fuel economy remains about 25/33 mpg with FWD. A well-maintained example with AWD suits snowy climates at a modest price.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2018
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2018 Chevrolet Trax
The 2018 Trax carries over the refreshed 2017: a 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo, 6-speed automatic, and FWD or AWD, rated about 25/33 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive. CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and LS, LT and Premier trims remain. It is a practical, inexpensive small crossover for city drivers.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2017
- Rated about 25 33 mpg with FWD
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2017 Chevrolet Trax
The 2017 refresh brought new headlights with LED daytime running lights, a new grille, a redesigned dashboard, and a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the top LTZ became Premier. The 138-hp 1.4L turbo and 6-speed automatic carry over. 2017 and later are the better-equipped buys.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- New front and rear styling with LED daytime running lights
- Redesigned interior and dashboard
- Touchscreen with apple carplay and android auto
- Ltz renamed premier
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2016 Chevrolet Trax
The 2016 Trax carries over the 2015: a 138-hp 1.4L turbo, 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, and LS, LT and LTZ trims. It is the last year of the original styling and interior, so it should sell for less than a refreshed 2017. Confirm radio software recalls are complete and check the turbo engine's cooling system.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2015
- Last year before the refresh
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Radio software recall completion; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2015 Chevrolet Trax
The 2015 Trax was Chevrolet's first U.S. subcompact crossover, sized below the Equinox. Every Trax has a 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo four and 6-speed automatic, with front-wheel or available all-wheel drive, in LS, LT and LTZ trims. It is easy to park and tall-riding, but not quick. Some 2015-2016 radios were recalled for missing warning chimes, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door subcompact crossover SUV
What changed:
- First trax sold in the US
- Standard 1.4 liter turbo and 6 speed automatic
- Available all wheel drive
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Radio software recall completion; Coolant leaks at water outlet and water pump; Pcv valve cover and intake vacuum leaks; 6 speed automatic shift quality; AWD coupling operation if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electrical and infotainment; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- 1.4L Turbo Coolant Leaks (First Generation) (2015–2022)
The 2015-2022 Trax's 1.4L turbo shares a widely reported tendency for coolant leaks as it ages, most often at the plastic water outlet/thermostat housing and the water pump. It is a known repair, not a certain failure.
What to do: Check the coolant level and look for crusty residue; a documented cooling repair is a plus. - 1.4L Turbo PCV and Valve Cover (First Generation) (2015–2022)
On the 1.4L turbo the PCV system is built into the valve cover; when it fails it can cause a whistle, rough idle, lean codes or oil leaks. The usual fix is a replacement valve cover.
What to do: Listen for a whistle at idle and scan for codes before buying. - Radio Warning Chime Recalls (2015-2016) (2015–2016)
NHTSA campaigns 16V257 and 16V422 cover certain 2015-2016 Trax models whose radios may not sound required warning chimes (key left in the ignition, unbuckled seat belt). The fix is a software update.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the radio recalls were completed. - All-Wheel-Drive System Check (First Generation) (2015–2022)
AWD was available on every 2015-2022 Trax. Like most on-demand systems, it depends on rear differential and coupling fluid service and matching tires; mismatched tire wear can strain it.
What to do: On AWD models, check that all four tires match and test in tight turns. - 2024 Instrument Display Software Recall (23V744) (2024)
NHTSA campaign 23V744 covers certain 2024 Trax models (and related Buick models) whose software could cause the instrument display to go blank at startup or while driving, hiding speed and warning information.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the software update was performed. - 1.2L Turbo Three-Cylinder Maintenance (Second Generation) (2024–2026)
The 2024-on Trax uses a small 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder. Three-cylinder engines have a distinctive thrum at idle, which is normal, but turbo engines rely on on-time oil changes with the correct oil.
What to do: Review oil-change records and make sure software updates and recalls are complete. - Trax Generation, Drivetrain and Sibling Disambiguation (2015–2026)
The 2015-2022 Trax (138-hp 1.4L turbo, FWD or AWD) and the 2024-on Trax (137-hp 1.2L turbo three-cylinder, FWD only) are very different vehicles; there was no 2023 model. The Trailblazer is a separate, slightly larger Chevrolet. The first Trax is related to the Buick Encore; the new one to the Buick Envista.
What to do: Confirm the generation and drivetrain before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Buick Encore
- Buick Envista
- Hyundai Kona
- Kia Seltos
- Nissan Kicks
- Honda HR-V
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Jeep Renegade
- Mazda CX-30
Questions this guide answers
- Which Trax generation is this?
- Does this Trax have all-wheel drive?
- What changed with the 2024 Trax redesign?
- Why is there no 2023 Trax?
- What engine does this Trax have?
- What should I inspect on a 2015-2022 Trax?
- What fuel economy does the Trax get?
- Trax or Trailblazer: which fits me better?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar small SUVs should I consider?