2019 Chevrolet Trax Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Trax years
Typical for this model
64/100 1.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.4× that of a typical Chevrolet Trax year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 56 of its 136 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Turbocharger failure and loss of power (19 complaints, median 63,700 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020, 2021
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 136filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles, 53 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints from owners of this model year cluster around two areas: engine and cooling problems (turbo failure, coolant loss, water pump and radiator work) and a group of low-mileage chassis complaints involving steering pull, suspension noise and braking feel. Many of the earliest reports were filed under 10,000 miles, while electrical and infotainment faults tend to appear later in the vehicle's life.
- Steering
Steering pulls or binds, sometimes in cold weather
- 12 complaints (9%)
- median 3,000 mi at 0.8 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe the vehicle pulling to one side while the wheel is held straight, and a stiff or heavy steering feel that owners say can appear when temperatures drop. Several owners report alignment attempts and dealer visits without a lasting change; one complaint mentions power steering assist dropping out along with warnings on the dash. Mostly reported under 3,000 miles, with a separate group of cold-weather reports at low to moderate mileage.
What to check: Drive on a straight stretch and check whether the car tracks straight with the wheel centered, and ask whether any alignment or steering repairs have been done. On a cold start, check whether the wheel turns freely.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power steering locks when car is parked and temperature drops below 30 degrees. Car has to be warmed up for about 20 minutes and then when the steering releases there is a very loud rubbing noise.”
NHTSA complaint #11311655, filed 2020-02, 4,000 miles“Bought car on 7-26-2019. Car drifting off the road to the right back doors don't shut flush water leaks .car in shop 7-27-2019. No fix problem still the same. Back in shop 8-5-2019 to 8-8-2019. No improvement . Took car to another dealership on 9-5-2019 to 9-12-2019.found door molding bad replaced them . Doors still not flush. Car is still pulling off the road to the right. Going back in shop on 9-23-2019 for same problem water leaks happen while sitting still pulling happens all the time no improvement”
NHTSA complaint #11257072, filed 2019-09, 15 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal feel and extended stopping distance
- 9 complaints (7%)
- median 9,100 mi at 2.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2024
Complaints describe the pedal going to the floor, longer stopping distances, grinding, or the vehicle surging forward at operating temperature and being hard to stop. Dealers in these reports replaced a brake line, a brake booster or worked on rear calipers, and some owners say no fault was found on inspection. Reported from a few hundred miles up to about 55,000 miles, with several cases inside the first 10,000 miles.
What to check: Test the pedal for firmness and travel at low speed in a safe area, ask for brake service records, and have a mechanic check the booster, lines and rear calipers before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had a bad experience with the brakes on this vehicle. I had this car to not stop on me on two occasions . Once in a parking spot, and once when I approached a busy intersection on a college campus. The car would not stop. It made a grind g noise, skied and just would not stop. I had to throw the car out of drive to get it to stop. The dealership plilips Chevrolet is saying the diagnostic tests did not detect a problem. S I just imagined the terrifying ordeals that I encountered. …”
NHTSA complaint #11153315, filed 2018-11, 365 miles“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the Service Brake Assist message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,010.”
NHTSA complaint #11528282, filed 2023-06, 30,010 miles - Suspension
Front lower control arm and suspension noise
- 18 complaints (13%)
- median 8,500 mi at 1.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2022
Owners describe squeaks and noises over bumps, and in some cases the front lower control arm separating or breaking at low speed. Complaints also mention strut mounts found broken on both front sides. A safety recall covers an improperly welded joint in the front lower control arms, and several owners report that parts were not yet available when they asked. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 27,000 miles, often within the first year or two of ownership.
What to check: Confirm with a dealer whether recall 19V312000 was completed on the vehicle, and listen for clunks or squeaks over bumps during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was traveling in my car on the freeway. Traffic came to a deceleration very quickly and suddenly. I was able to slow down in time to avoid the car in front of me, however I was struck from behind. The driver behind me must have swerved also to try to avoid hitting me directly from behind. She hit my rear driver side. This action caused my control arm, strut tower, rotor, wheel and all other associated parts to detach from the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11317802, filed 2020-03, 10,000 miles“While on the highway, my truck went hard right while my steering wheel was in straight position. I asked my passenger did you feel that . They said yes .it was very scary and happens very sporadic.also the brakes seem to be some timey with stopping efficiently, like you either stop too quick or not fast enough. I'm not sure why my VIN has not appeared in this recall when clearly my vehicle has the same issues and within the make model and year.”
NHTSA complaint #11222919, filed 2019-06, 2,500 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment screen goes blank or audio drops out
- 12 complaints (9%)
- median 500 mi at 1.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2025
Owners describe the radio and center display going dark or gray, Bluetooth failing to pair or calls not working, and the screen becoming hot. Complaints state the dealer could not reproduce the fault or said a hardware update from the manufacturer was needed; one report notes that the speedometer and other displays were also affected. Reported from a few hundred miles up to roughly 50,000 miles, sometimes recurring repeatedly over months.
What to check: Cycle through the radio, display and phone pairing during a test drive, and ask whether the instrument cluster or infotainment unit has been reprogrammed or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a new 2019 chevy TRAX after trading in my 2016 TRAX. I had been driving it for about two weeks when my radio, turn signal, phone calls and onstar (not sure about back up camera) was affected by some glitch. The sound went away from my turn signal, all the radio channels, no sound but could receive phone calls and tried to call onstar per sales rep to do a diagnosis but the call could not be heard. The onstar call could not be disconnected. …”
NHTSA complaint #11195658, filed 2019-04, 500 miles“I have had my 2019 TRAX for a little over a year now and I have had nothing but problems with the radio the radio in my car has stopped working at least 8 or 9 times (when I am driving and when I am parked. When I bring it to the dealer they say they cannot find anything wrong with it unless it does it for them. It goes out while I am driving all the time for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and today when I went to start it the whole display screen was gray and then it went to black. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311164, filed 2020-02, 5 miles - Engine
Turbocharger failure and loss of power
- 19 complaints (14%)
- median 63,700 mi at 4.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe the check engine light coming on, the vehicle dropping into reduced power, and in some cases a sudden loss of motive power while driving. Complaints state the dealer diagnosed a failed turbocharger and replaced it, and a few owners say a replacement turbo failed again. Some also mention rough running or hesitation after refueling. Reports span roughly 40,000 to 85,000 miles, with several owners describing repeated turbo replacements over a couple of years.
What to check: Ask whether the turbocharger has ever been replaced and keep records of oil changes, since some complaints mention warranty questions tied to oil level. Watch for a check engine light or hesitation under acceleration on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Turbocharger was replaced in October 2024. Now it is bad again as confirmed by the dealership. Check engine light was on. They had it in their repair shop and did a diagnostic test. Car stalled in the middle of the highway. The 2017 & 2018 Trax with the same engine have a recall for the turbocharger. The dealership would not honor the parts warranty because they said it was low on oil. No check oil light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11665996, filed 2025-06“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and engine power reduced warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated pulled off the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle and on several occasions the vehicle regained normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure occurred in cold weather and the failure occurred at various speeds. …”
NHTSA complaint #11559794, filed 2023-12, 79,000 miles
Buying note. Check that recall 19V312000 (front lower control arms) was performed, and have a mechanic look at the turbo, cooling system and brakes given the reports above. Service records showing regular oil changes and any infotainment or steering repairs are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 136 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. 53 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 10,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 676 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Chevrolet Trax model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 64 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine37 27%
- Electrical system25 18%
- Other or unknown21 15%
- Suspension19 14%
- Steering16 12%
- Brakes14 10%
- Transmission and drivetrain11 8.1%
- Fuel system9 6.6%
- Vehicle speed control8 5.9%
- Wheels8 5.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (6), Engine cooling (5), Air bags (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Equipment (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seats (2), Tires (2), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The tires have a manufacture defect on them causing abnormal wear, tires are new and when I took car back to dealer they refuse to change them. I refuse to buy another set due to I should not have to on a car that I really didn't want. The engine is not powerful enough to maintain a speed at 70mph it surges”
NHTSA complaint #11378252, filed 2020-12, 220 milesElectrical system: “Went to dealership for oil change. Told to pull car up into bay. When turning car back on the dashboard lite up claiming issue with power effecting steering and brakes. They performed a diagnostic test and found no issue. Told me if it happens again let them know and I should pull over to the side of the road, with my flashers on, and turn the car off which would trip it. I only leased this car in march 2019 with 79 miles. There has already been one recall on this make and model.”
NHTSA complaint #11269853, filed 2019-10, 1,000 milesOther or unknown: “In the 2nd maintenance of the vehicle at the authorized dealer they informed me of a recall on the front train, after this the vehicle has presented different incidents, from different sounds to higher fuel consumption, it does not respond in the same way when accelerating, the guide vibrates and it doesn't stop the same.this happens on any type of pavement. Currently the vehicle has 8,500 kilometers and the situation has not been resolved and is the third visit to the workshop after what happened. Help me please I don't feel safe in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11311922, filed 2020-02, 6,300 milesSuspension: “I leased a 2019 chevy TRAX in jan on this year, had about 8,000 miles on it last month when the lower control arm failed while my wife was driving it. There is recall for previous years but not my vehicle for the lower control arm. Long story short, I filed an inquiry case with GM to which they said the accident caused the failure. In my opinion, the failure caused the accident and thank god she was just accelerating at 3 or 4 MPH from a stop light when the failure occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11282266, filed 2019-11, 8,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
75% of the 53 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,500 and 46,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Trax · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2019 Chevrolet Trax version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Trax AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V312000Apr 18, 2019Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Chevrolet Trax 2017–2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 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…
- 18V774000Nov 1, 2018Air bags › Air bag/restraint control moduleCovers: Chevrolet Trax 2019, Traverse 2019, Buick Encore 2019 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in…
Recall details for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 676 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038137Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the technician a repair direction when a failed programming event occurs when replacing the Instrument Panel Cluster.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11036397Aug 19, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the technician a repair direction when a failed programming event occurs when replacing the Instrument Panel Cluster.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- 11027697Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
Other model years of the Chevrolet Trax
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 3,000 | 0 | — | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 98 | 6,510 | 1 | 4 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 180 | 20,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2022 | 9 | 44,000 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 25 | 68,000 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 98 | 25,500 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 136 | 10,000 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 64 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 102 | 28,001 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 114 | 26,800 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 120 | 40,672 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 96 | 35,708 | 7 | 5 | 29 | 60 · Typical | Falling |
All Chevrolet Trax model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
Complaints from owners of this model year cluster around two areas: engine and cooling problems (turbo failure, coolant loss, water pump and radiator work) and a group of low-mileage chassis complaints involving steering pull, suspension noise and braking feel. The issues reported most often: Steering pulls or binds, sometimes in cold weather; Brake pedal feel and extended stopping distance; Front lower control arm and suspension noise.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have?
NHTSA recorded 136 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 37 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 25.
Has the 2019 Chevrolet Trax been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2019 Chevrolet Trax do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 Chevrolet Trax 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Trax (Trax, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 26 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax reported?
Among the 53 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 10,000 miles and the middle half falls between 2,500 and 46,000 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.