First generation (U200)
2016 Chevrolet Trax
The most reported problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax is misfire, with 22 complaints, usually around 70,000 miles.
- 120owner complaints
- 5recalls
- 9involved a crash
- 47,350median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax has 120 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 10 Trax model years since 2015, it has the 3rd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 11 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs close to the 2017 (11). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Misfire has 22 complaints and airbag has 19, out of 120 in all. A quarter of the 18 owners who gave a mileage for misfire saw it by about 47,000 miles, and half by about 70,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 10 of the 120 complaints (8%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 9 reports mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 4 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 6 of 9, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 5 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 22 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 9. So far in 2026, 10 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: check engine light or misfire, 22 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
120 complaints is 2.1 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 2.1 times fewer than the median 2016 SUV. Among the 6 Trax model years here it ranks 3rd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet filed 1,114 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Chevrolet Trax. 76 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Check engine light or misfire 22 bulletins · 22 complaints
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
20 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. The technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0299 or P0234 set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a rough idle or misfire. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0300 set in the Engine Control Module.
This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This informational bulletin provides information to the tech to test the PCV for proper performance before replacing the camshaft cover to correct a MIL On w/DTC P0171.
This engineering information PI ends the need for information from the field on reduced engine power, DTC P0299 set.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on reduced engine power, DTC P0299 set.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the evap canister for vehicles with the condition of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTC P0446 or P0455 Set due to spiders laying a nest within the canister.
Plus 10 older ones not listed here.
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 19 complaints
THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON LOCATING AND RECONNECTING AIRBAG CONNECTORS THAT ARE NOT FULLY SEATED TO CORRECT A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED, OR ONE, OR MORE, AIRBAG DTC(S) SET.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 15 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
Turbo failure or loss of boost 8 bulletins · 14 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to install a PCV heater or a charge air cooler to correct the turbo charger system from freezing causing cold weather performance issues.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to install a PCV heater or a charge air cooler to correct the turbo charger system from freezing causing cold weather performance issues.
6 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to install a PCV heater and a front fascia blocker to correct the turbo charger system from freezing causing cold weather performance issues.
This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on Damaged, Disassembled or Improperly Packaged Turbochargers Returned to Warranty Part Center.
This preliminary informational bulletin was created to inform Service Agents or Dealers, they may be charged back for parts and labor due to the turbo-chargers are being returned to the Warranty Parts center damaged, improperly assembled or missing parts and ...
43210 - SERVICE UPDATE. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.4L TURBO ENGINE (RPO LUJ/LUV), CERTAIN OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ENGINE OIL LEAKAGE AT THE OIL COOLER PIPE CAUSED BY A DAMAGED O-RING. DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED O-RING.
43210 - Service Update. Stop Delivery Order. For vehicles equipped with a 1.4L Turbo Engine, certain of these vehicles may experience engine oil leakage at the oil cooler pipe caused by a damaged O-ring. Dealers are to replace the damaged O-Ring.
This preliminary informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with policies and procedures regarding damaged, disassembled or improperly packaged turbochargers returned to Warranty Part Center.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 26 bulletins · 10 complaints
This Preliminary Information communicates reason forAC Inoperative and/or Ambient Temperature Display Missing from the Radio. Dealer to isolate and repair open circuit to the ambient temperature sensor.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
24 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information for the technicians on multi-media infotainment tester (MIT), does not function properly when diagnosing infotainment complaints, which may lead to mis-diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to clear the codes and re-evaluate the XM radio channels to correct a condition of audio muting when listening to some Sirius XM channels but if they change channels they will find others that experience normal ...
This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for the customer concern of a blank radio with/without audio, by checking the the wiring harness, ECU and reprograming the HMI software update, if the wiring or ECU are not the cause.
This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D-37 history in the Vehicle Communication Interface Module or telematics communication interface control module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers that may complain of various concerns when using Bluetooth components.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the radio will not retain the previous settings and will go to the Home Icon screen when the vehicle is restarted.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information to the customer that the rear vision camera only shows 3/4 of the radio display screen and is a normal characteristic in which no parts are to be replaced for this condition.
This informational bulletin provides information on On rare occasions, a security code input message with SPS error code E5659, M5304, and/or M5530 may be displayed in TIS2web when the technician is programming any module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have an OnStar Turn-By-Turn Navigation the system that is inoperative.
Plus 14 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 9 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that had the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve now Diagnostic Trouble Code C0131 is set current.
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
1 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information on installing the correct tires for vehicles with the condition of under hard acceleration at higher speeds, the traction control light will flash.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 9 bulletins · 8 complaints
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
7 more on this problem
Special Coverage Adjustment. Certain vehicles, there may be a coolant leak at the radiator. Dealers are to replace condenser, radiator, fan, charge air cooler and piping, and A/C pipes. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
Special Coverage - certain vehicles there may be a coolant leak at the radiator. Dealers are to replace condenser, radiator, fan, charge air cooler and piping, and A/C pipes.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the condensor to correct a customer concern that the air conditioning is not getting cold enough, or is blowing warm air due to a block off plate that was mis-positioned during their manufacturing ...
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT AIR CONDITION INOPERATIVE AND/OR AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DISPLAY MISSING.
THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN ADDS A MEXICO BUILT VIN DESIGNATION TO A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR PROCEDURE TO CORRECT A CUSTOMER CONCERN THAT THE A/C IS NOT GETTING COLD ENOUGH, OR IS BLOWING WARM AIR.
45050 - SERVICE UPDATE. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO COMPRESSOR RUN-IN (CRI) PROCESS NOT COMPLETED. DEALERS ARE TO PERFORM A/C COMPRESSOR RUN-IN FUNCTION IN GDS.
THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON LOWERING THE A/C'S R-134A REFRIGERANT CHARGE TO CORRECT A CUSTOMER CONCERN THAT THE A/C INTERMITTENTLY BLOWS WARM AIR.
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 6 bulletins · 7 complaints
This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer?s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General ...
4 more on this problem
Information Regarding the Differences Between Fluid Leakage and Seepage This bulletin is intended to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak and what is considered seepage.
This informational bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics When Using the Pico Scope
This informational bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operations.
This informational bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
Complaints filed by year
22 complaints came in 2019, 3.1 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2016 Chevrolet Trax
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. 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. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
All 5 recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?
Misfire, with 22 of the 120 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 70,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Trax problems start?
Of the 68 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 27,000 miles and half by about 47,000.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Trax better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has about as many complaints as the 2017: 11 a year against 11.
How many 2016 Chevrolet Trax complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
10 of them (8%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for misfire on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?
No recall on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax is on the same system as misfire. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.