2017 Chevrolet Trax problems
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax has 111 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax has 111 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 21 complaints, typically surfacing around 64,716 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Trax | 94 | 2 |
| 2016 Trax | 116 | 0 |
| 2017 Trax (this page) | 111 | 0 |
| 2018 Trax | 100 | 1 |
| 2019 Trax | 132 | 1 |
| 2020 Trax | 93 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2017 Chevrolet Trax SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Trax? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 21 owner reports · tends to show around 64,716 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- steering — 19 owner reports · tends to show around 36,945 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 15 owner reports · tends to show around 45,925 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 9 owner reports · tends to show around 54,500 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 64,716 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2017 Chevrolet Trax
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet trax. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering became difficult to maneuver. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to grey Chevrolet (4949 sw hovde rd, port orchard, wa 98367, (360) 329-2916) where no…
The feature on the car that notifies you that the tire pressure sensor is failing may not be working. Currently my tire pressure on my dashboard is reporting that the PSI on my right rear tire is 19 PSI. However when I put an air gage to the tire its reading 34 or 35 PSI. I have…
2017 Chevrolet Trax mileage 35,703 November 20, 2022 ( second incident)while driving 50 mph on a highway, I lost power steering, acceleration, and dashboard instruments( speedometer & tach) failed. Dashboard message advised of loss of power steering. I was able to drive about…
I've received two notices from gm, once that has an actual recall. Both notices were received after my 2017 trax had been taken to the dealership for check-ups/repairs because of presenting symptoms of both issues of the notices/recall. The first being an evaporaive emissions…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Chevrolet Trax is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Trax does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 21 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,716 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Trax a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 111 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 64,716 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 21 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,716 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,716 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Trax has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 111 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.