2016 Chevrolet Trax Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Trax, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4325.6%
- Electrical2213.1%
- Airbags1911.3%
- Steering148.3%
- Powertrain (other)137.7%
- Driver assistance106.0%
- Brakes95.4%
- Fuel system74.2%
- Suspension74.2%
- Body & structure74.2%
- Seat belts53.0%
- Exterior lighting42.4%
- Visibility31.8%
- Other / unspecified31.8%
- Interior & seats21.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine sputtered and the check engine warnig light illuminated. The vehic ewas taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The amnufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referecned an extended warranty coverage program, however the contact was informd that the the title was a salvaged title. The failure mileage 70,000.
The vehicle was brought to an authorized GM dealership for a scheduled appointment to address a check engine condition related to a purge valve and an open safety recall for the lower control arm. The VIN was provided and confirmed at the time the appointment was made; however, the recall was not completed during the visit. The dealership replaced the purge valve without documenting diagnostic testing to confirm the cause or verify the repair. The vehicle was returned with the same check engine light still present. Additional issues were communicated through technician video and text, including a potential oil leak and possible fluid mixing, but none were documented or diagnosed in the service record. A dealership manager later stated that the vehicle was “not safe to drive,” but no written explanation or safety guidance was provided, and the vehicle was released without clarification. No diagnostic records, technician notes, or findings have been provided by either the dealership or GM despite escalation. The consumer has worked through appropriate dealership and manufacturer channels for approximately one month without resolution. The consumer is now being directed to return the vehicle for additional diagnostics at the consumer’s expense without defined scope or explanation. The vehicle remains with an unresolved condition and an open safety recall, without clear guidance regarding safe operation. This lack of clear, documented information is particularly concerning for senior-aged owners who rely on accurate guidance to make safe decisions.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle lost communication to the transmission causing the check engine light to come on when the vehicle key was turned off the vehicle would not restart. There was no warning signs of this happening. The vehicle only had 70,000 miles on the odometer when this occured.
This site is useless. There are so many complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Trax on here, but yet nobody is doing anything about it! I believe it is a severe safety hazard for all vehicles on the highway when a vehicle loses power without warning , whether it is on the interstate, or a residential street! But I guess the manufacturer does not think it's a safety hazard, but apparently if your vehicle doesn't remind you to take your key out of the car when you turn it off, or to put your seatbelt on ,Now, that's what they consider to be a REAL SAFTEY HAZARD!!! Forget the bells and buzzers, if that's the most important thing, you shouldn't be driving anyway. This vehicle has been a problem since we purchased it 2yrs ago and now it is sitting in the driveway and will not start at all. We had to purchase another vehicle.The manufacturer knew there was problems with the 2016 Trax and instead of fixing the problem, the continued to sale them, now we are stuck with the problem. I guess the Lawsuit concerning this situation didn't teach this site anything . Good Luck Consumers
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
There wasnt a passenger side seat belts Legal Violations by LBurg Auto Sales (2016 Chevy Trax KRS 189.125(2): State law strictly prohibits a dealership from selling any modern vehicle without working seat belts for all passengers. Federal Safety Standards (FMVSS 208/209): Mandates functional three-point seat belts. Selling a car with a missing passenger seat belt violates federal law and makes it legally "unroadworthy." Kentucky Consumer Protection Act (KRS 367.170): Outlaws deceptive trade practices. Concealing a missing mandatory safety assembly is a fraudulent omission of material fact. KRS 355.2-314 (Implied Warranty): A dealer cannot use an "As-Is" clause to contract out of mandatory state and federal safety equipment laws. The car must be legally fit for public roads at the time of sale. Which it wasn't.
The air bag light randomly came on about two yeatago and never went off. The engine(turbo) has been having problems for two years now. I’ve been to the dealership several times over the year. I was almost hit by another vehicle because of slow take off
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, there was a loud snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to drive back to the residence, the steering wheel became inoperable. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The air bag light randomly came on about two yeatago and never went off. The engine(turbo) has been having problems for two years now. I’ve been to the dealership several times over the year. I was almost hit by another vehicle because of slow take off
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle lost communication to the transmission causing the check engine light to come on when the vehicle key was turned off the vehicle would not restart. There was no warning signs of this happening. The vehicle only had 70,000 miles on the odometer when this occured.
I have had replaced the valve cover 4 times already about ever 3 months or so and it is starting to chirp and act up by lagging and jumping on acceleration. My mother is [XXX] old and does not drive it hard or in excess. The 1st was in summer of 2024 the 2nd was December 2024 3rd was april 2025 4th November 2025 and it just started chirping again & its jyst now February. This is absolutely ridiculous. Ther are so many more things wrong with this car. Most of those are on the dealerships & their lies about this car are completely at fault; Unfortunately, they went out of business 2 weeks after my mother got the car. We found this news out when I brought it up to them to explain why her touch screen for the radio no longer responded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I Brought This Car As Is Bical Auto Mall. (The Dealership), I Took The Car To Get Checked Out The First Time And It Had A Weak Battery And I Had To Constantly Get A Boost To Drive My Car 2 Weeks Later I Was Advised To Go To A Gm Dealer Because My Engine Light Was On, The Mechanic Explained Something Was Wrong With The Valve And It Was A Leakage. A Few Day Later My Engine Light Turned On Again And I Had The Same Problem But Only This Time The Car Started Surging And Stalling Out Every Time I Stopped. I Returned To The Gm Dealer Again & The Problem Is Still Ongoing.
MY CAR LOSES POWER AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE UP HILLS, IN THE COLD ON THE FREEWAY IN THE MORNING (6:00AM PST). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IT HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP 6 TIMES SINCE FEB. 2019 FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, LOSS OF POWER, EMISSIONS-AIR LEAKS WHICH CAUSE LOSS OF POWER. I WILL HAVE TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS AT A LATER DATE AS I DO NOT HAVE THEM TODAY. SENDING CAR BACK TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOSS OF POWER ON THE FREEWAY WHILE PASSING A SLOW MOVING TRUCK.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT END POPS WHEN I MAKE SHARP TURNS, ENGINE HAS A DISTINCTIVE MISS AND BACK BRAKES DO NOT HOLD
TAKATA RECALL MY TIES KELP INFLATING MY SENSOR WAS STUCK MY STEERING WAS OFF WHEN I TRIED TO TURN ON A CITY STREET MY INSIDE OF MY CAR START PILLING
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle was brought to an authorized GM dealership for a scheduled appointment to address a check engine condition related to a purge valve and an open safety recall for the lower control arm. The VIN was provided and confirmed at the time the appointment was made; however, the recall was not completed during the visit. The dealership replaced the purge valve without documenting diagnostic testing to confirm the cause or verify the repair. The vehicle was returned with the same check engine light still present. Additional issues were communicated through technician video and text, including a potential oil leak and possible fluid mixing, but none were documented or diagnosed in the service record. A dealership manager later stated that the vehicle was “not safe to drive,” but no written explanation or safety guidance was provided, and the vehicle was released without clarification. No diagnostic records, technician notes, or findings have been provided by either the dealership or GM despite escalation. The consumer has worked through appropriate dealership and manufacturer channels for approximately one month without resolution. The consumer is now being directed to return the vehicle for additional diagnostics at the consumer’s expense without defined scope or explanation. The vehicle remains with an unresolved condition and an open safety recall, without clear guidance regarding safe operation. This lack of clear, documented information is particularly concerning for senior-aged owners who rely on accurate guidance to make safe decisions.
2016 Chevrolet Trax experienced turbocharger failure in June 2024. Initial minor acceleration inconsistencies progressed to dangerous turbulence and power loss during acceleration at both high and low speeds, with check engine light temporarily illuminating. Initial Firestone diagnostic (June 7) documented 'TURBULENCE AS ACCELERATES - CEL BLINKED.' After diagnosis, completed repair June 11. Searched for recalls at time of failure but found none listed. Given 50-minute highway commute and unsafe acceleration issues, immediate repair was necessary. Due to expected dealer costs and wait times, repair was completed at Firestone Complete Auto Care for $3,036.81. Double-checked for recalls after repair with no results. On February 3, 2025, while organizing digital records, discovered original GM Special Coverage Program notice from November 2021 covering turbocharger wastegate actuator linkage issues. Program promises coverage for 10 years/120,000 miles. At 68,283 miles, vehicle is well within coverage period. On February 3, 2025 at 4:19pm, called GM customer service (case #[XXX], 29 minute call). Rep Takesha spoke with supervisor Britney but refused transfer. Put on hold 4 times totaling over 6 minutes. When requesting Special Coverage Program information, rep repeatedly stated 'it was not done at a dealership' over 15 times as blanket response. Initially cited expired bumper-to-bumper warranty from 2019 (irrelevant to Special Coverage). When pressed, shifted to claiming 'no active recalls' for VIN. Stated 'the decision has already been made, and a supervisor will tell you the same decision,' refusing escalation or document review. All attempts to discuss Program terms met with same non-dealer repair response. Refused to provide submission process information or contacts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle was brought to an authorized GM dealership for a scheduled appointment to address a check engine condition related to a purge valve and an open safety recall for the lower control arm. The VIN was provided and confirmed at the time the appointment was made; however, the recall was not completed during the visit. The dealership replaced the purge valve without documenting diagnostic testing to confirm the cause or verify the repair. The vehicle was returned with the same check engine light still present. Additional issues were communicated through technician video and text, including a potential oil leak and possible fluid mixing, but none were documented or diagnosed in the service record. A dealership manager later stated that the vehicle was “not safe to drive,” but no written explanation or safety guidance was provided, and the vehicle was released without clarification. No diagnostic records, technician notes, or findings have been provided by either the dealership or GM despite escalation. The consumer has worked through appropriate dealership and manufacturer channels for approximately one month without resolution. The consumer is now being directed to return the vehicle for additional diagnostics at the consumer’s expense without defined scope or explanation. The vehicle remains with an unresolved condition and an open safety recall, without clear guidance regarding safe operation. This lack of clear, documented information is particularly concerning for senior-aged owners who rely on accurate guidance to make safe decisions.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, there was a loud snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to drive back to the residence, the steering wheel became inoperable. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The paint is pealing off.
THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE PAINT ON THE LIFT GATE FLAKE OFF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
There wasnt a passenger side seat belts Legal Violations by LBurg Auto Sales (2016 Chevy Trax KRS 189.125(2): State law strictly prohibits a dealership from selling any modern vehicle without working seat belts for all passengers. Federal Safety Standards (FMVSS 208/209): Mandates functional three-point seat belts. Selling a car with a missing passenger seat belt violates federal law and makes it legally "unroadworthy." Kentucky Consumer Protection Act (KRS 367.170): Outlaws deceptive trade practices. Concealing a missing mandatory safety assembly is a fraudulent omission of material fact. KRS 355.2-314 (Implied Warranty): A dealer cannot use an "As-Is" clause to contract out of mandatory state and federal safety equipment laws. The car must be legally fit for public roads at the time of sale. Which it wasn't.
Seat Belt clips are not present, they have been cut out of the vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERIOR LIGHTS DIM ON STAR DOESN'T WORK RADIO DOESN'T WORK AND NO SOUND CHIMES FOR BLINKERS OR SENSORS. KEY GETS VERY HOT.
TAKATA RECALL MY TIES KELP INFLATING MY SENSOR WAS STUCK MY STEERING WAS OFF WHEN I TRIED TO TURN ON A CITY STREET MY INSIDE OF MY CAR START PILLING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE REAR WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, DUE TO THE DISTANCE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GILMAN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP (10585 W SAM HOUSTON PKWY S, HOUSTON, TX 77099, (832) 553-0100) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MAP SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE VALVE COVER. THE VALVE COVER AND MAP SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,300. *LN CONSUMER STATED DEFECTIVES OCCURRED WITHIN A YEAR.*JB
WHEN I AM DRIVING THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND ALWAYS. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, TURN, AND PARKING. WHEN I HIT ABOUT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL STARTS SHAKING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE. I CAN FEEL THE KNOCK UNDERNEATH MY FEET WHILE DRIVING. IN REGARDS TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THE RADIO FREEZES FREQUENTLY AND REAR VIEW PARKING CAMERA HAS MALFUNCTION. IN REGARDS TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPING SYSTEMS IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. FLUID DOES NOT COME OUT AT ALL MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS. I HAVE TO PULL OVER WHEREVER I MAY BE, USE A WATER BOTTLE TO THROW WATER ON WINDOW TO SEE THEN TURN THE WIPERS ON. I EVEN HAVE TO DO IT WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY ON THE EXPRESSWAY IN RAINY/DUSTY/MUDDY CONDITIONS. MY FAMILY AND I ARE WORRIED AND DEFINITELY NOT HAPPY ABOUT THESE CONDITIONS. KINGDOM CHEVROLET SOLD US A FAULTY VEHICLE AND NOW CLAIM THAT WE HAVE TO PAY $135 FOR EACH AND EVERY ISSUE WHICH IS INSANE FOR A DIAGNOSTIC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key fob failed to unlock or lock the rear driver’s side and rear passenger’s side doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V422000 (Electrical System, Equipment) or 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 179,000.
I noticed there are 5 recalls on the yr make and model of my suv and I need it fixed plz
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN PASSENGER FRONT SEAT WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE THE SEATBELT WILL JUST UNDO ON ITS OWN AT TIMES. ALSO THE PERSON WILL WEIGHT OVER 100LBS AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATOR WILL GO TO ON AND OFF.
THIS INVOLVES THE DRIVERS BOTTOM SEAT ASSY. WITHIN 10,000 OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, NOTICED THE FOAM PADDING WAS BREAKING DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION. WHEN THIS OCCURS, YOU END UP SITTING ON A ROUND STEEL TUBE WHICH IS PART OF THE SEAT FRAME. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE GM DEALER REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, WITHIN APPROX. 10,00 MILES AGAIN THE SEAT CUSHION HAS DEGRADED TO THE POINT OF SITTING ON METAL. I THEN CONTACTED CHEVROLET SERVICE, SEE SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER: 8-3426353686. AFTER DESCRIBING THE ISSUE, WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALER, TOLD THEM WAS A DESIGN FLAW, TOLD CHEVROLET THIS, WAS THEN TOLD TO REPLACE WOULD COST MONEY. I WOULD HAVE NO ISSUE WITH THIS EXCEPT THE SEAT IS POORLY DESIGNED AND NEEDS TO BE REDESIGNED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .