2026 Chevrolet TraxRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Trax. Most complaints involve air bags (4) and vehicle speed control (3). The EPA rates it 29–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Air bags4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Service brakes3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Engine2
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Seat belts2
- Steering2
- Forward collision avoidance1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Air bags
“On September 5, 2026, the airbags in my 2026 Chevrolet Trax unexpectedly deployed while I was driving. I did not hit another vehicle or object, and I was not aware of any collision that would have caused the airbags to deploy. This was extremely concerning because my vehicle was relatively new, and I did not understand why the airbag system activated. I took my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership to have the situation evaluated. The dealership informed me that the incident was not caused by a malfunction or recall, but I have not received a clear explanation of what specifically triggered the airbags. I was also told that I may have been driving too fast, but no clear technical explanation was provided to support that conclusion. I contacted General Motors Customer Assistance to request an explanation and assistance with the repairs. GM informed me that it would not cover the repairs, but I still do not understand what caused the airbags to deploy. The dealership has estimated the repair cost at approximately $8,300. I am concerned that an airbag system malfunction or another safety-related issue may have caused the airbags to deploy without a collision. I am…”
Vehicle speed control
“The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed with excessive force; however, the vehicle failed to respond and stop as needed. There were fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,000.”
Service brakes
“On two separate occasions while driving with adaptive cruise control engaged the vehicle braked heavily. In one instance the vehicle rapidly braked from 70 to 40 mph before the accelerator could be depressed to resume driver control. Latest occurrence was on 9/8/2026.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.2L 3-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax FFV Auto 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 32 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| Trax Auto 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 31 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
- 30mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.5%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2026 Trax questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Chevrolet Trax have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Chevrolet Trax problems?
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (4), vehicle speed control (3), service brakes (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Chevrolet Trax get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Chevrolet Trax at 29–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2026 Chevrolet Trax?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Chevrolet Trax 5 out of 5 stars overall.