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Model-year record

2021 Chevrolet Trax
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2021 Chevrolet Trax

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

23

Reports to NHTSA, 2021

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

26.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (26% of 23 reports), followed by service brakes (17%).

Electrical System26% · 6 reports
Service Brakes17% · 4 reports
Air Bags13% · 3 reports
Power Train13% · 3 reports
Engine9% · 2 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling4% · 1 report
Structure4% · 1 report
Suspension4% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 23 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11717127, ODI 11675210, ODI 11669633, ODI 11662088, ODI 11654663.

Individual complaint reports(23)

Showing the 23 most recent reports
Air BagsJul 2026 · ODI 11749612 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. While the contact's spouse was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was involved in a crash. While the driver was attempting to avoid striking a deer, the vehicle crashed into a barbed wire fence. The air bags did not deploy. In addition, the contact stated that the engine detached from the vehicle after the crash. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The driver was transported to the local medical center. The driver sustained injuries to the neck and the middle of the back and burns on the left side of the neck from the seat belt. A Police report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The vehicle was not inspected by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11749612 at NHTSA →
VisibilityJun 2026 · ODI 11741550Details +

The contact owns Ac condenser became inoperable cluster Mask (ICM). The dealer diagnosed with a failed internal cluster mask. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Apr 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11741550 at NHTSA →
StructureApr 2026 · ODI 11729901Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the driver's side roof rack exterior trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer would partially cover the cost of the repair. The contact declined to pay a fee because the contact believed that the failure was a factory defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11729901 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2026 · ODI 11725693 · crashDetails +

The vehicle has 2 permanent codes. One is a communication blackout, the other code means the hardware is melting. GM is doing a formal inspection in April. The Ucode meant that the engine stopped talking to the transmission or visa versa. The vehicle “ran my daughter and I” off the highway into the dirt, on 2 different occasions. They are described as “catastrophic engine failures”. The last one occurred on MLK Jr Day 2026, before the vehicle was permanently grounded. It could have been fatal. GM is doing a formal investigation to see what liability the have for it because the vehicle is now considered a “lemon”. There were no external (dashboard) warnings before the events, but, there may have been internal ones that require a professional grade scanner to detect. The permanent Ucode, which causes a communication blackout, never appeared in the vehicles memory, on a scanner, until AFTER the local GM franchise conducted “repairs” (unsuccessfully) to fix the vehicle. (It wouldnt start, which is often a symptom of a Permanent UCode. The GM investigation will determine if the dealership knew the safety liability, (the permanent Ucode) and they tried bypassing or ignoring it, or, if they CAUSED the safety defect. Also, the vehicle is now showing a Permanent PCode, which means it is now a potential fire hazard.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11725693 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2026 · ODI 11717127Details +

The Turbo Charger failed suddenly without a prior display of a warning light and was replaced by an independent service center in June 2025. I received a letter from GM in November 2025 stating there was a known "condition" that may cause the Turbo Charger to need replacing but a recall was not issued. On 1/22/26 the vehicle suddenly went into "Limp Mode" while driving. The Throttle Body Injection Unit, Engine Coolant Water Outlet, and Coolant were replaced. The coolant had been topped off on 1/20/26. On 1/27/26 the vehicle began shuddering and lost power while I was driving on the highway. As I attempted to get to a gas station off of the next exit, it intermittently lost power and began smoking under the hood. It seemed to be overheating but there is no temperature gauge on the display. I had it towed to my service center again. At that time, four spark plugs and an ignition coil were replaced. After these repairs, I have continued to have significant power issues, the engine warning light has come back on, and the "Service Brake Assist" warning light has come on. Additionally, the instrument panel frequently goes blank or displays what can best be described as "static" and the A/C and heat do not work, making it difficult to defrost and defog the windshield. The wiper fluid will not come out even though the reservoir is full. Due to prohibitive diagnostic fees at the dealership, which I was told would not be waived or reimbursed, I have continued to utilize my independent service center to maintain basic drivability. My service center has advised me that the engine may fail completely within a short time frame. I have reported these issues to the manufacturer and have been assigned a case number. I'm concerned that this may indicate a potential safety defect and/or premature engine failure affecting my vehicle and others of the same model. I'm submitting this complaint for documentation and safety tacking.

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11717127 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2026 · ODI 11713436Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, while the roads were clear, dry, and the weather was good, the engine seized, and the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 55 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond and continued driving forward. While driving at 50 MPH, the failure reoccurred. The engine and stabili-trak illuminated after the vehicle came to a complete stop. The local dealer was contacted regarding loaner vehicles on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was scanned, and DTC: TCM U0101 and P0700 were retrieved. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the local dealer and the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11713436 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2025 · ODI 11688675Details +

Check engine light keeps coming on. Crankshaft sensor is the problem according to the code but the dealership says it’s the catalyst converter. Also my low power engine light came on.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Sep 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11688675 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2025 · ODI 11675210Details +

At roughly 20,000 miles, my cars' carplay connection begain to intermittently disconnect. Never could get it to reproduce the same results when at the dealership. At roughly 60,000 miles the VCU (vehicle cockpit unit) began glitching. It would flicker, go black and then come back after a few seconds. Now at 92,xxx miles (don't know how many miles because it's black right now) its off more than its on. I can't get access to important vehicle information including digital speedometer, milage, tire pressure, oil life span, miles left until my gas tank is empty, and more. This makes it impossible to adhere to an oil change done at proper intervals, knowing my exact speed when driving, or if I'm about to run out of gas. And i cant see my tire pressure if it fluctuates before the tire pressure sensor goes off, possibly preventing me from getting to safety BEFORE i have a flat tire. GM has a recall for the screens on the newer 2024 and 2025 Trax, but this has been an issue in the Chevy Trax since around 2016. Also while driving in rain or wet conditions, the side detection shuts off and the screen will say "Side Detection System Unavailable" and no longer works. I have not been able to take my car to the dealership because they want too keep it and I don't have another way to get to work or get groceries. This car is my lifeline.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11675210 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2025 · ODI 11669633Details +

UNKNOWN I’ve had my car for 11 months. When I first got the car I got it fully inspected and there were minor issues like tires and brakes. However, now the ac compressor is completely damaged and there may be contamination in my lines. This is not an owner issue. I take really good care of my car. I just don’t know how this could’ve happened if this wasn’t a manufacturer related issue.

Reported
Jun 2025
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11669633 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2025 · ODI 11662088Details +

The instrument panel where the digital speed, tire pressure, mileage etc.. is displayed goes black. Sometimes it comes back on and sometimes it stays off for hours

Reported
May 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11662088 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2025 · ODI 11654663Details +

The front exhaust flex pipe leaked by a corrosive hole that allowed exhaust and CO carbon monoxide to escape making the drivers dizzy, nauseated, and with a headache. This also caused the vehicle to smoke, run rough and stall in traffic. This also required the post 02 sensor to be replaced.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11654663 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2025 · ODI 11638576Details +

1/23/25 This is the 3rd time the turbocharger has malfunction within 2 1/2 months and is once again at the dealership service department. Horrible smoke was filling the inside of the car while I was driving and smelled as though something was badly burning. The car had began shaking with minimal driving and loss of power. Electric dashboard not working which should indicate if there is any particular problems going on with my Trax. This is a real Safety Hazard. My car should be recalled in order to fix this hazardous problem once and for all!

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11638576 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2024 · ODI 11629369Details +

On 11/25/24 while my daughter was driving my 2021 Trax all of a sudden the engine light came on and my car lost power while lots of smoke began coming out of the exhaust pipe the car started to shake she thankfully made it to the Dealership service department where the codes showed a FUEL TRIM PROBLEM once that problem was serviced my daughter picked the car up drove my car home and the very next day my Trax engine light came on again and once again it Lost Power my daughter went back to the Dealership service department where the codes showed aTurbocharger problem. I have 33,440 miles on my 2021 Trax and purchased it last year from the Dealership. My car is still there.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Nov 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11629369 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2024 · ODI 11603491Details +

My car is only at around 37,7000 miles. My I have only had it since it was around 15,000 miles. My battery has died at least 4 times due to my alternator having problems charging. My brakes have also gone out on me at one point in the beginning. My battery is now trash and so is my alternator.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11603491 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2024 · ODI 11599593Details +

My car, which as of today, July 6, 2024 has a mileage of 45349, and is experiencing issues related to the EVAP purge pump under speed. I see that there is already been a recall on multiple models of the Chevrolet tracks, but not mine as it is a 2021 and not a 2020. I have owned this vehicle for two months, and have kept up with all of the maintenance as instructed. But I figured that this malfunction will lead to further damage, including but not limited to blown head gasket or blown engine.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11599593 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2024 · ODI 11580674 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, another vehicle rear-ended the vehicle. The contact stated that both the driver and passenger seat belts failed to restrain both occupants. The air bags also failed to deploy upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact managed to drive away from the scene of the accident. The contact and the other occupant both sought medical attention the next day at a hospital. The contact was treated for multiple herniated, torn, and bulging discs on their vertebrae. The contact's passenger also sustained several bulging discs on their vertebrae which extended from the neck to the bottom of the spine. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 11580674 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2023 · ODI 11536470Details +

The vehicle is very hard to control in high winds. I was driving down the highway on a very windy day the vehicle fishtailed the entire time. Almost rolled the vehicle it’s very dangerous

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11536470 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2023 · ODI 11534110Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and became stuck. The contact had to manually retract the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with brake positioner failure. The contact was informed that the brake positioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer on three separate occasions however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,681.

Reported
Jul 2023
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11534110 at NHTSA →
SuspensionJun 2023 · ODI 11527411 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

It appears the rear axle separated from the vehicle. This appears to prevented braking ability. My conclusion is from skid marks at the crash scene. Also Front wheels disengaged. I have photos.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11527411 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2023 · ODI 11500450 · fireDetails +

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the AC unit was distributing hot air. The contact detected white smoke emerging from the engine compartment and the vehicle caught fire. The contact was able to pull over and exit the vehicle without injury. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There was the deployment of air bags. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11500450 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2022 · ODI 11482758 · crashDetails +

My wife was driving and we were hit hard enough to shove the vehicle into the next lane and crumple the undercarriage of the vehicle. Making it undrivable anymore. And any information I can find says side impact air bags will deploy if the vehicle is hit anywhere on the side of the vehicle. Which clearly did not happen in this case. A side note I can only ever find videos on direct side impact not indirect impacts that involves the wheels. In either case the front or back tire impacts will still involve the persons head being slammed into the door window causing head injury.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11482758 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2021 · ODI 11431780Details +

1,992 miles. Two times when applying brakes hard the vehicle pulled hard to the right. Both times I narrowly avoided hitting the vehicle in front of me. I went to the service department they did a test drive and were unable to duplicate the issue. They checked the brake pads and rotors and stated all look normal. In addition they did a multi-point inspection. 6,253 miles. Again applying brakes hard the vehicle pulled hard right. Days later the brakes were spongy and then that lead up to the brakes going to the floor board. I went to the service department where they did a test drive and found that they were going to the floor board. They ran a diagnostic check and found the master cylinder were causing concern. They installed sl-n-cylinder kit (04649-95414) and n-fluid (08800-bopckt) They replaced brake master cylinder and reset the operation. Lop=2440100 L=1.10 L=0.50 to bleed system. They did a multi-point inspection. They indicated caused by scheduled maintenance. With all incidents no warning lights were showing.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11431780 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2021 · ODI 11431781Details +

1,992 miles. Two times when applying brakes hard the vehicle pulled hard to the right. Both times I narrowly avoided hitting the vehicle in front of me. I went to the service department they did a test drive and were unable to duplicate the issue. They checked the brake pads and rotors and stated all look normal. In addition they did a multi-point inspection. 6,253 miles. Again applying brakes hard the vehicle pulled hard right. Days later the brakes were spongy and then that lead up to the brakes going to the floor board. I went to the service department where they did a test drive and found that they were going to the floor board. They ran a diagnostic check and found the master cylinder were causing concern. They installed sl-n-cylinder kit (04649-95414) and n-fluid (08800-bopckt) They replaced brake master cylinder and reset the operation. Lop=2440100 L=1.10 L=0.50 to bleed system. They did a multi-point inspection. They indicated caused by scheduled maintenance. With all incidents no warning lights were showing.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11431781 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2021 Chevrolet Trax SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2021 Chevrolet Trax SUV FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Trax FWD1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive263128
Trax FWD1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243227
Trax AWD1.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive233026
Trax AWD1.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive242926

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2021 Chevrolet Trax: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?

Owners filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (26% of complaints) and service brakes (17%).

How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Trax between 26 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.