2020 Chevrolet Trax problems
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax has 93 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax has 93 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 16 complaints, typically surfacing around 59,000 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Trax | 111 | 0 |
| 2018 Trax | 100 | 1 |
| 2019 Trax | 132 | 1 |
| 2020 Trax (this page) | 93 | 0 |
| 2021 Trax | 23 | 0 |
| 2022 Trax | 9 | 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: 2020 Chevrolet Trax SUV AWD. 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 2020 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
- electrical — 16 owner reports · tends to show around 59,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 13 owner reports · tends to show around 25,487 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- engine — 12 owner reports · tends to show around 44,000 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- suspension — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 37,500 mi · ~$900 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 59,000 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 2020 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
Stabilitrak keeps coming on along with 3 other warning lights. I lose speed driving is off and it's hard to maneuver. Had 3 tests ran no response lights went off. then back on on a consistency that is getting annoying and now 3 shops can't diagnosis whats wrong. I don't have…
June 2024 all dashboard lights flickered on then went off, radio wouldn't turn on so dealership replaced the instrument cluster. Last night had to jump car off, the battery and alternator checked out fine. However, the radio/back up camera didn't come back on. This is the only…
This vehicle currently had 48,568 miles at time of repair. Windshield wipers were not working properly. Had the issue diagnosed at RD Banks Chevrolet in Champion, Oh. They determined it to be a windshield wiper motor. Seems too soon to have to replace. It did however, correct…
Repeatedly disply reduce engine warning, , stabiliTrak / traction warnings, loss of power while driving, and dashing board goes dark.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Trax?
On the NHTSA data, the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Trax?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 16 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 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 2020 Chevrolet Trax a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 93 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 59,000 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 2020 Chevrolet Trax?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 16 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 59,000 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 2020 Chevrolet Trax?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 93 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, 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.