Chevy Trax Years to Avoid – If you are in the market for a used Chevy Trax, it is important to know which years to avoid. While the Chevy Trax is a popular subcompact SUV known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability, there are certain model years that have had known issues and may not be the best choice for a used vehicle purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the Chevy Trax in detail, provide an overview of the model year changes, list the years to avoid, and suggest alternative vehicles to consider instead.
Overview of Chevy Trax
The Chevy Trax is a subcompact SUV that was first introduced in 2013. It is built on the same platform as the Buick Encore and is designed to be a more affordable option for those who want a small SUV with good fuel economy.
The Trax comes with a standard turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.
It also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option.
The Trax has undergone a few changes over the years.
- In 2015, Chevy added the OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot as a standard feature on all trims.
- In 2016, the Trax received a facelift with new styling, interior upgrades, and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- In 2017, Chevy made a few minor changes to the Trax, including the addition of a new exterior color and an updated infotainment system.
- In 2018, Chevy added the Redline Edition package as an option, which included blacked-out exterior trim and larger wheels.
- In 2019, Chevy added a few new standard features to the Trax, including a rearview camera and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Pros and Cons of Owning A Chevy Trax
There are several pros and cons to owning a Chevy Trax. One of the biggest pros is its affordability. The Trax is priced lower than many other subcompact SUVs, making it a good option for those on a budget.
It also has good fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Another pro of the Trax is its maneuverability. It is a small vehicle that is easy to drive and park, making it a good choice for city driving. It also has a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers.
However, there are also some cons to owning a Chevy Trax. One of the biggest cons is its lack of power. The Trax’s 1.4-liter engine produces only 138 horsepower, which can make it feel sluggish on the highway or when carrying a heavy load.
The Trax has limited cargo space, with only 18.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
List of Chevy Trax Years to Avoid
While the Chevy Trax is a popular subcompact SUV, there are certain model years that have had known issues and may not be the best choice for a used vehicle purchase. Here are the years to avoid and why:
2015 Chevy Trax
The 2015 Chevy Trax has had known issues with its transmission. Some owners have reported that the transmission slips or shifts roughly, and in some cases, the transmission has completely failed.
This issue has resulted in several recalls, including one in 2015 for a potential loss of power steering.
2016 Chevy Trax
The 2016 Chevy Trax has had known issues with its engine. Some owners have reported that the engine stalls or shuts off unexpectedly while driving, and in some cases, the engine has failed completely.
This issue has resulted in several recalls, including one in 2016 for a faulty fuel system that could cause the engine to stall.
2017 Chevy Trax
The 2017 Chevy Trax has had known issues with its suspension. Some owners have reported that the suspension makes clunking or knocking noises, and in some cases, the suspension has completely failed.
This issue has resulted in several recalls, including one in 2017 for a potential loss of steering control.
2018 Chevy Trax
The 2018 Chevy Trax has had known issues with its electrical system. Some owners have reported that the electrical system malfunctions, causing warning lights to come on and the vehicle to stall or shut off unexpectedly.
This issue has resulted in several recalls, including one in 2018 for a potential loss of power steering.
2019 Chevy Trax
The 2019 Chevy Trax has had known issues with both its engine and transmission. Some owners have reported that the engine stalls or shuts off unexpectedly while driving, and in some cases, the engine has failed completely.
Some owners have reported that the transmission slips or shifts roughly, and in some cases, the transmission has completely failed.
This issue has resulted in several recalls, including one in 2019 for a potential loss of brake assist.
It is important to note that while these issues have been reported, not all vehicles from these model years will experience these problems.
If you are in the market for a used Chevy Trax, it is recommended that you avoid these model years to reduce the risk of encountering these issues.
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Alternatives to Chevy Trax
If you are looking for a subcompact SUV but want to avoid the Chevy Trax, there are several alternatives to consider. Here are a few:
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV known for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and reliability. It has a starting price that is slightly higher than the Chevy Trax but offers more features and a more powerful engine.
Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact SUV known for its fun-to-drive nature and stylish design. It has a starting price that is slightly higher than the Chevy Trax but offers more standard features and a more powerful engine.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a subcompact SUV known for its quirky design, spacious interior, and affordable price. It has a starting price that is lower than the Chevy Trax and offers more cargo space and a more powerful engine.
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Is Chevy Trax good for long drives?
The Chevy Trax can be a comfortable vehicle for long drives, as it offers a relatively smooth ride and comfortable seating. Its smaller size may not provide as much room for passengers or cargo as larger SUVs, and its engine power may not be ideal for long drives on hilly terrain.
Is Chevy Trax LS or LT better?
The Chevy Trax LT offers more standard features than the LS, including a larger touchscreen display, satellite radio, and remote start.
Therefore, if these features are important to you, the LT may be a better choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget, the LS may be a more affordable option.
Is Chevy Trax expensive to fix?
The cost of repairs for a Chevy Trax can vary depending on the specific issue and the model year of the vehicle. Some repairs, such as those related to the engine or transmission, may be more expensive than others.
Overall, the Chevy Trax is not considered to be an expensive vehicle to maintain or repair.
Is the Chevy Trax or Equinox bigger?
The Chevy Equinox is a larger SUV than the Chevy Trax, offering more passenger and cargo space. The Equinox is classified as a compact SUV, while the Trax is classified as a subcompact SUV.
Is Chevy Trax a safe car?
The Chevy Trax has received mixed safety ratings from various sources. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Trax an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a “Good” rating in some areas but a “Marginal” rating in others.
The Trax does offer several advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning, which can help prevent accidents.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a used Chevy Trax, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that have been reported for certain model years. While the Chevy Trax can be a great subcompact SUV for some, the reported problems with certain model years make it important to do your research and consider alternative vehicles as well.
When looking at alternative vehicles, consider factors such as price, features, and engine power, as well as overall reliability and customer satisfaction.
Taking the time to research and test drive multiple vehicles can help you make an informed decision and find the subcompact SUV that best meets your needs and budget.
While the Chevy Trax can be a good choice for a subcompact SUV, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that have been reported for certain model years.
If you are looking for a used Chevy Trax, it is recommended that you avoid the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years to reduce the risk of encountering these problems.
Alternatives to the Chevy Trax include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Kia Soul, each offering its own set of pros and cons. Taking the time to research and test drive multiple vehicles can help you make an informed decision and find the subcompact SUV that is the best fit for you.