This page covers 5 recalls, 113 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax.
27–29 mpg combined
8.1–8.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate what 2016 Chevrolet Trax owners report, with steering and airbags also drawing notable attention. On the engine side, owners frequently describe recurring issues rather than one-time failures, multiple reports mention repeated catalytic converter replacements on the same vehicle, and others describe valve cover problems that return within months of being addressed. Acceleration hesitation and failure to respond when the pedal is depressed comes up across several complaints, often alongside a check engine light. A loss of communication between the engine and transmission, resulting in a no-start condition after shutting the vehicle off, appears in a handful of reports as well. Steering complaints include sudden loss of steering response while driving, sometimes accompanied by grinding noises. The catalytic converter pattern is particularly notable, some owners report replacing the component four or five times on a single vehicle.
113
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax has 5 recalls, the most serious involving front lower control arms that can break and partially separate from the vehicle, causing a front wheel to kick outward and making the vehicle difficult to steer or control.
In a crash, the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy, leaving the driver and front passenger without full restraint protection. There are also two related software recalls affecting vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio: the radio may fail to chime when the seatbelt is unbuckled or when the key is left in the ignition, removing the audible reminders that prompt the driver to buckle up or take the key when leaving the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A welded joint in one or both front lower control arms may be defective, causing the joint to break and the control arm to partially separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front lower control arms and replace them if needed at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may not have received a complete update from a previous recall. Under certain driving conditions, this software may run a diagnostic test that disables frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control software. If your vehicle previously deployed air bags, the control module will be replaced instead. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio may not produce an audible warning chime when the driver hasn't fastened their seatbelt or has left the key in the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to restore the warning chime function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio may not sound a warning chime if the driver leaves the key in the ignition, turns off the engine, waits 10 minutes or more, and then opens the door.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to restore the warning chime function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
