Is the Chevrolet Trax a reliable car?
The Chevrolet Trax is a compact SUV that has been on the market since 2013. Overall, the Trax is considered a reasonably reliable vehicle, though it has some areas where reliability could be improved. Let's take a closer look at the Trax's reliability based on expert reviews and owner feedback.
Reliability Ratings and Assessments
According to J.D. Power, the Chevrolet Trax has received an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars over the years. This places the Trax in the middle of the pack compared to other compact SUVs. The Trax has also received a predicted reliability score of 3 out of 5 from Consumer Reports, indicating average reliability.
Owners of the Trax generally report that the vehicle is reliable for everyday driving, with few major issues. However, some common problems that have been noted include transmission issues, electrical gremlins, and occasional quality control problems.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
The Trax has relatively low maintenance and repair costs compared to some of its competitors. RepairPal estimates the average annual repair cost for the Trax to be $516, which is below the average for compact SUVs. This suggests the Trax is reasonably affordable to own and maintain over the long term.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chevrolet Trax is generally considered a reliable compact SUV, though it may not be the most reliable option in its class. It has average reliability ratings, and owners report few major issues. With reasonable maintenance and repair costs, the Trax can be a practical and dependable choice for many buyers.
How long will a Chevrolet Trax last?
A Chevy Trax can last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance and care, which typically translates to 10-15 years of ownership. For the newer, redesigned models, reliability is expected to be strong, with one source suggesting potential to exceed 320,000 km (around 200,000 miles) with consistent maintenance. To maximize its lifespan, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, perform regular oil changes, rotate tires, and address any issues promptly.
Factors that influence the Trax's lifespan
- Maintenance: Adhering to the recommended service schedule is crucial for longevity. This includes regular oil changes, fluid checks, and inspections.
- Driving habits: Gentle acceleration and smooth braking can help preserve engine and brake components, contributing to a longer life.
- Climate: Vehicles in moderate climates may last longer than those in areas with extreme heat or cold.
- Model year: The recent 2024 and newer models are built on a new platform designed to improve on previous generations and are considered the most reliable.
How to maximize your Trax's lifespan
- Follow the maintenance schedule: Stick to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.
- Stay on top of oil changes: Perform oil changes at the recommended intervals.
- Rotate tires: Rotate your tires regularly to ensure even wear.
- Address issues quickly: Fix small problems as they arise to prevent them from becoming major, costly repairs.
- Check fluids and battery: Seasonally check the battery, coolant, and other fluids.
What are the negatives of the Chevy Trax?
Cons of the Chevy Trax include the lack of all-wheel drive, potential powertrain issues like transmission shudder or engine problems, and a somewhat underwhelming powertrain for highway driving. Other drawbacks include hard interior plastics and armrests, basic features on some trims, and some owners have experienced issues with the infotainment system.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the Chevrolet Trax: 1mCarnivautoYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Powertrain and performance
- No all-wheel drive (AWD): All models are front-wheel drive only.
- Engine and transmission issues: Some owners have reported transmission shudder, humming, or growling noises, particularly at speeds between 28 and 53 mph. Other reported issues include turbocharger and fuel injector problems.
- Sluggish highway acceleration: While the engine is adequate for city driving, it can feel sluggish at highway speeds.
- Fuel economy: The real-world combined fuel economy can be lower than advertised estimates.
Interior and features
- Hard materials: The interior uses hard plastics, and some reviewers note that the armrests are uncomfortable.
- Basic features: Higher trims are better equipped, but base models are light on content, and features like a power trunk and rear air vents are not available.
- Rear-seat comfort: The rear seats may lack support and don't have a center armrest or cup holders.
- Awkward controls: Some drivers find the placement of the start/stop button and volume knob to be awkward.
Technology
- Infotainment glitches: Some users have reported that the infotainment system can shut down, freeze, or become unresponsive.
- Glitchy safety features: Electronic safety features have been described as occasionally glitchy.
What year is the most reliable Chevy Trax?
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Chevrolet Trax? The most reliable are 2024 and newer. For the first generation, we'd opt for 2020 through 2023.
Do Chevy Trax have transmission problems?
Some 2024 Chevy Trax owners are reporting a transmission shudder or unusual humming or growling noise while driving at speeds between 28 and 53 mph (45 to 85 km/h). This issue may be linked to the crossover's 6T40 automatic transmission (RPO code MNH), which, in some cases, may have a torque converter problem.
