Problems · by component

2016 Chevrolet Trax engine problems

46 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Trax cite engine, 38% of all 120 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
46
38% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11767098
“Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11767099
“Was driving the car,when started losing power up a hill,started making a loud puttering noise..Check engine light and traction control along with tire light all came on,ran a diagnostic at auto store said it was the plugs,so bought plugs and changed them,still doing the same thing..went back for another diagnostic and still said plugs,also states I would not pass emissions,..bought this car at a dealership..what’s the point if I can’t even drive it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11767100
“for the 3 years i have had this car the engine has just died no sensors no engine lights no dashboard indicators bells whistles NOTHING it just stops running and wont start the dealership replaced it the first 2 years it happened this time they are trying to say we drove it overheating and that isnt true i have AAA and the only service calls have been once a year to have it towed to Cochran in Monroeville to the dealership to get it fixed the first year they kept it 3 months trying to find something we did to be responsible for it but finally realized they had to replace it under dealership warranty. Last year they replaced it right away only had it a few weeks due to the same issue. This year which is almost exactly a year since the last time theyre blaming us and we did none of what thye say there has to a defect 3 engines in 3 years??!!! and i saw on your website there is issues with models sating 2015 thru 2024 with undetected coolant leaks causing engine issues etc so i need help im [XXX] and my husband is almost [XXX] this is our only vehicle!!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 20, 2026EngineODI 11758319
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine sputtered and the check engine warnig light illuminated. The vehic ewas taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The amnufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referecned an extended warranty coverage program, however the contact was informd that the the title was a salvaged title. The failure mileage 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2026EngineODI 11741269
“The vehicle was brought to an authorized GM dealership for a scheduled appointment to address a check engine condition related to a purge valve and an open safety recall for the lower control arm. The VIN was provided and confirmed at the time the appointment was made; however, the recall was not completed during the visit. The dealership replaced the purge valve without documenting diagnostic testing to confirm the cause or verify the repair. The vehicle was returned with the same check engine light still present. Additional issues were communicated through technician video and text, including a potential oil leak and possible fluid mixing, but none were documented or diagnosed in the service record. A dealership manager later stated that the vehicle was “not safe to drive,” but no written explanation or safety guidance was provided, and the vehicle was released without clarification. No diagnostic records, technician notes, or findings have been provided by either the dealership or GM despite escalation. The consumer has worked through appropriate dealership and manufacturer channels for approximately one month without resolution. The consumer is now being…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 21, 2026Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11739353

Showing 6 of 46 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.