Is the 2016 Chevrolet TRAX reliable?

The 2016 Chevrolet TRAX has 183 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet TRAX?

Top problems: ENGINE (45 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (21 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (18 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet TRAX?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Chevrolet TRAX?

The 2016 Chevrolet TRAX gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Chevrolet TRAX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Chevrolet TRAX is approximately $1,520/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Chevrolet TRAX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet TRAX has 183 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 150. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the key was barely bumped while in the ignition and driving on a high speed road twice and the key turned to the off position so my steering wheel locked up to the point i can barely get to the side of the road to safely put the car in park to restart it. having a baby in the backseat too both times. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 11 crash reports 6 injuries

183

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

45 complaints

25%

• THE KEY WAS BARELY BUMPED WHILE IN THE IGNITION AND DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD TWICE AND THE KEY TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION SO MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP TO THE POINT I CAN BARELY GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SAFELY PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO RESTART IT. HAVING A BABY IN THE BACKSEAT TOO BOTH TIMES
• ON AUGUST 30, 2017 I RECIEVED AN ALERT FROM ONSTAR (VIA EMAIL) STATING MY 2016 CHEVROLET TRAX (WITH 14,000 MILES ON IT) WAS HAVING NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES. THAT SAME DAY, I DROVE MY TRAX ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND IT STALLED OUT TWICE WHILE GOING 70 MPH ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP IN R
• I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. LATER I LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ON THREE CYLINDERS. THE VEHICLE HAD UNDER 40,000 MILES. DIAGNOSTIC P0300 COIL PACK FAILURE CAUSING SPARK PLUG T

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“THE KEY WAS BARELY BUMPED WHILE IN THE IGNITION AND DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD TWICE AND THE KEY TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION SO MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP TO THE POINT I CAN BARELY GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SAFELY PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO RESTART IT. HAVING A BABY IN THE BACKSEAT TOO BOTH TIMES”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Chevrolet TRAX

Based on 101 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 47K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT12/09/2019

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Chevrolet TRAX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Chevrolet TRAX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,520

Full coverage / month

$127

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1520

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet TRAX Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2016 TRAX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 183 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: THE KEY WAS BARELY BUMPED WHILE IN THE IGNITION AND DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD TWICE AND THE KEY TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION SO MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP TO THE POINT I CAN BARELY GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SAFELY PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO RESTART IT. HAVING A BABY IN THE BACKSEAT TOO BOTH TIMES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2016 CHEVY TRAX ON 10/31/16. ONE WEEK LATER, I WENT INTO THE GARAGE, GOT INTO MY NEW CAR WHICH STATED RIGHT AWAY BUT I HAD NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS SO I HAD NO IDEA WHAT SPEED I WAS TRAVELING. I HAD NO RADIO OR REAR CAMERA BACK UP. I HAD NO ONSTAR SERVICE OR TELEPHONE SERVICE. THE ON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: WE HAD AN SINGLE CAR CRASH. THE CAR WENT OVER A CURB AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND [XXX] NEAR TOOK OUT A WOODEN WALK WAY WITH PEOPLE NEAR BY ON THE WALKWAY IT ENDED UP TOTALING ($20,000 IN DAMAGE ) OUR BRAND NEW CHEVY TRAX 2016. AND WHEN ALL 11.......... AIRBAGS RIGHT 11 AIRBAGS AND NOT ONE WHEN OFF AN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: GOT THIS VEHICLE ON 07/23/2016, THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR ISSUES UNTIL 09/2018. IN SEPTEMBER 2018 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE ORIGINAL LOT TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AS WHEN SWITCHING THE FAN FOR THE A/C FROM 3 TO 4 ON THE BLOWER MOTOR SETTINGS STOPPED WORKING. MY DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ORIGINAL BLOWER MOTOR.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)