Chevrolet · Known Issues
2016 Chevrolet Trax Problems: 5 Known Issues
2016 model year · 180+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2016 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2016 model year · 180+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2016 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax has 5 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Coolant Leak from Water Outlet Housing with 180 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $2,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
AIR BAGS
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.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Coolant Leak from Water Outlet Housing, 1.4L Turbo Wastegate Actuator Failure, 6-Speed Automatic Rough Shifting and Delayed Engagement. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax has 5 known issues documented across 180+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Trax issues range from $50 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The plastic water outlet housing on the 1.4L turbo engine is prone to cracking and leaking coolant. The housing sits on the back of the engine block and deteriorates from heat cycling. Coolant loss can lead to overheating if not addressed. Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
The 1.4L turbocharged engine in the Trax (shared with Cruze, Sonic, and Buick Encore) develops wastegate actuator failures. The wastegate seal degrades, allowing exhaust gases to bypass the turbine wheel and reduce boost. The wastegate actuator arm design has a known mechanical w… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
The 6T40 automatic transmission exhibits rough or harsh shifts, delayed engagement from Park or Reverse, and occasional lurching. The valve body is the primary culprit, with wear on the pressure regulator bore causing erratic shift quality. Cold weather operation tends to make th… Repairs typically run $200-$2,800. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
The Trax uses the same 1.4T Ecotec engine as the Cruze with similar issues: turbo oil feed line leaks, PCV system failures, and coolant system plastic component cracking. The coolant outlet/thermostat housing is the most common failure point. Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
The 1.4L turbocharged engine burns oil at an excessive rate, often consuming a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. The issue is attributed to piston ring design and PCV system routing. GM considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles "normal" but many owners find this unacceptable. Repairs typically run $50-$2,500. Severity: medium.