VehicleVerdict

2019 Chevrolet Trax problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax sits mid-pack among Trax years: 189 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 139, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (37), electrical system (30), and other (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

189

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Trax years?

Trax NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted215 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 145 complaints2016: 183 complaints2017: 181 complaints2018: 152 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 139 complaints2021: 37 complaints2022: 13 complaints2024: 215 complaints2025: 121 complaints2026: 16 complaints
Trax NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trax years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Trax problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3720%
Electrical System3016%
Other2111%
Suspension1910%
Steering158%
Brakes147%
Tires & Wheels105%
Transmission105%
Speed Control84%
Fuel System84%
Body & Structure63%
Airbags42%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Seats21%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V312000SuspensionApril 18, 2019 · 112,958 units

Defect

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 lower-control arm from the vehicle.

Consequence

A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.

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 June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A182202370.

18V774000AirbagsNovember 1, 2018 · 12 units

Defect

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 the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND HAD A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLANT LINES LEAKING, TO THE POINT THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARDS, THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, AND ALSO THE CAR WILL SURGE FORWARD AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE, MAKING IT HARD TO STOP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 10, 2019 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check battery light illuminated and the instrument panel lights started flashing before the power steering failed, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and drive into a ditch. During…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 14, 2023 · crash

“I was driving on 95 N and out of the clear blue, my car began to smoke. There was no warning lights on the dashboard that indicated that I needed to check the oil or engine, etc. I pulled over, taking the nearest exit to a gas station.As I turned into the gas station, I heard a loud popping sound.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 1, 2022 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 8, 2019 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check battery light illuminated and the instrument panel lights started flashing before the power steering failed, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and drive into a ditch. During…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 14, 2023 · crash

2019 Chevrolet Trax — common questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax reliable?

It is close to typical for the Trax: 189 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Trax problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (37 complaints), electrical system (30 complaints), other (21 complaints).

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Trax have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Trax years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trax years to avoid are 2024, 2013. The cleanest record among Trax years belongs to 2014.

How safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Chevrolet Trax earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.