Chevrolet Trax
1.4-liter turbo four with port injection, 138 hp. Inherits every known 1.4T weakness from the Cruze and Sonic: intake manifold PCV check valve fails at near-100% rate, water pumps weep, turbo oil lines coke up. 2016–2017 units also suffer cracked pistons. A cheap engine that feels cheap.
A rolling repair invoice
138 hp in a cheap crossover that inherits every known Cruze 1.4T weakness: the intake-manifold PCV check valve is a near-100% failure item, water pumps weep, turbo oil lines coke up. Forgettable to drive, and past 60k miles usually costlier than expected.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Turbocharger oil and coolant feed lines coke up or collapse, leading to burnt oil smell and eventual turbo failure. GM Special Coverage A212338300 covers 10 yr/120k mi. Repair ~$1,210 at 37k mi.
Symptoms: Burnt oil smell, power loss, blue smoke, turbo noise
Early LUV pistons had cracking issues causing severe oil consumption. GM resolved after 2017. Engine replacement often the only fix when affected.
Symptoms: Heavy blue smoke, oil consumption over 1 qt per 1,000 mi, engine knock
The orange rubber check valve in the intake manifold dislodges and burns up. Underboost codes, rough running. Forum consensus: near-100% failure rate. Valve cover usually needs replacing at the same time. $800–$1,200 combined.
Symptoms: Underboost codes, rough idle, whistling from intake, power loss
Water pump seal leaks at the weep hole. GM extended warranty coverage to 150,000 miles due to prevalence. Typical around 100,000 mi.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, spot under engine, overheating in hot weather
The plastic coolant outlet housing near head and turbo can't handle 220°F thermal cycles and cracks at seams or sensor ports. Metal upgrade recommended.
Symptoms: Visible coolant at outlet housing, longer warm-up, coolant loss
Valve cover develops oil leaks, related to PCV pressure spikes. Often replaced in the same repair order as intake manifold.
Symptoms: Oil drops on cylinder head, burnt oil smell
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
NHTSA 19V312000 + 19V652000: front lower control arm has improperly welded joint that can break. Partial separation impacts steering and handling. Covers 2015–2018.
NHTSA 18V774000: under certain conditions the diagnostic test runs and airbags/pretensioners won't deploy in a crash. Covers 2014–2017.
NHTSA 16V651000 and 17V437000: seat belt pretensioner defects affecting 2016–2017 Trax.
2016 Trax is the worst year per CarComplaints, with A/C compressor issues as the #2 complaint. Average repair ~$900 at 40,000 mi.
NHTSA 16V257000 and 16V422000: 2015–2016 Trax lacks audible seat belt and key warning chime. Software update fixes.
2016 Trax models show clearcoat peeling, especially on hood and roof. Average ~$500 repair at 62,000 mi per CarComplaints.
Recurring complaints of flickering headlights, infotainment glitches, and freezing rearview camera on Gen 1 Trax.
