Used Chevy Trax 1st Gen (2015-2022): Buyer's Guide

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax carries 131 NHTSA complaints, the most of any model year in the first generation. That includes 9 crashes, 2 fires, and 8 injuries. Most used-car guides call it a "solid choice." The 2015 model had a death in the complaint record. The 2016 is widely documented as the single worst year for engine failures. And yet a 2016 Trax with the right paperwork might be one of the smarter buys in the lineup, because GM issued a 10-year/120,000-mile turbocharger special coverage that can still be active on early examples.

The first-generation Trax (2015-2022) is a practical, affordable subcompact crossover on a platform shared with the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Sonic. It has real issues. It also has real strengths. This guide sorts them out by year and powertrain so you know what you are walking into.

This Generation at a Glance

The Trax launched in the US for the 2015 model year on GM's Gamma II platform. One engine throughout the generation: a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 138 hp and 148 lb-ft. All models pair it with GM's 6-speed automatic transmission (6T40). Front-wheel drive is standard across all trims; all-wheel drive is available on LT and higher.

GM refreshed the Trax in 2017 with a new front and rear fascia, LED taillights, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The 2017 refresh also introduced a revised turbocharger oil feed line that reduced the coking failures common on 2015-2016 units. The 2020 model year added the RS sport trim and addressed several ongoing oil consumption and overheating complaints from earlier years.

Year-specific market pages: 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022

The 1.4L Turbo: What Goes Wrong and When

There is only one engine in the first-generation Trax, so every used buyer is evaluating the same 1.4L turbocharged four. Its failure modes are well-documented. Know them before you drive one.

Turbocharger Failure (The Generation-Defining Issue)

The 1.4L LE2 turbo fails for three distinct reasons, and which one applies matters for what you pay.

Oil feed line coking. The turbocharger relies on engine oil for lubrication and cooling. On 2015-2016 models, the oil feed line design allowed oil to bake onto the line's interior when the engine was hot-soaked (shut off before the turbo cooled). Over time, the coked line restricted oil flow to the turbo shaft, which then ran dry and failed. GM revised the oil feed line design for 2017+ models. This single mechanical change makes 2017 and later units meaningfully less prone to early turbo failure, assuming proper oil change intervals.

On any 2015-2016 Trax, inspect the oil feed line for external signs of baking or residue. This is a component check that takes a few minutes under the hood and can save you $1,600 in turbo replacement costs.

Wastegate actuator failure. The wastegate actuator is a small diaphragm-driven device on top of the turbo that controls boost pressure. The plastic diaphragm can crack or the arm can seize. Symptoms: P0299 diagnostic trouble code (turbo underboost), flat acceleration especially above 3,000 RPM, and sometimes a hissing or whooshing sound under hard acceleration. Before assuming full turbo failure, check the actuator and the bypass/diverter valve. A wastegate actuator replacement runs $300-$600 parts and labor. A full turbo assembly replacement runs $1,644-$1,918 at an independent shop, up to $3,000-$3,500 at a dealer.

Deferred oil changes killing the turbo. About 30% of owners report significant oil consumption within the first 50,000 miles. An owner who did not track consumption and let the oil run low effectively ran the turbo dry. The 1.4T engine demands synthetic oil and changes no later than every 7,500 miles. Any Trax with a documented history of long change intervals is a turbo-replacement candidate.

GM's special coverage programs. This is the most important information in this guide and the part most buyers miss.

GM issued Special Coverage A212338300 covering certain 2016 model year Trax vehicles for turbocharger failure for 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date. A 2016 Trax put in service in April 2016 would be covered through April 2026. Coverage expires based on the original owner's registration date, not the purchase date.

In February 2024, GM issued Special Coverage N232395330 covering 2017 and 2018 Trax vehicles for turbocharger replacement under the same 10-year/120,000-mile terms.

For 2016, 2017, and 2018 examples, call the selling dealer with the VIN before you buy. Ask them to run the VIN and check whether the turbo special coverage is still active. If it is, a 2016 with a failing turbo becomes very different math than a 2016 without coverage.

6T40 Transmission

The 6T40 six-speed automatic that carries the Trax through its entire run is a generally durable unit, but it has documented failure patterns worth knowing.

Torque converter shudder at 28-53 mph is the most common transmission complaint across the generation. It feels like a light vibration or buzz at steady highway speeds. This often responds to a fluid and filter service ($150-$250) if caught before the converter is damaged. Ignored, it progresses to converter replacement ($1,500-$2,500 installed) or a full rebuild ($2,000-$3,500).

The radiator-to-transmission failure chain. The 6T40's transmission cooler shares the same radiator assembly as the engine coolant system. GM issued Special Coverage A192219310 for 2015-2019 Trax vehicles to address radiator coolant leaks, covering the repair for 6 years or 72,000 miles from original in-service date. Most of those vehicles are now outside that window. What matters for a used buyer: if a 2015-2019 Trax had a coolant leak that the previous owner ignored, hot transmission fluid may have been running with compromised cooling for thousands of miles. Check the transmission fluid before purchase. It should be bright red or light pink, not brown, dark, or foamy. Brown or foamy fluid means the transmission has been running hot, or worse, that coolant contaminated the ATF. Either condition means a major repair is coming.

Trim-Specific Notes

LS (base): Steel wheels, basic infotainment, no remote start, no cruise control. The LS is easy to find on the used market at the lowest price points. It is also the most likely to have been a fleet or rental car, so verify ownership history.

LT (the one to buy): The LT adds cruise control, remote start, roof rack rails, automatic climate control, and LED daytime running lights. Most LT examples also received the optional Convenience Package (heated front seats, heated mirrors, rear parking assist) or the Sun and Sound Package (power sunroof, upgraded audio). A well-optioned LT has nearly everything the Premier offers for less money used.

LTZ (2015-2016) / Premier (2017-2022): Adds leatherette seating, power sunroof, push-button start, Bose audio, and a power-adjustable driver seat. On 2017+ Premier models, the Driver Confidence Package (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert, lane departure warning) became standard. The safety tech is genuinely useful and worth paying for used. Pre-2017 LTZ models do not have this.

RS (2020-2022): A sport appearance package added for 2020. Black exterior accents, two-tone roof option, 17-inch wheels. Not a performance upgrade. Same engine and transmission as every other trim. The RS is worth considering if the styling appeals, but do not pay a significant premium over a comparable LT.

FWD vs AWD: AWD adds about 250 pounds and costs 1-2 MPG. In most climates, FWD is sufficient. In areas with real winters, AWD is worth it. The AWD system adds a rear differential, which needs fluid inspection every 37,500 miles. If that service was deferred, budget $400-$800 for a flush and inspection before trusting the rear axle.

Which Model Year to Target Within This Gen

2015: Avoid. Seven recalls covering power steering assist failure (campaign 15V146000), the front lower control arm welding defect, and NHTSA 16V257, which documented that 2015-2016 Trax vehicles can roll backward on an incline while stopped in Drive. The 2015 model has one death in the NHTSA complaint record. The older turbo oil feed design made 2015 units the most prone to early turbo failures. No turbo special coverage applies to 2015.

2016: Avoid (but run the VIN first). The single worst year for NHTSA engine complaints in the generation. Power steering sudden failure was documented in multiple complaints. Engine stalling and turbo failures were common. However: Special Coverage A212338300 may still be active depending on the original in-service date. If the VIN check shows coverage is still valid and the turbo has not yet been replaced, you are buying into a risky car with a known expensive repair that GM will pay for. That changes the calculus. Still risky. Still proceed with caution.

2017: Caution. The 2017 refresh improved the turbo oil feed line design, which matters. Battery drain affecting cars sitting a few days was a common 2017 complaint. Heater failures and rough idling tied to intake valve carbon buildup were also documented. Special Coverage N232395330 for turbo replacement covers 2017 models.

2018: Caution. The ball joint recall (19V312000, 19V652000) affects 2018 models. Electrical shutoffs mid-drive were the top complaint pattern. Turbo special coverage applies. Generally an improvement over 2015-2016 but not yet in the clean zone.

2019: Caution. The 2019 carries more NHTSA complaints (131) than any other model year in the generation. It also had an airbag recall: the Sensing Diagnostic Module on some 2019 Trax vehicles was not turned off from manufacturing mode, which prevented airbags from deploying in a crash (campaign 18V774000). Run any 2019 VIN through the recall lookup before anything else. If the SDM recall is still open, walk away until it is completed.

2020: Good. Consumer Reports rated the 2020 Trax a perfect 5.0/5.0 reliability score. No recalls. GM addressed the engine oil consumption and overheating issues that plagued earlier years. Still 86 NHTSA complaints, which reflects the age of the vehicle more than any systematic flaw. The 2020 is the entry point for clean Trax ownership.

2021: Best value. Twenty-two total NHTSA complaints. No recalls. Same mechanicals as 2020 with another year of refinement. This is the year to target if budget allows.

2022: Best. Nine complaints. No recalls. The final year of the generation, so engineers had seven years to iron out the platform. The cleanest used Trax you can find.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Organize this by priority. Some checks catch a fatal flaw before you start the engine.

Do these before the test drive:

• Run the VIN at recall lookup. Confirm the front lower control arm ball joint recall was completed (affects 2015-2019). Confirm the airbag SDM recall was completed (2019 specifically). Any open safety recall is a non-starter until it is fixed, and these are free dealer repairs.
• For 2016, 2017, or 2018 examples: call a GM dealer with the VIN and ask them to check whether the turbocharger special coverage (A212338300 for 2016, N232395330 for 2017-2018) is still active. This phone call takes five minutes and could identify $1,600-$3,500 of free repairs still available.
• Pull the transmission dipstick if accessible. The fluid should be bright red or light pink. Dark brown or foamy fluid means the transmission has been running hot or contaminated. Walk away.

Cold start (before engine reaches operating temperature):

• Listen for a sharp rattle in the first 3-5 seconds after ignition. A rattle that fades as the engine warms up may be timing chain tensioner wear. A rattle that persists is worse.
• Watch the exhaust. White smoke on a cold start is normal condensation that clears. Blue or grey smoke that persists after two minutes is oil burning, which means piston ring wear or a failing turbo shaft seal.
• Let the idle settle. A rough cold idle that smooths out is acceptable. A rough idle that stays rough after a few minutes points to coil, injector, or carbon buildup issues.

Engine bay checks:

• Pull the oil dipstick. Note the level and the color. Black and gritty means the owner went long between changes. Milky brown means coolant mixed with oil, which is a catastrophic engine or water pump failure. Leave immediately if you see milky oil.
• Look at the oil filler cap. Any mayonnaise-like residue on the underside confirms coolant contamination.
• Check the coolant reservoir. It should be clean and green/orange depending on the fluid type. An oily residue means a head gasket or water pump is failing internally.
• Inspect the turbo housing and oil feed line for baking residue or charring. On 2015-2016 models specifically, look for oil staining around the turbo compressor housing, which indicates shaft seal wear.
• Check the PCV hose from the valve cover. It should be firm and clean. If it is soft, collapsed, or has an oily interior, the PCV system is not managing blowby correctly and oil consumption will follow.

Test drive:

• Accelerate hard from 30 mph in a lower gear. A healthy Trax should provide a noticeable surge as boost builds. If the engine feels flat and does not pull, check for a P0299 code. Scan the OBD port with any $20 Bluetooth reader before you buy.
• At 35-50 mph steady speed, feel for a vibration or buzz that was not present at lower speeds. That is torque converter shudder. It means the 6T40 needs at minimum a fluid service and likely a converter inspection.
• Test every AC fan speed. A Trax that only blows on high but not low or medium speeds has a failed blower motor resistor ($150-$300 repair). Not serious, but useful to know.
• Test the infotainment fully: touchscreen response, backup camera lines, Bluetooth pairing, and the physical volume/power buttons. A frozen or restarting screen is a known 2015-2017 issue. A DIY hard reset (hold fast-forward and home buttons for 10 seconds) often resolves software glitches, but hardware failures need a head unit replacement ($400-$1,200).
• Test all HVAC fan speeds. On 2014-2018 models, the blower motor resistor connector is prone to overheating due to a dissimilar-metals corrosion issue between the copper wire and aluminum connector. When the resistor fails it often smokes and in some documented cases the plastic housing begins to melt. If the fan only works on high speed, that is a failed resistor. Resistor replacement runs $300-$850, and the underlying connector design means it often fails again after replacement.

On 2015-2019 models specifically:

• Verify the front lower control arm ball joint recall was completed, then physically inspect the lower control arms for any cracks, unusual welds, or corrosion near the joint. Recall work should show evidence of replacement hardware.
• Check for coolant staining on or around the radiator (dried white or green mineral deposits). This is where Special Coverage A192219310 applied. Even if coverage expired, the staining tells you whether the car had a coolant leak.

Running Costs

Turbo longevity is almost entirely a function of oil change frequency. The 1.4T will comfortably reach 150,000 miles with synthetic oil changed at 5,000-7,500 mile intervals. Stretch those intervals, run conventional oil, or buy a car from an owner who did either, and turbo replacement becomes a matter of when rather than if.

Timing chain and water pump are the other major interval item. The water pump is chain-driven, so if the chain needs replacement, it makes sense to replace the pump at the same time. Expect $800-$1,500 for that job when the time comes, typically after 80,000-100,000 miles on hard-used examples.

The blower motor resistor and infotainment screen are the most common non-powertrain repairs. Budget $150-$300 and $400-$800 respectively if you are buying a pre-2020 example with high miles.

FAQ

Is the 1st gen Chevy Trax reliable? Model years 2021-2022 carry fewer than 25 total NHTSA complaints between them, zero recalls, and Consumer Reports rates the 2020 model 5.0 out of 5.0. Years 2015-2018 are a different story: they carry documented turbocharger failures, steering issues, and recall burdens. Year selection matters more on the Trax than almost any comparable vehicle.

Which first-gen Trax years should I avoid? Avoid 2015 (highest recall count, death in the complaint record, no special turbo coverage). Avoid 2016 as a default, unless the turbo special coverage is still active on the specific VIN. Use caution on 2017-2019. Target 2020-2022.

How many miles will a first-gen Chevy Trax last? A well-maintained Trax with consistent synthetic oil changes can reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles. The turbocharger is the single most mileage-sensitive component. Buy a car with documented oil change history and it can run long. Buy one without, and budget for turbo replacement at any point after 60,000 miles.

Is the Chevy Trax's turbo covered under warranty? Not under the standard warranty, but GM issued special coverage for specific years. 2016 models: Special Coverage A212338300, 10 years/120,000 miles from original in-service date. 2017-2018 models: Special Coverage N232395330, same terms, announced February 2024. Run the VIN at a GM dealer to check coverage status before you buy.

FWD or AWD Trax for the used market? FWD is sufficient for most climates and saves fuel and mechanical complexity. If you drive in snow regularly, the AWD system is worth the $500-$1,500 used market premium over comparable FWD trims. Just verify the rear differential fluid was serviced — it is the most commonly skipped maintenance item on AWD Trax examples.

Bottom Line

The 2021-2022 first-gen Trax LT is the used buy. Zero recalls, minimal complaints, the revised powertrain, and CarPlay/Android Auto standard. If budget pushes you earlier, the 2020 is a solid fallback. Below that, you are trading price for documented risk. Run every VIN through a recall check regardless of year. For 2016, 2017, or 2018 models, the five-minute phone call to check the turbo special coverage status could be the most valuable research you do. CarScout members can track price drops and inventory on specific Trax trim/year combinations at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, GM Special Coverage bulletins A212338300 and N232395330, and real owner experiences from TraxForum.com, CarComplaints.com, RepairPal, and Consumer Reports. See the full Chevrolet Trax market data for current pricing and inventory.