2016 Chevrolet Trax

120 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 24, 2026Jane lew, WVElectrical system, Engine

   Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.

   NHTSA complaint 11767100
2. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 24, 2026Jane lew, WVElectrical system, Engine

   Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.

   NHTSA complaint 11767099
3. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 24, 2026Jane lew, WVElectrical system, Engine

   Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.

   NHTSA complaint 11767098
4. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026Mckeesport, PAEngine

   for the 3 years i have had this car the engine has just died no sensors no engine lights no dashboard indicators bells whistles NOTHING it just stops running and wont start the dealership replaced it the first 2 years it happened this time they are trying to say we drove it overheating and that isnt true i have AAA and the only service calls have been once a year to have it towed to Cochran in Monroeville to the dealership to get it fixed the first year they kept it 3 months trying to find something we did to be responsible for it but finally realized they had to replace it under dealership warranty. Last year they replaced it right away only had it a few weeks due to the same issue. This year which is almost exactly a year since the last time theyre blaming us and we did none of what thye say there has to a defect 3 engines in 3 years??!!! and i saw on your website there is issues with models sating 2015 thru 2024 with undetected coolant leaks causing engine issues etc so i need help im [XXX] and my husband is almost [XXX] this is our only vehicle!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11758319
5. Filed Jul 10, 2026Failure Mar 24, 2026Frankfort, KYAir bags, Seat belts

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11749668
6. Filed Jun 1, 2026Failure May 18, 202670,000 milesErie, PAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11741269
7. Filed May 21, 2026Failure Apr 24, 2026Orlando, FLEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Suspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11739353
8. Filed Apr 24, 2026Failure Apr 20, 2026Livingston Manor, NYElectrical system, Power train

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11733519
9. Filed Apr 16, 2026Failure Apr 16, 2026115,000 milesSturgis, MISteering, Suspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11731667
10. Filed Feb 5, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Woodway, TXEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

    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)

    NHTSA complaint 11716067
11. Filed Dec 19, 2025Failure Apr 4, 2025Colorado Springs, COEngine

    I have replaced five catalytic converters since I have owned this vehicle. Please advise.

    NHTSA complaint 11706023
12. Filed Nov 10, 2025Failure Jan 1, 2023Nitro, WVElectrical system, Engine, Unknown or other

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11698475
13. Filed Nov 6, 2025Failure Oct 23, 202587,000 milesCincinnati, OHEngine, Turbo/supercharger

    The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an oil change was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that a diagnostic test was performed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11697868
14. Filed Aug 13, 2025Failure Mar 1, 2025Nitro, WVElectrical system, Engine

    We have had problems with this vehicle since we purchased it 2yrs ago. It started with loosing power once in awhile, then the AC quit working, both sets of keys have lost the buttons on the keypad, we have to manually lock and unlock the doors and the auto start is unusable, and now it stalls out at a speed above 30mph and starts smoking severely. It is not drivable. I have to pull over every 2 to 3 miles, because it overheats. We had it towed to a mechanic 2 weeks ago and he did what he could for what we could afford, but we didn't get 10 miles before it started again. The mechanic said this vehicle had a lot of problems. We are [XXX] and we always have our grandchildren [XXX] and [XXX] with us. You can imagine how frightening it is when this happens and we pull over and get everyone out. People pull off and try to help, but we worry about the wrong person stopping for the wrong reason. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11680355
15. Filed Jul 15, 2025Failure Jul 15, 2025Waddell, AZUnknown or other

    I purchased my vehicle on January 6, 2025. Two days later, the check engine light came on. After struggling to reach anyone at the dealership, I finally got in touch on January 14, and dropped the car off on January 22 for a catalytic converter and A/C issue. On February 23, the check engine light returned with the same code. I brought the car back on March 7, and by May, the light came on again and the A/C failed for a second time. Over 1–2 weeks, I called repeatedly but was either hung up on or transferred with no resolution. On May 23, I had the car checked at an independent shop, who confirmed it was the catalytic converter again and recommended I return to the dealer. I made an appointment online and dropped the car off on May 29. I didn’t hear anything for nearly a week. When I called, the same communication issues happened. On June 3, my sister picked up the car — it was a mess, with the back seat torn apart. I was told it wasn’t the cat but a fuel pump, water pump, and quoted over $2,000. I got a second opinion on June 22. That mechanic said it did not need a fuel pump and that it was the cat — plus spark plugs, coil pack, serpentine belt — none of which had ever been mentioned before. I’ve since spent $600 on repairs that shouldn't be necessary months after purchase. Emails to the service team went unanswered until I followed up. The car also had an ongoing rotten egg smell.On June 30, I was told they’d replace the aftermarket cat with an OEM. I emailed asking about the A/C and a service history — no reply. I dropped the car off July 2 or 3, was told it’d be ready July 7, then July 8, then told the issue was actually a cracked turbocharger, not the catalytic converter. I asked if it was safe to drive — the manager said yes, but everything online said otherwise. I was told the part would arrive in 1 day and take 2 days to replace.As of July 15, the car is still not ready. Trenton told me in person the part still hasn’t even arrived and would take 5 more days

    NHTSA complaint 11673741
16. Filed Jul 2, 2025Failure Jul 1, 202587,000 milesSpring Arbor, MIEngine, Engine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while her niece was driving 40 MPH, she became aware there was coolant leaking from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was drivable until arriving at the residence. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir and became aware there was coolant leaking on the driveway. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN, and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11670852
17. Filed Mar 27, 2025Failure Feb 22, 2024Thayer, MOEngine

    My 2016 chevy Trax has had 4 replacement of the the thermostat housing assembly with sensor. It causes the engine light to come on and can make the car idle rough, die at a red light, can cause the car to suddenly just go to 5 miles an hour. I have 79,900 miles on this chevy trax and this is the 4th replacement in less then 2 or 3 month.

    NHTSA complaint 11650974
18. Filed Mar 2, 2025Failure Feb 4, 2021Homestead, FLAir bags, Engine, Steering

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11645847
19. Filed Feb 3, 2025Failure Feb 3, 2025Troy, NYEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    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)

    NHTSA complaint 11640484
20. Filed Dec 16, 2024Failure Dec 16, 2024Blissfield, MISeat belts

    Seat Belt clips are not present, they have been cut out of the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11630928