This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Trax powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Trax have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Trax | 17 |
| 2016 Trax (this page) | 12 |
| 2017 Trax | 9 |
| 2018 Trax | 9 |
| 2019 Trax | 9 |
| 2020 Trax | 13 |
When does it fail?
Of the 12 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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 9 model years of Chevrolet Trax in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Trax powertrain exhibits multiple failure modes across a dozen complaints. Turbocharger underboost dominates: owners in cold weather (0°F and below) report hesitation, power loss, sputtering, and check engine light (code P0299). One owner paid $3,036.81 out-of-pocket at Firestone because GM refused to honor its own Special Coverage Program 16-NA-405 since the repair wasn't done at a dealership. Another dealer quoted $2,300+ despite published service bulletin 16-NA-405 acknowledging the issue as known and common.
Engine stalling at highway speeds appears across five narratives, with flashing check engine lights, stability control warnings, and sputtering. One owner with only 14,000 miles stalled twice at 70 mph in rush-hour traffic.
Transmission problems range from stuck shift buttons preventing key removal to refusal to engage Drive, and high-speed gear hunting between 5th and 6th with loss of acceleration. One owner experienced transmission communication loss that prevented restart entirely.
Valve cover gaskets leak repeatedly—four replacements in nine months with chirping noise recurring after each fix. Rear differential corrosion and leakage required a $2,901.88 replacement; GM covers this in Canada but not the U.S.
Same Chevrolet Trax powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger underboost / wastegate actuator linkage
Turbo underboost condition occurs especially in cold weather (0°F or less), causing loss of power, hesitation, sputtering, and check engine light. One owner incurred $3,036.81 in out-of-pocket repairs at Firestone after GM refused to honor Special Coverage Program 16-NA-405 because repair was not done at a dealership. Another owner was quoted $2,300+ at a dealer despite the known issue and published service bulletin.
When: Cold weather conditions; mileage varies 14,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation on acceleration; Loss of engine power; Check engine light illumination; Sputtering at acceleration; Turbulence during acceleration at high and low speeds
Codes mentioned: P0299
Repairs/costs cited: $3,036.81 at Firestone Complete Auto Care (non-dealer); Dealer quote exceeds $2,300; GM Special Coverage Program 16-NA-405 exists but denied to out-of-dealership repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Special Coverage Program 16-NA-405 (10 years/120,000 miles coverage for turbocharger wastegate actuator linkage) documented in November 2021 notice; Service Bulletin 16-NA-405 issued; GM customer service repeatedly denied coverage citing non-dealership repair location and claimed 'no active recalls' despite published special coverage
Valve cover gasket / cover repeated leaks and chirping
Valve cover replaced four times within nine months (summer 2024 through February 2025), with chirping noise and hesitation/jerking on acceleration recurring shortly after each replacement. Issue persists despite repeated dealer service.
When: First replacement summer 2024; subsequent replacements December 2024, April 2025, November 2025; chirping resumed February 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Chirping noise; Hesitation on acceleration; Lagging and jerking on acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple replacements at dealership (now out of business); owner cites dealership responsibility for misdiagnosis or defect
Transmission shift reluctance / failure to engage
Multiple distinct transmission issues: one owner reported transmission refusing to shift into Drive while in Park, requiring engine restart to resolve. Another experienced transmission unable to select proper gear on highway, hunting between 5th and 6th at high RPM with power loss. A third reported transmission losing communication (no restart possible with key-off).
When: Varied; one at rental return; one at 70 mph on highway; one at 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift button sticks in Park; Inability to shift into Drive while in motion; Transmission hunting between gears at highway speed; Loss of acceleration during gear hunting; Transmission communication loss preventing restart
Repairs/costs cited: Shift button sticking creates safety hazard preventing key removal and allowing accidental gear engagement; no repair costs cited in narratives
Engine stalling and power loss
Multiple owners report engine stalling at highway speeds (70 mph) with check engine light and stability control light activation. Stalls occurred during acceleration, merging, or prolonged driving in high heat. One owner stalled twice in rush-hour traffic at 70 mph with only 14,000 miles on the odometer.
When: Mileage 14,000–70,000; timing includes winter storms and 96-degree weather
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall at highway speed; Check engine light illumination (flashing in some cases); Stability control light illumination; Sputtering and hesitation; Difficulty maintaining RPM above 1000; Jerking as if emission issue present
Repairs/costs cited: One owner waited hours for dealer-arranged towing after stalling in 96-degree heat; no repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: OnStar alert sent to one owner (August 30, 2017) indicating vehicle safety issues detected remotely; dealership response not documented
Rear differential corrosion and leakage
Lubricant leakage from rear differential caused by corrosion pockets in casting that trap road debris and road salt. Differential replacement cost $2,901.88. GM has published a special service notice for the issue in Canada but denied coverage in the U.S., despite identical design flaw. Owner notes potential safety hazard if differential fails at highway speed.
When: Mileage not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Lubricant leaking from rear differential
Repairs/costs cited: $2,901.88 for differential replacement at Chevrolet dealer; no recall issued in U.S.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM special service notice exists for Canada; U.S. customers denied coverage; GM customer service stated no coverage available
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The shift button sticks when putting the car into park which 1. Does not allow the key to be removed and 2. Allows the shifter to be accidentally moved into gear which is a major safety issue.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 34,800 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.