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2016 Chevrolet Trax engine problems

moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire

When does it fail?

Of the 20 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (50%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
1 (50%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Among the 10 model years of Chevrolet Trax in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

engine · filed 12/19/2025

I have replaced five catalytic converters since I have owned this vehicle. Please advise.

engine · filed 12/15/2021

I purchased the 2016 Chevy Trax used. The car has 68,000 miles on it. I've had issues with this car since I purchased it. The check engine light came on once again with same code as always P0420. I brought it to a Chevy dealer and they finally replace the catalytic converters. Today I get a letter from Chevrolet stating my cars engine 1.4L may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger…

engine · 80,000 mi · filed 12/02/2020

I have had this car for three years and have had so many issues with it that I could've paid it off by now if I wasn't constantly fixing it. I have replaced the turbo intercooler because it froze last winter and the check engine light came on. I was told by the dealership it was safe to drive until the part came in but it couldn't go over 10mph so it was unusable to me. I have also replaced the…

engine · 27,000 mi · filed 11/26/2019

Check engine light came on when I cranked the car up. Went to have it checked and at first it was a bad o2 sensor. That was fixed and two days later the check engine light was back on, took it back in and now I have to replace the air intake system on a vehicle with right at 27,000 miles on it. Both times, I keep getting diagnostic alerts from onstar telling me to check the antilock braking…

Had engine trouble with your 2016 Chevrolet Trax? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 47,350 and 87,000 miles, with the median around 77,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,350; a quarter make it past 87,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Chevrolet/Trax. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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