2015 Chevrolet Trax Safety Report

2015 Chevrolet Trax: Excellent crash ratings, but significant recalls and owner complaints for power train, airbags, and steering issues.

94Complaints
7Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
13Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
6Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Power Train (11)Air Bags (9)Unknown Or Other (8)Engine (8)Service Brakes (5)Structure (4)Steering (4)Electrical System (4)Suspension (3)Seat Belts (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax

The 2015 Chevrolet Trax presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its recall history and consumer complaint data reveal several significant safety concerns. There are 7 recalls, addressing critical components such as front lower control arms, air bag deployment, power steering assist, and even radio software that impacts seatbelt chime functionality. The 94 total complaints, including 13 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, and 1 death, highlight real-world safety incidents. Common complaint patterns revolve around the POWER TRAIN (11 complaints), AIR BAGS (9 complaints), and ENGINE (8 complaints). Specific issues frequently mentioned include transmission problems (getting stuck in gear, jerking, hesitation), sudden loss of power steering assist (directly linked to a recall), and various engine malfunctions like misfires, turbo issues, and coolant leaks. The recall for improperly welded front lower control arms is particularly concerning, as it could lead to a loss of vehicle handling and increase crash risk. The multiple recalls related to airbag deployment failures are also critical, as they directly impact occupant protection in a crash. Despite the high crash test scores, the volume and nature of the complaints, coupled with the extensive recall list, suggest that owners have experienced serious safety-related defects. The recalls for air bag deployment and power steering loss are particularly noteworthy as they address fundamental safety systems. The recurring theme of power train and engine issues, even if not always directly linked to recalls, indicates potential reliability and safety risks during operation. Buyers should be aware of these documented issues.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Chevrolet Trax receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Loss Of Electric Power Steering Assist
Sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash, addressed by recall 15V146000.
High Occasional unknown miles
Front Lower Control Arm Improper Weld
Improperly welded joint in front lower control arm, potentially causing wheel toe-out and loss of handling, addressed by recall 18V576000.
High Occasional unknown miles
Air Bag Non-Deployment
Failure of front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk, addressed by recalls 16V518000 and 16V651000.
High Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Getting Stuck In Gear/Jerking
Vehicle getting stuck in first or third gear, jerking, or hesitating, leading to loss of motive power.
High Common unknown miles
Engine Power Loss/Stalling
Vehicle losing power, stalling, or experiencing misfires and turbocharger issues.
High Common unknown miles
Radio Software Defect (Seatbelt Chime)
Radio software failing to provide audible seatbelt indicators, increasing injury risk, addressed by recall 15V421000.
Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Chevrolet Trax:

Power Train 11% of complaints

Issues include transmission getting stuck in gear, jerking, hesitation, and loss of motive power.

Air Bags 9% of complaints

Concerns about non-deployment in crashes, addressed by multiple recalls.

Engine 8% of complaints

Problems such as misfires, turbocharger failures, coolant leaks, and sudden power loss.

Steering 4% of complaints

Loss of electric power steering assist and difficulty controlling the vehicle, subject to recall.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Reports of braking issues, including overheating and inability to come to a full stop.

Suspension 3% of complaints

Issues with control arms and overall front-end stability, including a recall for improperly welded lower control arms.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

Problems with radio software affecting safety chimes and key removal from ignition.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Chevrolet Trax

Is the 2015 Chevrolet Trax safe?

The 2015 Chevrolet Trax received excellent 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts. However, it has 7 recalls addressing critical safety components like airbags, power steering, and suspension. There are also 94 owner complaints, including 13 crashes and 1 death, highlighting real-world safety concerns, particularly with the power train and engine.

What are common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Trax?

The most reported issues for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax are related to the POWER TRAIN (11 complaints), AIR BAGS (9 complaints), and ENGINE (8 complaints). Specific problems include transmissions getting stuck in gear, sudden loss of power steering, engine misfires, turbocharger failures, and issues with airbag deployment.

Are there any recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax?

Yes, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax has 7 recalls. These include critical issues such as improperly welded front lower control arms (18V576000), failure of front airbags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy (16V518000, 16V651000), sudden loss of electric power steering assist (15V146000), and radio software defects affecting seatbelt chimes (15V421000).

How does the 2015 Chevrolet Trax perform in crash tests?

The 2015 Chevrolet Trax performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star Overall Safety Rating. It received 5 stars for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and 4 stars for the Rollover resistance test.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2015 Chevrolet Trax?

When considering a used 2015 Chevrolet Trax, pay close attention to the power steering system, transmission operation (check for jerking or getting stuck in gear), and any engine warning lights. Ensure all 7 recalls, especially those related to airbags, power steering, and control arms, have been addressed by a dealership.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax has a notable history of recalls and owner complaints concerning critical components like power steering, airbags, and the power train; ensure all 7 recalls are completed and thoroughly inspect for transmission or engine issues before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Chevrolet Trax

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax. The data includes 94 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 13 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Chevrolet Trax an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.