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What is the most common problem with the 2017 Chevy Trax?

The most common problem reported for the 2017 Chevy Trax is transmission-related issues, including rough shifting, hesitation, or transmission failure.

The 2017 Trax, a compact SUV from Chevrolet, has been popular for its practicality and fuel efficiency, but owner reports and safety data show a concentration of issues around the powertrain. This article synthesizes the most frequently cited problems in consumer complaints and recall data, outlines potential causes, and offers practical guidance for current owners and prospective buyers.

Most commonly reported problems

To help readers understand where problems tend to come from, the items below summarize issues most often cited by Trax owners and reflected in recall and complaint databases.

Transmission problems: Rough shifting, slipping, hesitation, or, in some cases, transmission failure. Symptoms may appear gradually and can lead to costly repairs or a transmission replacement in severe cases.

Engine and powertrain electronics: Misfires, rough idling, stalling, or warning lights (check engine), often tied to sensor or ignition issues or software updates.

Electrical system and infotainment glitches: Intermittent electrical faults, battery draining, or touchscreen/radio freezes, frequently addressed with software updates or component replacements.

Air conditioning and HVAC concerns: Faulty A/C compressor or refrigerant leaks, resulting in reduced cooling or unusual noises during operation.

Brakes and suspension: Premature brake wear or noises, and occasional alignment-related handling concerns, which can be influenced by tires and road conditions.

These items reflect common patterns reported by a subset of owners and documented in recall data. Not every 2017 Trax experiences these problems, and symptom severity can vary widely based on vehicle history and maintenance.

What to do if you own or are considering buying a 2017 Trax

The following guidance helps owners and buyers address and mitigate potential issues, with an emphasis on verification and proactive maintenance.

Pre-purchase checklist

Check recall and service campaigns tied to your vehicle’s VIN. Look for completed work on transmissions, electrical systems, and HVAC components, and verify with GM or NHTSA databases.

Review service history for transmission-related maintenance and software updates. A well-documented maintenance record can reduce the risk of concealed issues.

Organize a thorough pre-purchase inspection with a qualified mechanic, focusing on the transmission (shifting behavior, fluid condition, and any abnormal noises), engine sensors, and electrical systems.

Test drive to reproduce any transmission or engine symptoms. Note smoothness of shifts, hesitations, and any loss of power or warning lights.

Check tire condition and suspension components, as uneven wear and alignment issues can compound handling concerns.

Conclusion: A careful pre-purchase inspection, verification of recall work, and a review of the vehicle’s maintenance history are key steps to minimize risk with a used 2017 Trax. If you currently own one, staying up to date with software updates and promptly addressing any transmission or electrical symptoms can help prevent more serious problems.

Notes on recalls and reliability

Chevrolet/GM has issued recalls affecting some 2017 Trax models, including items related to the transmission and other powertrain components and to electrical systems. Always verify recall status for your specific VIN and ensure appropriate repairs are completed. Reliability can vary by individual vehicle history and how well the car was maintained.

Summary

Overall, while the 2017 Chevy Trax offers practical value in a compact SUV, the most frequently reported concern centers on transmission-related problems and accompanying powertrain/electrical issues. Prospective buyers and current owners should prioritize recall verification, obtain a thorough pre-purchase or ongoing maintenance inspection, and address any transmission symptoms promptly to avoid more costly repairs. Regular maintenance and vigilant monitoring of warning signals are the best strategies for this model year.

What is the biggest problem with Chevy Trax?

In fact, 30% of the complaints on file with NHTSA involve the engine, powertrain, or fuel system. The complaints range from fuel injector failure to a fire in the engine compartment. Turbocharger problems are also among the common Chevrolet Trax problems.

What are the Chevy Trax model years to avoid?

What Are the Worst Years for the Chevrolet Trax? We'd avoid the 2015-2017 and do your research if you're looking at a 2018-2022.

Is a 2017 Chevy Trax a good car?

The 2017 Chevy Trax is considered a good car for its price, especially for city driving, due to its fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and available technology. However, it has weaknesses such as a bumpy ride on rough roads, limited cargo space, and mixed reliability ratings. It received good safety ratings, with a five-star overall government crash test rating and top scores from the IIHS.
Pros

Fuel efficient: The small 1.4-liter turbo engine provides good gas mileage, making it a great commuter car.
Maneuverable: Its small size, tight turning radius, and subcompact footprint make it easy to park and drive in the city.
Feature-rich: The 2017 model was updated with advanced tech, including a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safe: It received a top five-star rating in government crash tests and the highest "Good" rating from the IIHS in several crash tests.

Cons

Ride quality: The short wheelbase can lead to a choppy or bumpy ride, particularly on models with larger 18-inch wheels.
Cargo and space: The cargo area is relatively small compared to some competitors.
Reliability: Customer reviews are mixed, with some owners reporting more frequent issues compared to some other models in its class.

You can watch this video to see a review and road test of the 2017 Chevrolet Trax: 56sKelley Blue BookYouTube · Apr 3, 2017
Is it a good car for you?
The 2017 Chevy Trax is a good choice if you prioritize fuel economy, a comfortable ride for city commutes, and modern tech features at an affordable price. It may be less ideal if you frequently drive on highways or rough roads, need a lot of cargo space, or are concerned about long-term reliability.

What is the recall on the 2017 Chevy Trax?

The main recall for the 2017 Chevy Trax involves a potential issue with improperly welded joints in the front lower control arms, which could lead to separation and loss of steering control. There is also a separate special coverage for a turbocharger issue affecting certain 2017-2018 models that may require free replacement if symptoms are present. Owners can check their specific vehicle's recall status by using a VIN lookup tool on sites like the NHTSA website or through Chevrolet's Safety Recall Checker.

This video explains the recall for the 2017-2019 Chevy Trax that involves issues with the suspension: 27sTampa Bay 28YouTube · Sep 23, 2019
Control arm recall

Issue: A joint in one or both front lower control arms may have been improperly welded.
Risk: The joint could break, causing partial separation of the control arm from the vehicle, which can affect handling and steering and increase the risk of a crash.
Affected models: 2017–2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles.

Turbocharger special coverage

Issue: Certain 2017 and 2018 Trax models may have a faulty turbocharger.
Action: Chevrolet will replace the turbocharger assembly and related parts free of charge if the vehicle exhibits symptoms of a failing turbocharger and is within the coverage period.
Eligibility: Check with a Chevrolet dealership to see if your vehicle is eligible for this special coverage.

How to check for recalls

Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA's Safety Recall Search page or RepairPal's Safety Recall Checker to see if there are any open recalls for your specific vehicle.
If you are the original owner, Chevrolet will also attempt to notify you by mail if a safety recall affects your vehicle.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.