The Lemon Index2016 Chevrolet Trax.
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax is better than average by owner complaints: 48 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 61, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 27 to 29 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Trax year is 2021.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 120 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Trax year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 14K to 68K miles on the car (64 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 39K–87K miles
Recalls 5
- suspension 2019
A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded.
- airbags 2017
While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition.
- airbags 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
Show all 5 recalls
- electrical 2016
The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition.
- equipment 2016
The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1115 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
- This engineering informational bulletin is ending the need for information from the field of…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Trax SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Trax SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
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
2016 Chevrolet Trax owner · NHTSA complaint 11208161
More owner reports
I was slowing down to a red light and the brake froze, it would not continue to press down, I ended up hitting another car. I put the car in park, turned it off and turned it back on and the brake was still stuck.
NHTSA complaint 11104812
Front end pops when I make sharp turns, engine has a distinctive miss and back brakes do not hold
NHTSA complaint 11277823
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 61; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Trax year by this measure is 2021.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Trax problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (25%), brakes (19%) and electrical (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax have?
5 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax get?
27 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Trax safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Trax problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 14,800 and 68,100 miles. The middle report was at 40,700 miles, from 64 complaints.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Chevrolet Trax have?
1.4L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Trax year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2021, 2022 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works