2016 model year · 180+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Coolant Leak from Water Outlet Housing with 180 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $2,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax 1.4T Ecotec, 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.
Same fixes as Cruze 1.4T - replace water outlet, inspect turbo oil lines, replace valve cover for PCV issues.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo, 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.
Monitor oil level between changes and top off as needed. Replace the PCV valve and inspect the intake manifold for oil buildup. For severe consumption, an engine teardown to replace piston rings and valve stem seals may be necessary. Use full synthetic 5W-30 oil as specified.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo, 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 weakness. GM TechLink bulletin noted many returned turbochargers had no fault and emphasized proper diagnosis before replacement.
Confirm the fault before replacing parts by scanning for P0299, logging commanded vs. actual boost, and inspecting the turbo wastegate lever/actuator for excessive play, sticking, or a loose flapper; also smoke-test the intake/charge-air system and check the bypass valve, PCV system, and vacuum/pressure control plumbing so a boost leak is not mistaken for turbo failure. If the wastegate arm or flapper is worn, GM typically services this as a complete turbocharger assembly rather than the actuator alone; replace the turbo assembly with new gaskets, oil feed/return seals, and related hardware, then clear codes and verify boost on a road test. Typical repair cost is about $1,200-$2,000 at an independent shop or $1,800-$2,800 at a dealer depending on labor rates and whether the catalytic converter fasteners/oil lines also need replacement.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo, 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.
Replace the plastic water outlet housing with an updated design. Many owners opt for aftermarket aluminum replacements for improved durability.
Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax, 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 the issue more pronounced.
A transmission fluid and filter change using Dexron HP fluid is the first step. If symptoms persist, a valve body replacement or rebuild addresses the root cause. Have the TCM reflashed to the latest GM calibration. In severe cases, a remanufactured transmission may be the most cost-effective solution.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2016-2016 Chevrolet Trax has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Coolant Leak from Water Outlet Housing, 6-Speed Automatic Rough Shifting and Delayed Engagement, 1.4T Ecotec Turbo and Coolant Issues. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2016-2016 Chevrolet Trax has 5 known issues documented across 180+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
